Universal Studios announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will have its grand opening on June 18th. (According to Leaky: This is the grand opening date, not the first time it will be open to the public: those who have purchased one of the advertised packages for May 28 are still promised a “Harry Potter experience.”)  Here is some new information we have on the park, read more here!

J.K. Rowling’s approved, ultimately, everything, and her “level of involvement [created] the backbone of making it as authentic as it is,” says Woodbury.

Coup (vice president of Universal Creative) said, “We had to create a whole new level of experience,” and that there has been “an attention to detail unlike anything we have ever done before. ” He promises that the combination of new patented technologies and Universal’s history of thrill rides will create an attraction that will make feel as though you are “riding beside” the characters from the books and films.

Thanks Leaky!!

You may have seen my post about an upcoming release of Harry Potter Power, a self help book. I received a copy and have written a small review on the book that you can read below.

Harry Potter Power is not your average self help book.  This book uses the themes, characters and situations from the Harry Potter series to help you become a better you!

The book is split into 6 different sections and in each section the author talks about different areas of life and how they can help us become more powerful: The Power of Tragedy; The Power of Thoughts; The Power of Action; The Power of Animals; The Power of Nature; The Greatest Power

Throughout the book there are also activities that you can do that will help you along the path to gaining more self power.  You answer questions, do word puzzles and more!

I even learned a few things about the Potterverse that I never knew before.  One example being that hippogriffs symbolize the fact that people can overcome impossible scenarios and come out for the better.  There are countless more little tidbits about the world of Harry Potter that even the craziest Potter fan, like me for example, will find interesting.

All in all this is a great resource for anyone who wants to improve their lives.

You can purchase the book by going here: Harry Potter Power!

Scholastic has announced some details about their new website relaunch that I posted about earlier.  You can read the full press release here and a bit below.

“All of us who experienced the anticipation and excitement of the publication of each of the seven Harry Potter books over the years saw firsthand the power of this series to excite readers of all ages. Each year, new young readers are beginning their Hogwarts journey, and we want to provide a truly memorable and magical experience they can call their own,” said Ellie Berger, President of Trade Publishing, Scholastic.

Beginning April 1, 2010, retail locations and Scholastic’s Book Clubs and Book Fairs will share in The Real Magic of Harry Potter with special promotions. Retail stores will support the campaign with, point-of-sale signage, floor displays promoting the sweepstakes, and a special offer at participating retailers of “buy a copy of any Harry Potter paperback, and get the second copy at half price” for the month of April.

There is also a commercial that you can watch below:

Heatworld is reporting that Rupert Grint is donating 2 of his most famous pieces of clothing to benefit cancer research!  He is donating his “Keep Calm and Carry On” shirt and the old dirty flag shoes that we have seen him wear numerous times.  These are some pretty awesome pieces and I would love to have them myself!

“These are two of my favourite items from my wardrobe. I was even wearing them when giving my hand prints for the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. I’m proud to Give Up Clothes for Good to help beat childhood cancer, and I hope the whole country gets behind the campaign to help them reach their target of £3million for lifesaving research.”

The auctions will start here tomorrow! Thanks rupert-grint.us!

Rupert Grint’s Wild Target release date has once again been pushed back and is now scheduled for release on June 18th!  This is the second date change today, earlier it was set for the 11th and finally the 18th.  More news as it develops.

Thanks rupert-grint.us!

There will be a Harry Potter marathon on April 5th starting at 10am as part of the Leeds Young People’s Film Festival.  The festival takes place at the Hyde Park Picture House from March 29 to April 9 and will feature screenings, workshops and guest appearances.  Chris Rankin, and maybe some other stars, will be in attendance.  The page says guests and only mentions Chris, so who knows!

With the final Harry Potter film due out later this year we’re giving you the chance to go back to the beginning and see the first four films on the big screen. As well as the films we have some special guests lined up, including Chris Rankin who plays Percy Weasley in the series, who will be here to talk about being part of the most successful film franchise ever made. To make the day even more fun we want you to come in costume as there will be prizes throughout the day for best dressed, so dig out your best Wizarding robes, dust off that wand and join us for a truly magical day!

Ticket Prices are as follows:

Harry Potter All Day Pass: £8.00 People under 19 Or £10.00 For over 19’s
Harry Potter Individual Films: £2.50 People Under 19
——————Or £3.50. For over 19s accompanying a young person
——————Or £4.50 For over 19s Not accompanying a young person

Tickets can also be booked by calling the Box Office 0113 224 3801.