GRAND OPENING OF THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT SET FOR JUNE 18

Universal Orlando Also Unveils Details for the Highly Anticipated New Attraction::: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 25, 2010) – One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort – is set for a public grand opening on June 18.

Today, Universal Orlando Resort also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience.

And as they live their adventure, guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects – and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter’s world.

The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.

The Adventure

Imagine…

…meeting Harry, Ron and Hermione as if they were in person

…soaring over Hogwarts castle with Harry

…being swept into a Quidditch match

…feeling the chilling effect of a Dementor

…exploring your favorite places inside Hogwarts castle

…living adventures you’ve only been able to imagine – until now.


The Story

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws you into the excitement and chaos of Harry's life. As you venture through Hogwarts castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.

“Guests will experience firsthand a completely new adventure featuring the iconic characters, amazing creatures and recognizable locations they’ve only read in the books or seen in the films,” said Thierry Coup, creative director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.


The Location

The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience starts as soon as you walk through the gates of Hogwarts. Within the towering Hogwarts castle, you explore a truly magical place. You journey through iconic locations taken from the films and take in the extraordinary detail of each scene. They include:

· Dumbledore’s office: Here, you meet the Headmaster as he welcomes you to Hogwarts

· Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom: Where you first meet Harry, Ron and Hermione

· Gryffindor common room: You meet three additional characters who prepare you for your journey

· Room of Requirement: Here, with hundreds of floating candles above, you take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey

· Other locations: In addition, guests will pass through the Dungeon passageway and hallways of Hogwarts where they will have the chance to see hundreds of wizard portraits from the films, including several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four founders of Hogwarts. Guests will even get a glimpse of the Sorting Hat.


The Innovation

This is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It’s a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking – specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.

“We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience.”

The attraction’s newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. This fusion of robotic technology and filmed scenes has never been achieved until now. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series—and the future of theme park entertainment.


Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Quick Facts

Storyline: As you venture through Hogwarts, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice you travel by Floo powder, and begin your adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.

First-ever combination of advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking

Award-winning composer John Williams oversaw the creation of the attraction’s score

The queue includes the following Harry Potter book and film elements: Headmaster Dumbledore’s office, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor common room, Room of Requirement, and the greenhouse; talking portraits including the Fat Lady and the never-before-seen four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw; the Sorting Hat, the One-Eyed Witch statue and the Mirror of Erised

Duration of ride: The full attraction experience, including the queue, takes about an hour

Number of scenes in the attraction: 12

Characters (featuring Harry Potter film talent): Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy
You may also catch a glimpse of Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom

Universal Orlando Resort Reveals EXCLUSIVE VACATION PACKAGE FOR THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

Guests Can Visit UniversalOrlando.com And Book NOW For Travel Starting May 28, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 18, 2010) – It’s one of the most highly anticipated theme park entertainment experiences of our generation and, for the first time, guests can now book an exclusive vacation package to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort with their families.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package” includes accommodations at an on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort and admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks – along with a wide-range of benefits available only by booking through Universal Orlando Resort. Benefits include early park admission, allowing guests to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter before other guests each day, as well as a traditional British breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, the signature eating establishment within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And by staying at an on-site hotel, guests get exclusive Universal Express Access to select attractions and shows, allowing them to bypass regular lines.

To best enjoy all Universal Orlando offers, guests may consider the four-night package featured below. Guests can add additional nights and also upgrade their theme park tickets to include park-to-park access, allowing them to go to both Universal theme parks each day. Additional packages are available with prices starting at $285 per-adult ($829 for a family of four) for four nights at a hotel near Universal. All packages and prices are available at UniversalOrlando.com. All travel begins May 28.

“There has been worldwide anticipation for this one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, and we are thrilled to be offering families a way to experience the magic and excitement of Harry Potter’s world,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president of marketing and sales for Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package – Four Nights

On-site package starts at $645 per-adult ($1,548 for a family of four)

On-Site Package Benefits

· Four-night accommodations at one of Universal’s three on-site AAA Four Diamond hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort

· Three days admission to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks (park-to-park not included)

· Complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at select theme park rides and attractions (a $70 value per day)

· Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

· Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks

· Commemorative ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

· Good for travel beginning May 28, 2010


Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant.

