I saw this news yesterday on another site but wasn’t sure of the accuracy, but now it’s on Ellen’s site so here we go!
Ellen DeGeneres is breezing back to Universal Orlando in the end of March to tape shows that will air on April 1 and 2. Both episodes will be taped on March 28.
While she’s there, she will explore the brand-new Wizarding World of Harry Potter which is set to open this spring. The exact opening date has not been announced, but Universal is booking Harry Potter-themed vacation packages that commence on May 28 (click here for details). However, it looks like viewers of Ellen’s show will be getting a special sneak preview.
Tickets are being given away to be part of the audience so if you are in the Orlando area go here to request tickets.
There are a bunch of new photos of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park online today as well as some new rumors!
We’ve also heard quite a bit about Olivander’s Wand Shop. I’m told that over 20 actors have been hired to act as the shop keepers, and have been told that they will be given a “wand bible” written up by JK Rowling to memorize, detailing the names and descriptions of around 400 different wands. I’ve been told that the various wands up for sale will range in price from $25 up to $150 per wand. Apparently the more expensive your wand… the more things it will actually be able to do. For example, some wands are rumored to have a light up tip if activated the right way. Other wands are rumored to have uses beyond the park, possibly being Bluetooth enabled or allowing for you to plug them into your PC and download some special functions into them from the internet. If true, one such wand is said to work as a TV remote control.
The Ledger has a new article online with some new information about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park!
That includes rides, dining and shopping options, and a replication of Hogwarts Castle, home to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a building that Holt promised would be “very authentic.”
The Dragon Challenge roller coaster ride will allow guests will feel like they’re being chased by a dragon. Less intense will be the Flight of the Hippogriff, modeled on the creature that’s half-horse and half-eagle.
The theme park will host the Three Broomsticks restaurant and the Hog’s Head Pub, where Holt said guests can buy “very old liquor, and we’ll have animated hog’s heads on the wall that will interact with you while you drink your old beer. The Butter Beer is going to be non-alcholic. However, you can go into the Hog’s Head Pub and ask for the alcoholic version.”
There will be shops as well, like Honeydukes, a candy store that will sell, among other things, chocolate frogs and Treacle Fudge. Dervish & Banges is a toy store that will sell, not surprisingly, broomsticks among the many selections.
There’s a Frog Choir that will perform five times d ay, Holt said, adding, “This is very top secret, so you’re the first one’s to hear about it.”
Universal Orlando has announced that they will have Exclusive Package Deals for booking trips to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. According to the press release:
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package” includes hotel accommodations and admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks – along with a wide-range of benefits available only by booking through Universal Orlando Resort. Benefits include early park admission, allowing guests to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before other guests each day, as well as a traditional British breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, the signature eating establishment within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And by staying at an on-site hotel, guests get exclusive Universal Express Access to select attractions and shows, allowing them to bypass regular lines.
To best enjoy all Universal Orlando offers, guests may consider the four-night package featured below. Guests can add additional nights and also upgrade their theme park tickets to include park-to-park access, allowing them to go to both Universal theme parks each day. Additional packages are available with prices starting at $285 per-adult ($829 for a family of four) for four nights at a hotel near Universal. All packages and prices are available at UniversalOrlando.com. All travel begins May 28.
These vacation packages also include:
Four-night accommodations at one of Universal’s three on-site AAA Four Diamond hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Three days admission to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks (park-to-park not included)
Complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at select theme park rides and attractions (a $70 value per person, per day)
Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks
Commemorative ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Last week I posted about a trailer for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that would be aired during Super Bowl XVIV. It was released early and you can watch it below:
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