With
much of the site preparation completed, for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida, vertical construction has
begun on the Hogwarts castle.
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According to Universal insiders, this bare framework is just the start. In the weeks and months ahead, literally thousands of pieces of metal will be hoisted up & then bolted into place.
There are also plans for a 'bufferzone' between the Harry Potter and Jurassic Park sections, to make for a smoother transitional journey between them.
Details about J.K.Rowling's visits to the park have begun to emerge, with some claiming it was
this tavern that convinced her they could create a convincing Hogsmeade. Jo was also apparently impressed with the lengths to which Universal went with the Dr. Suess in terms of keeping within the wishes of the author's widow.
Finally they have an interesting anecdote about the Harry Potter production designer;
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Universal Security had to be told NOT to arrest the man who was climbing the hill behind IOA's "Flying Unicorn" ride.
You see, that man was Stuart Craig. The three-time Academy Award winner who has designed all of the sets for the "Harry Potter" films. And Stuart was just climbing that hill to see if he could find the proper spot to build Hagrid's cottage.
Speaking of which ... "The Flying Unicorn" is expected to shut down sometime in September of this year. So that this IOA attraction can then be transformed into "The Flying Hippogriff." More to the point, so that work can finally begin on Hagrid's cottage.
The themepark is rumoured to open at the end of next year.
Construction begins on Hogwarts castle at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 