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Universal Orlando Resort TO LAUNCH NEW National Commercial for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter DURING SUPER BOWL XLIV

Starting Today, Watch It On UniversalOrlando.com Before It Airs On TV

Universal Orlando Also Launches Brand-New Microsite For The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Orlando, Fla. (February 3, 2010) – This Sunday, Universal Orlando Resort will launch a brand-new, national commercial for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during Super Bowl XLIV. The ad, created by Universal Orlando and Rosso Media Ltd in the UK, offers guests a look into the magic that awaits them at the highly anticipated theme park experience set to open Spring 2010. And, for fans who can’t wait until Super Bowl Sunday, the national commercial will be viewable through UniversalOrlando.com starting TODAY.

Set to air during the first half of the Super Bowl, the ad features all-new footage and pulls viewers directly into the new area – from Hogsmeade, to the immensity of Hogwarts castle. The commercial also features Harry Potter and two children who get a glimpse of the excitement guests can expect to experience when they visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Also launching today is a brand-new microsite for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Accessible through UniversalOrlando.com, the site currently features:

A first-person perspective, photo-realistic video of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle

The Wizarding World News, which will provide guests with information about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Visuals and details about the various shops, attractions and the eating establishment in the land

Owl Post e-cards for friends and family


And, over the next couple of months, the microsite will also continue to be updated with ground-breaking interactive elements.

The commercial also begins a new brand campaign – “Be Courageous. Be Outrageous. Be Extraordinary.” – showing viewers that Universal Orlando Resort is the only theme park destination in the world where you can soar above Hogwarts castle with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D and more.

“We are incredibly excited to be launching our new brand campaign for Universal Orlando Resort with a glimpse of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president of marketing and sales for Universal Orlando Resort. “We know our guests will be thrilled to see the excitement in store for them once this new area opens this spring.”

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant.

Universal Orlando Resort

There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation – but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. It is a completely separate destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 68 languages with more than 400 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $5.4 billion at the box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.

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Universal Orlando Resort TO LAUNCH NEW National Commercial for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter DURING SUPER BOWL XLIV

WHAT:

Universal Orlando Resort will launch a brand-new, national commercial for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during Super Bowl XLIV. The ad, created by Universal Orlando and Rosso Media Ltd in the UK, offers guests a look into the magic that awaits them at the highly anticipated theme park experience set to open Spring 2010.

Set to air during the first half of the Super Bowl, the ad features all-new footage and pulls viewers directly into the new area – from the bustling village of Hogsmeade, to the immensity of Hogwarts castle. The commercial also features Harry Potter and two children who get a glimpse at the excitement guests can expect to experience when they visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The commercial also begins a new brand campaign, “Be Courageous. Be Outrageous. Be Extraordinary.” showing viewers that Universal Orlando Resort is the only theme park destination in the world where you can soar above Hogwarts castle with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant.


WHEN:

Sunday, February 7, 2010

During the first half of Super Bowl XLIV

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OLLIVANDERS WAND SHOP TO DELIVER AN INTERACTIVE, MAGICAL EXPERIENCE AT THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

The Chance To Experience The Enchantment of Harry Potter Begins Spring 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. (January 28, 2010) – Visitors to the Ollivanders wand shop at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will step into one of the most iconic scenes from the bestselling Harry Potter books and blockbuster feature films. With the assistance of a live actor, along with amazing special effects, guests of Ollivanders will get to experience the same type of magical moment Harry had in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” when a wand ”chooses them.”

Universal Orlando Resort has worked closely with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and the Warner Bros. Harry Potter brand team to make this moment as authentic, magical and immersive as possible for guests – a theme carried throughout the entire experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

“When guests visit Ollivanders, they will instantly feel like they’re in the shop from the films. It’s an intimate, single-windowed building, with the same signs, colors and other details read about in the books and seen in the films,” said Alan Gilmore, art director of the Harry Potter films and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. “But more importantly, visitors to Ollivanders will experience for themselves the magical moment that forever changed Harry’s life.”

Inside Ollivanders, visitors will be surrounded by thousands of multi-colored dusty wand boxes stacked on shelves from floor to ceiling. They will be welcomed by an inquisitive Wandkeeper, who will guide them through an enchanting experience to find their very own wand. First the Wandkeeper will ask the guest a few special questions and then select the first wand for them to try. Just like Harry, the guest will be prompted by the Wandkeeper to give the wand a wave, and a series of magical mishaps will occur until the right fit is found.

In addition to the magic featured in Ollivanders, guests will experience many other magical happenings at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including a Howler featured in the Owl Post shop front window whose ranting can be heard by guests as they pass by; The Monster Book of Monsters in Dervish and Banges that will snarl and growl at anyone who tries to get too close, and the Hog’s Head which can be seen puffing his jowls at visitors who visit the Hog’s Head pub.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters – and faithful to the visual landscapes of the Warner Bros.’ films – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple themed attractions, shops and an eating establishment. This completely immersive environment will transcend generations and bring the wonder and magic of the amazingly detailed Harry Potter books and films to life.

