All those still waiting for their acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - rejoice! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the newest addition to Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventures theme park, and is sure to bring a magical world to life. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was announced in 2007, and Universal has gone to great lengths to really make the new "Island" at Universal's Island of Adventure @ Universal Orlando Resort an immersive experience. There will be several new rides and stores, while other attractions are completely revamped to match the new, unbelievable experience.
 

Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a brand-new Universal’s Islands of Adventure® theme park section based on the hit Harry Potter book and movie series by J.K. Rowling. It was announced last year that it would open this Spring- and since then fans waited both eagerly and impatiently for this magical new world to be brought to life. To enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, all that is required is a regular ticket to Universal’s Islands of Adventure® (Universal Orlando 1 day park); There are no additional fees or restrictions.

And it’s true to the series- the main building in the new area is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where young witches and wizards study from age 11. The castle features a state-of-the-art ride where you follow Harry himself in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The castle also has famous areas from the series, such as the Gryffindor House common rooms, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Room of Requirements, headmaster Dumbledore’s office, and more.
 

There are also two rollercoasters- Flight of the Hippogriff, in which the rider must bow in respect to a hippogriff. If it bows back, prepare for a family-friendly hippogriff training ride over Hogwarts’ grounds.

The second is the former Dueling Dragons- now known as the Dragon Challenge. Featuring elements from the Triwizard Tournament, choose either a Hungarian Horntail or a Chinese Fireball dragon and set off on a twisting, winding battle between the two dragons.
 

Up for a treat? Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter features Hogsmeade, the Wizarding town, with plenty to see and taste. Visit the Honeydukes sweet shop, filled with Chocolate Frogs (complete with wizard trading cards), Fizzing Whizzbees, Cauldron Cakes, Acid Pops, Exploding Bonbons, and other delectable treats.
 

After your sugar rush,  wander into Ollivanders (Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.) and have a wandkeeper help a wand choose you. Purchase your unique wand or choose from collectible sets or Harry Potter character wands and other odds and ends.
 

Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter will allow you to brag about your purchase by mail at the Owl Post, where you can send real postcards and letters with an authentic Hogsmeade postmark. You can also buy stationery, Harry Potter stamps, owl-related souvenirs, and more.

Pop into Dervish and Banges for your supply of Spectrespecs, Sneakoscopes, Omnioculars, books, Quidditch needs- such as brooms and golden snitches- school uniforms, and other merchandise.
 

And don’t forget Zonko’s joke shop! Bring home Extendable Ears, Screaming Yo-Yos, a Pygmy Puff, shrunken heads, popular sweets- Fainting Fancies, Nosebleed Nougat, and many more- and other items.
 

After all that browsing, you’re bound to be hungry! Stop into the authentic Three Broomsticks tavern for pumpkin juice, Butterbeer, and various menu items.

With so much to see and do, Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is like a theme park in itself- no wonder it’s been so widely anticipated by fans and park goers alike!

Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter @ Universal Escape Orlando will surely be the most popular of all attractions and a sure stop on your Universal Studios vacation!