Arts Travel: Hightail It to Hogwarts

Hogwarts castle is home to the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction. Credit: © 2010 Universal Orlando Resort

Have a hankering for some chocolate frogs or a nice, cold butterbeer? Then make your way down to Universal Orlando Resort in Florida to check out its completely immersive new theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Details for the park, which opens June 18, have been closely guarded. Universal worked with J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, along with the movies’ art director and production designer to make sure the new attraction stays true to the visual landscapes created in the films.

Visitors will enter the front archway of Hogsmeade to find an array of attractions, shops and restaurants. Stop by Ollivanders to be fitted for a wand, then head up to Hogwarts castle to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which brings the characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in a whole new way.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other experience on earth,” says Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts. “We can’t wait to see the looks on our guests’ faces as they enter this rich environment.” Log on to www.universalorlando.com to learn more or book a travel package.