The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Officially Open!

After more than two and a half years of slow-leaking details and much anticipation from fans, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is finally open for the muggle public to enjoy!

In this new attraction at the Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida JK Rowling’s world jumps off the page and movie screen as it comes to life as the ultimate amusement park attraction.

The first stop is Hogsmeade, the Wizarding village right outside Hogwarts.  It is home to the Hogwarts Express, the train that delivers students to the school at the beginning of each term.  The billowing smoke and the loud whistle signal cannot be ignored as the train pulls into the station.

Spend some time browsing the stores.  At Zonko’s joke shop visitors can purchase their very own pair of Fred and George Weasley’s Extendable Ears, as well as Boxing Telescopes and even Sneakoscopes.  After the fun and games, head to Ollivander’s wand shop where fans can take part in an interactive experience in which the wand chooses its wizard.  Or for the latest Quidditch equipment and apparel, head to Dervish and Banges for all of your Wizarding sporting goods needs.

For guests requiring refreshments, there are plenty of establishments to cure those hunger pangs.  Honeydukes offers traditional wizard treats including Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans, just make sure not to select vomit or ear wax.  Then head into either The Three Broomsticks or Hog’s Head Pub for some authentic Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.

And if at anytime a visitor feels like he or she is too out of touch with the muggle world, check out The Owlery, where owls await their next postal delivery.  Plus the Owl Post even send letters with an official Hogsmeade postmark and with a certified The Wizarding World of Harry Potter stamp.

After exploring the village, remember there are plenty of other rides and attractions within this magical world.  Dragon Challenge is a double high-speed rollercoaster that features many elements from the Triwizard Tournament, including the Goblet of Fire.  Or for the younger kids, there is the less intense Flight of the Hippogriff.  A family coaster, the ride takes guests on a hippogriff flight over Hogwarts Castle.  Will you be able to find Buckbeak?

Then inside of Hogwarts is the main attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a ride that recreates the chaos and excitement of the young wizard’s world.  As guests venture through Hogwarts, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them.  Upon taking their advice you travel by Floo powder, and begin your adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more. The ride, including the unique waiting experience, combines advanced robotics with immersive filmmaking technology.  While riders wait they will walk through Dumbledore’s office, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Gryffindor common room, Room of Requirement, and the greenhouse; talking portraits including the Fat Lady and the never-before-seen four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw; the Sorting Hat, the One-Eyed Witch statue and the Mirror of Erised.

Finally, before exiting this magical world, check out Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.  Here is where visitors will find items from the Ministry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches.  

For more information, including videos and other multimedia, visit the Official Site.