The Wizarding World Harry Potter – Universal Studios Orlando, Florida

American fans of HarryPotter had the privilege of attending the opening on Wizarding World of HarryPotter on June 2010 at the Universal studios, Orlando, Florida.Now is the time for us all to enjoy. Think Disney land meets HarryPotter fanatics and that is just the start. This park within a park has generated a lot of buzz from both HarryPotter fans and theme park aficionados. There are three major roller coaster rides inside the park namely- the Flight of the Hippogriff, the Dragon Challenge and the Forbidden Journey ride.

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Harry Potter shoppers will surely love the village like maze of shops and theme rides inside the theme park. The candy and novelty shops are lined with fascinating items and collectibles that every HarryPotter fans could only dream of. From Hogsmeade village’s train station, to Zonko’s toyshop, to the huge Hogwarts castle, the theme park’s featured showcases were created very accurately to match the movie and book narratives. And, where else can you satisfy your appetite with a magical buffet of Butter Beer, Pumpkin Juice, Acid pops, chocolate frogs and beans of every flavor and then ride a Hogwarts roller coaster? Or why not try all the rides, one at a time. Sounds like fun doesn’t it?

Take a tour of Hogwarts Castle- an amazing replica of the movie castle in its size and painstaking detail. The first thing you will see when you enter the Wizarding World is the huge and imposing Hogwarts castle. You can look around inside for a while and then exit to the greenhouse at the other end. The walkways inside Hogwarts castle is lined with busts, statues, and paintings of every conceivable character in the hit movie series. Fan or not, if you enjoyed the movie or read the book, these curious works will surely tickle your attention. It might be a good idea to brush up on your Hogwarts facts to appreciate the tour to the fullest.

In the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you will see talking portraits, including the founders of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Further inside are Dumbledore’s office, the Defense against the Dark Arts Room, and the Gryffindor Common Room. Along the way you will meet Dumbledore, HarryPotter, RonWeasley, and Hermione Granger. Expect to hear the constant banter of talking paintings, magicians and the now famous HarryPotter theme song. Finally, you can reach doors of the park’s main attraction – the HarryPotter and The Forbidden Journey ride.

At the Wizardry rides of the Dragon challenge you get to choose between the Red Chinese Fireball and the Blue Hungarian Horntail for your next ride. These two rides are actually roller coasters that seem to collide with one another just like the Quidditch challenge in the HarryPotter movies. Hint: the color gives away which of the two rides is more intense.

The Forbidden journey ride uses stunning 3D visuals and motion simulation to mimic the magical tricks of Hogwarts like moving and talking paintings. The atmosphere in this Hogwarts tribute centerpiece reproduces the enchanting world of Harry and his fellow wizards. By the way, the Hogsmeade shops are usually packed with people in long lines so you might want to come early or you can miss buying that favorite magic wand of yours. If you are patient enough to stay until nighttime; you can witness the whole place come alive with surreal lighting. This park is a must see for every HarryPotter fan or even for those who are just theme park lovers.