Harry Potter, Brought to Life

Alright, so that was a little cheesy I know -- but that's exactly what comes to mind when I think of a Harry Potter theme park, and that's exactly what the goal was behind opening the park in 2010 at Universal Studios.

For a little history lesson on the development of the park, the idea has been discussed since the late 1990's. At this time, all rights to Harry Potter were owned by Time Warner. In 2001, Time Warner opened an attraction at Warner Bros. Movie World in Gold Coast, Australia. This attraction, titled the "Harry Potter Movie Experience", featured an indoor walk-through incorporating elements from the first two movies. It closed, however, after two years of operation.

The announcement was made in May 2007 that an addition to the Universal Studios park would open in 2009; a 20-acre addition that would recreate Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest, and Hogsmeade. Construction began January 2008, and the park was finally open to the public in 2010.

There are three ride attractions; Dragon Challenge, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Dragon Challenge is a roller coaster that takes you through elements of the Triwizard Tournament; each "dragon" is a different ride with different scenes. Flight of the Hippogriff is a more family-oriented roller coaster that shows you around Hagrid's Hut, as well as the Hogwarts grounds. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you through Hogwarts castle, allowing each guest to walk through classrooms and locations described in the books, as well as shown in the films.

Other attractions include a replica of Hogsmeade Village with stores featured in the series; Zonko's Joke Shop, The Three Broomsticks, Ollivander's, Owl Post, Honeydukes, and other favorites.

Is it just me, or does that sound completely awesome?! (For more information, along with visual aids, go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter website.)

Personally, I have not been there. Since I learned of its opening, I have desperately wanted to. Though I have not, a good friend of mine named Whitney has. She absolutely loved her trip, and said that walking into Hogwarts was "just like walking into the movies". Only some of us can be so lucky...

So here I pose a question: Have you or anyone you know been to the park? What are some good qualities about it? Bad? Any personal experiences you or someone you know would like to share, feel free to comment! I will update with any information you are willing to give me. Whitney will be sending pictures sometime this week, which will be posted in a couple of days.

Coming next time: I will continue to analyze the "merchandising" of Harry Potter by discussing other types that have been successful over the years. Any merchandising you personally prefer? Any you find absurd? Let me know!