Wizarding World of Harry Potter to be open May 28

February 18, 2010, 10:12 AM · Word's breaking that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure theme park on May 28.

I've gotten the word from a couple of sources, and a new vacation package that Universal's promoting for Harry Potter says that the offer is good for stays starting May 28.

That's the Friday that kicks off the Memorial Day weekend in the United States, which is a traditional opening date for theme park attractions in Orlando and Southern California. (Regional theme parks tend to debut their new rides when the park opens for the season.)

Keep in mind that this is the date when Universal's taking reservations for travel packages. I wouldn't be surprised to see the new land open before that date, at least on a "soft opening" basis. Universal previously announced that the new Harry Potter land would be open to at least walk through during Grad Nights in late April.

Update: Universal's really trying hard to cook some waffle into that opening date: From its press release:

The May 28 travel date was set to help consumers with vacation planning and does not represent the opening date for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal has announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in Spring 2010. Specific opening information will come as soon as it is available.

I read that as it'll be open on May 28, but might be open sooner.

Replies (14)

February 18, 2010 at 10:37 AM · Interesting!

I guess Spring Breakers will not get much except a Soft Opening!

February 18, 2010 at 10:40 AM · I wouldn't be surprised to see the new land open before that date, at least on a "soft opening" basis.

And I wouldn't be surprised to see the new land open later than that date. Universal's record ain't exactly pristine in terms of deadlines, and I hope it is ready if only to avoid throngs of angry people.

Good luck to Universal with that.

February 18, 2010 at 1:04 PM · Holidaying in Orlando in Early May from the UK, was hoping to at least have a look around, would be gutted as it may be a long time before i can afford to holiday there again. Come on Universal, get your finger out!!!!!!
February 18, 2010 at 1:27 PM · they will be done, i was there in nov. and it was nearly done then, plus im pretty sure universal has learned its lesson after rip ride rockit. that being said, memorial days is going to be jam packed, i would wait till early november or december to visit, good weather and small lines.

word-a-cadabra!!!!!!!

February 18, 2010 at 4:03 PM · RRR still isn't running to capacity, Luis. Maurer Söhne X-Coasters have a real bad track record in the States, ask folks living near Magic Springs in Arkansas - their X-Coaster has been closed so long most folks just think it's a prop...

Anyway, I am glad I did not push the button on adding USO to my Orlando vacation plans in mid-May. I likely would have missed Harry Potter by two weeks!

Will visit either in September or next May depending on how well things go from a technical standpoint.

I honestly cannot wait. I think the new attraction (Forbidden Journey) is going to set a brand new standard just like Spider-Man did years ago....

February 18, 2010 at 4:36 PM · Hello, I received the email directly from Universal about the special package. I had my hotel booked for March/April and upon hearing the news, I canceled my reservation.
I can't take the chance of going down to Orlando and not have it open. Too bad.
February 18, 2010 at 5:00 PM · think with your dip stick jimmy!!!!!

RRR's problems have more to do with the crappy company that designed the coaster, than universal. plus im sure they will have that land open by the end of april if they are officially openining end of may.

i hope they get maggie smith to be a castmember!!!!!

WORDWORDWORDWORDWORDWORD!!!!!

February 18, 2010 at 5:25 PM · However, you have to blame Universal for contracting with Maurer Söhne when they could have picked someone with a better (no pun intended) track record like B&M or Intamin.

Still, it is the manufacturer's fault that they could not deliver the goods. Hence my comment that Maurer Söhne X-Coasters [suck].

I think we are in violent agreement, Loooooooo-ie!!!!

KA-CHOW!!!!!

February 18, 2010 at 6:10 PM · As an Orlando native and theme park employee I know lots of people getting jobs over at the Potterland. Whispers of a Potter quiz have been circling around from applicants. Some believe that the better you do on the test, the more 'front line' position you may be qualified for. But with staff falling in place it probably will not be much longer before some soft opening occurs!
February 18, 2010 at 10:18 PM · We did learn one more new thing today: according to the 2010 IOA Online Brochure, the minimum height requirement for the new Forbidden Journey attraction is 48". And I quote: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - Make your way through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts, then soar above the castle on this groundbreaking ride that lets you join Harry Potter and his friends on a thrilling adventure. Must be at least 48”.
February 19, 2010 at 12:46 AM · Must be at least 48"? Thank God. That irritating house-elf Dobby won't be in line.

Damn, I need a catchphrase like Luis...

Catch you on the flip side of water.

February 19, 2010 at 12:56 AM · This sounds so amazing and I love how it's opening on my birthday!!
February 19, 2010 at 9:50 AM · I really think it's going to open by the beginning of May. Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of summer, when the mad rush to Orlando begins, and Universal is really trying hard to pull visitors away from Disney.

That's why the new vacation package is available starting May 28th. They want to concentrate on getting those summer vacationers.

February 21, 2010 at 10:51 AM · we have spent thosands to come over for easter which is your spring break and it is surpossed to open then

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