Potter: LA Wizarding World Update, Gringotts Ride in Florida Story Details

All we've been hearing about is Florida's Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion and even some bits about the Japan branch, so it's nice to finally get some new info on the upcoming Los Angeles theme park. It is very vague news from art director on the theme park franchise Alan Gilmore:

I'm sure this has been keeping you plenty busy, but I am curious, do you consult at all with the Los Angeles Wizarding World they're making?
Gilmore: You know what? That's my next project. I'm actually going up there very, very soon. I'm already working on it, and we've started designing and developing. It's going to be very exciting. The setting in Los Angeles is beautiful on the mountainside. America will be getting another capital very soon, and a very beautiful capital at that.

There are a lot of curiosities about how similar or not similar it will be to what we have in Florida. Anything you can say about that?
Gilmore: It will have a few new special ingredients. We're trying to, again, improve and tell the same story, but tell it in a different way so that each park is a slightly different guest experience. We've learned a lot from the original Hogsmeade. So we're going to make it very cool. It will be great when it's open.

In Diagon Alley Escape from Gringotts  ride news, some character and story information:

"I actually got to direct those scenes for this new Universal Orlando attraction in December of 2012. And it was obvious that the cast members who came back to be part of the Gringotts shoot really enjoyed the opportunity to revisit these characters," Coup said during a phone interview yesterday. "I mean, these performers had spent so many years working together on that acclaimed series of films. So it was clear that they really appreciated this opportunity to revisit the world of Harry Potter. Getting the chance to portray these iconic characters one more time."

"J.K. Rowling actually gave us a lot of creative leeway when it came to 'Escape from Gringotts.' You see, the story that we wanted to tell with this Universal Orlando attraction kind of ran concurrently with the events which occurred during 'Deathly Hallows,' " Coup explained. "You see, our Guests just happen to be at Gringotts Wizarding Bank opening a new account on the exact same day that Harry, Ron & Hermione are trying to break into Bellatrix Lestrange's vault to retrieve a horcrux."

[The guest's] mine car is on a track which parallels the path of Potter's just as Harry, Ron, Hermoine & Griphook the goblin pass through Thief's Downfall. Which is this enchanted waterfall that Gringotts put in place to wash away any concealment spells & enchantment charms that would-be thieves might use in their attempt to break into one of the bank's vaults.

But that's nothing compared to what happens when Bellatrix Lestrange & He Who Must Not Be Named, Lord Voldemort arrive on the scene and are determined to do whatever they have to in order to protect that horcrux.

"Which I know is a departure from 'The Deathly Hallows - Part 2' movie. J.K. Rowling certainly didn't mention Bellatrix & Voldemort being on scene this early as part of the 'Deathly Hallows' book. But given that this action is happening away from where Harry, Ron & Hermione are ... Well, J.K. actually gave us permission to include these scenes as part of our attraction because they could have possibly been going on while Harry, Ron & Hermoine were in the Lestrange vault retrieving that horrcux," Thierry stated.

"Don't get me wrong. Harry Potter fans really seem to love 'Forbidden Journey.' But the one complaint which we kept getting from our Guests about that Wizarding World attraction was that they weren't getting enough time with their favorite characters. That -- because 'Forbidden Journey' is really kind of a Harry Potter highlight reel -- we kept moving quickly from character to character, from place to place," Coup continued. "Which is why -- with 'Escape from Gringotts' -- we decided to confine this attraction to one specific place. Give our Guests lots of face time with some of the most famous characters from the Harry Potter world. Not to mention placing them right in the middle of one of the more exciting moments from both the books & the film series."

Potter: EXCITING Diagon Alley Gringotts Ride and Shops Updates

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park have contacted us to let us know some more info on the ride updates on the Escape From Gringotts ride that will be part of the new Diagon Alley section of the park, due to open (the exact date will be revealed this month) next month.

Enter Gringotts™ bank at the far end of Diagon Alley™ and walk through the grand marble lobby where you'll see goblins hard at work. Then, get ready to take a journey through the cavernous passageways that lead deep underground as you climb aboard this mind-blowing new 3D ride.

