1. Headline
  1. Headline

Video: Radcliffe: Fans will love theme park

Image: Harry Potter cast
Scott Audette  /  Reuters
Daniel Radcliffe, center, and members of the cast of the “Harry Potter” series wave their wands during the grand opening celebration for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studio Resort in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday.
By The Scoop
TODAY.com
updated 6/17/2010 11:14:37 AM ET 2010-06-17T15:14:37

Wednesday night was the grand opening celebration for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. And for any Potter fan who feared that the fictional world wouldn't live up to the real life one in Orlando, those fears were put to rest.

After a star-studded red carpet that included Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon, James and Oliver Phelps and Tom Felton, guests sipped Butterbeer, ate chocolate frogs and explored the street. That is, until shortly after 9 p.m. when the chimneys in town exploded with letters from Hogwarts' headmistress Minerva McGonagall, inviting guests to Hogwarts for a grand opening ceremony.

Naturally, what ensued included spells and fireworks, but more importantly, a chance to linger to appreciate every detail (like moaning Myrtle in the bathrooms!) that came to life on film for over a decade. There are wands here ready to choose wizards, and wizards and muggles alike will find the main attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, to be one of the most impressive rides ever created.

Check back here for more details from the grand opening. Did you know there's a cast member who doesn't know how the series ends? The answer to come, here in Scoop on Friday.

  1. More Entertainment stories
    1. Autistic ballerina dances her way into hearts

      In a popular YouTube video, the beaming little ballerina dances an entire four-minute routine seemingly perfectly, matchin...

    2. Every on-screen drink in 'Mad Men' in 5 minutes
    3. See the 'Dancing' stars' most memorable moves
    4. Emmy's biggest snubs? Cranston, Hamm, more
    5. 'Toy Story' toys burn up in prank on mom

Perez starting to lose ads over Miley flap
Perez Hilton, aka Mario Lavandeira, might not yet be facing legal action after tweeting a provocative picture of teen star Miley Cyrus, but he is facing repercussions from advertisers. A rep for ABC Daytime confirms that a rotating banner ad promoting “The View” was pulled from the celebrity blogger’s website, PerezHilton.com.

At press time, earlier reports that MTV pulled ads for TV Land were confirmed to be untrue, but one well-placed source within ABC said that it’s not out of the realm of possibility that more advertisers could follow ABC’s lead.

“It’s not a matter of whether you like (Lavandeira) or not, it has to do with the morality of the issue. Miley is a minor, period. There are ethics involved in running an ad on a site that potentially violated the rights of a minor, and that is what the conversation is about at the network level,” said the source.

Lavandeira did not respond to requests for comment.

  1. More on Perez
    1. Blogger tries to defuse uproar
    2. Perez Hilton tweeted an image suggesting teen singer wasn’t wearing panties. Full story

    1. Athletes and celebs hook up
    2. Fashion gone Gaga
    3. Dina quits ‘Housewives’ because of Danielle

Diaz clears up A-Rod rumors
Cameron Diaz wants to clear up a rumor: She’s not dating Yankee Alex Rodriguez. “No, no, no. I’ve been in relationships since I was 16 years old. In the past three years I’ve made a conscious decision not to be in a relationship for as long as I want,” Diaz said to Playboy about the rumors she’d taken Kate Hudson’s place on the slugger’s arm. “I’ve stayed away from all the traps out there for me to just fall into something that will potentially lead me down the same road … I want to have a relationship with myself right now.”

That’s not to say that Diaz isn’t willing to go out on a date. In fact, it’s quite the opposite: She’ll date almost anyone.

“I never shut down any man who’s willing to ask me out unless he’s a total d----- bag. It takes a lot for a guy to ask out a girl like me — not because I think I’m super special or anything. It’s just that I think men are intimidated, and it’s a lot to get involved with. It’s not uncomplicated,” Diaz told Playboy.

‘Housewife’ Danielle Staub is cause for concern
Tuesday’s episode of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” was the last episode for cast member Dina, who said that fellow housewife Danielle Staub is “99.9 percent” the reason for leaving the show.

Staub’s behavior on the show has been increasingly passive aggressive this season. At times, she claimed she requires physical protection from the other housewives, then later launches into vicious verbal attacks.

According to one member of the production, Staub’s behavior has been cause for worry: “Characters that are a little wackadoo, like Kelly (Bensimon, of the New York version) are fun to watch, harmless. But Danielle ... let’s just say the show got a little more than it bargained for with her.”

Lady Gaga gets OK Go’s approval
OK Go might have just won the Webby for film and video artist of the year, but they’re not ones to find that a reason to put down their competitors.

