Harry Potter: Orlando, FL

"Muggles, the time has come! On June 18, the most anticipated new theme park in years opened its gates to the public. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort has re-created much of the setting of the "Harry Potter" books and movies, including the town of Hogsmeade and the park’s central feature, Hogwarts Castle — site of Harry’s alma mater, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. If you’re one of the legions of fans who have longed to immerse yourself in the Harry Potter universe, grab your broomstick — or perhaps a flight — and head on down to Orlando."-Amy Swanson

"Inside Hogwarts Castle is the park’s signature attraction, a thrill ride called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The ride comes with its own storyline, in which visitors join Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione on an adventure that sends them flying on an enchanted bench around Hogwarts and into encounters with a dragon, the Whomping Willow and participants in a Quidditch match. The pre-ride safety reminder comes courtesy of the Sorting Hat."-Swanson

"One of the most innovative parts of the Forbidden Journey ride is that waiting in line is an integral part of the experience. While you follow the line through the castle toward the ride, you’ll travel through several areas that will be familiar to Potter fans, such as the Portrait Gallery (yes, the paintings talk), the Gryffindor common room, Professor Dumbledore’s office, and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom."-Swanson

 

"Outside the castle, a stroll through the town of Hogsmeade will take you to Potter-esque establishments such as the Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head eateries, where you can quaff butterbeer and pumpkin juice (the recipes for both were approved by author J.K. Rowling); Honeydukes, offering Chocolate Frogs and other sweets; and Zonko’s joke shop. You’ll also find a few places that have been transplanted from Diagon Alley, including Ollivander’s wand shop and the Dervish and Banges wizarding-equipment store."

"Aimed at younger visitors, the Flight of the Hippogriff ride is a smaller-size roller coaster that imagines guests as wizarding students learning how to fly on hippogriffs — magical creatures that are part eagle, part horse. If you’re up for a more extreme roller coaster, the high-speed Dragon Challenge lets riders imagine they’re facing fierce dragons in the Triwizard Tournament."-Swanson