Looking at this image of the Hogwarts castle under construction at Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter — which opens this spring — my thought process went as follows:
1. I’ve never been so excited for an attraction.
2. This is the first time I’ve felt a need to visit Orlando since my high school band went in the early ’90s.
3. Thousands of tourists are going to ruin the illusion that I’ve stepped into this magical other world.
4. The only answer is to get in there alone…
5. The only way that would happen is if I were a terminally ill child making a wish or, possibly, Miley Cyrus celebrating a birthday.
Anyone else contemplating a return trip to Orlando for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? In addition to the Hogwarts castle, the “home of a thrilling, new, state-of-the-art attraction — Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey — that uses ground-breaking technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced,” there’s Dragon Challenge (a twin high-speed roller coaster with iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament), Flight of the Hippogriff (a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds at Hogwarts), and the many shops and restaurants in Hogsmeade.
In addition to letting my wand choose me at Ollivanders, I fully plan on purchasing a remote control Golden Snitch at Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods. Hmmm… Children starting wand fights and ignoring the DO NOT FLY YOUR SNITCH UNTIL YOU GET HOME, PLEASE sign could be enjoyable chaos. Okay, I’m now open to sharing.
Photo credit: Kevin Kolczynski/Universal Orlando Resort
All over this one–next spring. On a Thursday. The mad rush will be over, but the polish not completely lost. Is butterbeer any good? I’m dying to know!
I tried to make butterbeer once. It was kinda gross lol. Maybe I made it wrong.
There’s a million different recipes online. The good ones seem to be based on Creme soda, melted butter and/or some sort of butterscotch flavor, and served warm.
Although I can’t understand why you haven’t been back to Orlando for the always incredible Disney World I am in total agreement about the Harry Potter park. CANNOT wait to go!!!
I must go to this. My dream would come true. lmao
Unfortunately, since I’m in my early 20s, I probably won’t get a chance to go to Orlando (way over on the east coast!) until I have my own children. Better get started, because I want to go there!!
Who needs kids? Seriously, I go to Disneyland without my kids all the time. Drop them at school, go for a couple of hours, then pick them up!
Having said that I am so psyched to go to Hogwarts. I just cannot wait
I’m in my early twenties as well, and I cannot wait to see the Harry Potter park. There’s no reason at all adults shouldn’t be able to go to theme parks without kids. I just wish I knew when it opened…
I’m in my early 20s as well and I have already started planning the road trip to go…I already have two car loads of people that can’t wait. Harry Potter is amazing and to see it in real life will be mind blowing!
agreed – i think going with your gf/wife is a way better trip than dragging kids around…
@Megg:
What a weird thing to say “I probably won’t get a chance to go to Orlando until I have my own children.”
It’s beyond me why you need kids to go to Disneyworld. Are you ashamed to go without kids? Are you very religious or something? You can borrow somebody’s kids no doubt, they’d love it if you give the tired parents a break and took their kids away for a few days.
Or are you single and looking for someone to impregnate you?
Baffled,
BvdK
No, no, no! Miley is connected to Disney, Universal wouldn’t let her in free!
I can’t wait to go I was JUST there got back yesterday and it looks AMAZING!!!!! They were still painting and stuff OMG I can’t wait!!
Ewww. That make-a-wish line was unsettling, and unfunny.
stop being such a sensitive (expletive removed)
I. Cant. Wait.
We live, driveway to parking lot, 8 minutes away. My 16 year old son applied for a job there. They must hire him because I’m fairly certain there’s not an HP question he can’t answer. I’m working hard not to call in favors. All in all, can’t wait for it to open. We’ll visit often.
i’ll step it up and confess that i can’t wait for the hogwarts weddings!
OMG!!! I am so going to do that when I’m older!!! Thank You Mystery Stranger!!!
OMG, I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS!!!!! i want to get married there.
Has there been any word about when this opens other than the nonspecific ‘Spring 2010′? My sisters and I are planning a trip to Orlando in mid-March, and would just about die from excitement if would add this to our itinerary.
Its kind of weird, but we too have longed to try butterbeer. In my head it tastes like butterscotch.
Unless we are both weird (which is entirely possible
I’ve always imagined butterbeer to taste like butterscotch, too.
I’ll third this sentiment. Definitely butterscotch.
I want to go to there
so excited!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh me and my friends are not going anywhere this spring break for the express purpose of saving money to drive down to Florida this summer. I am so effing in!!!