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Exclusive interview with the art director of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

We were able to talk with Alan Gilmore, the art director for two Harry Potter films and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, during the Entertainment Designers Forum last night. As you’ll hear in our video below, he tells a few tidbits about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure that…

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Last chance to meet the 'Up' characters before Lotso arrives at Hollywood Studios

You have a couple of more days to meet and greet Russell, Carl and Dug from the movie Up inside the Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They’ll be heading back to Paradise Falls on May 1. But a character from the upcoming Toy Story 3 movie will be taking their place.

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Retro Orlando: New column takes a look at Disney's Monster Sound Show

By Audrey M. Brown For the first Retro Orlando column, let’s take a look back at “Monster Sound Show,” an attraction that no longer exists at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In fact, when it did exist (1989-1997), Disney’s Hollywood Studios was still Disney-MGM Studios. Theme parks are mysterious organisms that usually have good reasons for making…

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Talk to top theme park designers for a good cause – plus rare items auction

If you’re interested in how the creative ideas for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Halloween Horror Nights and other theme park attractions are created, you’ll want to attend the Entertainment Designer Forum this Friday night. And you’ll be helping a good cause as well. Billed as an evening with top designers in the entertainment…

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Writer describes new Harry Potter ride as 'Spiderman meets Soarin'' – Ride's length given

An article by Lisa Oppenheimer in the May edition of AAA Car & Travel reveals some new information about the new Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure. The story gives the length of the ride (four minutes) and tells other details such the…

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Video: Movie makers discuss bringing the Wizarding World to life at Islands of Adventure

Universal just released a new video in which the film makers and actors discuss the challenges and attention to detail needed to bring Harry Potter’s world to life at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. In the video below you’ll hear from Production Designer Stuart Craig, actress Emma Watson, Producer David Heyman, Producer David Barron and actor…

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Video tour of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey queue – First look at Hogwarts' founders

Universal has released a new video featuring Mark Woodbury, president of Universal creative, talking about and showing off parts of the queue for the new Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. You’ll see the Portrait Gallery room with the first ever look…

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Stars in the Parks: Mariah Carey in front of Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster

Singer and actress Mariah Carey looks calm and confident in front of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios. Carey spent vacation time this week at both of Universal Orlando’s theme parks while her husband, actor and comedian Nick Cannon, filmed season five of the NBC television show, “America’s Got Talent” at…

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Photos/Video: Fairy House contest winner honored in a special ceremony at Epcot

This past Saturday, Disney Online announced the winner of its “Design a Fairy House Art Contest,” which ran in February on the online world for girls, Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow (www.PixieHollow.com). The winning fairy house design, inspired by 15-year-old Zoe Periale from Frazier Park, Calif., was revealed during a special ceremony in the Pixie Hollow…

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TV shows offer a look into many of the Wizarding World stores and rides

An authentic replica from the Harry Potter films, guests will pass by Hagrid’s hut on their way to the Flight of the Hippogriff family-friendly roller coaster. Just before they board, Hagrid instructs guests on how to properly approach and fly on a Hippogriff. Hagrid’s hut will be seen as part of a feature about The…