Video + Photos: Inside the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction at Universal Orlando

in Television, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando

Until today, little was known about the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction that is part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

Here’s a video released by Universal Orlando today detailing many aspects of the attraction, with a sneak peek inside:

The photo below has now been released from within Universal’s enormous recreation of Hogwarts Castle, home to the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. The photo depicts what appear to be hundreds of floating candles and will be featured in the Room of Requirement.

If you look carefully at the photo (click to enlarge), you’ll notice that well-placed mirrors on the left side (and in the distance) create the illusion that the room is much larger than it actually is – and that there are hundreds more candles than there really are.

This screen shot from the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride shows Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) riding a broom through a Quidditch game.

Seen here is a hall of moving portraits, some of which will interact with guests.

More details from and locations found within Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction:

  • Dumbledore’s office: Here, you meet the Headmaster as he welcomes you to Hogwarts
  • Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom: Where you first meet Harry, Ron and Hermione
  • Gryffindor common room: You meet three additional characters who prepare you for your journey
  • Room of Requirement: Here, with hundreds of floating candles above, you take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey
  • Other locations: In addition, guests will pass through the Dungeon passageway and hallways of Hogwarts where they will have the chance to see hundreds of wizard portraits from the films, including several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four founders of Hogwarts. Guests will even get a glimpse of the Sorting Hat.

    Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Quick Facts
  • Storyline: As you venture through Hogwarts, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice you travel by Floo powder, and begin your adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
  • First-ever combination of advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking
  • Award-winning composer John Williams oversaw the creation of the attraction’s score
  • The queue includes the following Harry Potter book and film elements: Headmaster Dumbledore’s office, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor common room, Room of Requirement, and the greenhouse; talking portraits including the Fat Lady and the never-before-seen four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw; the Sorting Hat, the One-Eyed Witch statue and the Mirror of Erised
  • Duration of ride: The full attraction experience, including the queue, takes about an hour
  • Number of scenes in the attraction: 12
  • Characters (featuring Harry Potter film talent): Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy
  • You may also catch a glimpse of Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom

    And here is a CG fly-through of Hogsmeade Village that is also part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will hold its grand opening at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure theme park on June 18, 2010.

    (Photo credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort.)

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