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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter celebrated its grand opening on Friday, June 18, 2010 with help from some of the Harry Potter movie stars and thousands of excited fans – officially becoming the only place in the world where the adventures of Harry Potter come to life.

In attendance were Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley).

More than five years in the making, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has become the most highly anticipated theme park opening of 2010. Guests can now experience the adventure first-hand in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The spectacularly detailed area, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant – all faithful to the books and films.

“I said right at the beginning, either we do it right or we don’t do it at all,” said J.K. Rowling, author of the widely successful Harry Potter series. “The teams at Universal and Warner Bros. have done it right, so I am so happy.”

Here’s our full video from the front row of the opening celebration.

• For more on the Wizarding World, be sure to get the Summer 2010 issue of Orlando Attractions Magazine.

Photos from Wizarding World’s grand opening

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View photos at SmugMug

Related Posts:

  • Large photo released of Hogwarts Castle at Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Interviews with the Harry Potter movie stars and Wizarding World designers
  • Augmented reality map of Wizarding World of Harry Potter available in ‘USA Today’
  • Harry Potter stars help start opening ceremonies for the Wizarding World
  • Stars in the Parks: ‘Weasley brothers’ return to the Wizarding World one year later
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