For those seeking job creation and investment in these difficult economic times, these may just be magical words: “Harry potter is coming to Universal studios Hollywood.”
NBC Universal announced on Tuesday plans to spend upwards of $200 million to bring the nation’s most popular theme park ride to its flagship park in Los Angeles.
The announcement was toasted with butter beer, a favorite libation for those that attend the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. (Also an imagined favorite of those that just read the books.)
Universal Studio President, Ron Meyer believes this “monumental project” will be good for the economy in Southern California.
“In our opinion this will change the face of tourism in Los Angeles and southern California,” Meyer said.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter rocked the theme park industry when it opened at Universal Orlando in 2010. The attraction has been an enormous money maker in Florida, with throngs of fans crowding the simulated snow topped village and it’s three rides.
James and Oliver Phelps, who played mischievous twins Fred and George Weasley were also on hand
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“Just to be a small part of it, just to experience it is amazing,” Phelps said.
Exactly where the attraction will be build is still a mystery but officials say there's room.
“You know we are 400 acres on this lot here and 200 acres is still not developed,” Meyer said.
Political leaders hope that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will force others, like perhaps Disney, to also invest in new attractions.
Governor Brown was enthusiastic about the prospect of the project.
“We are truly a state of imagination and this great Harry Potter park just pushes us that much further,” he said.
No date has been set for the opening.
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