In a new article about Universal Studios we get a quote about the upcoming Harry Potter theme park!

But perhaps the greatest buzz has been building over an attraction based on the “Harry Potter” books and films, which Davis said is expected to open Dec. 1, 2009.

Thanks MN!

Two websites have updated with new construction photos and information on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park. Universal Ignited has three new pictures.  Screamscape has a YouTube video showing two concept images.
The theme park is scheduled to open between December 2009 and June 2010.

Thanks Mugglenet!

The official site for the Harry Potter theme park has added a new poll to their site. It asks:

Where would you most like to get a refreshment in Hogsmeade?

The Hog’s Head, The Three Broomsticks or Honeydukes

Jim Hill Media has reported that construction is underway for the upcoming Harry Potter Theme Park. Go to this page for tons more information on the part.

Just so you know: The construction team that Universal has hired are currently in the site prep portion of this project. Meaning that — now that they’ve cleared all of the brush in this previously undeveloped part of that theme park — the workmen are hauling in truckload after truckload of fill. Which is then spread out all over the Hogwarts Castle construction site.

“And why are they doing that?,” you ask. Well, once it’s been determined that the Universal Orlando Resort has a level working surface which will actually be to support the weight of this several-hundred-ton structure (Which is quite a concern in sinkhole-prone Central Florida), then construction can then begin in earnest on Hogwarts Castle. With first the footings & foundation work getting underway in January, which will then be followed by vertical construction on this enormous show building in the late Winter / early Spring of next year.

As most of you probably remember, there will he a World of Harry Potter Theme Park opening in Florida in late 2009. Today a new rumour has sprung up about the park.  This is in no way confirmed so please treat it as a rumour.

Universal is hoping to turn IOA’s “Harry Potter” -themed section into a way to challenge Disney World’s dominance when it comes to Christmas in Central Florida. Picture — if you will — a yearly “Holidays at Hogwarts” promotion at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. With carolers strolling through the streets of Hogsmeade and a traditional English Christmas feast being served nightly in the Great Hall at Hogwarts Castle.

As the story goes, once Phase One of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” opens in 2009 (FYI: That phase of the project will probably only include Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village. Phase Two — featuring the Forbidden Forest and that Weasley-family-flying-car attraction — isn’t expected to come on line ’til sometime in early 2010), this new “land” will then allow Universal to offer yet another after-hours seasonal event, ” Halloween at Hogwarts.” So while Mom & Dad are next door at Universal Studios Florida getting the snot scared out of them at Halloween Horror Nights, their youngsters can be trick-or-treating in a deliberately scare-free environment over at IOA.

Thanks Leaky!

Business Week has posted a short article with more information on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park.

The details, however, are as secret as the ending of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was before the book, the last in J.K. Rowling’s seven-volume series, came out in July. Bill Nassal Sr., whose 135-employee, $30 million Nassal Co. designs faux rocks and other props, had to sign a confidentiality agreement just to talk with Universal. Says Nassal: “We can’t say a word about any of this.”

Click the link above or Read More for the full article.