Preview the ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ Now via Augmented Reality
Today, Universal Orlando Resort and USA TODAY, the nation’s top-selling print newspaper, partnered to provide the first-ever augmented reality map of the world’s most highly anticipated theme park experience – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. With just a computer, webcam and the newspaper, you can make this one-of-a-kind experience appear before your eyes.
Augmented Reality blends real-life environments with computer animation allowing you to explore things in a completely new way. For the first time, guests can explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a unique way – before experiencing it first hand.
By rotating the map, you can take a closer look at this 20-acre magnificently themed environment from all sides and angles. Hogwarts castle will appear before your eyes. Hold the map closer to your webcam and explore Hogsmeade and see the Hogwarts Express. Blow on your computer’s microphone and the banners n the map will wave.
Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant.
Following the map’s appearance in USA TODAY, this experience will be available on www.UniversalOrlando.com/HarryPotter.
The video below shows a sample of the online experience courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine.
Categories: Theme Parks, Universal Studios Orlando Tags: Augmented Reality, IOA, Islands of Adventure, USO, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, WWOHP
‘Ollivanders Wand Shop’ Will Deliver Interactive, Magical Experience at Wizard World of Harry Potter
Visitors to the Ollivanders wand shop at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando will step into one of the most iconic scenes from the bestselling Harry Potter books and blockbuster feature films. With the assistance of a live actor, along with amazing special effects, guests of Ollivanders will get to experience the same type of magical moment Harry had in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” when a wand ”chooses them.”
“When guests visit Ollivanders, they will instantly feel like they’re in the shop from the films. It’s an intimate, single-windowed building, with the same signs, colors and other details read about in the books and seen in the films,” said Alan Gilmore, art director of the Harry Potter films and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. “But more importantly, visitors to Ollivanders will experience for themselves the magical moment that forever changed Harry’s life.”
Inside Ollivanders, visitors will be surrounded by thousands of multi-colored dusty wand boxes stacked on shelves from floor to ceiling. They will be welcomed by an inquisitive Wandkeeper, who will guide them through an enchanting experience to find their very own wand. First the Wandkeeper will ask the guest a few special questions and then select the first wand for them to try. Just like Harry, the guest will be prompted by the Wandkeeper to give the wand a wave, and a series of magical mishaps will occur until the right fit is found.
In addition to the magic featured in Ollivanders, guests will experience many other magical happenings at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including a Howler featured in the Owl Post shop front window whose ranting can be heard by guests as they pass by; The Monster Book of Monsters in Dervish and Banges that will snarl and growl at anyone who tries to get too close, and the Hog’s Head which can be seen puffing his jowls at visitors who visit the Hog’s Head pub.
Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters – and faithful to the visual landscapes of the Warner Bros.’ films – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple themed attractions, shops and an eating establishment. This completely immersive environment will transcend generations and bring the wonder and magic of the amazingly detailed Harry Potter books and films to life.
Categories: Theme Parks, Universal Studios Orlando Tags: Harry Potter, IOA, Islands of Adventure, Ollivanders, USO, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, WWOHP
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hi-Res Concept Art Photo Gallery
Yesterday, we brought you details of the Universal Orlando’s plans to debut the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter in spring 2010. Today we are pleased to bring you the following gallery of concept art for the new theme park area based on the JK Rowling series. All images © 2009 Universal Orlando Resort. All Rights Reserved.

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