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This year Florida holidays are set to become full of wizarding wonder as muggles of all ages get to walk through the door of Hogwarts Castle, in the much anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park.
Inspired by J K Rowling’s stories and characters, this 26-acre attraction at Universal Resort’s Islands of Adventure will offer children the chance to drink a glass of (non-alcoholic) Butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks restaurant, arrive at Hogsmead station on the Hogwarts Express and have a fitting in Ollivander’s wand shop.
Forbidden Journey is the signature attraction which uses state of the art technology to take visitors on an hour-long tour through Hogwarts Castle, starting with a visit to see Dumbledore in his dusty office. Harry, along with Ron and Hermione, will then take you on a journey soaring above Hogwarts Castle, into a quidditch match and for close encounters with a Dementor and a Whomping Willow.
Other rides include the newly designed dual-track rollercoaster themed around a Triwizard Tournament and Flight of the Hippogriff which allows children to get a ‘birds-eye’ view of the magical land.
Eating out
Dining has been carefully thought out with traditional British fare available at the Hog’s Head pub located next to the Three Broomsticks restaurant. For a sweet-treat head to Honeydukes for imaginative chocolate frogs and Bott’s Every-Flavour beans!
Shopping
Shops will be full of memorable gifts for friends at home. Zonko’s is a joke shop full of Harry Potter oddities; Dervish and Banges is a must for quidditch fans and if you visit The Owl Post you can send a postcard back home bearing a real Hogsmead postmark!
Getting there
Entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be included in the general admission to Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. You can buy multi-park tickets in advance which are better value and allow you unlimited access during a fortnight’s holiday. Prices start from £75 for children and £82 for adults.
Families looking for value could consider staying in a Florida Villa as they provide a central base from which to explore and include free car hire. The spacious homes come with a private pool and give you a real sense of American living just a few minutes away from International Drive.
Florida experts, www.jetsave.com have special offers on family Florida holidays throughout the year. Visit the website to see the latest family deals from just £399.
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