Credit: Universal Studios JapanThree more Harry Potter rides are on the way – but probably not where you think.
JK Rowling may have made the Harry Potter fandom a controversial place in recent years, but the franchise remains hugely popular in theme parks worldwide. Universal first struck gold with the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure, transforming the theme park industry with its hyper-immersive design and storytelling (and arguably changing the theme park game forever).
Other versions of Hogsmeade have opened up in Japan, Beijing, and Hollywood over the years, giving guests the opportunity to experience Hogwarts Castle and the famous Three Broomsticks pub, as seen in the franchise. Just a few years later, Universal doubled down on the magic. Diagon Alley opened at Universal Studios Florida, introducing a unique park-to-park experience via the Hogwarts Express. Fans could sip Butterbeer in Hogsmeade, then hop a train to shop for wands and escape from Gringotts in London – all in a single day.
Earlier this year, Epic Universe expanded the wizarding footprint even further. Its new land, Ministry of Magic, blends iconic elements from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts into one lavish experience. Anchored by the headliner attraction, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – which has generated rave reviews and multi-hour wait times – the land offers guests an all-new magical world to explore.
Now, another Harry Potter theme park land is on the way – but for once, it’s not at Universal Studios.
Brand-New ‘Harry Potter’ Land On The Way
As previously reported, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is set to introduce its own take on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While we still don’t have an opening timeframe for the attraction, we do know that, like the rest of the theme park, it will be entirely indoors. It will join attractions inspired by the likes of DC Comics, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, and Scooby Doo, all sat beneath an artificial sky that evolves throughout the day.
We now have an update on what guests can expect within the Harry Potter area.
According to MEED, the land will contain three rides. Notably, these rides won’t take inspiration from the likes of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts, or Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. As Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi isn’t owned by Universal, it won’t be able to use any of the ride designs utilized by the latter’s parks.
That means we’re getting three brand-new experiences set within the Wizarding World. MEED reports that Egis is overseeing the design of the project, which will span nine acres and also include retail and dining outlets.
Florida 2.0
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The area has received plenty of attention from theme park fans in recent years as it tries to establish itself as a theme park hotspot, à la Orlando. In addition to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the area currently consists of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (which features the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa) and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (which distinguishes itself from its counterparts in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio by being free of orcas).
In the coming years, the land will also incorporate its most-hyped addition yet: Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
As Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed earlier this year, developer Miral will operate the theme park via a licensing agreement, similar to the setup between The Walt Disney Company and Tokyo Disney Resort owner The Oriental Land Company.
Little is known about the theme park’s contents just yet, but Iger promised that it will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati” (a tagline recycled from the construction period of Shanghai Disneyland).
Like all of the theme parks on Yas Island, Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be an entirely indoor experience. That marks a first for Disney’s theme parks, but it is an entirely necessary move considering the high temperatures in the UAE, where a summer day often exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” Iger said. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways.”
With Disney, SeaWorld, and a Harry Potter destination under its belt, it’s hard to ignore Abu Dhabi’s growing ambitions on the global theme park scene. However, the decision to add new Disney and Harry Potter attractions to Abu Dhabi has also drawn criticism from some theme park fans in recent months.
Are you excited for the new Harry Potter theme park land?