We already know the town of Hogsmeade (pictured in the works behind the Express) will be faithfully reproduced, as well as many other beloved buildings from the hit book and movie series of Harry Potter- including Zonko’s joke shop, the Three Broomsticks (which will serve butterbeer), an Owl Post (sending real letters postmarked with the magical world) and more. It will also feature new rides that take you through the movie, chasing dragons, flying with hippogriffs, and others.

Visitors will be happy to know that all that’s needed for admittance into the Harry Potter world is a one-day ticket to Islands of Adventure. That’s it. Any admittance into the park will get you access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter- no extra fees or costs at all!

The detail in these replicas and rides is astounding and certain to bring the magic to life for all visitors, young and old (and young at heart!). Already there are get-togethers and parties celebrating the Wizarding World’s (not yet released) opening date. Fans are super excited to see the grand opening- the opening date for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is rumored to be close to the end of this month so start planning your vacation now!

The killer whale, Tilikum, was kept away from other killer whales due to its violent history.

An incident in 2005 occurred when an “overexcited” whale bumped a trainer during a show, but injuries were minor.

In any case, this is a tragic event but also the first in the history of any SeaWorld park.

“The May 28 travel date was set to help consumers with vacation planning and does not represent the opening date for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal has announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in Spring 2010. Specific opening information will come as soon as it is available.”

So when IS the opening date for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

All of you Harry Potter fans better get in on the action- everyone seems to be planning groups to go to the park, as well as private parties and gatherings. Reserve your Universal Orlando tickets and hotel rooms today to make sure you’re in time for the big unveiling!

When packing clothing, an easy tip is to fold outfits together. For younger kids, put their shirt, pants, socks, and underwear together in a Ziploc bag- it makes choosing what to wear much easier! Only bring the essentials; a pair of jeans, enough shirts for every day, and some extra shirts and an extra pair of jeans in case you get on a water ride or it rains.

Bring comfortable shoes- especially in summer. Form over fashion in this case; sweaty feet cause major blisters! Try using baby powder before you put on your socks and shoes. And bring band-aids just in case.

Dress for the season and weather- but always bring a sweater. Orlando is known for its short summer showers; any drug store will sell ponchos for much cheaper than at the parks, so you can wait to get them here. The inside temperature of most buildings is COLD and COLDER, hence the need for a sweater.

Making sure to keep to airport guidelines, you only really need a travel-sized bottle of shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, lotion, etc., and a small travel toothpaste or even a disposable toothbrush. Most larger all-purpose stores will sell the travel bottles of each, or empty containers for you to fill yourself.

Bring minimal make-up- no need to impress anyone here; and sweat can run even the most waterproof mascaras. Some lip gloss in winter is suggested; summer humidity should take care of that issue.

As a child, I would always fill my travel backpack full of toys I’d never use when on vacation- it’ll only drag the kids (and adults) down. Bring a few toys for distracting them during long lines or when getting to and from the parks; but don’t overdo it.

Now that you have the basics down, get ready for a relaxing vacation!

Yep- The Wait is one of the most grueling times before a vacation. You sit and work and dream about your Orlando vacation; you feed the kids and imagine going out to an amazing dinner show instead; you visit our web site and re-read the park information and can Hardly Wait for the fun to begin. What to do with yourself?

Here are some ways to make The Wait easier on yourself!

+ If you have kids, go on eBay and buy cheap Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld toys; then, every time your kids earn a reward, you can give them one- or just hide them in their backpacks, lunch boxes, dresser drawers, etc. for an early vacation surprise

+ Get the soundtrack to your favorite park and play it in the car or while at work (when allowed, of course!) to get into the spirit of things early.

+ Definitely start crossing days off on a calendar. Or use themed stickers- Mickey Mouse, dolphins and killer whales, or one of the many Universal mascots.

+ Buy themed board games, such as Disney or Universal trivia, and play them once a week or just have a marathon a few days before you go!

In my humble opinion, Epcot is the most underestimated park, simply because it seems to have fewer rides than the other parks. However, it’s my favorite park to go to, no matter the season.

Its Future World is full of innovative technology and information on the environment; there is even a ride that leads you through Epcot’s greenhouses, where the restaurants get most of their ingredients.

World Showcase is where I spend most, if not all, of my time when at Epcot- a lagoon surrounded by many different countries, including Japan, China, Italy, Morocco, Germany, and Mexico, among others. (Tip: The best French fries are at the America counter diner. ^_~ ) Each country has either a small ride or a demonstration- China has amazing acrobat shows, for instance, while Norway has a boat ride. At the Kid Zones you can make something new and usually learn a few words of that country’s language. In short, kids find it fun, teens find it fun, adults love it (especially the Mexican margaritas…)- have you been to Epcot lately?

Make sure to drop in for the International Flower & Garden Festival this Spring!

The parade is just one of several summer touches, including new Tower of Terror lighting and drop sequences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There will also be a new fireworks show for for summer. The parade won’t last for long though so be sure to catch it while you can!

So far we know that John Rich will be playing on the 20th, and YES will be playing on the 27th.

All concerts are included with admission to the SeaWorld theme park.