The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure opened to the public on Friday, June 18. It was quite the production as the REAL Harry Potter was in attendance, Daniel Radcliffe, along with a host of other Potter actors and thousands of curious fans. While we didn’t make the journey to The Wizarding World on opening day, we ventured over to Hogsmeade the Sunday after the attraction debuted and learned a few tips to share with readers.

Tip #1: Read and Watch. If you haven’t read the Harry Potter books or seen the movies, get busy! Now’s the time to at least watch the movies for a frame of reference. Many muggles who haven’t read the books or seen the movies had to have several things explained to them. Trust us, watch at least the first movie for a frame of reference.

Tip #2: Purchase Tickets in Advance. Save a few bucks by purchasing tickets in advance either through the Universal Orlando website (you’ll save $10 off the gate price on a multi-day ticket) or save even more when you’re a AAA member. Florida resident discounts are available, too, but blackout dates apply, including July.

Tip #3: Timing is Everything. If you’re planning to arrive early, get there early, as in, before the gates open (9 a.m.). This blogger learned the hard way and arrived 45 minutes after the park opened and waited in line for about 45 minutes before be admitting into the attraction. A couple of hours later, there were no lines to get in. Conclusion: arrive really early or a couple of hours after the park opens to maximize time. Or, enjoy some of the Islands of Adventure attractions such as The Incredible Hulk Coaster.

Tip #4: Plan. Seriously. We Mean Plan. Anticipate spending at least six hours in The Wizarding World. Yes, there are only three rides (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge) and half-a-dozen shops but thousands of fans are waiting to get in, too. Forbidden Journey is the most popular ride (albeit scary) but worth the wait. The wait time may be 120 minutes but the line moves quickly and it’s fun people watching, especially when fans wear hand-designed Potter-themed T-shirts with sayings from the books.

Lines for the shops and Three Broomsticks (restaurant) don’t move much as the number of guests allowed in is monitored. Knowing this, the first thing upon entering The Wizarding World is to hit Ollivanders to have a wand choose you. Next, hit Zonko’s Joke Shop, Honeydukes (sweets), Dervish and Banges (Quidditch equipment, Hogwarts uniforms), and Owl Post & Owlery to send a letter from Hogsmeade. Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods (more Hogwarts and Quidditch clothing, magical creature toys) can be visited when exiting Forbidden Journey.

Tip #5: Prepare. It’s summer in Florida meaning it’ll be hot early in the morning ’til mid-afternoon, when a brief thunderstorm will probably roll through. Wear sunscreen and reapply and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. Keep hydrated and take time to rest.

Tip #6: Enjoy the Magic, Have Fun! Awe in wonder at the attention to detail Universal created in bringing Harry Potter’s world to life. Look up and around while walking through downtown Hogsmeade, take time to look in the windows, and if possible, slowly walk through Hogwarts (on the way to the Forbidden Journey ride) taking in the detail. Indulge in Butterbeer (it’s as good as everyone says but save money, don’t buy the plastic mug for about $10) and enjoy the Frog Choir (Hogwarts students sing with super-sized frogs) and the Triward Spirit Rally. If really feeling in a magical mood, don your favorite Potter wear, such as glasses, a tie, or even paint a lightning bolt on your forehead.

Yes, The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter is as wonderful as the hype has made it. Potter fans will not be disappointed. Forbidden Journey is incredible and the technology creates the experience of flying with Harry Potter. Be aware the Forbidden Journey and Dragon Challenge rides are for those at least 48″ tall.

When you’re ready to see Harry Potter, let Resort Rentals International find your sleeping quarters for an affordable Orlando vacation.

Back in September we told you how The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort was set to open sometime in Spring 2010. Well, the wait is almost over for muggles and wizards wishing to experience the magical world. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort public grand opening is set for June 18, 2010.

The heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, one of three themed attractions and promises to “wow” visitors in ways they have never experienced before. The attraction lies within Hogwarts castle and includes Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.

During Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, visitors will meet Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they venture through Hogwarts but rather than attend a lecture, they travel by Floo powder to begin the adventure. Soaring over Hogwarts, visitors will escape a dragon attack, get a little too close to a Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match, and…, well, we shouldn’t reveal any more…

…well, we will tell you the attraction combines advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking and a musical score by award-winning composer John Williams. While waiting to enter, visitors will be entertained by elements from the books and movies including Headmaster Dumbledore’s office, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, and the Gryffindor common room.

The ride is about an hour, from entering the line and experiencing the attraction. There are 12 scenes within the Forbidden Journey and in addition to Harry, Ron and Hermione, favorite Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy make appearances, along with other favorite wizards.

When planning your Orlando vacation, consider Resort Rentals, Inc., for affordable lodging options.

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights(C) JKR.

Image Source:  Universal Orlando Resort

NASA’s Space Shuttle program is scheduled to end in September, 2010 – if the scheduled missions launch with success - so if seeing a Space Shuttle launch is on your bucket list, now’s the time to schedule that Florida trip and see a shuttle launch from the Kennedy Space Center. Here’s a list of scheduled launches with all missions going to the International Space Station. The schedule is subject to change because factors may delay a launch (such as weather) so when booking your Florida vacation, plan on an extra few days.

Orlando makes a great base when planning a shuttle launch vacation since it’s about a 90-minute drive, however on launch days, plan on an additional hour or two drive time. You’ll be able to experience both the thrill of a launch and Florida’s best theme parks.

While the Kennedy Space Center offers premium viewing of the space shuttle, there are many other viewing points such as parks, piers, and parking lots (I know, not very glamorous but true!). And if you can’t make a space shuttle launch, rockets will continue to be launched from the Kennedy Space Center. Other cool activities offered at the Center include lunch with an astronaut and the Shuttle Launch Experience where a shuttle launch is simulated for us common folks so we can feel almost like astronauts. Check out the Kennedy Space Center Web site to keep up to date on launch schedules and other activities and visit the Space Coast Launches site for viewing tips and other activities that are out of this world. And don’t forget to book your stay with Resort Rentals, Inc., for the best Florida vacation value.

Remaining Launch Dates for the Space Shuttle Program
March 18, 1:34 p.m.              Space Shuttle Discovery STS-131
May 14, 2:28 p.m.                 Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-132
July 29, 7:51 a.m.                  Space Shuttle Endeavor STS-134
September 16, 11:57 a.m.    Space Shuttle Discovery STS-133