Universal Orlando Resort has announced the opening of a new attraction next spring – the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The 20-acre theme site will be located within the Islands of Adventure theme park and feature rides, shops and restaurants that recreate the world of Harry Potter.

Universal creative director Mark Woodbury revealed more details of the project in a webcast released on Tuesday (September 15).

The park will feature three main rides, the main one being Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

Exact details are being kept under wraps but Woodbury claimed it was something that had never been done before and “couldn’t be further from a rollercoaster”.

The ride will take people through the rooms of Hogwarts Castle made famous in the books and movies, where both the most famous characters and storylines will be recreated.

Dragon Challenge will be a twin roller coaster based on the Triwizard Tournament. And the Flight of the Hippogriff is a family ride that will simulate a Hippogriff flight.

“Most of the fans have always wanted to go to Hogwarts,” said Paul Daurio, producer of Wizarding World.

“They’ll be able to touch, feel, walk, peruse and enjoy what that experience is like. They are absolutely taken on a journey through the story in something more than a ride.

“They’re transported into the film. It’s a completely immersive, thrilling journey.”

He added: “We are pioneering new technology that has never been created before.”

There will also be a recreation of elements of the village of Hogsmeade as well as Hogwarts Castle.

Wizarding World will also have shops and restaurants, including the Three Broomsticks and the Hog’s Head pub, which will feature food and drinks from the stories, such as Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.

Other highlights will be Zonko’s, a joke shop; Honeydukes, which will sell Potter-inspired sweets like “chocolate frogs”; Dervish and Banges, a shop featuring Quidditch equipment and Triwizard clothes; Ollivanders wand shop; the Owlery, where live owls will be roosting; and the Owl Post, where people can send letters postmarked Hogsmeade.