IOACentral has some new photos online from Universal Studios, where cryptic signs are appearing on construction walls surrounding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park.

The photos are different from normal promo signs in that they depict no Harry Potter logo. Instead, each sign has two owls, a castle (Hogwarts), and a village (Hogsmeade). Additional photos show that the Enchanted Oak, rumored to be turned into something Potter-related, is already being torn down.

We'll keep you updated! Thanks to Drew for the tip.

Lots of visitors have been emailing in with some new updates concerning the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Florida. Screamscape, a theme park fansite, has this report that talks about the changes:

A new large wall was put up in front of the Dueling Dragons area this week, blocking off all access to The Enchanted Oak, Flying Unicorn, the major restroom facility and the main Dragon’s Keep store area. Dragon’s Keep merchandise has now been shrunk down to work from a merchandise cart by the lockers and is mostly only selling the smaller items. The new bridge across the lagoon to Jurassic Park has now opened and they have staffed (for now) an employee to stand there with a bullhorn telling everyone that the old pathway now dead-ends at Dueling Dragons.

Additionally, our readers may want to be sure they're signed up for Universal's Wizarding World e-mail updates. Word has it that updates are going to start arriving soon!

Theme Park Insider has shown us a new interview they conducted with Steve Jayson, the executive chef at Universal Orlando Studios. Of interest to Potter fans, he talks about what you may be seeing at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park next year:

Jayson confirmed that he and his staff are working on new food service concepts for Universal's Harry Potter land.

"We've visited Scotland to get a real close, personal look at the cuisine that they eat," Jayson said. "We're going to have one restaurant that's going to have a nice selection of items that you would probably expect to see in that vein of cooking, and I think it is going to be great."

It's clear that great research is being conducted by Universal to make sure the Potter experience is authentic as possible.

The other day we told you about the rumor of a mini movie being created by the Potter actors for the Wizarding World theme park.

Today, Warner Brothers responded to our inquiry with the following statement, which appears to also come from Universal:

J.K. Rowling continues to be very supportive and involved with the plans underway for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida.

Contrary to recent press reports, she has not written scripts for any films based on the Harry Potter 'prequel' (recently written and sold for charity) or otherwise, as part of the theme park or any other purpose.

We are working hard to make The Wizarding World of Harry Potter an exciting and authentic experience for all fans and guests. For more information about the park, please visit unversalorlando.com/harrypotter/.

This statement does not necessarily deny the possibility of special videos for the park, so we'll continue to keep you updated! In the mean time, check out all we have on the theme park here!

Earlier we mentioned about rumors pertaining JK Rowling and the new story she has written that is set to become part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter when it opens in late 2009 or early 2010.

MTV now has an article where it speculates on the rumor that a mini movie will be developed, with the help of JK Rowling, as part of the new themed land at Universal Studios in Orlando. In the article, Warner Bros. officials state, "We’re working hard to make the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort an exciting and authentic experience for our guests — but we’re not ready to talk about its development."

However, the article does point out that the likelihood of a story being penned for the Potter theme park is very high since most themed rides or lands almost always include mini-movies.

We'll keep you updated on any further developments regarding this rumor.

The Sunday Mirror reported earlier today that Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has written a story that is set to become a mini-movie used at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter when it opens in late 2009 or early 2010.

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are said to shoot the mini-movie prior to initial filming of Deathly Hallows. The article stated:

"They are also working on extra sequences and clips which will be part of the rides."

Rowling has reportedly been involved throughout the process. Please treat this as a rumor for now as The Mirror is not the most reliable news source.

Over the past few months, we've been updating you on various construction photos from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Today, Screamscape.com has a few new pictures from construction, most notably one of a building from Hogsmeade Village.

We've also received word from a source who tells us that the entire Lost Continent area will close in early 2009 to make way for The Wizarding World. Two places inside Lost Conintent, the Voyage of Sinbad and Dueling Dragons (a show and a ride respectively) will both be kept but converted to Potter.

It's important to take this information with a grain of salt until we get official confirmation, even though rumors have been rampant lately about The Lost Continent's future. Thanks to Trish and Katie for the tips!

