The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ( Universal Orlando Resort ) - wikipedia The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ( Universal Orlando Resort ) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle, which houses Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Universal 's Islands of Adventure Status Operating Cost GBP £ 134 million USD $200 million Soft opening date June 1, 2010 Opening date June 18, 2010 ( 2010 - 06 - 18 ) Replaced Merlinwood ( The Lost Continent ) Universal Studios Florida Status Operating Cost USD $256 million Soft opening date July 3, 2014 Opening date July 8, 2014 Replaced Jaws General statistics Attraction type Themed zone Designer Universal Creative Theme Harry Potter Size Phase 1 : 20 acres ( 8.1 ha ) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a themed area spanning two theme parks -- Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida -- at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. The area is themed to the Harry Potter media franchise, adapting elements from the film series and novels by J.K. Rowling. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was designed by Universal Creative from an exclusive license with Warner Bros. Entertainment. The first phase was officially announced for Islands of Adventure on May 31, 2007, and after a two - and - a-half - year construction period, the area officially opened to the public on June 18, 2010. The area 's flagship ride is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which exists within a re-creation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It takes riders on a journey through Harry Potter 's wizarding world. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter also contains Flight of the Hippogriff, a family roller coaster, and formerly included Dragon Challenge, a pair of inverted roller coasters. The area also features a re-creation of Hogsmeade containing many gift shops and restaurants from the novels including Dervish and Banges, Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Zonko 's Joke Shop ( though it houses Honeydukes ), the Three Broomsticks, and the Hog 's Head. The second phase was initially announced on December 6, 2011, as a significant expansion of the existing Wizarding World of Harry Potter. On May 8, 2013, it was officially announced that a substantial portion of phase two would be constructed in the adjacent Universal Studios Florida theme park with a full scale working replica of the Hogwarts Express taking guests between the two lands. This phase 's flagship ride is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a 3D dark ride / simulator based on Gringotts Bank, the wizarding bank that appears in the book and film series. Its design is similar to Transformers : The Ride and the Amazing Adventures of Spider - Man rides but built on a roller coaster track. The remaining features are themed around London and Diagon Alley. Diagon Alley officially opened on July 8, 2014. Contents 1 Background 1.1 Previous attempts 1.2 Rumors and official announcement 1.3 Phase 1 : Islands of Adventure 1.4 Phase 2 : Universal Studios Florida 2 Rides 3 Dining and shopping 3.1 Hogsmeade 3.2 Diagon Alley 4 Reception 5 See also 6 References 7 External links Background Previous attempts Rumors of a Harry Potter - themed area at a Universal Studios park or a Disney park started to circulate in 2003. However, the rights to the Harry Potter franchise had been acquired by Warner Bros., who denied all the rumors. In 2001, Time Warner used this license to construct and operate the Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience at Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast, Australia ; it was a small indoor walkthrough featuring many re-creations of locations in the first two movies. After two years of operation, it was removed. The Walt Disney Company and Universal entered bidding negotiations with Warner Bros. and Rowling for the theme park rights to Harry Potter in the United States. In 2004, Rowling signed a letter - of - intent with Disney, with the company intending to develop a Harry Potter section within the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World. Ultimately, Disney pulled out of negotiations, citing that Rowling 's creative influence and the terms established by Warner Bros. were too stringent. Rumors and official announcement In January 2007, About.com reported a rumor from a `` highly credible source '' that the Lost Continent area within Universal 's Islands of Adventure park was to be re-themed `` to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children 's franchises ''. Other sources followed up in the next few days with unofficial confirmation the new area would involve Harry Potter, and was being developed under the name `` Project Strong Arm '' in reference to the KUKA robotic arm technology it would utilise. Nikki Finke reported her own confirmation of the Potter park plans in April, followed shortly by a story in The Scotsman ; both reports were widely relayed by other media sources. On May 31, 2007, Universal ( in partnership with Warner Bros. ) officially announced the 20 - acre ( 8.1 ha ) addition recreating Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade, with a planned opening in 2009. Phase 1 : Islands of Adventure Themed billboards were located around the Wizarding World during the two - year construction period. Construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter began seven months after the official announcement, in January 2008. By July, the Flying Unicorn and Enchanted Oak Tavern were closed. The