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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a series of themed areas at Universal Parks &
Resorts based on the Harry Potter media franchise and incorporating elements from the
Warner Bros. film series and J.K. Rowling's original novels. Area designed by Universal
Creative under exclusive license with Warner Bros. Entertainment.
BACKGROUND
A Harry Potter-themed attraction at either a Disney or Universal park was rumored in
2003.However, the rights to the Harry Potter franchise had been acquired by Warner Bros.,
who denied all rumors. Both Disney and Universal entered bidding negotiations with Warner
Bros. and Rowling for the theme park rights to Harry Potter. In 2004, Rowling signed a
letter-of-intent with Disney, with the company intending to develop a Harry Potter section
within an area of Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World. In January
2007, About.com reported a rumor from a "highly credible source" that the Islands of
Adventure park's Lost Continent area was going to be re-themed "to the stories and characters
of one of the most popular children's franchises". Other sources followed up in the next few
days with unofficial confirmation that the new area would involve Harry Potter. On May 31,
2007, Universal, in partnership with Warner Bros., officially announced the Wizarding World
of Harry Potter would be added to Islands of Adventure.