In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, twins Fred and George Weasley (older brothers to Ron and Ginny) open their joke shop after dropping out of Hogwarts in spectacular fashion.
They were able secure a space in Diagon Alley and stock the shop thanks to an investment from Harry Potter, who gave them his winnings for the Tri-Wizard Tournament at the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: "Listen, if you [Fred and George] don't take it, I'm throwing it down the drain. I don't want it and I don't need it. But I could do with a few laughs. We could all do with a few laughs. I've got a feeling we're going to need them more than usual before long."
At the Harry Potter Celebration at Universal Orlando Resort this January, James and Oliver Phelps, who played Fred and George Weasley in the films, introduced some of the items that will be on sale at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes when it opens at Universal Studios Florida, including Decoy Detonators, Nose-Biting Teacups, and Skiving Snackboxes.
This collection of Fainting Fancies, Puking Pastilles, Nosebleed Nougat and Fever Fudge is designed to help Hogwarts students fake their way out of classes. Eat one side of each candy, and you get sick. Eat the other side, and you'll feel better. The Phelps brothers talked about them at the event: "Can I start and say they won't make you sick...unless you quite eat a LOT and go on the Forbidden Journey or something. It's kind of...whenever we speak to anyone about the Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes Joke Shop...they always say I wish I could have a snack box…. As you can see they are pretty authentic looking. Um, so I can't wait to...I am strangely intrigued to see what the Puking Pastilles taste like. Also these were...our favorite props from the whole movie. So when we learned earlier that these were going to be available we were really excited."
Don't forget that Universal's also working on next-generation interactive wands that will trigger magical effects within Diagon Alley. Perhaps those might be available this summer in Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes? And maybe they will trigger some special effects inside the store, too?
What are you most looking forward to seeing or buying in Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes at Universal Studios Florida?
Previously:
I tried in the update yesterday to discourage reading too much into the Today show live filming cancelation. Having worked in the news business, I know how iffy remote shoots are until the moment that they actually happen. I wouldn't be surprised to see something from Universal on the show tomorrow. I wouldn't be surprised not to see something, either.
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