Harry Potter Theme Park to Open in 2010

Via The Leaky Cauldron comes the news that Universal Orlando is planning to open a Harry Potter Theme Park in 2010. Get ready to be separated from your gold, Muggles!

According to TLC, the park will be more than 22 acres and between current Jurassic Park Lost Continent area and "Dueling Dragons" roller coaster. It will begin at an entryway to Hogsmeade, inside of which will be the Hogwarts Express.

Ollivander's Wand Shop will be recreated, featuring "thousands" of dusty boxes lining the shelves and an interactive experience where guests have a wand choose them. Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods will be inside the Hogwarts Castle, and contain Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, including Omnioculars and remote control Golden Snitches.

A new ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, will travel through the insides of Hogwarts, sweeping up through the castle. The story of the ride is original to the park.

The entry gates that were in the sixth film will be recreated outside the castle structure in the park.

On the sides of the Hogsmeade street will be Honeydukes Sweet Shop, Dervish and Banges, and Zonko's Joke Shop. Sweets will be sold in Honeydukes; Dervish and Banges will have items like Remembralls, SpectreSpecs, etc.

The Three Broomsticks and Hogs Head will feature "authentic" fare--including butterbeer and pumpkin juice--in a medieval setting.

The Owlery will feature owls resting on rafters, and will provide a calm environment to take a break from the rest of the action. Also "owls" will be sent out using an official postmark only available at the park.

The current Dueling Dragons ride will now be the Dragon Challenge, where you can choose between a Chinese Fireball and Hungarian Horntail.

Another ride, the Flying Hippogriff (probably a reinvention of the flying unicorn that was at the park) will be framed around a Care of Magical Creatures Class. Hagrid will instruct riders on the proper handling of a hippogriff.

Art director Alan Gilmore said the park will be a "completely immersive environment, "completely faithful" to books and films."

According to the NY Times the park is estimated to cost about $265 million to produce.

First thing I thought when I watched the video and saw the pictures? Getting dressed up in costumes and filming fanfic movies in the streets! I'm sure someone will.

Also: people, yes. Ollivander's is in Diagon Alley, not Hogsmeade. Let it go. Let it go.