A star-studded grand opening for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.
Outside Hogwarts
In 2005, it was agreed that Harry Potter, would be brought to the sunshine state and today the attraction’s celebrity affair received a magical reception.
Actors from the film joined the lighting up ceremony including Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley). Held in front of the illuminated Hogwarts school, the dramatic music was provided by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tiny Details
Writer of the seven-book series author J.K Rowling also attended and met with fans. She insisted on supervising every step of the attractions features, including the refreshments.
Situated inside Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, visitors can wonder through the five shops on the streets of Hogsmeade. The village from the series homes a restaurant and three rides.
The shops include Honeydukes and the Owl Post form the books giving visitors the option to buy magical tools, sweets, clothing and the chance to send postcards with a Hogsmeade postmark.
Great Minds
Alan Gilmore was the Supervising Art Director and one of the creative minds behind the park. Gilmore worked on the movies ensuring continuity and the same costume designer was used for the employees at the park and actors in the movies.
According to WESH Gilmore said, “We want you to feel like you’ve actually entered the stories, like you’re in the films, that you’re reading the books aloud in your own mind… You can really become part of the story,”
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open to the public on June 18th 2010.
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