But beware—the vaults can be perilous, and you may even come face‑to‑face with dangerous creatures and menacing villains.


We revealed previously a video preview and here's another:


It has also been revealed that although the ride is to feature the trio (Harry, Ron and Hermione) Daniel Radcliffe is not involved:

“I know nothing about that,” he says. “They may very well be using existing footage that we’d already filmed for the movies, but I have had no calls or involvement in that. A while ago they asked me to do more stuff for the theme park, and that was my moment to try and draw a line because that theme park is going to keep expanding, and keep going to more countries, and there’s going to come a point where I’m going to be 30 years old, and if I was still doing that then, that would be a huge problem.”

He adds, “I wish them all the luck in the world and I genuinely think that what they did with the theme park in Florida is fantastic, and they really did a great job.” 

A short video on the shopfronts of the street has also become available:


There are now some screencaps and other images in our gallery.

Potter: Diagon Alley: More Concrete Opening Date Info -Win Tickets, First look Gringotts, Hogwarts Express and London Facade

With the imminent approach of the Diagon Alley Florida opening (at the Wizarding World of harry Potter Theme Park of course) more and more about it starts to surface. Loews Hotels Chairman Jonathan Tisch has revealed a "mid-June" opening.

Firstly some concept design of the Hogwarts express ride has been revealed including which shows us Carkitt Market, London and new angles of the London facade and waterfront as part of the design. Some Cornish Pixies have also popped up in front of Madam Puddifoots Tea Shop at the theme park. Images are in the gallery.

A preview video, including interviews with Dale Mason, VP of Creative Design, and Thierry Coup, SVP, Creative Studio, Universal Parks & Resorts is below:



All Around Orlando also has a video of the construction so far of the London Façade:







The Today Show are giving away Grand Opening Tickets with clues beginning May 13th, details below:

STARTING MAY 13TH
Enter here and you could win a trip to Universal Orlando® Resort to be a part of The Grand Opening Celebration at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™. Universal Orlando

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Answer does not affect chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Open only to permanent, legal U.S. residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older as of the beginning of the Sweepstakes Period. Sweepstakes runs from 5/13/14 at 8:00:00 A.M. ET to 5/19/14 at 7:59:59 A.M. ET. Limit one (1) entry per person/email address/day. Prize restrictions apply. To enter, and for full Official Rules and prize details, go to http://www.today.com/sweepstakes. HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s14)
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2014 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

PRIZE: There will be twenty five ( 25 ) prizes awarded (“Prize” or “Prizes” ) with one (1) Prize to each Winner . Each Prize will consist of the following: a trip for the W inner and up to three (3) guests (“ Guest” or “Guests”) to Orlando, Florida (“Trip”) for the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley ™ at Universal Studios Florida® (“ Grand Opening ”) . Trip consists of the following elements: roundtrip coach class air transportation for Winner and up to three (3) Guests from a major commercial airport near Winner’s residence (as determined in Prize Provider’s sole discretion) to Orlando, Florida ; standard hotel accommodations for three (3) consecutive nights (single room/ quadruple occupancy /room and tax only ) (“Hotel”) ; 3 the opportunity for Winner and up to three (3) Guests to attend a live broadcast of the TODAY Show, scheduled to take place during the Grand Opening (“ Broadcast”) ; 3 Park Unlimited P ***** to Universal Studios Florida®, Universal's Islands of Adventure® and Wet 'n Wild® for Winner and up to three (3) Guests ; non - exclusive ground transportation between the parks and Hotel for Winner and up to three (3) Guests ; Blue Man Group tickets for Winner and up to three (3) Guests , for a date and time as determined by Prize Provider in its sole discretion; Universal Express Passes for Winner and up to three (3) Guests ; and roundtrip ground transportation between Orlando - area airport and Hotel for Winner and up to three (3) Guests . Prize is subject to certain terms and restrictions, as specified by issuer. Winners and Guest s must be able to travel during a specified travel period to coincide with the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios Florida® , as determined by Prize Provider in its sole discretion . Winners will be notified in May 2014 of the exact dates of the travel period. If a W inner is unable to travel during the specified travel period, prize will be forfeited. If Winner is under twenty - one (21) years of age, then at least one (1) of his/her Guests must be twenty - one (21) years of age or older in order to check into Hotel .