Construction continues to make progress at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios, Florida. The last time we updated you, vertical construction had begun on an unknown area of the park. Just two weeks later, we have, well, more basic construction to show you.

However, progress is progress and we look forward to showing you more exciting pictures in the coming months. We'd also like to point out this article from Jim Hill Media, which comments on the rollercoaster war going on between competing theme parks in Orlando. This includes Univeral's Dueling Dragons ride, which is set to be turned into a TriWizard Tournament-themed coaster.

Thanks so much to Jillian for the pics!

Over the past few months we've been bringing you lots of news and pics focusing around Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando.

Thanks to MuggleNet reader Madeleine, we now have in our gallery some photos taken of construction just last week. As you can see, one structure in particular is quickly coming together with steel beams. There is also one wooden wall being built in the middle of the whole work area.

The theme park is still set to open between December 2009 and Spring 2010. We'll continue to update you as we receive more pictures and reports. Thanks again to Madeleine for the pictures!

Over the past few months we've been giving you several Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park updates. Today, Jim Hill Media (a popular theme park insider blog) has some new interesting tidbits concerning JK Rowling's decision to grant the rights, construction, Hagrid's hut, and more:

According to Universal insiders, this bare framework is just the start. In the weeks and months ahead, literally thousands of pieces of metal will be hoisted up & then bolted into place. As a full-sized recreation of Harry Potter's alma mater is built at the southwestern border of IOA's "Jurassic Park" section.

You can read much much more, including a funny story about set designer Stuart Craig, right here. Thanks to Audrey for the tip!

TCPalm.com has a small quote from Universal Orlando Resort President Bill Davis, stating that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter may be opening as early as December 1st, 2009.

As we reported back in August, a NEC filing for the park stated that the earliest it could open is December 15th. This earlier opening may be good news at first sight. However, you may remember a report from Jim Hill Media in November, which won't leave fans as excited. The website suggested that phase one, to be opened in December, "will probably only include Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village." Phase two, which would include the Forbidden Forest and a flying-car attraction, will open in 2010.

Of course, none of this is official yet. Given that the Potter park only has dirt laid on its ground right now, these dates are bound to change. We'll keep you updated! Thanks to Justina for the tip.

Two websites that follow Universal Studios developments have recently updated with new construction photos and information regarding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park.

First, Universal Ignited has three new pictures of construction on their site. While it doesn't show much, we do see that progress in terms of land clearing is being made.

Second, Screamscape has a YouTube video revealing two concept images we saw in the JK Rowling documentary. One, seen left, is the Hogwarts Express on display for visitors. The other appears to be Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley.

We'll continue to bring you updates as construction rolls along. As we reported back in August, the theme park is scheduled to open between December 2009 and June 2010. Thanks to Jerry for the tip!

Thanks to Shelby and Ella for pointing out that Universal Studios has added a poll to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter preview site. The current question asks where you would most enjoy having a refreshment in the park!

To access, click here and then click "Poll" at the top left of the page. As of right now, submitting your answer encourters an error, but we'll keep an eye on it to see if Universal makes a fix.

You can find much more information about the park over in our theme park section of MuggleNet.

Jim Hill Media, a website blog that we should be getting used to hearing from for theme park updates, has a new entry which reveals construction is now underway to prepare the area:

Well, once it's been determined that the Universal Orlando Resort has a level working surface which will actually be to support the weight of this several-hundred-ton structure (Which is quite a concern in sinkhole-prone Central Florida), then construction can then begin in earnest on Hogwarts Castle. With first the footings & foundation work getting underway in January, which will then be followed by vertical construction on this enormous show building in the late Winter / early Spring of next year.

Additional updates and construction photos can be found on Jim Hill Media. As construction moves along, you can be sure to find the latest updates and complete information in the Theme Park section of MuggleNet. Thanks to Sagat31 for the link!

Universal's Harry Potter theme park, set to open in late 2009 or early 2010, will focus heavily on holiday-themed events, particularly at Halloween and Christmas time, according to Jim Hill Media. It is hoped that this "Holidays at Hogwarts" idea will rival Disney World's current dominance during the holiday season.

