The Harry Potter Theme Park in Orlando 97

Harry Potter Brings New Magic to Orlando

Look out Walt Disney World, the new, most magical place to visit in Orlando, Florida is the Harry Potter Theme Park at Universal Studios. Opening on June 18, 2010, the amazing world of witches and wizardry has been delighting kids of all ages ever since.

Based on the wildly popular book series written by J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter theme park literally brings the magic to life. And it was a good gamble for Universal Studios, even with the recession. It seems that Potter mania will never die - from books, movies and video games, toy wands and robes, to creative Harry Potter Legos, you can feed your wizarding hunger in many ways!

Although I haven't traveled across the country yet to see the new theme park, I talked to my nephews (ages 11 and 13) about their recent visit in Orlando. They were so enthusiastic about the experience, I almost felt as if I had disapparated from Oregon and ended up in Florida alongside them.

Now, I am just waiting for Harry to conjure up some cheap flights to Orlando for my family, and we'll be there faster than you can say "time turner...."
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Universal Studios Opens the Wizarding World

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is open to Muggles in Orlando as of June 2010. After two years of construction and building excitement, the attraction is finally revealed within the larger "Islands of Adventure" in the Universal Studios Orlando park just in time for summer vacation.

Harry Potter fans will be thrilled by the three exciting rides: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff. Six new Potter-based stores include items from the Weasley twins' mischievous magic and every flavor beans. You can even enjoy a unique dining experience at Three Broomsticks and raise a Butter Beer to Harry and the gang.

Simply walking into the Wizarding World is an experience in itself. The world of Harry Potter has been so amazingly recreated that you may even forget you're in a theme park, and not actually transported to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle. Talk about magic!