Flying Unicorn then began an almost two - year refurbishment which transformed it into the Flight of the Hippogriff. The Enchanted Oak Tavern was later demolished. A bridge was built to connect The Lost Continent with Jurassic Park allowing guests to avoid the construction zone that was to become the Wizarding World. Construction progressed with the Hogwarts Castle slowly taking shape. By September 2008, the Dueling Dragons entrance was moved to Jurassic Park to make room for construction of Hogsmeade. One month later, the old entrance was demolished. By September 2009, the top shell of Hogwarts Castle was completed. On September 15, an announcement was made detailing what was going to be included in the Wizarding World. In early 2010, Universal increased its marketing of the area, which included newspaper advertisements, billboards and television commercials. The Dueling Dragons were closed for some maintenance before being transformed into the Dragon Challenge. Construction was completed by June 1, 2010, when the area began soft openings. A soft opening weekend was held for the media and reserved guests, starting on May 28, 2010. The park had two opening ceremonies that took place on June 16 and on June 18, 2010. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 's grand opening ceremony took place on June 16 with book series author J.K. Rowling, and film series actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, James and Oliver Phelps and Bonnie Wright, as well as Universal Orlando Resort officials, and representatives from the media. The ceremony, which was produced by Universal Orlando Events Production in conjunction with Thinkwell Group, concluded with a fireworks display and a performance by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by original series ' composer John Williams. On June 18, the second ceremony took place, which officially opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the public. NBC 's Today Show and The Weather Channel broadcast segments live from the park. Phase 2 : Universal Studios Florida The opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter saw attendance at Islands of Adventure rise by as much as 36 % in 2010. According to Jason Garcia of the Orlando Sentinel, this had resort executives pondering `` when to expand Wizarding World and how to keep business balanced between Islands and Universal Studios Florida ''. In April 2011, Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times mentioned that rapid attendance growth led to speculation that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter would see a significant expansion, which would include Diagon Alley and a Gringotts - themed dark ride possibly replacing the Lost Continent themed area in Islands of Adventure. Demolition of the Jaws ride and the surrounding Amity in March 2012 On December 6, 2011, Universal Parks & Resorts confirmed expansion plans but did not reveal specific details. The announcement was made just four days after Universal revealed plans to permanently close the Jaws attraction. Following its closure the following month, the Los Angeles Times stated that the site of the former Jaws ride in Universal Studios Florida would be used for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, despite what previous speculation suggested. These rides would be complemented by a replica of the Hogwarts Express to move guests between the two parks. Demolition of the Jaws ride and the Amity area began almost immediately after their closure. After the site was leveled, work began on land reclamation in the area 's former lagoon, as well as construction of a series of buildings including a large show building. Further details about the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter were announced on May 8, 2013. Officials confirmed that the expansion would be set predominantly in the adjacent Universal Studios Florida theme park, and would feature areas themed after Diagon Alley and London. The rumored Hogwarts Express connection between the two parks was also confirmed. Officials stated the expansion should open in 2014. On January 23, 2014, officials announced the name of the flagship roller coaster would be Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. They also indicated that a two - park pass would be necessary to ride the Hogwarts Express, which was set to connect Universal Studios Florida with the existing Harry Potter area at Universal 's Islands of Adventure. The official opening date of the Diagon Alley phase was announced at an exclusive and private press conference on June 17, 2014, for July 8, 2014. On June 18, 2014, the Diagon Alley red carpet premiere took place with Domhnall Gleeson, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Matthew Lewis, James and Oliver Phelps, Tom Felton, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis and Helena Bonham Carter attending. New photos of Diagon Alley were later released the same night and the official opening date was announced publicly by Universal Orlando 's president, Bill Davis. King 's Cross station opened on July 1, 2014, as well as the Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station at Islands of Adventure and soft openings of Diagon Alley began on July 3, 2014. Diagon Alley officially opened on July 8, 2014. Rides The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has four rides. Three rides opened in 2010 as part of phase one, while additional two rides opened with phase two in 2014. Dragon Challenge, one of the rides from the first phase, was closed permanently in 2017. Entrance of Dragon Challenge, which