The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

It’s been a rumor since before WWoHP itself even opened, but now that it’s finally sort-of official on Universal Orlando’s terms and definitely official on fans’ terms, news and rumors have been flying around in a way that’s very reminiscent of pre-WWoHP stuff.

So here’s the SparkNotes before we begin covering up-to-date information!

• The only thing Universal Orlando has stated officially is that WWoHP will be “expanded significantly.” Of course, they were quiet about a bunch of stuff during the first phase, as well, so we wouldn’t hold our breaths for a big, official, in-depth announcement anytime soon. There’s really no need for one just yet as the only projected openings so far— none of them official— point to 2015 if we’re lucky. That’s a long time to wait, but the experience of anticipating it is well worth the wait!
• Rumors and general inference indicate that the expansion will be located in the Jaws section of the Studios with a Hogwarts Express ride connecting the two parks. We don’t know how ticketing logistics will work out here, but something has to change if this is going to flow smoothly at all. Also, given that the area the train would travel through (more on that later) is backstage stuff, there will need to be something in play to keep it themed and attraction-y. Look for speculation and rumors on that soon!
• Rumored additions that will come with this expansion include a Gringotts ride, a Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes experience, and more. All of this, of course, points to the expansion being themed around Diagon Alley! This also supports the separation of the two areas. By the way, that Gringotts art that leaked some time ago is not legitimate.

As for news elsewhere, we all know there’s a WWoHP II on its way across the country (and while we have our own opinions on that, we’ll be covering this as well).

In news closer to home and current day, here are some things that have happened in the Wizarding World lately:

• Better Forbidden Journey lighting.
• New portrait in the common room.
• New Dementor animation!

As for this blog, it’ll be run by Gustavo and myself from here on out. I’ve loved running this blog since I started it and Gustavo’s a kickass friend of mine who also comes from the forum we’ll be getting lots of exciting news from. We’re really looking forward to getting this blog up and running again and getting you updates as they come!

We will be looking for some new members soon, so keep an eye out for that if you’re interested. We’ll also be working on awesome new things like an FAQ page, a new theme, so on, so forth.

So what say ye, wizards and witches? Thoughts? Questions? Speculation? Send us an owl!