Wizarding World of Harry Potter to open in spring 2010

Earlier this month Universal Orlando announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter--billed as a theme park within a theme park--would officially open at Islands of Adventure during spring 2010. The grand opening is expected to be one of the biggest new attractions to come to Orlando since SeaWorld opened the Aquatica waterpark in 2008.

Some of the featured attractions include a ride called "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey," which would be included in the Hogswarts Castle being constructed for the upcoming Harry Potter area at Islands of Adventure. Other highlights include a recreation of Hogsmeade village, a magic shop selling Quidditch equipment (the game most favored by wizards in training at Hogwarts) and a facelift for the Lost Continent coasters. Dueling Dragons is set to become Dragon Challenge and the Flying Unicorn coatser will become the Flight of the Hippogriff.

With a loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expected to be a big hit with American and British tourists. When the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been completed, it will cover 20 acres within the Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando resort.