Anticipation is growing while the world awaits the first theme park devoted to Harry Potter. Spring 2010 sounds so near, but when you’re a fan, it feels like eternity. A friend of mine went to Universal Orlando last weekend and I asked her if you can see anything of the Wizarding [...]]]>

Harry Potter Theme Park

Anticipation is growing while the world awaits the first theme park devoted to Harry Potter. Spring 2010 sounds so near, but when you’re a fan, it feels like eternity. A friend of mine went to Universal Orlando last weekend and I asked her if you can see anything of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter yet. She said they have it all cordoned off. You can see where they’re working on it but they aren’t revealing much.

What we do know, is that when you walk into this section of Islands of Adventure, you will feel like you’re in a Harry Potter movie. What else would you expect from Universal? They are all about the movies. From what I’m hearing, this park will not disappoint. And sine J.K. Rowlings herself is collaborating on the project, you know it will be authentic and as realistic as possible.

Some of the details that you’re dying to know: in this new park you will see the famous Hogwarts castle, the boarding school where Harry learns his magic. You will also get to tour Ollivander’s wand shop, where the wands choose the wizards. Which wand will choose you? I know you can’t wait to ride a Hippogriff- a cross between a griffin and a mare. Well you will be able to do all these things and much more when the park opens its doors next Spring! If you can’t wait that long, Universal Orlando’s website has more information, including a video with the creators of the new land talking about what all is going on behind the scenes.

Orlando, Florida is one of the best vacation destinations for families. Sure, there’s Tahiti, Bermuda, Europe- all beautiful places to visit. But the amount of family activities and sights to see in the Orlando area are endless. It’s hard enough for a couple to choose a vacation destination, but add in [...]]]>

Space Shuttle Launch

Orlando, Florida is one of the best vacation destinations for families. Sure, there’s Tahiti, Bermuda, Europe- all beautiful places to visit. But the amount of family activities and sights to see in the Orlando area are endless. It’s hard enough for a couple to choose a vacation destination, but add in a child or two and pleasing everyone becomes next to impossible.

Some people think that if they’ve been to the big theme parks that the Orlando area has to offer, then they have done all that there is to do. Wrong. There are new attractions popping up in the Central Florida area almost every year, even in this economy. Sea World added a new water park this year called Aquatica. Universal’s Islands of Adventure is currently working on a new park within a park called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

But besides the parks, there are so many other things to do in the area. Have you ever been on an airboat ride? An airboat is different from a regular boat in that it hovers above the water instead of sitting in the water. Why this is key is that it allows the airboat, filled with passengers, to take you to places that a boat could not, because of the depth of the water. As a matter of fact, airboats can hover over land, too.

My first airboat ride was awesome. Yes, the engine is loud, but you get earplugs to help diminish the noise. But with hearing somewhat disabled, your other senses become more acute, especially the eyes. And boy, what sights can be seen on those everglades and other wetlands of Florida. I have seen alligators up close and personal, in the wild. I also watched the space shuttle launch from an airboat one time and it was a moment I will never forget. We were surrounded by nothing but nature- no telephone poles or wires, no satellite towers, nothing manmade visible except for the boat we were riding in. And then, suddenly, a blast of light appears on the horizon and you see how far we have come as a species. The contradiction of nature untouched by man and the advanced technology of space flight was a real trip for the mind.

So don’t put off coming back to Orlando because you have been. With airboat rides, Kennedy Space Center, Fort Christmas, Port Canaveral and all of the cruise ports it can lead to, you could come back every year and not see and do it all. And I haven’t even mentioned the beach. Orlando can be your every year vacation destination. It was for my family as a child and I have so many wonderful memories because of it.

Am I the only one who thinks it is surprising that Universal Studios Orlando is opening an entire theme park centered around Harry Potter? I can certainly understand a ride or even maybe a section of a theme park, but a whole park for it? They’re calling it a theme park [...]]]>

Harry Potter Theme Park

Am I the only one who thinks it is surprising that Universal Studios Orlando is opening an entire theme park centered around Harry Potter? I can certainly understand a ride or even maybe a section of a theme park, but a whole park for it? They’re calling it a theme park within a theme park. I have to say I didn’t think it could draw that many people. First of all, you have a whole population of people who would not even consider going because of religious conflicts. I know plenty of families who would not allow their children to read the books or watch the movies.

Second, isn’t Harry Porter mainly for younger age children? Is a 9 to 16 year old target audience enough to support a whole park? Of course there are older kids, even adults who would be interested in going to a Harry Potter theme park (named “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”), but I am surprised that there is a large enough market for it. And I do believe Universal did their market research. I’m sure they don’t just act on projects of this magnitude without feeling fairly confident that they will not only be able to make money, but continue doing if for years and years to come. They wouldn’t put this many millions of dollars into this, only to tear it down and build something else in a few years. Apparently, they think Harry Potter will be hot for a very long time. Boy J.K. Rowling must be richer than rich.

Well, in any event, the park is scheduled to open next summer. It’s part of Islands of Adventure. Maybe I’m totally clueless as to the size of the Harry Potter fanbase. I mean, I know it’s large, but I must be really missing something for me to be so surprised at the whole idea.