When I think of Harry Potter—once I push past the death of my favorite character, and the unsatisfactory conclusion—I remember what I fell in love with when I first began the series.  Hogwarts and its many quirks., Hogsmeade, butterbeer, Zonko’s, and Honeyduke’s.  Then there are the dragons and hippogriffs., the Triwizard Tournament,  the Ministry of Magic, Quidditch, the Golden Trio, Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, Professor Dumbledore and the list could go on, but that is where I usually start. 

I am pleased to say that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter successfully captured all the elements of the series that drew in the fans in the first place, while avoiding all the unpleasantness that popped up starting in book five. 

There was Hogwarts, albeit a bit small, standing in all its glory and containing the enthralling ride “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,”  during which you experience all of the castles familiar characteristics, the Trio, Draco, Dumbledore, the Fat Lady, and a few other characters.  When you first cross into this section of Islands of Adventure, a sign greets you that reads, “Welcome to Hogsmeade.”  And what a welcome it is.  The village is complete with all of our favorite shops; Honeyduke’s, Zonko’s, the Three Broomsticks, and several more.  Even Ollivander’s is represented, successfully transplanted from Diagon Alley (this didn’t really seem to bother anyone, I think we were all just happy to see it).  There are several artful touches scattered around that subtly complete the scene.   

All around are the normal signs and warnings found in amusement parks, but these are all embellished with Ministry of Magic symbols and predicated by phrases such as “A notice from the Department of Magical Games and Sports” or “the Department of Magical Transportation” or “the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.”  The list of Departments goes on, and every time I read one of those names, it brought a smile to my face.    

Two adorable shows, one featuring the infamous Hogwarts Choir complete with toads (funny I missed that in the books) and the other ladies from Beauxbatons and gentlemen from Durmstrang complete the mood, and support the Hogwarts ride and a Triwizard Tournament roller coaster respectively.

There is even a kiddie roller coaster called Flight of the Hippogriff that takes off outside Hagrid’s hut for those who won’t like the loops and dives of the previously mentioned Dragon Challenge Triwizard Tournament coaster (which is a phenomenal coaster, by the way). 

All in all, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is very well done and highlights all of the things that one usually thinks of when Harry Potter is mentioned.  For a slightly disillusioned fan, it was exactly what was needed to bring the magic of Harry roaring back to life!

Written By: Gabriella Bensur

Unfortunately, I did not receive my green-inked letter, and to my utter astonishment and very real disappointment, I have never met anyone who has. 

So when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened and I heard that Universal was planning on building Hogwarts, I decided I would have to settle for the amusement park experience of our favorite magical school.  A visit to the park is considerably shorter than seven years of Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, and History of Magic, so I suppose that’s a plus. 

What I was not expecting was Hogwarts to be presented to the hoards of Potter fans as a ride entitled Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

Gee, J.K. Rowling, why didn’t you name one of your seven highly acclaimed books that?  I can’t for the life of me see why. 

Anyway, so Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey;  first you walk through the dungeons, which are pretty artfully done, and then you proceed through a line that meanders about the Herbology greenhouses.  When you finally enter the castle, you find yourself in rooms that incorporate one of the best features of Hogwarts—talking portraits!

The paintings are adorable.  They bring to life several characters that you will surely remember from the books, and the magic starts to come to life.  They are followed by various statues, the entrance to Dumbledore’s office, the Fat Lady, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and several other artful touches that will enchant the true fan and the casual movie watcher alike. 

The Trio makes their appearance before the ride begins of course,  and when you board the ride you are hoisted into the air by one of Hermione’s spells—because nothing is complete without the genius witch’s wandwork!

What then follows is an absolutely ingenious conglomeration of the first four Harry Potter books which includes the Chamber of Secrets, a dragon, Aragog, dementors, Quidditch, and the stunning usage of bubbled screens that truly make you feel like you are flying with Harry himself. 

It was unlike any ride I have ever been on, and it was an absolute thrill.  My sister and I described it as crazy amazing—it was a bit crazy in that neither of us really knew what was going on, but amazing in its effects and ability to bring the series and the grounds of Hogwarts into stunning clarity before the awed visitor. 

So, despite my skepticism, it was a bloody brilliant ride.  It avoided all the elements of the series that I disliked (the entirety of the last three books) and rejoiced in the bright and exciting adventures of Harry in his early years.   Is Hogwarts finally accessible at Universal Orlando? Of course not.  But the Forbidden Journey offers us Muggles a superb taste of the magic that will always be just beyond our reach.

