Spring 2010 is almost upon us, which means only one thing for Harry Potter fans worldwide: the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando. Last month, I wrote about some of the awesome attractions awaiting guests at the park, including real-life replicas of The Three Broomsticks and Hogshead Pub taverns, a variety of thrill rides themed after the books and movies, and perhaps coolest of all, a giant replica of Hogwarts Castle.
While talking about the theme park was enough to juice up most Potter fans, many of us were left wondering when we were actually going to get our first look at it. Admittedly, the concept art (featured above) is beautiful, but how close would it be to the finished product? Now, we don’t have to wonder anymore.
Thanks to the good people at Universal, yesterday we got our first real look at the centerpiece of the park, Hogwarts Castle. To feast your eyes on the sumptuously detailed home of Hufflepuff, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor, check out the image below.
Pretty cool, right? I definitely think so. Of course, according to an article in the UK’s Daily Mail, the exterior of Hogwart’s Castle isn’t fully completed yet. Unfinished or not, it sure looks great in this first picture. One of the biggest problems people have with theme parks is having to stand around waiting in lines to get in rides, but I don’t think people will mind waiting inside of Hogwarts Castle if the detail on the inside is as good as the detail on the outside.
Personally, I would love to see more pictures of the park, but considering that this is the first official image we’ve gotten and the park is supposed to open in only a few short months, it seems like Universal is keeping most of it under wraps. Oh well, I guess the only way I’ll be able to see it in its full glory is to schedule myself a vacation. Who’s coming with me?
What do you think of this first image? If you decide to go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, what’s the first thing you plan on doing?
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Looks incredible. I wonder how many of those windows are accessible.. just imagine the view from up there! I'm kind of glad those involved with the making of the park are keeping it a mystery. Imagine going there and discovering everything for the first time with your other avid HP friends/fans. When it opens it may just be the most exciting day of the year for me. So yes, sign me up for that vacation you have planned. We ought to start looking at flights ASAP. And we're going to get some butterbeer first thing! (Plus, take lots of pictures).
first thing i'll do… i'd buy mywand, uniform, and broomstick… then go on butterbeer…
yehey!!
looks awesome but I imagine you'd only be able to access certain parts of the castle inside. which kinda sucks because I'd totally want to go wander around inside the whole thing.
And I want some of that magical hogwarts food in the great hall too.
WOOOOOW. beautiful *tear*. Im going to Hogwarts! buying my robes, wand, and broom
Awesome. I'm only a few hours north in Tallahassee, so I'll definitely be going down shortly after it opens! I'll probably take my time exploring the entire Wizarding World, so the first thing I'll do is most likely the first thing inside the gates.
Bane
Awesome. I'm only a few hours north in Tallahassee, so I'll definitely be going down shortly after it opens! I'll probably take my time exploring the entire Wizarding World, so the first thing I'll do is most likely the first thing inside the gates.
Bane
Is it just me, or does it seem small? I'll need to attend in person before I can decide yay or nay… o_O