has since been closed. Dragon Challenge was a roller coaster featuring two distinct tracks built to overlap and intertwine with each other. The ride was formerly in operation since the park 's 1999 opening under the name Dueling Dragons. The physical coaster is exactly the same, with some new decor. The ride was renamed in homage to the first task of the Triwizard Tournament where Harry and the other contestants are each to duel with a dragon, depicted in chapter 20 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The two sides of the coaster have been renamed `` Hungarian Horntail '' and `` Chinese Fireball '', after two of the dragon breeds which appear in the book. It was the only chasing inverted roller coaster in the world. The queue for this ride features many Harry Potter relics, including the Goblet of Fire and the Triwizard Cup. In addition, the hike to the ride features the flying car featured in the second film, as well as Hagrid 's hut. Dragon Challenge closed on September 4, 2017, to make way for a new ride based on the Harry Potter franchise that is scheduled to open in 2019. Hogwarts Castle exterior of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey as seen from the Herbology greenhouse queue Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a dark ride inside the replica of Hogwarts Castle, simulating a tour of the castle and its surrounding grounds. Visitors initially walk through the castle, interacting with various characters and props from the Potter series, including a speech from Dumbledore, and directions from Harry, Hermione and Ron, before boarding a `` magical bench '' ( controlled with a KUKA robotic arm system ). Throughout the ride, guests are taken around the outside of the castle, using a combination of simulated flight as well as encountering realistic animatronic versions of the Whomping Willow, a horde of dementors, giant spiders, the Hungarian Horntail Dragon, and a Quidditch match. Flight of the Hippogriff is a steel roller coaster designed for families, located adjacent to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The ride opened in 2000 as the Flying Unicorn. Similar to the Dragon Challenge, this ride was re-themed prior to the opening of the Wizarding World. The roller coaster 's back - story is that Hogwarts 's Care of Magical Creatures professor, Hagrid, is teaching young wizards to fly on a hippogriff ( as Harry does in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ) by using a wicker replica of the creature. A recreation of Hagrid 's Hut is passed on the way for a lesson from Hagrid himself on how to properly approach a hippogriff. Gringotts Bank, which houses Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Diagon Alley 's flagship ride is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, a 3 - D motion - based steel roller coaster dark ride based around Gringotts Bank, the wizarding bank in Diagon Alley. Riders enter the bank into the queue area where Bogrod greets visitors and instructs them to continue past him to travel deep into the vaults of the bank to open an account. Unlike Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, this ride is hosted by Bill Weasley, played by Domhnall Gleeson, reprising his role from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1 and Part 2. A completely functioning full - scale replica of the Hogwarts Express was created for the Diagon Alley expansion, connecting King 's Cross Station at Universal Studios to the Hogsmeade station at Islands of Adventure, manufactured by Doppelmayr Garaventa Group in the form of a funicular railway people mover. The Hogwarts Express King 's Cross Station features a wall between Platforms 9 and 10, where guests can `` walk through '' to get to Platform 93⁄4, like in the first film. Dining and shopping Inside Ollivanders wand shop Other than the main rides, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is also home to gift shops and restaurants. Several of these are recreations of locations in the Harry Potter books while others have been created specifically for the park. A recreation of Hogsmeade is housed at Islands of Adventure while a recreation of Diagon Alley is housed at Universal Studios Florida. In the book series, Ollivanders wand shop is located in Diagon Alley, not Hogsmeade ; however, installations of the shop are present in both areas of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Hogsmeade area recreated the shop as `` Ollivanders '', portraying it as a branch of the original where Harry purchases his wand in Harry Potter and the Philosopher 's Stone ( known in the United States as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer 's Stone ). Unlike other shops in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visitors are admitted in groups of 20 to experience the premise from the Potter series, that `` the wand chooses the wizard ''. Similar to the first film, the wand keeper and a selected guest test a variety of wands until the right one is found. Effects include flowers drying out or a thunderstorm erupting inside the shop. Shoppers can then purchase souvenir wands. Hogsmeade A recreation of the Hogwarts Express locomotive greets guests when entering Hogsmeade A recreation of the Hogwarts Express lies at the entry to Hogsmeade. The recreation features `` billowing steam and an iconic whistle '' and is accompanied by the conductor of the train. In the Harry Potter series the Hogwarts Express is the train used to transport students from London to Hogwarts. The `` Owl Post '' is a working post office ( where postcards and letters will be delivered with an