The show also revealed a first look video from Gringotts:







And another first look at Gringotts is below:

UPDATED: Potter: Diagon Alley Exclusive for WWOHP Con Attendees,USPS-Vote for Stamps & More

In Potter related news, it's being reported that attendees of the upcoming Celebration of Harry Potter convention to be held at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park will "be the first to hear exclusive news about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™." 

As always we'll post more about this event as it emerges and everything that comes from the convention between it's opening on the 24th and up until it closes on 26th.

As we told you before, Evanna Lynch launched the USPS Harry Potter stamp collection in Florida recently. Now you can "you can also vote for the Harry Potter stamp series as your favorite of 2013 by clicking on the heart next to the “Harry Potter” category on this website." 

At the other side of the globe,  some good news is emerging for the progress of the Japan branch of the theme park franchise:

most of Hogwarts castle is completed, and structuring of the village of Hogsmeade is fully underway.

Some pictures are available here.

UPDATED:

Leaky has reported that a live webcast will occur on 23rd January that will tell us, the less rich fans that will not make it to Florida, more about the Diagon Alley section. Looking forward to this sneak peek! More will be posted when more information of where and when to watch!

Potter: Wizarding World Convention Guests and New Attractions Confirmed & More

As we're still catching up on Decembers news (I was working full time in a Department Store in the run-up to Christmas) there will be quite a few news stories summarised in this post. If you want to find out more about any story there will be a link available.

Firstly, On December 19th it was announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park's first convention (which will occur this month) had been given it's first guests. Among the confirmations was awesome lady Evanna 'Luna' Lynch and the Phelps twins. 

Further to this announcement, speculation began on December 28th that Devon Murray, who played Seamus Finnegan in the series, would also be in attendance:

Really looking forward to going to Orlando Fl in January for a weekend and then again in February for a week holiday with @JenMoore_x
— Devon Murray (@DevonMMurray) December 28, 2013

On the note of Devon Murray, he also tweeted recently about finishing a movie and has new management listed on his twitter page. Good luck to the boyo!

For more on the event head to  our previous posts here and here, here and Snitchseeker's post here.

In other theme park news, the first promo for the Hogwarts express is above left.

Also, there is a diagon alley construction video below:

As well as the first promo:

In merchandise news, The Book of Potions was released just before Christmas. It can be purchased in the US here, UK here and a short synopsis is below:

Enjoy an entirely new creation from the imagination of J.K. Rowling, set in the world of the Harry Potter stories
• Journey through a mysterious, enchanted garden, guided by Zygmunt Budge - an accomplished potioneer
• Overcome dangerous obstacles and thrilling challenges to find out if you have what it takes to become a potions champion as you compete for the elusive Golden Cauldron
• Tilt, touch and rotate your Wonderbook, and use your PlayStation Move motion controller to chop, crush and grind ingredients for your magical concoctions
• Integrate your Hogwarts house and use your very own wand when you link to your account on Pottermore.com - the free, immersive and interactive website from J.K. Rowling.

In other merchadise news, there has been a Harry Potter Hogwarts Collection new Blu-ray set confirmed, out February 25. More info here. It doesnt seem to be available outside the US however.

Potter/Rowling: First WWOHP Diagon Alley Photo & Some Confirmations on What Businesses Will Feature, 'Cuckoo's Calling' is Favourite Audiobook

Mugglenet are reporting that the first photo from the upcoming Diagon Alley section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Florida has emerged. Check it out left. We will post more as they emerge.

There are rumours circulating that there will be an open for business Florean Fortescue's Ice-cream Parlour and a fountain of fair fortune included in the new section. Licences have been filed for this and the confirmed Leaky Cauldron so these look very likely!

Check out the video below which confims the Leaky Cauldron:

In other Rowling related news, her alterego Robert Galbraith has received some great news.

The Cuckoo's Calling audiobook has won a landslide victory in the AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR competition! http://t.co/alijuabPKk
— DanaholicsAnonymous (@DanaholicsAnony) December 12, 2013

The audiobook won listeners pick for audiobook of the year from Audible.co.uk.

In other Rowling news, her donated charm bracelet won £20,000 at auction, and all proceeds will go to her charity Lumos.

Platform 9 3/4 Shop Now Online, More Info on the WWOHP Convention in January

UK fans who live outside of London can now benefit from the new online Platform 9 3/4 Shop. The real life shop is situated in Kings Cross station, but people from other parts of the UK can now purchase the merchandise in the shop. This is good news because shipping from the U.S. from Warner Bros' online shop costs a fair amount. The shop can be accessed here.

Yet if you do not live in the UK, do not fear, because a wider selection of delivery locations is coming in early 2014. Watch. This. Space.

In other Potter news,  it was previously revealed that a special 'Celebration of Harry Potter' convention was to be held in January at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park in Orlando, Florida. A few more details have emerged including:

Panel discussions that cannot be missed with MinaLima - creators of the graphics seen in the movies

-- Pottermore – an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Pottermore.com - the free interactive website from J.K. Rowling (Saturday & Sunday)

-- Plus, guests can explore the one-of-a-kind Harry Potter Expo with interactive activities for fans including a vignette of movie props from Harry Potter: The Exhibition and The Sorting Hat™ experience.

It is also mentioned that "various actors will be attendance" although there is no information on who yet. Please also note that packages sold out in minutes when it was first announced during the summer, but Snitchseeker have said:

those who are willing to go to the park with regular tickets will get a sampling of some of the celebration's events.

Potter: Leaky Cauldron coming to Florida, Japan Hogwarts Shaping Up

Snitchseeker are reporting that it is now confirmed that the Leaky Cauldron pub is confirmed for the new Diagon Alley section of the Wizarding World Theme Park in Orlando Florida:

Mike West, executive producer at Universal Creative revealed the new London-themed area will include a Leaky Cauldron restaurant as well as a main attraction based on Gringotts Bank.

In other theme park news, Japan's upcoming Harry Potter theme park is starting to come together. There is a video below of Hogwarts Castle:

Potter:Hogwarts Express Arrives at Orlando, No Hurry on Fantastic Beasts Script & More

The Hogwarts Express has rolled into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando! The attraction, as part of the new diagon alley section to open next Summer can be seen left.

A video can be seen here.

In other news, Snitchseeker are reporting that there will be no rush on the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them script and now deadline has been set for J.K. Rowling. 

The Warner Bros exec, Greg Silverman, who admitted the situation said:

"Every writer at Warner Bros. has a deadline, unless you’ve been involved in a multibillion-dollar franchise."

In other Rowling-related warner bros ventures post-Potter, Pottermore at Playstation Home have added Halloween-themed stuff to their experience "including a decorated Great Hall, and being able to costume-up as one of Voldemort's Death Eaters."

In other Potter news, a limited edition stamp collection will be unveiled on November 19th in Orlando, according to Snitchseeker. Watch this space!

UPDATED:Daniel Radcliffe Visits WWOHP, Greets Fans, What Happens Live, LA Premiere

Daniel Radcliffe and Kill Your Darlings co-star Dane Dehaan have begun the LA leg of their KYD (Kill Your Darlings for future reference) promo tour and some new photos are in the gallery, including pictures from the premiere.

While on that tour, they visited the site of the second Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park which is yet to open. Here Dan spoke with Extra! and greeted fans.

No footage of the Extra! interview yet, but we're looking!

UPDATED:
Thanks to Iris we have a video link from What Happens Live which we have pics of in our gallery. Check it out here.

Potter: Pottermore Goblet of Fire Open to EVERYONE! Quidditch Through the Ages Film?Canada to Get Exhibition & More.

Mugglenet are reporting today that after a few exclusive hours for Hufflepuff's Goblet of Fire is now open to EVERYONE on Pottermore! 10 new moments are ready for your viewing at Pottermore.com.

