Some more news about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and it’s expansion – specifically a famous steam train, the Hogwarts Express.   

The  Hogwarts Express is set to link the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure to the ‘Project 722′ expansion site at Universal Orlando. It is likely that Doppelmayr  will have the contract to create the attraction.

The company has already produced a similar ride in Asia, called  ‘Ocean Express’.  Here is the Youtube video of the ride.

You are looking at the technology that will be integral in bringing the Hogwarts Express and English country-side to life .

The ride vehicles utilize ultra-HD screens that mimic windows.  Perfect, since the Hogwarts Express will operate through a backstage area.  The Hogwarts Express will be composed of a  locomotive and coal car – although they will be strictly for aesthetics.  The lead cars will be followed by 3 highly themed cars.  The trains will shuttle Muggles and aspiring Wizards between parks while they view the stunning UK countryside through those ‘windows’.

Here is a shot of the Universal employee magazine, showing the backstage construction area.  The  Yellow line indicates the ‘work zone’ which happens to run between the Project 722 expansion area and the current Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  This is, of course, the exact route the Hogwarts Express has been rumored to take for months.  Here’s a peek:

The fantasy of standing on Platform 9 ¾ and waiting for the Hogwarts Express will soon be reality.  Just make sure you can run through the wall first.

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