Universal Orlando Resort

There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation – but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. It is a completely separate destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, help Shrek save Princess Fiona and create mischief with Bart Simpson.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 68 languages with more than 400 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $5.3 billion at the box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.

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AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE LETS MILLIONS EMBARK ON A THREE-DIMENSIONAL LOOK AT THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

Explore the World’s Most Anticipated Theme Park Environment Prior to its Spring 2010 Opening

WHAT:

Today, Universal Orlando Resort and USA TODAY, the nation’s top-selling print newspaper, partnered to provide the first-ever augmented reality map of the world’s most highly anticipated theme park experience - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. With just a computer, webcam and the newspaper, you can make this one-of-a-kind experience appear before your eyes.

Augmented Reality blends real-life environments with computer animation allowing you to explore things in a completely new way. For the first time, guests can explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a unique way – before experiencing it first hand.

By rotating the map, you can take a closer look at this 20-acre magnificently themed environment from all sides and angles. Hogwarts castle will appear before your eyes. Hold the map closer to your webcam and explore Hogsmeade and see the Hogwarts Express. Blow on your computer’s microphone and the banners n the map will wave.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant.

Following the map’s appearance in USA TODAY, this experience will be available on www.UniversalOrlando.com/HarryPotter.

WHEN:

Thursday, January 28 – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Augmented Reality map appears in USA TODAY

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AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE LETS MILLIONS EMBARK ON A THREE-DIMENSIONAL LOOK AT THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

Explore the World's Most Anticipated Theme Park Environment Prior to its Spring 2010 Opening

WHAT:

On January 28, Universal Orlando Resort and USA TODAY, the nation's top-selling print newspaper, will partner to provide the first-ever augmented reality map of the world's most highly anticipated theme park experience - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. With just a computer, webcam and the newspaper, you can make this one-of-a-kind theme park experience appear before your eyes.

Augmented Reality blends real-life environments with computer animation allowing you to explore things in a completely new way. For the first time, guests can explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a unique way - before experiencing it firsthand.

By rotating the map, you can take a closer look at this 20-acre magnificently themed environment from all sides and angles. Hogwarts castle will appear before your eyes. Hold the map closer to your webcam and explore Hogsmeade and see the Hogwarts Express. Blow on your computer's microphone and the banners on the map will wave.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant.


WHEN:

Thursday, January 28 - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Augmented Reality map appears in USA TODAY

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Universal Orlando Resort Reveals Highly Anticipated Details About The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

ORLANDO, Fla. (September 15, 2009) - Universal Orlando Resort, together with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, today revealed first-ever details about the incredible scope of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal also announced that the highly anticipated land will open in spring 2010.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters - and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple attractions, shops and a signature eating establishment. This completely immersive environment will transcend generations and bring the wonder and magic of the amazingly detailed Harry Potter books and films to life.

The expectations of Harry Potter fans are high and Universal Orlando Resort is collaborating closely with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and the Warner Bros. Harry Potter brand team to ensure that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be an experience of a lifetime. The Harry Potter films' production designer, Stuart Craig and art director, Alan Gilmore, in cooperation with a corps of artisans from Universal Creative are working daily to construct the most authentic Harry Potter experience possible. Guests will be able to sip Butterbeer in Three Broomsticks, buy Extendable Ears at Zonko's and experience a state-of-the-art attraction that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in a way never before imagined.

"All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter's world will come to life here at Universal Orlando Resort," said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other experience on earth and we can't wait to see the looks on our guests' faces as they enter this rich environment."

"Harry Potter continues to spark the imaginations of fans of all ages and we really have seen the anticipation continue to build for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," added Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "We are excited to share with fans a first glimpse into the truly enchanted world we are bringing to life with all of our partners at Universal Orlando Resort."

From the front archway of Hogsmeade to the immensity of Hogwarts castle, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature the locations listed below:

• At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station

• Across the way is Zonko's, a joke shop with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes

• Honeydukes is next door and full of treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans

• The Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog's Head pub will serve traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice

• Across from the Three Broomsticks is The Owlery, where owls roost and await their next delivery

• The Owl Post sends letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark and sells official stamps from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Ollivanders wand shop is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard

• Completing Hogsmeade is Dervish and Banges, the magical instruments and equipment shop featuring Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls

• The first attraction, Dragon Challenge, features a twin high-speed roller coaster with many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament

• Next is Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle

• Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling new state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced

• Before exiting back into Hogsmeade, Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods is full of Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches

"This Universal Creative and Warner Bros. team shares an incredible passion and commitment to making this destination an exceptionally immersive environment that will touch the lives of our guests," said Mark Woodbury, President, Universal Creative.