In other Potter news, Harry Potter: The Exhibition will be moving to Canada this November. It will open on the 23rd of the month in Edmonton, Canada:

Starting November 23, 2013 and running through March 9, 2014, the worldwide museum exhibit will be located at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton.

Get your tickets here.

In theme park news, Japan's Potter theme park is well underway for a 2014 opening with construction photos of Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade emerging. Check out one right and more here.

Finally, in other exciting developments, rumours are circulating of a Quidditch Through the Ages film in the works. Suspicions first emerged when J.K. Rowling signed a deal with Warner Bros for a new series starting with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. But now rumours are after going into overdrive because Warner Bros have now trademarked the other two books in the Hogwarts Library set: Quidditch Through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, according to Snitchseeker.

Potter: Pottermore GOF Chapters for Hufflepuffs,Diagon Alley/Grimmauld Pics, Personalised Scroll Tickets & More

Snitchseeker are reporting that the Potter books are beginning to become available in Filipino:

The Harry Potter book series has now been translated into its 68th language, this time Filipino...the first of the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The Filipino Edition, translated to Becky Bravo, was released September 14 during the Manila International Bookfair.

No word on the rest of the series. 

In other book series news, the re-release of the UK editions collection is set for a November 7th release, with pre-orders available here. A picture of the set is above.

In Pottermore news, since Hufflepuff won the last house cup, they have gained early access to the Goblet of Fire moments on the site. If you want to find out details of what has been revealed so far, check out Snitchseeker.

In Wizarding World theme park news, the first pictures have emerged from the upcoming Diagon Alley and Grimmauld Place sections of the Orlando park. The brochure for members and employees of the Orlando team included a teaser of Diagon Alley's bricks, left.

Some construction pictures from Grimmauld Place have also become available which,if you're interested you can see here.

Finally, if you're planning a visit to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in time for the Christmas event, or just want to treat a fellow Potterhead, there's a special personalised ticket option available. It includes:

• one of five character wands
• a personalised scroll granting the lucky recipient entry to the Studio Tour.

Prices are £60 for adults and £52.50 for children and come in a special exclusive presentation box. Please note however that this will only be delivered to places in the UK. *Sadface* for the rest of us! In the UK? Order here.

Harry Potter: Newest UK HBP Cover, More Pics of Diagon Alley Orlando & More

Magical Menagerie are reporting that that Bloomsbury, the UK Potter publisher, have revealed the latest cover for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This can be seen left:

Over the past few months [Bloomsbury] have been re-releasing the UK Adult books with these new sketched covers by Andrew Davidson.

The first three books were available 18th July 2013. The next two have been be available since 15th August 2013 and the final two will be released on 26th September 2013. A boxed set containing all seven jackets will be available in October 2013.

In other Potter news,  Snitchseeker have found more images of the construction site that is to be Diagon Alley at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando Florida. All you can see so far is the scaffolding back of the shops and some Hogwarts Express cars, but if you want to look anyway, you can see the images here.

Another Potter story on Snitchseeker right now is an early cover option for Chamber of Secrets for the recent US re-release. Check a rather blurred picture of it out here.

In other news, The Harry Potter exhibition which is currently held up in Tokyo, Japan has had it's stay there extended to September:

Due to popular demand from fans, Mori Arts Center Gallery, Roppongi Hills is pleased to announce that Harry Potter: The Exhibition will extend its Japanese run by two additional weeks. The exhibition will remain open through Sunday, 29 September 2013.

The exhibition has already been experienced by more than two-million visitors worldwide and the extended run in Tokyo will give fans another chance to step inside Harry Potter’s world and experience it before the exhibition moves to its next location. Since its debut on June 22, Harry Potter: The Exhibition at Mori Arts Center Gallery has already seen more than 250,000 Harry Potter fans come through its doors.

Finally, The New England School of Communications is set to make a live-action adaption of The Tale of the Three Brothers, with permission of Warner Bros:

Casting is underway in the town of Bangor, Maine, for a child and an elderly man to play a grandfather, as well as several adult male and female characters. More information on the castings can be found here.

