WIZARDING WORLD UPDATES

Hogwarts starts to come together at Wizarding World

The vertical construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park is finally getting VERY exciting!

The tallest tower of Hogwarts and exterior walls have been put into place, and WOW do they look cool! See the pictures right here on OrlandoUnited.com.

Construction is expected to continue through early next year. Universal announced several weeks ago that the park will open this Spring.

You can read everything we've got on the Wizarding World right here! Thanks to Emily for the tip.

Video from Wizarding World webcast now available

Universal Studios has released the full video from their Wizarding World webcast which MuggleNet took part in yesterday.

To view it, click here and then click "View" on the first video. Watch as Universal execs, along with actor Tom Felton, reveal some really cool info about the park!

Wizarding World to open Spring 2010, rides confirmed

UPDATE: Andrew, Eric and myself discuss all the Wizarding World developments on Episode 180 of MuggleCast. We recommend subscribing to the show through iTunes. If you're already subscribed, just simply update your feed. Other options include listening to the show in your browser live on MuggleCast.com or simply download it onto your computer: Direct Download | Low Bandwidth

At a press conference earlier this morning, Universal Studios confirmed that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will officially open in the Spring 2010. No specific date was given.

Names of the three main park rides are Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge. Flight of the Hippogriff will include interaction with Hagrid as you fly on a Hippogriff for training. Dragon Challenge will center on flying either a Hungarian Horntail or Chinese Fireball. Univeral's existing ride, Dueling Dragons, will be re-themed into Dragon Challenge.

Other attractions include Ollivander's Shop, Owl Post, Dervish and Banges, Three Broomsticks, Honeydukes, Zonko's and Filch Emporium.

A ton of artwork was revealed of virtually every part of the park, including a map.

VIDEO:
- Introduction video with Dan, Rupert, and Emma | YouTube Version
- Virtual map fly through | YouTube Version

HIGH RES ARTWORK:
- Beautiful map of entire area
- Zonkos
- Owlery
- Ollivanders
- Honeydukes
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- The Dragon Challenge
- Filch's Emporium
- The Exterior of Hogwarts

Press release announcing today's news - click here. The press release includes descriptions of each ride.

The presentation included a video introduction from Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson who all expressed their excitement about the park. Tom Felton was live at the event speaking with the creators.

Scenes for the theme park were filmed right after they finished filming Half-Blood Prince.

Don't forget that Infinitus 2010 will be taking place in Orlando, Florida, from July 15-18, 2010. Click here for more information.

Live updates from the Wizarding World via Twitter

UPDATE (9/15): The press event begins today at 10:30 AM EST. We're not sure if we'll be able to report as the event happens but we certainly will as soon as it ends!

As mentioned previously, MuggleNet staff member Andrew is at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, covering a special press event for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. He will continuously update all the action from down in Orlando via the MuggleNet Twitter. You can check out all of the updates on our site in the Twitter box located to the right of this post.

Andrew has already posted several great videos (1,2) of construction from inside the park itself. Check back often as there will be plenty more coverage to follow!

Authentic Hogwarts lamps in production for Wizarding World

The County Times recently reported that The Limehouse Lamp Company is producing lights for a new Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Managing director Elliott Maurice said the lamps are similar to those seen at Hogwarts. Universal wanted authenticity, as the look and feel of these rides is crucial to the Potter experience.

Fresh photos from Wizarding World construction site

Thanks to BrianOrndorf.com for letting us know about several new photos he took at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park construction site. The photos show lots of new construction taking place both on site and off for Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

At the bottom of his post Brian included this video of a strange noise coming from the site of the theme park construction. It could be for either the Potter park or another area of Universal Studios.