Universal Studios Florida Building 'Harry Potter Theme Park,' Source Says
Filed under: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Deals, New Releases, Disney, Universal, Warner Brothers, Fandom, Family Films, Movie Marketing, Harry Potter, Remakes and Sequels
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Deadline Hollywood is reporting an exclusive scoop -- Universal Studios has set a plan to build a Harry Potter theme park inside the grounds of Universal Studios Florida. According to Nikki Finke, this story dates all the way back to 2005, when it was reported that Disney was debating whether or not to create a Harry Potter theme park in Singapore. The company was apparently engaged in "protracted negotiations' with J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. to secure rights to the project. That plan morphed into the current one, with Universal stepping into the picture and going into negotiations with Warner Bros to build the Universal Studios facilities. According to Finke, the deal is now "set in principle, but terms are still being finalized." Which could mean anything, of course.
Finke also notes that until now, the closest thing to a Harry Potter theme park that's been built is the Alnwick Castle, location of Hogwarts School, so it's somewhat of an untested idea. To date, the Harry Potter books have sold more than 325 million copies and have been translated into over 60 languages. The fifth of seven Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, is due for release this July, with the remaining two films coming soon. We recently brought you the news that negotiations with the three leads for the final films have been sewn up, after some dispute as to whether Emma Watson, who plays Hermione Granger, would be returning to finish out the series. With plans for the film series finalized and the theme park plans supposedly afoot, it looks like J.K. Rowling won't have to get a day job anytime soon. Stay tuned to Cinematical for all the latest.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
4-14-2007 @ 12:22PM
gerald miller said...
possible HP Theme Park attractions
1)Diagon Alley(The Quiddage(sp) Ride
2)Knockturn Alley(Beat The Dragon Ride)
3) Ride Buckbeak(Witherwings)
4)Meet The Durseys!On stage extravagansa!
ger
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4-14-2007 @ 1:59PM
Scott K said...
Considering they recently closed the aging Back To The Future ride (a sad say indeed), it would make sense for them to be planning a new attraction.
Within the small Universal Studios internet fan community, rumors have been floating around for some time as to what would be the next attraction. Harry Potter, along with Lord of the Rings and The Simpsons have been rumored for a while.
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4-15-2007 @ 10:10AM
caitlin said...
universal has always tried to stay on the "cutting edge" of childrens entertainment, I think a "Harry Potter" theme park is long over due, and Universal Studios is the perfect choice to build it in. I am already planning to go when it is finished.
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4-15-2007 @ 2:31PM
Ben said...
I've had a large variety of ideas for the theme park itself! Randomly, i got to thinking about it and I thought of a few interesting rides. If your interested to hearing about them reply to this comment and Ill try and get back to you.
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4-17-2007 @ 2:37PM
pattiefo5 said...
I'm glad Universal is going to do it- Disney has completely lost their focus-they keep building more jerky half-***ed roller-coasters that don't appeal to kids or adults. They better figure out what made them special and get back to it, because Universal is far surpassing them in imagination.
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4-17-2007 @ 2:51PM
callie said...
about time universal will build something worthwhile..while isles of adventure is great for teens and adults it hold little for the younger crowd.(a few rides in suess land doesnt count)and there is nothing but 2 objects that appeal to kids at the studo
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4-17-2007 @ 3:13PM
Pam said...
Wow...my kids and I have read all of the books and discussed many times how fun it would be to stay overnight in Hogwarts, concoct our own magic potions, and ride a broomstick! Good for Universal, if it comes to fruition, we will be one of the first families to come! Pam
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4-17-2007 @ 3:26PM
Maryann said...
I think it would be kind of a depressing place if Harry, Ron or Hermione die in the last book.
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4-17-2007 @ 3:28PM
Lillian said...
Good good...I only live 30 miles from Universal. I wonder if it will be built in Islands of Adventure? It would make the most sense; the article says a "theme park", not a singular "attraction."
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4-17-2007 @ 4:16PM
pricelesskween said...
Sweet!!! I love Harry Potter!!!
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4-17-2007 @ 4:35PM
Peg Moore said...
I think this is a wonderful idea. I've read all the books and seen all the movies and I would certainly visit the park.
Peg
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4-17-2007 @ 4:42PM
Rick A. said...
I am a Grandfather and would love to be able to take my grandaughter to a Harry Potter Theme Park. If see did not want to go, I would go myself ! Have been a Harry Potter fan from the beginning. Rick A.
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4-17-2007 @ 4:54PM
DENISE said...
WE THINK IT WOULD BE MORE THAN FABULOUS FOR UNIVERSAL TO BUILD A HARRY POTTER ATTRACTION. EVERYONE I KNOW, INCLUDING MY FAMILY, WOULD VISIT. IT IS A SHAME THOUGH THAT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS CLOSED BACK TO THE FUTURE. I HEARD RUMORS TO THAT BUT WAS HOPING IT WASN'T SO. WHENEVER WE VISIT FLORIDA, WE ALWAYS GO TO UNIVERSAL (IT IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN DISNEY) AND THE MAIN REASON FOR THAT WAS THE BACK TO THE FUTURE RIDE. TO ME AND EVERYONE I KNOW THAT RIDE WAS THE BEST.
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4-17-2007 @ 5:31PM
CJ said...
Scott K wrote "Considering they recently closed the aging Back To The Future ride (a sad say indeed), it would make sense for them to be planning a new attraction."
Posted at 1:59PM on Apr 14th 2007 by Scott K
Scott K they said a whole theme park. Not just one ride. Universal should build another park. its hard to keep people only on your land if you only have 2 parks. thats why there are so many disney parks... you cant make money if they are not on your land
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4-17-2007 @ 5:12PM
antipathyz said...
As a Universal cast member I have heard this rumor for ages now . . but the prevalent theory (if any of this is even true!) is that "The Lost Continent" Section of IOA would be themed to HP. There are no plans for a new park, as Universal has no room in Orlando to build out farther than they have.
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4-17-2007 @ 5:42PM
khai said...
OMG! can't wait for the 5th episode.. .i've been waiting for ages.. .
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4-17-2007 @ 6:19PM
jR said...
Love the idea!!!! Go Harry! I hope it looks like Hogwarts!
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4-17-2007 @ 6:42PM
L. Cancel said...
I'd love it! That is, as long as it is not another roller coaster. (My heart can't take them) It could be something virtual so that many people can enjoy it, not just a few. For example,walking into Hogwarts and its different rooms, or riding through it. Going into the Chamber of Secrets or the maze of the last movie. By the time it is built my granddaughters will be old enough to enjoy it
too:-). I'm ready!
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4-17-2007 @ 6:55PM
Mahelldi Zelda said...
I love that idea. And as i am the harry potter number one fan i will be there on that ride sometime or another. I HOPE IT"S GOOD!
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4-17-2007 @ 7:47PM
Tatiana said...
I'm so excited! I can't wait! This is going to be so much fun! I've been in love with Harry Potter since film and book 1. I'm going to flip! Please Hold. OK, I just flipped off my bed. OMG! I cannot wait!This can't get any better! I love Harry Potter. I'm the biggest fan eva! Oh, Gosh. This is so exciting. And Emma Watson can't quit the part of Hermione or I'll be mad at that girl! She plays the part so well! Wow! This is exciting. I can't wait till July!
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