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We previously told you that Universal Studios Hollywood announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming to Hollywood.  We’ve been sent a video that includes the highlights from Universal Hollywood’s announcement.  It includes James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley).

Thanks to Universal Studios Hollywood!

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Universal Studios Hollywood confirmed our earlier report that Hogwarts is coming to Hollywood! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is expected to open some time in 2015.

They also let us know that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando will have a significant expansion.

Here is their press release!

HOGWARTS IS COMING TO HOLLYWOOD!

Warner Bros. and Universal Parks and Resorts to bring

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood

Significant Expansion Also Planned for

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Hollywood, CA (Dec. 6, 2011) – Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today announced a partnership to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the enormously popular themed entertainment environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The two companies also announced their plans to significantly expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.

“I am delighted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been so popular with fans since the opening in Orlando last year and I am sure that the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. will bring their expertise and attention to detail to Hollywood to make this new experience equally as exciting,” said J.K. Rowling.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened in June 2010 and immediately captured global attention.  It is a spectacularly themed land that includes Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions.  Specific details of its expansion will be announced over time.

“The announcement of our partnership with Universal to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood and expand what already exists in Orlando is probably the best holiday gift we could give to the legions of Harry Potter fans worldwide,” said Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros.  “Everyone involved with these projects is committed to continuing the enchantment of J.K. Rowling’s masterful books as they were brought to life on screen in our eight films and dedicated to extending the magic of the experience for generations of fans to come.”

“This is an incredible moment for Universal Studios and the millions of guests who visit our theme parks,” said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios.  “The Harry Potter stories are some of the most powerful of our time and we are honored to expand our Orlando experience and bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood, forever changing family tourism in Los Angeles.”

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an entirely new level of themed entertainment that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in incredible ways,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts.  “We are thrilled to be able to share this experience with our guests in Hollywood.  And we are thrilled to take what has been created in Orlando to even greater levels.” 

Thanks to Universal Studios Hollywood for letting us know!

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The LA Times are reporting that Universal Studios Hollywood are planning on bringing Hogwarts to the US west coast!  According to the report, a source told them that a contract between Comcast Corp.-owned Universal and Warner Bros. should be complete within the next few weeks to start on the new theme park in Los Angeles.

Apparently Disney was also in talks to have their own Harry Potter theme park at  Disneyland in Anaheim, California, but Universal Studios ended up with the deal because of their success with their Orlando property.

The Wall Street Journal are also reporting that the park will have the Hogwarts castle, restaurants (including the Hog’s Head), and roller coasters.

The new attraction is expected to open at Universal Studios Hollywood no earlier than 2015.

Of course, this will be great for fans who live on the west coast and are unable to make it across the country to Florida.

We’ll keep you updated on any new developments.

Source: Hypable

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Warner Bros have provided us with a video that includes highlights from the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 DVD/Blu-ray release celebration at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando that took place this past weekend.  The video includes quick clips with many of the stars, including Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Warwick Davis (Griphook/Professor Flitwick), producer David Heyman, and director David Yates.

You can order the U.S version from Amazon at the following links (released November 11th):

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (+ UltraViolet Digital Copy)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (Movie-Only Edition + UltraViolet Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + UltraViolet Digital Copy)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 DVD

You can pre-order the UK version from Amazon at the following links (release date December 2nd):

• Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)[Region Free]
• Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 – Triple Play (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) [Region Free]
• Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 DVD

Thanks to WB!

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 We previously reported that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Orlando, are holding a special event from November 11 – 13 to help celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 that will include some of the crew and stars from the film; and that Eonline would have a livestream  of everyone on the red carpet.   

Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), who are among the cast and crew attending the event, gave Eonline’s Ben Lyon a tour of the theme park and the inside of Hogwarts castle where they rode the broomstick ride.  Click here to see the full photo of them taking a butterbeer break at the Three Broomsticks.

Ah, brings back memories of my birthday trip there last month.

Here is the video of their tour:

Click here to watch the livestream which can still be seen on Eonline.

Source:  Snitchseeker

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Harry Potter fans in the U.S. will get an extra treat this Thanksgiving.  A 30-minute documentary on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will air on CNBC on Thursday, November 24th, at 10 p.m. ET.

The show, called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Revealed, includes interviews and more.

Hear from the filmmakers and stars of the Harry Potter movies as they take you behind the scenes of the creation of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Get a peek at all the amazing rides and attractions that bring the world of Harry Potter and his friends to life.

Check your local listings for correct times and channels.  And, as it airs a bit late, and it’s Thanksgiving, you may want to set your DVRs because the turkey may not let you stay up late.

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We previously told you that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Orlando, are holding a special event from November 11 – 13 to help celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 that will include some of the crew and stars from the film.

Now E! have announced that they will have a live stream of the event on Saturday, November 12 beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m PT.  They’re calling it Live From the Red Carpet: The Ultimate Harry Potter Fan Party and the stars expected to be in attendance include Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), and director David Yates.

So, make sure to tune into E! Online for the live stream!

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For those who have had the chance to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida, and ride the Dragon Challenge, make sure to keep those memories.  The roller coaster, which has two coasters that would launch at the same time and, in the middle of a loop, the riders feet would come within 18 inches of each other, will no longer launch both roller coasters together.

Due to two unfortunate accidents over the summer, one in which a rider ended up losing an eye due to flying debris, the two coasters will launch separate from each other.

“We believe this is the best path forward for our guests and for the attraction,” Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said of the decision to permanently alter Dragon Challenge.

The ride, which was originally called Dueling Dragons prior to the opening of Wizarding World, has been active for 19 years and draws a huge crowd.  But, after an internal investigation, it was decided that it was safer for the guests to no longer allow the rides to launch simultaneously.  Although riders are told to secure all loose items, sometimes people don’t necessarily follow the rules, or items still become dislodged, which becomes very dangerous for everyone on board.

However, if you do happen to visit WWoHP and ride the Dragon Challenge, it’s still a very fun ride even without the same start time.  Just make sure that all of your items are stored away and won’t come loose!

Stay safe and have fun!

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It’s been conformed by fansite RG.us that Rupert Grint, who portrays Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films, will attend the Wizarding World of Harry Potter event taking place November 11 -13, 2011.  The event celebrates the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and will include opportunities for guests to meet with some of the Harry Potter stars.

You can find out more about the event and the different packages being offered here.

There is also a sweepstakes taking place for an opportunity to win a trip there. Find out more here!

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Warner Bros Insider Rewards program has started a sweepstakes that offers a lucky fan to win a chance to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, to help celebrate the release of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 on DVD and Blu-ray.

The contest started today and will end on October 13, 2011.

The lucky winner will get a 3-day vacation package for 4 to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and also get a chance to meet the cast and filmmakers in attendance.  It includes 3-night hotel accommodations, 3-day admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks, airfare, complete Harry Potter Blu-ray collection, one reservation per person to one in-park cast member Q&A and one in-park cast member autograph session.  Plus, admission to the nighttime gala event on Saturday and Sunday night, November 12 and 13!

The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 US states and DC who are 13 years and older.  You can see all the rules here.

So, don’t wait!  Go enter here!

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