UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
RESORT CELEBRATES THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY
POTTER
Universal Creates Special Moment for Guests in
Hogsmeade
Plus, All-New "Share Your Story" Facebook Tab
Allows Guests to Share their Favorite Memories and Get a Chance to Win a Trip
to Universal Orlando
Resort
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 20, 2011) – On Saturday, June 18,
Universal Orlando Resort celebrated the one-year anniversary of the most
spectacularly themed entertainment environment – The Wizarding World of Harry
Potter, where the wonder, excitement and adventures of the Harry Potter books
and films come to life.
Universal Orlando commemorated the
anniversary at 9:23 a.m. – the exact time The Wizarding World of Harry
Potter opened on June 18, 2010. After taking part in a countdown led by
the Hogwarts Express conductor, guests and team members celebrated in the
streets of Hogsmeade while "snow" confetti and gold streamers fell from the
sky. Guests also enjoyed complimentary Butterbeer, cauldron cakes and
Chocolate Frogs.
"We're so excited to
celebrate this milestone with our guests," said Bill Davis, president of
Universal Orlando Resort. "It's been an incredible year for us and our
guests, and we look forward to creating more exciting memories with them in the
years to come."
Universal Orlando also created a
virtual celebration by launching a new "Share Your Story" tab on its official
Facebook page. The all-new tab gives fans the opportunity to interact
with one another and share favorite memories and photos from their visit to The
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – whether it's tasting
Butterbeer for the first time, watching their daughter as she's selected by the
perfect wand or soaring above Hogwarts with their family.
If fans have not been
able to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they can share why they
aspire to on the "Share Your Story" tab as well. U.S. residents
who share their stories on the tab will be automatically entered into a contest
where they can win a trip to Universal Orlando Resort this fall. To take
part in the virtual celebration, share their stories or read other fans'
stories, guests should visit www.Facebook.com/UniversalOrlandoResort.
Inspired by J.K.
Rowling's compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry
Potter features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant – all
faithful to the films. For more information about The Wizarding World of
Harry Potter and Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.
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. You can be courageous, be
outrageous – and be extraordinary.
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 69 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
$6.2 billion at the box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the
largest-grossing film franchise in history.
HARRY
POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner
Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
(s11)