Time Warner's (NYSE: TWX) Warner Brothers and General Electric's (NYSE: GE) Universal Studios have pulled off the magic trick of the decade by gaining the rights to create a theme park based on J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter book series. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will be created in Universal's "Islands of Adventure" theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. Completion is expected in 2009.
The announcement is timed to take advantage of this summer's Pottermania. The seventh and final book of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is scheduled for release July 21. The next Harry Potter film, the Warner Brothers feature Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, opens July 11.
The park will offer rides and interactive attractions, as well as shopping and restaurants based on the novels. Expect Universal to put huge money into this development to make it a world-class experience.
WB and Universal are betting that, even though no new HP books will be forthcoming, the product will remain popular. With the continuation of the profitable film series keeping Harry in the public eye, I'll bet demand for the park will still be strong in 2009.
Universal to create Harry Potter theme park
Posted Jun 1st 2007 2:45PM by Tom Barlow
Filed under: General Electric (GE), Time Warner (TWX)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-02-2007 @ 12:32AM
Barbara Vane said...
Can't wait, love Harry Potter. Saw all the movies many, many times and reading all the books. Terrific to have a place to visit like Hogwart's, how exciting.
6-02-2007 @ 9:35PM
another twx share holder said...
I think that a Harry Potter based theme park is a great idea and it will be lots of fun for all ages. There are so many amazing, creative things they can do!
I think also, doing the theme park intimates that they will NOT be killing the Harry Potter character at the end of the series, as seeing his image all over the park,having fun and adventures with people knowing that he will actually be killed in the end would be way too depressing and certainly not condusive to enjoying the park.
So, great idea to make a Harry Potter theme park and here's to a happy ending for Harry too!
7-12-2007 @ 4:13PM
quita said...
I am so excited to hear of Universal's plans to do a Harry Potter-themed park! My 8-year old son was thrilled to hear this! I'm sure Universal will make it a fabulous and unique experience. They've done such a great job with both of their Orlando theme parks - so much so that I believe Disney could learn a few lessons from them.