Harry Potter Theme Park!!

Yesterday, Universal Studios announced more details of their plans for a Harry Potter section of their Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando! OK, so it's obviously more connected to the movies, but I still think we should celebrate amusement rides and attractions that are based on a series of books.

This will be an amazing immersion experience for fans of the books and movies, with the centerpiece being Hogwarts castle. Called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the area will draw on parts of all the stories to create a comprehensive experience. Click on the "Map" link on the website to open a cool Marauder's Map that will show you all the planned attractions. Also, check out this "first look" video to see some of the buildings and get a preview of the rides.

The only thing I think is missing is some kind of Quidditch experience, and that may be included in the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. Of course, I would have loved to see some of the shops of Diagon Alley, but the setting for this world is Hogwarts and its surroundings, so that wouldn't make sense.

It's opening in the spring of 2010, so who wants to plan a trip?!?!