authentic Hogsmeade postmark ) that also sells stationery, writing implements, stamps, and owl - related gifts. Hogsmeade village as seen from Flight of the Hippogriff `` The Three Broomsticks '', based on the inn and pub from the Harry Potter series, offers a variety of food and beverage items from the Harry Potter universe, including Butterbeer, pumpkin juice, strawberry - peanut butter ice cream ( as seen in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ), and chocolate Cauldron Cakes, in addition to a menu composed of traditional British fare ( Shepherd 's pie, fish and chips, etc. ). The pub features many hidden references to the book, namely house elves and ghosts that roam the rafters. Butterbeer, which can be purchased with a souvenir mug, is offered as a non-alcoholic beverage and comes in both regular and frozen forms, found at the beginning of Hogsmeade fresh off the tap from the butterbeer cart. Similarly, The Hog 's Head is based on the pub from the Harry Potter series owned by Aberforth Dumbledore. Honeydukes is a sweet shop, based on Honeydukes Sweetshop in the Harry Potter series. The shop sells many items from the Harry Potter universe including Chocolate Frogs, Acid Pops, exploding bonbons, Cauldron Cakes, treacle fudge, Fizzing Whizzbees, Pepper Imps, and Bertie Bott 's Every Flavour Beans. Various Harry Potter merchandise items can be purchased from two different gift shops in Hogsmeade. Dervish and Banges is a store selling magical items, as well as Quidditch supplies, Hogwarts clothing, and other merchandise. The store is based on Dervish and Banges in the Harry Potter series. The second shop is Filch 's Emporium of Confiscated Goods. It is a general gift shop ( named for Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch ) offering Hogwarts souvenirs ( such as clothing and stationery ), replicas of props from the Harry Potter films, and other toys and souvenirs. The shop is at the exit to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and is where guests can obtain photos of their ride experience. Diagon Alley Stairway located between the Magical Menagerie and Gringotts Bank Live events at Diagon Alley include the Knight Bus interactive show at the London waterfront ; `` The Fountain of Fair Fortune '' and `` The Tale of The Three Brothers, '' which are puppet shows enacting stories from The Tales of Beedle the Bard ; and live performances from musical group Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees ( mentioned briefly by Molly Weasley in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ). Gringotts Money Exchange is able to exchange American currency for Wizarding bank notes. Diagon Alley features The Leaky Cauldron restaurant, The Hopping Pot, and Florean Fortescue 's Ice Cream Parlour, which specializes in Butterbeer - flavored ice cream. The Fountain of Fair Fortune is also a bar. Ollivander 's Wand Shop sells interactive wands that activate features all around Diagon Alley, Quality Quidditch Supplies, Weasleys ' Wizard Wheezes joke shop, Magical Menagerie, Madam Malkin 's Robes for All Occasions, Wiseacre 's Wizarding Equipment. Borgin and Burkes is the only shop located in Knockturn Alley. Reception The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was well received by Harry Potter fans. Matt Blum of Wired stated `` every detail is finely crafted to enhance the experience ''. An Orlando Sentinel article stated `` muggles will love their Harry Potter adventure '' but identifies the need for the park to offer Universal Express Passes due to large crowds. It also stated Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a truly one - of - a-kind experience that can not easily be described. Lisa Minot, from The Sun, stated `` after a sneak peek, I can say it is the most faithful recreation of JK Rowling 's books and movies ever seen. Fans will be in heaven. '' Leigh Caldwell from Traveling Mamas noted that although The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is ideal for the whole family, it 's not designed for anyone under 3 years old. '' She went on to consolidate others ' comments about the area : `` there is no doubt that fans of the Harry Potter books and movies are going to enjoy the heck out of a visit to the Wizarding World ''. Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, criticized the fact that the park was chosen to be in Orlando, rather than in London, stating that it was `` utterly mad '' to leave it to the Americans `` to make money from a great British invention. '' See also The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ( Universal Studios Japan ) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ( Universal Studios Hollywood ) Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, studio tour exhibiting original costumes, props and sets used in all eight films, including the Great Hall, and Diagon Alley, as well as the creation process employed in the filming. References Jump up ^ Fryer, Jane ( April 25, 2010 ). `` The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park preview ''. Daily Mail. Archived from the original on April 19, 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Garcia, Jason. `` Big day is here : Universal hopes Harry Potter 's magic will last ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 12, 2010. Retrieved July 10, 2010. ^ Jump up to : `` Wizarding World of Harry Potter Soft Open Report RoundUp ''. The Leaky Cauldron. June 1, 2010. Archived from the original on June 5, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010. Jump up ^ `` The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Only at Universal Orlando Resort ''. Universal Orlando Resort. 