Universal Orlando has been quietly working on the second phase of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, and today we’re learning more about what to expect when you ride the real Hogwarts Express.
We’ve known for some time that Universal’s Islands of Adventure is working on a real Hogwarts Express train to connect their existing Harry Potter area with a brand new, London/Diagon Alley-themed one at sister park Universal Studios. Up until now we weren’t sure exactly how Universal will entertain passengers on the train ride.
MiceChat writes, “the train will be an immersive experience hauling you between London and Hogwarts. You’ll encounter students on the train and see elements of the Potter world play out in front of you through the windows of the train (such as the Weasley’s flying car and a Dementor attack). Rides will offer variation, so if you make the trip between the parks more than once, you won’t experience the same exact story.”
We imagine that Universal may employ some of the technology they use on their King Kong 360 3-D ride at Universal Hollywood which surrounds you with screens to make you feel like you’re in a completely different environment. It looks like Universal is hoping to use scenes that happened on the train in the film on the park ride.
Last month we shared some physical evidence of Universal’s London-themed Wizarding World project. Diagon Alley is expected to have a Gringotts thrill ride, a new restaurant, and several shops. It is likely to open in 2014 or 2015. Meanwhile, Universal is working on Wizarding World lands at their Hollywood and Japan locations.
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