Universal Studios Orlando Resort hosted a special evening event for attendees of the Orlando International Pow Wow 2010. The annual conference brings together travel and media professionals to see what new and exciting things the central Florida area has to offer.
According to Inside the Magic, the event took place within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWoHP – those bloody lucky prats!) and attendees got the chance to walk through much of Hogsmeade Village, take a trip through part of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey queue line inside of Hogwarts Castle, and got to ride on the Dragon Challenge roller coaster (formerly Dueling Dragons) and Flight of the Hippogriff (formerly the Flying Unicorn.) Check out these new photos and details:
For the first time, we’ve got a ground-level shot of Hogsmeade Village. No more peeking over fences and through holes – these attendees were some of the first Muggles (outside of Universal employees) to walk the streets of the only all-Wizarding community in all of Britain! Hogsmeade and Hogwarts at night are sure to be truly magical and beautiful sights, with glowing lanterns and snow-capped buildings. Can’t wait to stroll through Hogsmead with a glass of Butterbear in my hands as I enjoy Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans!
One of the more revealing shots of Hogwarts Castle we’ve seen – possibly the first we’ve seen from within WWoHP itself. This picture is remnicient of earlier concept art released when WWoHP was first announced, and it’s bloody brilliant to finally see life imitating art… less than a month from now, those streets will be packed with Potterheads and theme park enthusiasts!
Another first! A shot looking out over Hogsmeade Village, taken from Hogwarts Castle – a vantage point that average Muggles had not been able to see before this event. I absolutely love the aesthetic effect of the crooked and slanting chimneys – a design element that is present in most Wizarding communities according to descriptions in the books. I guess if you have magic to help you out, you don’t need to worry about structural integrity!
This breathtaking shot was taken from the queue line of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This is one of many amazing sights guests will be privy to during the long wait for the attraction. This queue line is being called an attraction in and of itself, particularly for Potterheads who will relish getting to see the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom, Dumbledore’s Office, and the Portrait Gallery for the first time – among many other iconic scenes and rooms within Hogwarts Castle.
In addition to these photos, plenty of new details emerged from within WWoHP that are sure to excite any Potterhead:
Such exciting photos and information!! The grand opening of WWoHP at Islands of Advenutre is set for June 18th – less than a month away! Be sure to purchase your Discount Islands of Adventure Tickets through our website or Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center – we’ll also save you that horrendous wait in line! You may also call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.