2010. Archived from the original on July 2, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010. ^ Jump up to : Pedicini, Sandra. `` Universal 's Harry Potter Diagon Alley has soft opening ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on February 25, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2015. ^ Jump up to : Bevil, Dewayne ( July 17, 2014 ). `` Universal 's Diagon Alley : Answers to your burning questions ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on September 15, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Miller, Lisa ( July 9, 2014 ). `` The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley Opening Is Literally Making People Cry ''. The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on October 5, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Niles, Robert ( July 8, 2014 ). `` The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley opens officially at Universal Studios Florida ''. Theme Park Insider. Archived from the original on September 15, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014. ^ Jump up to : `` Harry Potter theme park planned ''. BBC News. May 31, 2007. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Sturcke, James ( May 31, 2007 ). `` Harry Potter theme park to open in Florida ''. The Guardian. Archived from the original on August 31, 2013. Retrieved May 19, 2010. ^ Jump up to : `` Harry Potter theme park swoops to Fla ''. USA Today. May 31, 2007. Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park opens ''. Australia Times. June 19, 2010. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved June 19, 2010. Jump up ^ Reed, Travis ( June 11, 2010 ). `` Sneak peek : Harry Potter park in Orlando ''. Yahoo News. Archived from the original on June 14, 2010. Retrieved July 9, 2010. Jump up ^ Hill, Jim ( August 14, 2003 ). `` Why For would n't J.K. Rowling let Universal Studios build a Harry Potter stunt show ? ''. JimHillMedia.com. Archived from the original on May 30, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2014. Jump up ^ Creative, T. Holland ( July 12, 2003 ). `` Harry Potter 's Going to Disney World ? ''. Theme Park Insider. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014. Jump up ^ Clarke, Susan Strother ( August 8, 2003 ). `` Aol Lawyers Cast Spell On Rumors ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Harry Potter ( Warner Bros. Movie World ) ''. Database Entry. Parkz. Retrieved June 21, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience ''. Warner Bros. Movie World. Archived from the original on November 5, 2001. Retrieved September 14, 2010. Jump up ^ Devin Leonard ; Christopher Palmeri ( April 19, 2017 ). `` Disney 's Intergalactic Theme Park Quest to Beat Harry Potter ''. Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved April 20, 2017. Jump up ^ Taylor, Drew ( July 14, 2017 ). `` The Inside Story of Why Disney Spent Half a Billion Dollars on an Avatar Theme Park ''. New York. Retrieved February 2, 2018. Jump up ^ Leonard, Devin ( August 9, 2012 ). `` Bob Iger on Disney California Adventure ''. Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved April 20, 2017. Jump up ^ Levine, Arthur ( January 28, 2007 ). `` Universal to Float New Island at its Florida Park ''. About.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Harry Potter / Lost Continent Transformation ''. Screamscape.com. February 1, 2007. Archived from the original on February 3, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ Hill, Jim ( February 5, 2007 ). `` Monday Mouse Watch : You 'll believe a car can fly ''. JimHillMedia.com. Archived from the original on June 14, 2009. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ Finke, Nikki ( April 13, 2007 ). `` EXCLUSIVE : First Ever Harry Potter Theme Park Planned At Universal Studios Florida ''. Deadline Hollywood Daily. Archived from the original on March 28, 2012. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ Gray, Fiona ( April 22, 2007 ). `` And now for Harry Potter and the wizard theme park... '' The Scotsman. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ Van Gelder, Lawrence ( April 25, 2007 ). `` Arts, Briefly ''. The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Will Harry Potter Become Part of Universal Orlando ? ''. UltimateRollercoaster.com. April 25, 2007. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ `` For Universal, Simpsons Is The New Future ''. St. Petersburg Times. April 25, 2007. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ Albright, Mark ( July 1, 2007 ). `` A whole new magic kingdom ''. St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved May 19, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Wizarding World of Harry Potter timeline ''. Timeline. Fox 5 San Diego. June 18, 2010. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Archived copy ''. Archived from the original on December 31, 2013. Retrieved April 22, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Today Show Video Player ''. Video. MSNBC. June 18, 2010. Archived from the original on August 16, 2010. Retrieved August 13, 2010. Jump up ^ Edward ( June 18, 2010 ). `` Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opens to Public Today ; HP Cast Open Archway to the Crowd ''. Article. Leaky Cauldron. Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Grand Opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort Set For June 18 ''. Universal Orlando. Archived from the original on May 16, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ `` NOW OPEN ! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort ''. Universal Orlando. June 18, 2010. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ Garcia, Jason ( December 16, 2010 ). `` Universal Orlando ponders how to take full advantage of Wizarding World 's popularity ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ MacDonald, Brady ( April 6, 2011 ). `` Universal Studios wonders how and when to expand Wizarding World of Harry Potter ''. Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ Bevil, Dewayne ( December 6, 2011 ). `` Wizarding World of Harry Potter to expand at Universal Orlando ''. The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 6, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Significant Expansion Also Planned for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort ''. Press Release. Universal Orlando Resort. December 6, 2011. Archived from the original on January 9, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2011. Jump up ^ Garcia, Jason ; Bevil, Dewayne ( December 2, 2011 ). `` Universal Studios to close Jaws to make way for new attraction ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 10, 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ MacDonald, Brady ( January 25, 2012 ). `` Universal Orlando adding new nighttime water show this spring ''. Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 25, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ Garcia, Jason ( August 12, 2012 ). `` Universal works to fill gaps ahead of debut of 2nd phase of Wizarding World ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ Bevil, Dewayne ( November 2, 2012 ). `` Universal Studios Orlando set to open Transformers ride next summer ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 13, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ Gworek, Don ( July 1, 2012 ). `` Soundstage 44 now fully demolished at Universal Studios Florida ''. Orlando Attractions Magazine. Archived from the original on June 2, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ Armenia, Anthony ( December 8, 2012 ). `` Photo Update : Transformers and rumored Grignotts Bank coaster buildings being enclosed at Universal Studios ''. Orlando Attractions Magazine. Archived from the original on May 8, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ Armenia, Anthony ( March 13, 2013 ). `` Aerial view of the Jaws and Wizarding World areas at Universal ''. Orlando Attractions Magazine. Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Goldman, Eric ( May 8, 2013 ). `` Details on Expansion of Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando Confirmed, Including Diagon Alley as Second Location ''. IGN. Archived from the original on October 8, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2013. Jump up ^ Bevil, Dewayne ( May 8, 2013 ). `` Universal Orlando : Harry Potter expansion to open spring and or summer of 2014 at Universal Studios ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 10, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Bevil, Dewayne ( May 9, 2013 ). `` 10 burning questions about Universal 's Harry Potter expansion ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 10, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Universal Orlando announces new Harry Potter expansion with Diagon Alley, London ''. The Washington Post. Associated Press. May 8, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ McIntyre, Gina ( January 23, 2014 ). `` Diagon Alley : Universal reveals new Harry Potter plans, Gringotts ride ''. Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 25, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2014. Jump up ^ Thurston, Susan ( January 23, 2014 ). `` Harry Potter 's Diagon Alley plans Escape from Gringotts ride, new stores ''. Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on January 24, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2014. Jump up ^ Bevil, Dewayne ( January 23, 2014 ). `` New details about Harry Potter Diagon Alley : Lots of shops, Gringotts ride gets name ''. Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 24, 2014. Retrieved January 25, 2014. Jump up ^ Mirgoli, Nicholous. `` Diagon Alley to open July 8, 2014 at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando Resort ''. www.ThemeParkOverload.net. Archived from the original on July 18, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2014. ^ Jump up to : Bevil, Dewayne ( July 24, 2017 ). `` Universal : Dragon Challenge to be replaced with new Harry Potter ride ''. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 27, 2017. ^ Jump up to : Marden, Duane. `` Dragon Challenge ( Universal Studios Islands of Adventure ) ''. Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Theme Park Rides ''. Muggle Net. Archived from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ Kubersky, Seth ( July 24, 2017 ). `` Universal Orlando announces new Harry Potter coaster replacing Dragon Challenge ''. Attractions Magazine. Retrieved July 27, 2017. Jump up ^ James, Kristin ( July 24, 2017 ). `` Universal will replace Dragon Challenge with new Harry Potter coaster ''. Orlando Weekly. Retrieved July 27, 2017. Jump up ^ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey queue at the Wizarding World in Universal Orlando. Inside the Magic. May 29, 2010. Archived from the original ( YouTube video ) on August 1, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ Sangalang, Jennifer ( June 18, 2010 ). `` ' Harry Potter ' movie stars help christen Wizarding World ''. USA Today. Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010. Jump up ^ Harry Potter Forbidden Journey POV ( YouTube video ). bp1191. June 15, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ Marden, Duane. `` Flight of the Hippogriff ( Universal Studios Islands of Adventure ) ''. Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ Flight of the Hippogriff -- Queue ( HD ). olduniversallover. June 15, 2010. Archived from the original on 2016 - 01 - 29. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ Flight of the Hippogriff ride POV with Hippogriff animatronic at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Inside the Magic. May 28, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ Kohler, Chris ( 2014 ). `` What to Expect From the Wild New Harry Potter Ride, ' Escape From Gringotts ' ''. Wired. Archived from the original on 22 June 2014. ^ Jump up to : MacDonald, Brady ( May 9, 2013 ). `` What may come to Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2.0 at Universal Orlando ''. Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 10, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Doppelmayr / Garaventa built the Hogwarts Express '' ( Press release ). Doppelmayr Garaventa Group. July 25, 2014. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2014. Jump up ^ Hogwarts Express Train Ride Full POV from Kings Cross Station to Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando ( YouTube video ). July 6, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Ollivanders shop at Universal Orlando 's Islands of Adventure ''. Universal Orlando. Archived from the original on June 23, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. ^ Jump up to : `` Three Broomsticks restaurant at Universal Orlando 's Islands of Adventure ''. Universal Orlando. Archived from the original on June 23, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. ^ Jump up to : `` The Tasty - pasty World of Harry Potter ''. Muggle Net. Archived from the original on April 1, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Honeydukes shop at Universal Orlando 's Islands of Adventure ''. Universal Orlando. Archived from the original on July 1, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Dervish and Banges shop at Universal Orlando 's Islands of Adventure ''. Universal Orlando. Archived from the original on June 21, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Filch 's Emporium of Confiscated Goods shop at Universal Orlando 's Islands of Adventure ''. Universal Orlando. Archived from the original on June 23, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010. Jump up ^ Blum, Matt ( August 12, 2010 ). `` Review : The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Will Stupefy Fans ''. Wired. Archived from the original on August 18, 2010. Retrieved August 24, 2010. Jump up ^ `` Muggles will love their Harry Potter adventure ''. Orlando Sentinel. August 9, 2010. Archived from the original on December 1, 2010. Retrieved August 24, 2010. Jump up ^ Minot, Lisa ( May 21, 2010 ). `` First review of U.S. Potter park ''. The Sun. Archived from the original on August 11, 2010. Retrieved August 24, 2010. Jump up ^ Caldwell, Leigh. `` Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not for the little ones ( and that 's just fine ) ''. Travelling Mamas. Archived from the original on August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 24, 2010. Jump up ^ Mulholland, Hélène ( June 7, 2010 ). `` Boris Johnson urges Harry Potter fans to lobby JK Rowling for London theme park ''. The Guardian. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved July 21, 2011. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Official website The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade Diagon Alley Attractions Flight of the Hippogriff Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Hogwarts Express Live shows Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees Frog Choir The Knight Bus The Tales of Beedle the Bard Triwizard Spirit Rally Theme parks Universal Orlando Resort Universal Studios Japan Universal Studios Hollywood Related A Celebration of Harry Potter Harry Potter Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience Warner Bros. Studio Tour London See also Harry Potter in amusement parks Former attractions Dragon Challenge The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling Novels The Philosopher 's Stone ( 1997 ) The Chamber of Secrets ( 1998 ) The Prisoner of Azkaban ( 1999 ) The Goblet of Fire ( 2000 ) The Order of the Phoenix ( 2003 ) The Half - Blood Prince ( 2005 ) The Deathly Hallows ( 2007 ) Film series Films The Philosopher 's Stone ( 2001 ) The Chamber of Secrets ( 2002 ) The Prisoner of Azkaban ( 2004 ) The Goblet of Fire ( 2005 ) The Order of the Phoenix ( 2007 ) The Half - Blood Prince ( 2009 ) The Deathly Hallows -- Part 1 ( 2010 ) The Deathly Hallows -- Part 2 ( 2011 ) Music The Philosopher 's Stone The Chamber of Secrets The Prisoner of Azkaban The Goblet of Fire The Order of the Phoenix The Half - Blood Prince The Deathly Hallows -- Part 1 The Deathly Hallows -- Part 2 Related Cast members Production of The Deathly Hallows Characters Main Harry Potter Ron Weasley Hermione Granger Lord Voldemort Albus Dumbledore Severus Snape Rubeus Hagrid Draco Malfoy Supporting Ginny Weasley Hogwarts staff Order of the Phoenix Dumbledore 's Army Death Eaters Fictional universe Hogwarts Magic Magical creatures Magical objects Ministry of Magic Muggle Places Potions Quidditch Related works Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Quidditch Through the Ages The Tales of Beedle the Bard Prequel Pottermore The Cursed Child Hogwarts : An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies Games and toys Quidditch World Cup Lego