ORLANDO, Fla. _ Orlando is possibly the best destination for theme park lovers. There is the Walt Disney World Resort, one of the largest theme parks in the world with four amusement parks, three water parks and a number of hotels; Universal Orlando Resort, consisting of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure _ now filled with Harry Potter magic; and SeaWorld Orlando, a marine life theme park.
However, the biggest news this summer is Harry Potter’s magical world brought to life on the Islands of Adventure.
Universal Orlando officially opened "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," its new theme park based on mega-hit books and movie series on June 18.
It has obviously raised the bar for people's expectations of theme parks by bringing the imaginary, magical world of Harry Potter, featured in the seven-volume fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling, to life.
The books have sold more than 400 million copies worldwide, while the films have grossed more than $5.3 billion, excluding two more movies of volume seven yet to come.
"We have brought to life a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world," said Bill Davis, president of Universal Orlando Resort.
Wizarding World
The place is going to be a heaven for Harry Potter fans as they can experience what they have read in the book and seen in the movies themselves.
In the 20-acre Wizarding World area, three main attractions await Muggles, the term used to describe "non-magical" people in the Harry Potter series _ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff.
The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the village of Hogsmeade have also been painstakingly recreated to give a sneak peak at what the “Wizarding World” is like.
Upon entering the gates, the iconic red Hogwarts Express train arriving to Hogsmeade Station greets visitors to the magical realm.
Past a row of snow-covered shops in the village of Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle stands in the middle of the Wizarding World. Guests riding the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will pass through a green house, moving paintings in the hallway, the headmaster Dumbledore’s room and the Defense against Dark Arts classroom and encounter the Whomping Willow, a horde of dementors and a Quidditch match during the main ride.
For thrill lovers, the Dragon Challenge twin coasters await. The waiting area of the roller coaster is designed after the Triwizard Tournament that appeared in the fourth book _ “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” _ and visitors can see Hagrid's hut here. At the end of the queue, people can choose which dragon to ride _ the Chinese Fireball or the Hungarian Horntail. The red Chinese Fireball coaster has a faster speed, while the blue Hungarian Horntail has more loops. The dueling coasters overlap and intertwine with each other during the ride.
Children will enjoy the Flight of the Hippogriff, a smaller, milder roller coaster giving a glimpse of what it feels like to ride the mythical part-eagle part-horse.
Hidden details
Small extras of the magical world of Harry Potter can also be found at the Universal’s Wizarding World.
Visitors can find out which magic wand is right for them at Ollivander's, the legendary wand shop originally located in Diagon Alley in London. They are allowed in the shop by small groups and one lucky guest will get a chance to try out a few wands to find the perfect fit.
Butterbeer, the favorite drink of Harry Potter, is also available for Muggles at The Three Broomsticks pub. The butterbeer drink is a non-alcoholic butterscotch flavored drink.
Pygmy Puff, the adorable pink familiar of Ginny Weasley, is also available at Zonko's. Originally in the book, Pygmy Puffs are sold at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, the joke shop owned by Ginny's twin brothers Fred and George.
Moaning Myrtle, a ghost who haunts the second floor bathroom at Hogwarts, can also be spotted in the restrooms at Wizarding World.
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