We arrived at Universal one summers afternoon just as the storm clouds opened, knowing that it wouldn’t be long before they moved off we parked the car and decided to make our way along the walkways from the car park. Well lets say that the storm didn’t move off as quickly as we hoped so we were stuck there for a little while as it was raining that hard it wasn’t worth getting wet for, but true to style the rain relented and we made our way toward Islands of Adventure.

However before we made it Margaritaville called us over, as it was still a little wet we went in and decided to have a margarita.  We had promised ourselves that we would try one this year.

It was early in the afternoon, no plans of driving until that evening so we thought why not? Having never tried a margarita before it was going to be an experience.

We were pleasantly surprised by the great welcome we got from the bartender who said it was fine for our boys to sit at the bar, it was quiet but we are used to “no children” at the bar attitude that it made a lovely change, to sit there and chat to a “local” so we sat down and perused the menu. Gosh what a choice? I can’t remember which 3 margaritas we chose but they were all very different and had great names. Next came “sugar or salt”? Sorry? Around the glass would you like “Sugar or Salt”? My sister and husband chose salt but I chose sugar and I think I made the right chose but that comes down to the individual’s choice. WOW, that first sip nearly took my head off, I wasn’t expecting it to be that strong, thank goodness we were going to have a lazy afternoon at the park. For some reason my sister decided against the Hulk that afternoon, (me I never go on it) I wonder why??

What was nice was that the boys could eat at the bar whilst we took it easy with the drinks, play on a bar game like skittles and we could all relax. My 13 year old has asked to return next year for a meal, so perhaps we will have to try another margarita?

I am lucky that I can spend 5 weeks out in Florida with my sister and my 2 boys, my husband will come over for almost 3 weeks but unfortunately due to work he can not come out for longer which is a shame.

We will do the normal Florida home-owners visit, work at the villa touching up the paintwork, replacing bedding and any other items that are warn out or tired.

Then the fun begins.

We will spend a few days at Universal Studio’s and Island of Adventure a favourite for all the family. Although I don’t like roller coasters I come in very handy when the rest of the family go on a ride and leave me with the bag, sunglasses and hats The Florida Pack mule I call myself, I don’t mind as I love to see them enjoy themselves and I do have fun and go on rides that I like.

Well last year whilst at Universal Studio’s my husband said that he wanted to see “The Blue Man Group” but unfortunately we ran out of time so we said perhaps next year.

Well earlier this year I looked for tickets and there were only on sale until May so I initially thought that they were finishing in May, but yes you’ve guessed they have of course added more dates during the year. However, I told my husband a little white lie and told him that they finished in May he was devastated. This enabled me to surprise him as I have since booked seats for us all the weekend before he leaves, which is just a week before our wedding anniversary and only my sister and I know. Only last week my husband said, “I can’t believe The Blue Man Group has stopped.” Hope he enjoys the surprise.

Then not to be out done a couple of weeks ago my sister decided to book us all a day at Discovery Cove as this year maybe the last time we are all out together as my eldest son starts work in September and will only get 2 weeks holiday during  August and this looks like it will be after his father returns back to work. Yet again we have kept this quiet.

My sister and I have made cards inviting them to Discovery Cove just 2 days after my Husband arrives and we can’t wait to see the boys faces when they open them, they won’t believe it as we said we would not return until the dollar got back to 2 to the pound.

Islands Of Adventure consists of six themed islands (a seventh island opens in late 2010), surrounding a lagoon, often referred to as the ‘inland sea’:

Port Of Entry

This is the park’s main entrance, where many shops and services are located.  The theme is that of an Arabian bazaar, and here you will find the Confisco Grille restaurant and The Islands of Adventure Trading Company, which is the main gift shop. 

MarvelSuperHeroIsland

This theme is inspired by the Marvel comic books and walking the streets are superheroes like Wolverine and Iceman, and villains like M.O.D.O.K and Kingpin.

Featuring:         The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman              (3D simulator ride set in New York)

                        Incredible Hulk Coaster                                    (high speed roller coaster ride)

                        Doctor Dooms Fearfall                         (rocket 150 feet up into the air, and down again)

                        Storm Force Accelatron                                   (fast version of the teacup ride)

Toon Lagoon

Water-based rides are the theme, and located here are the Comic Strip Café (with Italian & Chinese cuisine, Burgers & Dogs, and Fried Chicken & Fish), Blondies (featuring the famous Dagwood) and Wimpy’s (open peak season only).

