Hogwarts Castle: Your First Look at Universal's Harry Potter Theme Park | Techland

Universal Orlando Resort

The highly-anticipated Harry Potter theme park experience – courtesy of the Universal Orlando Resort – is nearly ready for the swarms of Wizard-lovers sure to come running.

This is the first image of the actual park, which is still under construction, and gives a glimpse of The Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. The building looks massive, and according to Universal will house new attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. (And according to rumors, the park’s villain will be none other than Salazar Slytherin, the founding member of Hogwarts’ Slytherin house.) The park is set to open sometime in the spring, and I’m guessing it will be just in time for spring break getaways.

Aside from the castle, the Potter-mecca will also include the village of Hogsmeade along with a foray of shops, the Three Broomsticks along with its famous Butter Beers, Hagrid’s Hut, an impressively-sized lake, a Dragon’s Challenge and ride The Flight of the Hippogriff. (Check out the map here.)

(More on Techland: Universal Releases Details of Harry Potter Land)

That said, just the sheer volume of the multi-billion dollar Potter franchise alone creates a pressure-cooker of hype that I can’t imagine Universal is taking lightly. I have no doubt that Potter lovers from around the globe will be trotting in, and literally storming this castle in a spellbound frenzy. But, if they walk away disappointed, it could be a huge blow to the Potter Universe. (i.e. Don’t screw this up, guys.)

Luckily, Universal has a history of theme park magic, so I have a feeling Hogwarts visitors will be enthralled (myself including). I’m just hoping costumes will be optional.

Will you go?

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http://youtube.com/churchhatestucker Church

I’m hoping the costumes will be mandatory, myself.
tereglith

Hear hear! Costumes are required!

Also, this wasn’t my first look at Hogwarts Castle. I’ve seen it three or four times while driving to Disney. There was a stage of the construction where it was purple, which was interesting.

I really hope this is a good as a Disney park (for which each attraction is a gold standard for atmosphere and thorough decorating). They’d better get it right. I’m probably going to go the first Superbowl Sunday after the opening (EVERY park is deserted on superbowl sunday)
Allie Townsend

Good tip, @tereglith, and the next time the castle is purple, you should send us a picture!
http://twitter.com/thepeterha Peter Ha

WTF?!
http://deannadinnyc.wordpress.com deannad17

I’m planning to go at some point after it opens (probably not the first few weeks go – the crowds!). I wish they had a few more rides and attractions (hello, Quiddich anyone?) but it looks pretty cool.

And nice job slipping this in while Peter was away in CA :)
Allie Townsend

Yeah, Peter LOVES Harry Potter.