Jetsettersblog

Universal Orlando Resort and USA Today have partnered to provide the first-ever augmented reality map of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park experience at Universal Orlando Resort.

With just a computer, webcam and the newspaper, viewers can experience a virtual version of the planned attraction, which will be located in the Islands of Adventure theme park.

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

By rotating the map, viewers can take a closer look at this 20-acre themed environment from all sides and angles.

Hogwarts Castle will appear and they can explore Hogsmeade and see the Hogwarts Express. Blow on your computer’s microphone and the banners n the map will wave.

Visitors to the Ollivanders wand shop at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, for example, 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 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. “When guests visit Ollivanders, they will instantly feel like they’re in the shop from the films,” said Alan Gilmore, art director of the Harry Potter films and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

“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.

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 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 stories and characters, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will provide visitors with an 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