Excitement Builds for Harry Potter in Orlando

The excitement continues to build in Orlando, FL as Universal Studios gets closer and closer to the grand opening of its long awaited new adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The new section of the park is expected to open no later than late May, 2010.

Visitors to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter may enter through the towering castle gates and work their way through the familiar halls and corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From Dumbledore's office to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, you'll find plenty to captivate and capture your interest throughout Hogwarts. You'll also find an all new adventure ride with cutting edge technology called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

A blazing Goblet of Fire and the Triwizard Cup will greet visitors near the Dragon Challenge - the twin roller coaster formerly called Dueling Dragons.

Another coaster, the family friendly Flight of the Hippogriff, takes you past Hagrid's hut where you'll learn the proper way to approach a Hippogriff, an animal with the head of a giant eagle and the body of a horse.

In Hogsmeade Village, you'll discover a number of your favorite shoppes, including Dervish and Banges which offers a variety of magical items, Hogwarts School uniforms, Quidditch clothing and supplies such as a golden snitch, and amazing brooms like the Nimbus Two Thousand and the Fireball.

Another must stop in Hogsmeade is Honeydukes where you can satisfy your sweet tooth with candy and snacks ranging from Fizzing Whizbees and chocolate frogs to Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans.

Step inside Ollivanders magic wand shop and allow the Wandkeeper to help a wand choose you! Or you can select from the countless boxes of mystical wands found in boxes stacked high to the ceiling.

The Hogsmeade Owl Post features nearly two dozen beautiful owls resting, hooting and turning their heads. Also a fully functioning postal office, you can send postcards and mail with an official Hogsmeade postmark.

Three Broomsticks tavern offers up a variety of tasty fare and drinks, including ButterBeer, pumpkin juice and fish & chips.

It's all coming soon at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's fun-filled Islands of Adventure in Orlando. For additional details, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/harrypotter.

For more information about Universal Studios and other Orlando area theme parks and attractions, as well as discount Orlando theme park tickets and accommodations, please visit www.OrlandoThemeParkVacations.com or www.WestgateReservations.com/sweepstakes.cfm.