Featuring:         Dudley  Do-Right Ripsaw Falls                         (log flume ride)

                        Popeye & Pluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges                  (splashing& turning raft ride)

                        Me-ship, The Olive                                           (kid’s playground)

JurassicPark

Based on the movie; an area of rides and exhibits.

Featuring:         Jurassic Park River Adventure              (thrilling river raft ride)

                        Jurassic Park Discovery Centre             (hand on interactive discovery area)

                        Pteranodon Flyers                                            (suspended roller coaster)

                        Camp Jurassic                                                  (children’s pre-historic playground)

The Lost Continent

Ancient myths and legends are the theme, divided into medieval Europe, ancient Arabia and mythological Greece, and home to Mythos, voted one of the best theme park restaurants.  Don’t forget to make a wish at the Mystic Fountain in Sinbad’s Village.

Featuring:         Dueling Dragons                                               (inverted roller coaster serpents)

                        The Eighth Voyage Of Sinbad               (live action stunt show)

                        Poseidon’s Fury                                               (indoor special effects show)

Seuss Landing

Based on works by Dr Seuss, this area is aimed at small children.  Uniquely there are no single straight lines anywhere, even the palm trees were originally shaped by the winds of Hurricane Andrew, before being planted here.  The Green Eggs and Ham Café and Circus McGurkus Restaurant are located here.

Featuring:         The High InThe Sky Trolley Train Ride             (tour above/around Seuss Landing)

                        The Cat In The Hat                                           (ride through the famous children’s book)

                        Caro-Seuss-el                                                  (a merry-go-round)

                        One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish  (ride an obstacle course of fountains)

                        If I Ran The Zoo                                               (interactive play area)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (opening in 2010)

Featuring attractions, shops and restaurants presented within the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle.

Islands of Adventure is a relatively recent addition to the Universal stable (?2001?) and it has a host of thrill rides full of Marvel Superheroes and cartoon capers. My personal favourite is The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman as a 3-D projection of Spiderman joins you on a chilling chase after evil Doc Ock… This one took my breath away as we lurched in and out of buildings at a thunderous pace. The lesson here is to expect the unexpected….The Universal website mentions a virtual 400 foot freefall though, so don’t say I haven’t warned you…

The Hulk ride is a neat one - though a pretty standard coaster – and the one ride that took me the longest to pluck up courage for - Dr Doom’s Fearfall – was the biggest disappointment. Despite the implication of ‘edge of the seat’ action this was a quite a tame up and down ride which promised much and delivered little. It was brief and clinical and without a single moment of terror. I’d go back to Spiderman everytime!

The Pteradon Flyers are a gentle flight for young children, though over very quickly, and there always seems to be a huge queue for the Jurassic Park River Adventure. The Duelling Dragons are cool, but to be honest (and this is probably sacrilegious in some quarters) I find that coasters are pretty much coasters and that the difference between them is pretty minimal… I’m sure it is just that I lack the ability to distinguish properly, but I have done Fire and Ice now, and, well, I forget which one was which… Up, down and all around…Oh well.

Children of all ages though will definitely enjoy standing on the bridge over the Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and using the water guns to aim and hopefully soak the poor unsuspecting passengers below. Yes, lady in the yellow T-shirt and child with the Spiderman hat, sorry. It was me and I don’t think I have spent a better 25 cents. Ever.

One “tip from the top” is to try to get the last session of the generally quiet character greetings at the Confisco Grill. When we went, we found that we had Spidey & Wolfman almost to ourselves and the guys seemed happy to chat and pose for pictures with none of the usual time pressures that we have found at other famous parks not so very far away… This was a lovely experience for our children and as you know….happy children make happy parents!

‘Authentic world’

Visitors will be able to stroll about Hogsmeade, discover the mysteries of the Forbidden Forest and explore Hogwarts castle.

Visitors will be able to sense the sights, the sound, the touch and the feel, the smells and really immerse themselves in this authentic world,” Williams said.

Stuart Craig, the Academy-Award winning production designer who has worked on the Harry Potter movies, is leading the creative design on the park to ensure it remains true to the look and feel of the films.

The Wizarding World will feature rides, shops and restaurants all based on the fictional world of Harry Potter.

So start planning your trip to Florida in 2009 and be the first to visit what sounds to be a fantastic new theme park in Orlando!