"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is yet another way that fans will be able to experience and enjoy Harry Potter for many years to come," said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment, who is also responsible for overseeing the Harry Potter brand team worldwide. "The power of this brand speaks for itself, as the enthusiasm of our dedicated fans around the world continues to grow even stronger as we move into the future."

Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park destination that places you and your family in the heart of pop culture's most incredible and timeless stories - making you the superstar in a world-class adventure story and allowing you to discover your own inner hero. Guests experience two exciting theme parks - Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure as well as Universal CityWalk, a 30-acre restaurant, shopping and nighttime entertainment complex; and three magnificently themed on-site hotels - the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Flagship experiences featured in the theme parks include "The Simpsons Ride," "Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride," "The Incredible Hulk Coaster" and "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man." More information is available at www.universalorlando.com.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 67 languages with more than 400 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $5.3 billion at the box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.

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HARRY POTTER™ TO CAST SPELL ON UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

ORLANDO, Fla (May 31, 2007) - Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Universal Orlando Resort are partnering to create the world's first fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros. Envisioned as a "theme park within a theme park" and titled "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," the new environment will become part of the experience within Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort.

"Over the years we've received thousands of letters from fans around the world wishing they could visit Hogwarts and the wonderful locations described in each of J.K. Rowling's beloved stories," said Barry Meyer, chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Entertainment. "Working with Universal Orlando Resort, we are confident that we'll be able to provide Harry Potter fans with an incredible experience that upholds the richness of J.K. Rowling's books and delivers on the authentic detail portrayed in our films."

"We will rely on our company's rich movie heritage and expertise in transforming film concepts into theme park entertainment experiences," said Ron Meyer, president and COO, Universal Studios. "The Harry Potter stories are among the most compelling of our time. The millions of people who have read the books and seen the movies will now be able to experience the world of Harry Potter in person."

Inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and characters - and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films - "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the magical world of Harry and his friends. The fully immersive, themed land will enable guests to visit some of the most iconic locations found in the books and the films including the village of Hogsmeade, and even Hogwarts castle itself.

"The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed," said J.K. Rowling.

"We have a profound sense of responsibility for the Harry Potter franchise at Warner Bros. Bringing the magic of J.K. Rowling's written word to the motion picture screen was the first step in expanding this amazing and imaginative world. Working with Universal Orlando Resort to bring it to life in a physical environment that you can walk through, relax in and ride on is the natural next step for fans to experience and enjoy," said Alan Horn, president and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Expected to be revealed in 2010, the new environment will feature immersive rides and interactive attractions, as well as experiential shops and restaurants that will enable guests to sample fare from the wizarding world's best known establishments. Also debuting will be a state-of-the-art attraction that will bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in an exciting way that guests have never before experienced.

"We are going to devote more time, more money, more expertise and more executive talent from throughout our entire organization and creative team - as well as from Warner Bros., our partners - to ensure that this entire environment is second-to-none," said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts.

Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products, added: "In Universal, we found the right partner whose unparalleled commitment will ensure that this is a world class destination. Their track record of success and the consistently high level of entertainment at all of their parks gave us the confidence to know that they will meet-or exceed- the extremely high expectations we all have for this project."

The Academy Award-winning production designer Stuart Craig, who has worked to bring the world of Harry Potter to life in all of the feature films to date, leads the creative design for the area to ensure it remains faithful to the look and feel of the films.

"Our primary goal is to make sure this experience is an authentic extension of Harry Potter's world as it is portrayed in the books and films," said Craig. "I am very excited to be working closely with the Universal Orlando team to bring the area to life."

The Universal Orlando resort destination (www.universalorlando.com) includes two dramatically distinct and adjacent theme parks, the Universal Studios motion picture and television theme park and Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando's most thrilling and exhilarating theme park. Universal Orlando also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre dining, shopping, club and live-entertainment venue as well as premier on-site Loews hotels and world-class film and television production facilities.

Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 65 languages with more than 325 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $3.5 billion at the box office worldwide. Each of the four Harry Potter films produced to date has the distinction of making it into the all time top 20 grossing films worldwide. The fifth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the PhoenixTM, will be released in theatres on July 11, 2007.