Fans of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series are finally able to enter the wizarding world for themselves, thanks to the new Harry Potter Theme Park that opened this year. Although most of us be muggles, we can still get a taste of the magic and excitement with our first glimpse within the walls of Hogwart's Castle and our first stroll through Hogsmeade.
What theme park would be complete without rides? The Harry Potter Theme Park is no exception and offers three fantastic rides for the whole family to enjoy. The Dragon Challenge includes two high-speed, twisting roller coasters that loop together and at one point seem to be about to collide with each other. Choose the Chinese Fireball or the Hungarian Horntail and be prepared to be terrified! Both coasters are 3200 feet long and the top height on each is 125 feet in the air. With drops up to 115 feet and 5 inversions on each, the Dragon Challenge is not for the faint of heart.
For the younger or more timid members of the family, there is also the Flight of the Hippogriff. This roller coaster has no inversions, goes under 30 mph and runs only 1099 feet. As you hear the voice of Hagrid telling you how to tame the hippogriff, the whole family will enjoy swooping over Hagrid's little house and diving towards the pumpkin patch.
The Forbidden Journey takes you through the long halls and rooms of the mysterious Hogwart's Castle. It starts out as a tour with Professor Dumbledore welcoming you to the school. When you arrive at the classroom for the Dark Arts, your pals whisk you off on enchanted benches to soar high above the grounds to see the Quidditch match. The technological wonders of this attraction will immerse you completely in the story as you narrowly escape dementors, the Whomping Willow and other creepy surprises.
The Harry Potter Theme Park also features three shows for your entertainment satisfaction: the Frog Choir, the Tri-Wizard Spirit Rally and the wand choosing at Ollivander's famous wand shop. Souvenirs abound at that the various Hogsmeade shops that are awaiting your perusal. Take home your very own sneakoscope or Remembrall from Dervish & Banges, right next to the Owlery. Don't forget to pick up some sweet treats at Honeyduke's where you can find chocolate frogs or fudge flies...yummy! Send your friends back home a postcard or letter stamped with a genuine Hogsmeade postmark when you take a look into the Owl Post.
Wrap up your visit to the Harry Potter Theme Park with a traditional English meal at the Three Broomsticks and polish it off with a butterbeer at the Hog's Head Pub next door.