Wizarding World Theme Parks: Japan Hiring Actors, Florida Hogwarts Express First Look

Snitchseeker are reporting that the first images of the upcoming Hogwarts Express, transport to the new Diagon Alley part of the Orlando The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, have emerged online. Left is just one image of one of the cars from the train being transported. 

There "is rumoured to be screens and electrical system that will display the "British countryside" from the windows of the train to guests that ride on it."

More as we get it!

The leading fansite is also reporting that the Japan theme park is set to hire some actors in the US UK and Australia. The auditions will take place this month and next and will consider people of both sexes for various roles including:

Beauxbatons dancers (which requires a history of ballet), male actors for Ollivanders and the Hogwarts Express conductor, and various female Hogwarts students who are prefects or part of the singing choir.

Information can be found for auditions by clicking on the applicable country:

• Australia
• United States of America
• London, UK

Hot Topic Compititon: Win VIP Access to HP Celebration Event Next January in Florida

Warner Bros have made us aware of a great competition the t-shirt and accessory company Hot Topic is having. As we previously reported, a special Harry Potter celebration will occur at the Wizarding World Theme Park in Orlando, Florida next January and this prize offers the chance to report for Hot Topic from the event:

You’ll win a trip for two to Universal Orlando® Resort plus VIP admission to A Celebration of Harry Potter™ at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and capture it LIVE as you take over Hot Topic’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Competition open to 13+ only.

PLEASE NOTE: The competition seems to only be open to people living in the US and no accommodation or transport seems to be provided. To enter head to Hot Topic's facebook here and enter your details.

UPDATED: The Last Two US 15th Bday Potter Re-Releases: Back Covers & Special WWOHP Event Next January

Snitchseeker have posted the last two back covers for the big 15th Anniversary re-release of the Potter series; i.e. Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows. The Half-Blood Prince can be found in our galleries here while the Deathly Hallows back cover, featuring the last battle, is left. 

In other Potter celebration news, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park has just let us know that they plan to host a special event next January.

The event is entitled 'A Celebration of Harry Potter' and will run between the 24th and 26th of January 2014. It will include "interactive experiences [...,] a private evening reception and more".

Some of the events listed on the website include the following:

• Q&A sessions with the cast members and filmmakers
• A wand masterclass hosted by choreographer Paul Harris, duelling instructor for the feature films
• Opportunities to explore Hogwarts™ castle, and shop and dine in Hogsmeade™ at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
•  An exciting Harry Potter™ Film Tribute with select cast members and filmmakers
• 
  
• Thrilling rides, including: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ and Dragon Challenge™ 

Find out more here. Wish i could go :(

UPDATED:
We have received word that tickets to this special event are just now on sale. There are two ways to experience the events:

• Vacation Packages from $395
• General Admission tickets from less than $54 per day

To access the deals, click here.
The Day tickets include:

• 3-DAY PARK-TO-PARK TICKET ALLOWS ACCESS TO:

• Harry Potter^™ Film Tribute (Friday)
• A wand masterclass with Paul Harris (first come, first served)
• Q&A sessions (Saturday & Sunday; first come, first served)
• BOTH Universal Studios Florida^® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure^® theme parks each day

The Vacation Deal includes:

• 3-night hotel accommodations
• 3-day park-to-park ticket^ - both theme parks per day
• Entry to a Private Evening Event held in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ (includes one free Butterbeer™ and light desserts) (Saturday)
• Reserved area for the Harry Potter™ Film Tribute (Friday)
• Reserved area for the Q&A sessions (Saturday & Sunday)
• Reserved area for a wand masterclass with Paul Harris
• Early Park Admission^◊ to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - one hour before the park opens
• Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks™ - one per person
• CityWalk Party Pass℠ 

New Potter Puppet Pals, Rumours Surrounding Wizarding World Theme Park in LA

According to Mugglenet, Potter Puppet Pals, the comic fan based puppet show about Harry Potter, has a new video.
You can watch it below:


In other fan event news, Snitchseeker are reporting some rumours surrounding the yet to open Los Angeles Harry Potter theme park and the pre-existing Orlando one. Firstly they reported that graphic artists from the film series admitted to working on a diagon alley for the Orlando park and now they are reporting about rumours including:

Smaller Hogsmeade village, with no Three Broomsticks or Dueling Dragon roller coaster.
• Hogwarts said to be full scale (larger than Orlando version), and will include the Great Hall, which will be the main dining area (the first ever experience in the world if true). The only Great Hall set that exists in scale is at Warner Bros Studio London in the UK, yet it is just a display and not for public seating.
• At Hogwarts, if true, there will be an interactive Defense Against the Dark Arts class, with a professor, where students will go up against dark forces. This is said to include Cornish Pixies, Boggarts, and Death Eaters.

Warner Bros Studio Tour Wins Award/Will Feature Animal Actors, NEW info on Potter Theme Park Expansions

Snitchseeker are reporting that the Harry Potter tour currently available at Leavesden

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter was awarded the 2013 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for its "breakthrough innovation within the themed entertainment industry.

In other news surrounding the London attraction, animal actors will be on hand this May to add more magic to the wonderful studios:

From Saturday 25th May to Sunday 2nd June 2013, a selection of animals, trained by Head Animal Trainer Julie Tottman, will revisit the incredible sets they frequented when working on the films.

Visitors will be able to pose for a picture with one of the snowy owls who played Harry Potter’s letter-delivering owl Hedwig as she sits outside 4 Privet Drive or watch as she flies across the Studio Tour’s backlot. A selection of owls, including the one that portrayed Ron Weasley’s pet Pigwidgeon, will be showcased in the backlot throughout the week and will also feature outside the shop front set of Eeylops Owl Emporium in Diagon Alley.

One of the cats that played stealthy Mrs Norris and one of the ginger cats that played Hermione Granger’s bandy-legged feline Crookshanks will prowl the Gryffindor common room. Visitors will also be able to learn how rats and toads were trained behind-the-scenes as the animal actors, who played Neville Longbottom’s toad Trevor and Ron Weasley’s rat Scabbers, were.

Finally, Mugglenet are reporting an exclusive of plans to expand the Florida based Harry Potter Theme Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Their news can be read here.

Wizarding World Potter Mini-Movie Rumours,Rupert Confirmed and Pottermore Book3 previews

While the Wizarding World Theme Park celebrates 5 million butterbeers, another theme park feature is in the works.
Rumours are circulating this week that the Potter cast are to be reunited on a 9th Harry Potter film; a mini-movie for the theme park! Currently Rupert Grint is the only one confirmed to do the clip, but this is exciting news! Mugglenet, who have been speculating, reported:

"Today, representatives of Rupert Grint confirmed to Snitchseeker, that he is also [as well as Helena Bonham Carter] involved in the filming of these scenes. The question that still remains is which ride, or even which park, this mini-movie will be used at?"

In other exciting Potter related news, Tea leaves are becoming clearer to read here, check it out!
This all means that Prisoner of Azkaban will soon be available on Pottermore. Right now you can choose which moment will be previewed on the Pottermore Insider right here.

15th Anniversary Philosophers Stone Competition Winner Announced!

 We reported previously that Bloomsbury were holding a competition to find the biggest UK and Ireland Potter fan to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

The of Head of Children's Publicity at Bloomsbury, Ian Lamb has sent out this lovely email to entrants: We just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for taking part in the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 15^th anniversary competition. It was amazing to see the passion and love that people have for the HARRY POTTER novels, and it was a joy to read through all the entries.

He also announced that the winner and 14 runners up have been announced. The winner, Alissa Howard, a 17-year-old from Somerset, won a trip for her family to Orlando to the Wizarding World Theme Park along with a special "leather-bound and numbered 15th Anniversary Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, signed and dedicated by J.K. Rowling" which the 14 runner-ups also won.

I admit I'm very jealous,especially since the library I entered in took away the version of my entry I spent ages on and made me fill out a simple form. The winning entries can be viewed in full here.

WELL DONE EVERYONE!

The final note on the email reminded us off the live webcast JK will be doing this thursday,which can be read about here.