Harry Potter : Years 1 -- 4 Lego Harry Potter : Years 5 -- 7 Lego Creator : Harry Potter Creator : Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets The Philosopher 's Stone The Chamber of Secrets The Prisoner of Azkaban The Goblet of Fire The Order of the Phoenix The Half - Blood Prince The Deathly Hallows -- Part 1 The Deathly Hallows -- Part 2 Book of Spells Book of Potions Trading Card Game Hogwarts Mystery Wizards Unite Attractions The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando Japan Hollywood Dragon Challenge Flight of the Hippogriff Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Hogwarts Express Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Exhibitions Harry Potter : The Exhibition Harry Potter : A History of Magic Fandom Harry Potter Alliance The Leaky Cauldron MuggleNet LeakyCon Wizard rock Wrockstock The Methods of Rationality Severus Snape and the Marauders Voldemort : Origins of the Heir My Immortal Related Wizarding World Influences and analogues Legal disputes Parodies Politics Religious debates Translation A Very Potter Musical The Harry Potter Lexicon The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter Potter Puppet Pals Portkey Games List of organisms named after the Harry Potter series Book Category Portal Islands of Adventure Former attractions Marvel Super Hero Island The Amazing Adventures of Spider - Man Incredible Hulk Coaster Doctor Doom 's Fearfall Storm Force Accelatron Toon Lagoon Dudley Do - Right 's Ripsaw Falls Popeye and Bluto 's Bilge - Rat Barges Me Ship, the Olive Hogsmeade Flight of the Hippogriff Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Hogwarts Express Jurassic Park Camp Jurassic Jurassic Park River Adventure Pteranodon Flyers Raptor Encounter Skull Island Skull Island : Reign of Kong The Lost Continent The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad The Mystic Fountain Poseidon 's Fury Seuss Landing The Cat in the Hat Caro - Seuss - el The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride If I Ran the Zoo Oh, The Stories You 'll Hear One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish Annual events A Celebration of Harry Potter Grinchmas Halloween Horror Nights Upcoming Harry Potter - themed roller coaster Universal Studios Florida Former attractions Production Central Despicable Me : Minion Mayhem Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Shrek 4 - D Superstar Parade Transformers : The Ride 3D Universal Music Plaza Stage New York The Blues Brothers Show Delancey Street Preview Center Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon Revenge of the Mummy San Francisco Fast & Furious : Supercharged Diagon Alley Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Hogwarts Express World Expo Men in Black : Alien Attack Fear Factor Live ( seasonal ) Springfield The Simpsons Ride Kang & Kodos ' Twirl ' n ' Hurl Woody Woodpecker 's Kidzone Curious George Goes to Town A Day in the Park with Barney E.T. Adventure Woody Woodpecker 's Nuthouse Coaster Hollywood Universal 's Horror Make - Up Show Annual events and festivities A Celebration of Harry Potter Halloween Horror Nights Macy 's Holiday Parade Mardi Gras Rock the Universe Wizarding World Feature films Harry Potter The Philosopher 's Stone The Chamber of Secrets The Prisoner of Azkaban The Goblet of Fire The Order of the Phoenix The Half - Blood Prince The Deathly Hallows -- Part 1 production The Deathly Hallows -- Part 2 production Fantastic Beasts Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Fantastic Beasts : The Crimes of Grindelwald Stage play The Cursed Child Music The Philosopher 's Stone The Chamber of Secrets The Prisoner of Azkaban The Goblet of Fire The Order of the Phoenix The Half - Blood Prince The Deathly Hallows -- Part 1 The Deathly Hallows -- Part 2 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Outside media Video games The Philosopher 's Stone The Chamber of Secrets Quidditch World Cup The Prisoner of Azkaban The Goblet of Fire The Order of the Phoenix The Half - Blood Prince Lego Harry Potter : Years 1 -- 4 The Deathly Hallows -- Part 1 The Deathly Hallows -- Part 2 Lego Harry Potter : Years 5 -- 7 Book of Spells Book of Potions Harry Potter : Hogwarts Mystery Harry Potter : Wizards Unite Attractions The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando Japan Hollywood Digital publication Pottermore See also Harry Potter cast Music of the Harry Potter films Harry Potter book series Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them book Portkey Games Book Category Coordinates : 28 ° 28 ′ 22 '' N 81 ° 28 ′ 24 '' W ﻿ / ﻿ 28.4728 ° N 81.4734 ° W ﻿ / 28.4728 ; - 81.4734 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Wizarding_World_of_Harry_Potter_(Universal_Orlando_Resort)&oldid=850304729 '' Categories : Operating amusement attractions Amusement rides by name Islands of Adventure Universal Studios Florida Universal Parks & Resorts attractions by name Amusement rides introduced in 2010 Amusement rides introduced in 2014 Harry Potter in amusement parks Licensed - properties at Universal Parks & Resorts Wizarding World Hidden categories : All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from October 2010 Use mdy dates from July 2017 Good articles Coordinates on Wikidata Talk Article Talk Contents About Wikipedia Български Deutsch Español Italiano Nederlands Português Русский ไทย 中文 Edit links This page was last edited on 15 July 2018, at 01 : 23 ( UTC ). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: where is the wizarding world of harry potter in orlando
Answer: the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida