The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park will open in Florida in 2009, and will feature attractions and rides based on locations from the Harry Potter books.

The novels' author JK Rowling has already given her blessing to the project. She said, "The plans I’ve seen look incredibly exciting, and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed."

Stuart Craig, the man in charge of the creative design of the park, is an Oscar-winning production designer who worked on the Harry Potter films so it should be faithful to JK Rowling’s vision.

Stuart Craig said, "Our primary goal is to make sure this experience is an authentic extension of Harry Potter's world as it is portrayed in the books and films."

Visitors to the park will be able to explore some of their favourite locations from the book such as the village of Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest and, of course, Hogwarts Castle, where Harry goes to school.

Although fans can look forward to a holiday in the Harry Potter theme park, many will be saddened by the fact that the best-selling series is now drawing to a close.

The final instalment in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, will be published on 21 July, and to mark the event JK Rowling is to read extracts from the book to a select audience at midnight on the day of publication.

Rowling has announced that two characters die in the final book, but has not revealed if Harry is one of them so fans will have to wait to find out the fate of their magical hero.