Promotion for the park is due to begin as early as next year, with television commercials featuring clips from all five of the Potter movies to date.

A recent SEC filing reported by the Orlando Sentinel reveals that Warner Brothers and Universal have an agreement for a targeted release date between December 15th, 2009 and June 30, 2010.

While we're all hoping for a mid-December release, various construction issues could delay the opening all the way until late June. The broad window may be just for safety in case of some unexpected hold ups. We'll keep you updated! Thanks to John for the tip.

NEW PAGE: We have a new area on MuggleNet to hold all of the latest theme park developments. Check it out here!

A news station in Orlando recently filed a report concerning the upcoming Potter World theme park, which clues us in on what may be coming. "Industry insiders" have told Local 6 that the centerpiece attraction in the upcoming Harry Potter theme park will be a "ride in Ron's Flying Car."

Additionally, Universal hints "it may need to retheme the Dueling Dragons and Flying Unicorn roller coasters to become part of Harry Potter's world."

As always, we'll keep you updated on these rumors! Thanks to Hannah and her dad for the tip.

As we first reported the other day, Warner Brothers and Universal have announced plans to build a Harry Potter theme park in Universal Studios Florida. The Sun Sentinel is now reporting that the whole project will cost between $230 and $265 million:

Universal intends to spend $230 million to $265 million to create "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" at Islands of Adventure along with a previously announced Simpsons attraction, according to a filing Thursday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This year alone, the expenditure is expected to reach from $75 million to $85 million, the filing said.

The article includes some more details on the deal as well. Universal must pay Warner Brothers undisclosed licensing fees and the current deal lasts for 10 years (with two optional 5-year extensions).

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Official Concept Art:
Hogwarts | Hogsmeade | Owl's View of Park | Logo

Latest Developments (10 AM EST):
- Official park website now open; visitors can sign up for e-mail updates.
- JK Rowling: "The plans I’ve seen look incredibly exciting, and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed."

Universal Studios and Warner Brothers made a joint announcement this evening from Leavesden Studios on the set of Dumbledore's Office to reveal that a Harry Potter theme park is currently in development. The image to the left is the first piece of concept art for the park: Hogsmeade Village.

Here's what we learned from Potter set designer Stuart Craig and a representative from Universal Studios (both of them hosted the big reveal):

- "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort"
- Announcement was made live via internet at 12:01 AM EST today to select media, including MuggleNet.
- Areas of park to include Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, and the Forbidden Forest.
- 20 engineers working on project.
- Universal came to WB looking for authenticity.
- Potter park to be built in "Islands of Adventure" area of Universal.
- Stuart wants to "take his grandchildren" to the park.
- Opening early 2010.
- Universal's Potter website to be available at this link.
- JK Rowling has been involved "since the very beginning" of the project. Also "supportive and encouraging."
- Stuart thinks that the park will be better off in the United States.
- Have been in design "for at least a year and a half."
- "Important that the theme park represents the entire saga from Book 1 to Book 7"

In a rather cute way to end the announcement, the Universal representative asks Stuart Craig, "Now where's Dumbledore?" Stuart paused for a moment, looked around the office, and replied, "He was just here."

We'll be discussing these developments on this week's episode of MuggleCast (due out over the weekend). This post will be updated frequently as we learn more!

An interesting article has been published by The Scotsman, which quotes several sources believing that a Harry Potter theme park in Universal Studios, Orlando is indeed in the works:

Peter Alexander, a former vice president of Universal Studios and founder of a theme park design consultancy, said: "People keep screeching that it's an entirely separate park, but according to Steve Spielberg, who we talked to about it, he says it's going to be a 'land' within the confines of the existing Islands of Adventure theme park. If it's a 'land' it will cost at the very least $500m."

The article goes on to say that Universal and JK Rowling "are agreed on the principle of the mini-park, but are still hammering out the details of a settlement." Once plans are finalized, The Scotsman says the park could be built within 18 months.

We'll keep you updated as more details emerge, but keep in mind that nothing has been confirmed yet.