When asked what they thought about the scandals surrounding Lady Gaga’s music videos, OK Go’s Tim Nordwind said there’s nothing wrong with getting a little attention, good or bad. “The thing to keep in mind is you should be making videos because you have a good idea whatever it is,” Nordwind said. “Whatever happens marketing wise, that’s fine — if that’s what you’re looking for.”

The bassist believes that musicians like OK Go and Lady Gaga have the unique opportunity to experience the rebirth of the music video. “Videos don’t necessarily have to be advertisements for the records,” he said. “Now you can make a video for the sake of making a video, for art’s sake.”

Courtney Hazlett delivers the Scoop Monday through Friday on today.msnbc.com. Follow Scoop on Twitter @courtneyatmsnbc.

© 2012 MSNBC Interactive.  Reprints

Photos: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

loading photos...
  1. The Hogwarts Express arrives in Hogsmeade Station at Universal Orlando Resort's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As guests enter Hogsmeade, they are greeted by the iconic, smoke-billowing steam engine, made famous in the Harry Potter books and films for transporting students to a world of magic and wonder. (Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando) Back to slideshow navigation
  2. As guests pass through the arch into Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they can explore the cobbled streets of the highly themed environment, and will encounter iconic locations from the Harry Potter books and films, like Ollivanders and the majestic Hogwarts castle. (Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando) Back to slideshow navigation
  3. Visitors stroll the streets of Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando theme park. The attraction opens to general admission ticket holders on June 18. (John Raoux / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  4. Members of the Hogwarts Choir sing for guests. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant. (John Raoux / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  5. A clerk, right, at Ollivander's Wand Shop, helps visitors pick out a magic wand. Park guests will have plenty of opportunities to shop for wands, broomstics, scarves and more. (John Raoux / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  6. Mounted on the wall of the Hog's Head pub is the hog's head, which will come alive and puff its jowls at visitors. Adjacent to the Three Broomsticks, the Hog's Head pub is where guests can enjoy a cold Butterbeer, pumpkin juice and other beverages. (Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando) Back to slideshow navigation
  7. The entrance to Hogwarts Castle is seen at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. (John Raoux / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  8. Hogwarts Castle is seen at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Construction of the park was overseen by the production manager from the Harry Potter movies. (John Raoux / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  9. The office of headmaster Albus Dumbledore is intricately displayed at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling, author of the Potter books, is a stickler for details, and Universal worked hard to get her OK on the park's attractions. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  10. Guests will pass by the regal Griffin statue on their way to Dumbledore's office. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  11. Just like the Harry Potter films, portraits line the walls of Hogwarts castle, the home of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. When passing through the Portrait gallery, guests will encounter several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four Hogwarts founders. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  12. An authentic replica from the Harry Potter films, guests will pass by Hagrid's hut on their way to the Flight of the Hippogriff family-friendly roller coaster. Just before they board, Hagrid instructs guests on how to properly approach and fly on a Hippogriff. (Kevin Kolczynski / AP) Back to slideshow navigation
  1. Editor's note:
    This image contains graphic content that some viewers may find disturbing.

    Click to view the image, or use the buttons above to navigate away.

  2. Editor's note:
    This image contains graphic content that some viewers may find disturbing.

    Click to view the image, or use the buttons above to navigate away.

  3. Editor's note:
    This image contains graphic content that some viewers may find disturbing.

    Click to view the image, or use the buttons above to navigate away.

  4. Editor's note:
    This image contains graphic content that some viewers may find disturbing.

    Click to view the image, or use the buttons above to navigate away.

More on TODAY.com

None
  1. Barry Wetcher / AP file

    'Sopranos' star James Gandolfini dies at 51

    6/20/2013 2:05:37 AM +00:00 2013-06-20T02:05:37
None
  1. Google: 'We're not in cahoots with the NSA'

    Google’s chief legal officer tries to reassure customers that their gmail and Internet browsing history are safe from government prying.

    6/19/2013 6:49:04 PM +00:00 2013-06-19T18:49:04
None
  1. Guinea pig fans go extreme: $22,000 outfit, 'pignics'

    6/19/2013 9:56:44 PM +00:00 2013-06-19T21:56:44
None
  1. Tyler Golden / NBC

    Blake's favorite 'Voice' moment? Meeting Cher

    6/19/2013 10:39:17 PM +00:00 2013-06-19T22:39:17
None
  1. Say it ain't so! Cap'N Crunch not really a captain?

    Everyone knows Cap’N Crunch for its deliciously sweet corn taste and lovable nautical mascot, but an eagle-eyed cereal lover has just uncovered a potentially shocking secret.

    6/19/2013 9:00:39 PM +00:00 2013-06-19T21:00:39
  2. capncrunch.com