Wizarding World of Harry Potter Preview Party!

The Orlando International Pow Wow 2010 special event was held at WWoHP!

The Orlando International Pow Wow 2010 special event was held at WWoHP!

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:

While photos were strictly prohibited, Inside the Magic nabbed these sneaky pics from Twitter.  Photo credits are not included so as to avoid getting anyone in trouble.
Muggles walking the streets of Hogsmead Village

Muggles walking the streets of Hogsmead Village

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!

 

The approach to Hogwarts Castle!

The approach to Hogwarts Castle!

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!

 

Looking over Hogsmead Village from Hogwarts Castle

Looking over Hogsmead Village from Hogwarts Castle

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!

 

In the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Queue Line

In the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Queue Line

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:

  • Hogsmeade Village store fronts contain interactive elements that include the Quick Quotes Quill and plants that spring to life as you pass by.
  • The Ollivander’s Wand Shop experience seems to embody the concept of the wand “choosing” you. Guests work with a “shop owner” to determine which magic wand is the best fit. Guests try to cast spells that include levitating flowers or moving a ladder. If the wand is not a correct fit, special music and lighting makes it clear. A gust of air confirms a right choice.
  • At the Owlry, four different Harry Potter postmarks are available to choose from.
  • You enter the Dragon Challenge through the Champion’s tent and you catch a glimpse of the Triwizard Tournament Cup and the golden eggs from the dragon challenge. Shadows of fighting dragons are seen in the tent above the loading area.
  • Street performers include girls from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic performing a ribbon dance and guys from the Durmstrang Institute wielding staffs. The Hogwarts frog choir is comprised of live singers with puppets who sing the “Something Wicked This Way Comes” song heard on the third Harry Potter film.
  • At the Flight of the Hippogriff attraction, guests have encounters in some form with Hagrid, Fang, and Buckbeak. Before riding, you bow to a full-size moving Hippogriff.
  • Apparel available for purchase includes an “I served time in Azkaban” T-shirt.
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    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.

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