Universal plans a 20 acre seventh island at Ialsnad of Adventure. The seventh island will be called "Wizarding World." This island would be a little bigger than the average size of its themed "islands" at Islands of Adventure.
Part would be carved away from what is now "The Lost Continent" island, and the rest would be land now used for employee parking and park support, outside the back fence. The new, "seventh island" would feature reconstructed and rethemed attractions, and all-new ones, Scott Trowbridge, vice president of Universal's Creative Studios, said in an interview.
The Hogwarts castle and locations from Rowling's Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade village will be created as backdrops to attractions, shops and restaurants.
Much of "The Lost Continent" island, including Universal's award winning Mythos Restaurant, will be retained as a separate themed area, just smaller. The island is to remain open during construction as well.
Some current "Lost Continent" attractions such as The Dueling Dragons roller coasters and The Flying Unicorn coaster ride will likely be adapted to fit the Harry Potter story.
Trowbridge would not discuss specific attractions, but did say that Universal intended to "leverage some existing infrastructure." But he said that would have to include far more than a new paint job and a new sign, because too much is at stake. If done wrong Universal could ailenate the Harry Potter fans it hopes to draw to the park.
This announcement by Universal ends unconfirmed industry speculation that both Universal and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts have been bidding to acquire theme park rights to the boy wizard wonder.
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I for one can't wait to see this. I love Islands of Adventure, and I admit I am a Harry Potter fan. I think this will be a good addition to the "Lost Continent" area. I hope they do not mess with Dueling dragons ;-)
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Comments: 8
I agree it will be a huge draw for kids.
For Universal to land this is huge, as it will draw more to the parks, which will be good for them.
I always think they get a raw deal when the theme park attendance comes out.
Disney has the repeat/same day -multiple park entrances in their favor.
I am certain an announcement from Disney about a new attraction(s) may not be far off, as they do not want Universal to steal their thunder ever.
Have you ever been to Universal April?
Every kid will want to go there.