Three Broomsticks Included in HP Theme Park

Universal just announced through email that The Three Broomsticks will be a part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park in Orlando, Florida. For months the theme park's website has had a poll asking visitors what restaurant they'd prefer to have at the park, and The Three Broomsticks won.

In addition, Universal has released early concept art of what the restaurant might look like, which you can view here.

The theme park's website now has a new poll up asking: "If you could order a drink at The Three Broomsticks, what would it be?" You can choose between Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice (sorry, no option for both), here.

Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice to be Served at Harry Potter Theme Park

The Theme Park Insider has a new interview today with Universal Orlando's Head Chef, Steve Jayson who currently overseas operations at Mythos restaurant at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, which won Theme Park Insider's award as the world's best theme park restaurant. In the interview Jayson was asked about the possible menu line-up for the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park that will open in Orlando in 2010:

I couldn't resist the chance to ask Jayson about Universal Orlando's next big project: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Forget Quidditch, the "Harry Potter" experience I most want to have is a Hogwarts feast. Jayson confirmed that he and his staff are working on new food service concepts for Universal's Harry Potter land.

"We've visited Scotland to get a real close, personal look at the cuisine that they eat," Jayson said. "We're going to have one restaurant that's going to have a nice selection of items that you would probably expect to see in that vein of cooking, and I think it is going to be great."

But what about pumpkin juice? They've got to have pumpkin juice, right?

"Pumpkin juice, butterbeer," Jayson laughed. "All those great beverages, we are working on a lot of different things."

WB Says Special HP Theme Park Movie is FALSE

Some rumors regarding the Trio starring in a mini-Harry Potter film for the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park have been floating around the internet. Warner Brothers has since debunked these rumors:

“J.K. Rowling continues to be very supportive and involved with the plans underway for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. Contrary to recent press reports, she has not written scripts for any films based on the Harry Potter ‘prequel’ (recently written and sold for charity) or otherwise, as part of the theme park or any other purpose.

We are working hard to make The Wizarding World of Harry Potter an exciting and authentic experience for all fans and guests. For more information about the park, please visit unversalorlando.com/harrypotter/.“

New HP Theme Park Construction Photos

We have the first information in a while concerning Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Screamscape has several new pictures of the construction for the mini park at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. You can view the pictures here and here.

The park is expected to open to the public in December 2009.

Construction on Hogwarts Castle Begins for HP Theme Park

Construction has started on the Hogwarts Castle that will be featured in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Jim Hill has posted a handful of pictures of the construction, which shows still beams being set up for the foundation.

"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. As a full-sized recreation of Harry Potter's alma mater is built at the southwestern border of IOA's "Jurassic Park" section."

Hill also gives some information on why J.K. Rowling picked Universal for the theme park, as well as a story concerning Harry Potter production designer Stuart Craig, who will also design the theme park:

“Mind you, that’s not to say that there weren’t a few bumps in the road before Rowling finally agreed to sign that contract. Like that time that 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."