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Harry Potter Theme Park
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

It's what every Harry Potter fan has been waiting for ... and now it's here.

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter opened at the Universal Orlando Resort on June 18, 2010.

A visit to the "real" Hogwarts is surely an event that has Harry Potter fans on the edge of their seats - all over again!

Warner Bros. and Universal Orlando promise that Potter fans will be in for the roller-coaster ride of their lives with a chance to feel and experience first-hand the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry the familiar Harry Potter creatures, characters, and the mystery and magic surrounding them.

Planning Your Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation in Orlando

Billed as "theme park within a theme park", the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is contained within the Universal Orlando Resort's "Islands of Adventure" which means no extra ticket to gain admission.

Universal Orlando is offering a complete Wizarding World vacation package which includes on-site hotel accommodations and admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks (Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure) – along with VIP treatment like early admission and by-passing the long lines on featured rides.

For a more affordable option, go to the Universal Studio's website and look for special off-site package which includes transfers to and from a partner hotel for less than $1000 for a family of four.

Step right up to the Butterbeer bar in the heart of Hogsmeade Village.

Directions to Universal and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

From Orlando Airport, take SR-528 West 11 miles to I-4 East, then drive 2 miles to exit 75A and follow the signs to Universal Orlando.

GPS address: 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819

Getting Around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Besides exciting thrill rides, theme food restaurants (peppermint Humbugs, anyone?) more is on the way with up-close visits to the village of Hogsmeade in the 20-acre Orlando attraction.

How authentic is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? In a word, prepare to be DAZZLED:

• At the entrance of Hogsmeade, watch as smoke billows from the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade station.

• Nearby is Zonko's, a fun romp through a collection of mischievous jokes and tricks for sale in the shop.

• Honeydukes is right next door, offering wizards' favorite treats like Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs. For heartier fare, head over to The Three Broomsticks and Hog's Head pub.

• Ready to roll? The first ride, Dragon Challenge, features a twin high-speed roller coaster that helps reenact a Triwizard Tournament. With kids in tow, you might want to opt for the Flight of the Hippogriff, a gentler attraction that simulates a Hippogriff training flight high above Hogwarts castle.

• Located within Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the Wizardiing World's star attraction, offering a state-of-the art thrill ride bringing Harry Potter characters and stories to life in vivid 3-D.

More about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park around the Web

For more updates as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter also keep your eye on the Screamscape theme park guide.

Also see: Insider's Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter