Vacation at Hogwarts: Universal Orlando plans Harry Potter theme park

ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando Resort is opening a Harry Potter theme park that will let fans visit many of the iconic locations in the books and movies that endeared the boy magician to millions around the world.

"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is set to debut at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in late 2009, complete with the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade village.

"The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," said author J.K. Rowling, who has been working with a creative team to make sure the park resembles her work.

More than a dozen artists lead by Stuart Craig, the production designer of the movies, have set up house in the studio where the movies are being filmed to make sure every detail is considered, said Scott Trowbridge of Universal.

"We're really going to the people who know this world best to ensure that level of authenticity," he said.

The park will let visitors view the famed locations in Rowling's magical world, such as Dumbledore's office at Hogwarts and the shops in Hogsmeade. Some locations may be drawn from the final book in the popular series, Trowbridge said.

Many tourists outside the theme park said the experience would boost its appeal to a younger audience.

Brandon Wilson, a 15-year-old from Pleasant Hill, Mo., said he can't get enough of Harry Potter. He has read every book and watched every movie.

"I hope we get to simulate flying like Harry Potter," said Wilson, referring to the almost jet-propelled broom that allows Harry to soar.

"If you are a real thrill ride lover, we're not going to forget about you," Trowbridge said, without giving details.

He said that while there would not be any character look-alikes at the park, fans wanting to see Harry, Ron, Hermione and others wouldn't leave disappointed.

"This is Harry's world," said Trowbridge. "Most every fan wants to have an encounter with the star of the show."

The Harry Potter book series has been translated into 65 languages with more than 325 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world.

The fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," will be released in theaters July 11 by Warner Bros, two days earlier than planned. The seventh and final book of the series will be come out July 21.

Associated Press writer Lindsay Toler in London contributed to this report.