New Harry Potter Theme Park Announced, Not Owned by Universal

A new Harry Potter theme park is on the way, but it’s not owned by Universal Destinations & Experiences. The Comcast-owned company currently operates six Wizarding World lands at Universal Orlando Resort (including Universal Epic Universe, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida), Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, and Universal Studios Beijing.

Warner Bros. and J.K. Rowling have ramped up Wizarding World-inspired experiences around the globe in recent years, from the original Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter to “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” on the West End in Broadway.

Permanent flagship stores now call New York City, Chicago, London, and Tokyo home, while traveling exhibits like “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” and “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” bring the magic to fans across the United States. However, until recently, Universal had exclusive theme park rights to the fantasy franchise.

Soon, fans will be able to step into Hogsmeade and Hogwarts in even more theme parks around the world. Warner Bros. has already announced plans to build a “Potter” land in its Warner Bros. World theme park in Abu Dhabi. Now, another non-Universal theme park is dipping its toes into the Wizarding World phenomenon.

LEGO Harry Potter Land

On Monday, Merlin Entertainments and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences announced that they are collaborating to bring Harry, Hermione, Ron, and friends to LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort in Germany. For the first time, the wildly successful LEGO Harry Potter toys and video games will come to life at the European theme park.

The expansion will include an all-new land and the first-ever Harry Potter-themed hotel rooms. Universal has never built a Wizarding World resort.

LEGOLAND hasn’t shared much else about the LEGO Harry Potter theme park land and hotel, but said that more details will be made public within the next 12 months. Initial concept art just features the iconic LEGO characters and a tagline: “A magical new land is in the making.”

“Partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences is the ultimate showcase of what we do best – transforming the world’s most iconic brands into memorable, immersive experiences for millions of guests,” said Fiona Eastwood, Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Entertainments.

“Our longstanding partnership with the LEGO Group has already delivered joyful moments of play for families, and now, by bringing the wizarding world to life in brick form at LEGOLAND, we’re raising the bar for creativity and innovation like never before.”

“We’re incredibly excited to unveil LEGO Harry Potter on an epic scale, as we accelerate the growth of LEGOLAND Resorts and elevate them into world-class destinations,” she continued.

“This partnership launches at our Resort in Germany and marks Merlin’s largest-ever single investment into an existing site, reflecting our strategy to prioritise locations with the greatest growth potential. I can’t wait to see our brilliant creative teams come together to bring this magical new land to life, enchanting fans with spellbinding adventures and iconic characters.”

Peter van Roden, Executive Vice President of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, also released a statement:

“Working alongside Merlin Entertainments and the LEGO Group over the years has always led to unforgettable and unique experiences for fans and we are thrilled to extend the partnership with one of our most beloved franchises. We are always looking for new ways for the millions of Harry Potter fans around the world to extend the magic and further connect with the iconic films. This new destination will allow fans to step into in the familiar LEGO Harry Potter aesthetic they have been constructing for years and physically experience the wizarding world like never before.”

More Wizarding World Parks Coming Soon?

LEGOLAND operates 12 theme parks worldwide, including three in the United States: California, New York, and Florida. It’s unclear whether the company would be allowed to bring a Harry Potter-themed land and/or hotel to any of those destinations under Warner Bros.’ existing contract with Universal.

Universal and Comcast do not operate any parks or resort destinations in Germany, meaning that the new LEGO Harry Potter land does not threaten an existing property in the country.

Should a LEGO Harry Potter theme park come to the United States? Share your opinion with Inside the Magic in the comments!