Can you imagine actually having the chance to step inside the world of the Harry Potter books? You could have a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, stroll through Hogsmeade, and shop in Diagon Alley. Starting in 2010, if you visit Universal Orlando, you could get the chance to do all these things and more as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens in the park.

In a joint venture with Warner Brothers and Universal Orlando Resorts, a park has been dedicated to Harry Potter, the title character of the book series created by J.K. Rowling, and will open inside Universal’s Island of Adventure park in Orlando, Florida. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be situated in Lost Continents section of Islands of Adventure.

While there has been a great deal of speculation about when the park will open, Universal has only stated on their Web site that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, touted as a “theme park within a theme park,” will open some time in 2010. Rowling herself has been very supportive of the park, and Universal has enlisted the help of Stuart Craig, the creative mind behind the set design of the entire Harry Potter movie series, to give the park a look that will allow patrons to imagine that they’re right in the middle of one of the films.

Because the park’s design will be inspired by the films, some of the most iconic locations from the series, including the village of Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forests, will be part of the layout. The centerpiece will be Hogwarts itself, a structure that may rival one of the great landmarks of Orlando, Cinderella’s castle at Disney World. Concept art for Hogsmeade, Hogwarts and inside the Three Broomsticks have already been made public.

Specific details about the rides and attractions hasn’t been fully disclosed yet. However, during one of the first reports on the park in June 2007, Orlando news station Local 6 reported that one of the rides, according to their sources, will include the Ford Anglia featured prominently in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Universal has created a Web site for the park, located at www.wizardingworldharrypotter.com, which has attraction renderings, frequently asked questions and an invitation to get regular updates on the park through your e-mail.

While you wait for the new Harry Potter land to open, start putting together your Harry, Ron, or Hermione costume.

I’ve mentioned in many posts that I hate waiting in long lines. I know some people feel like that 90 minute wait is part of the theme park experience, but I’d rather wait 5-10 minutes and walk right on to the ride. The good news is that Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure offer plenty of ways to experience major rides and attractions without waiting in line, and you can do it without spending an extra dime.

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With all of the movie making magic and special effects that Universal Studios has to offer, it can leave visitors wanting more in terms of big thrills. In 1999, Universal created a sister park, right next door called Islands of Adventure. This park offers all the coasters and thrill rides that Universal Studios is missing.

Islands of Adventure features five islands around a central lagoon. The first land is Super Hero Island, and it contains some major headline rides. The first is the Incredible Hulk coaster, which shoots riders from 0 to 40 MPH in 2 seconds, and features some major loops and zero-G moments. Next is The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, which is a simulator ride that is better than any you’ve experienced before. Also in this land is Dr. Doom’s Fearfall, a tower ride which drops riders to the ground, braking moment before impact.

The next land you’ll encounter is Toon Lagoon. The best thing about this land is the elaborate theming, and the whimsical buildings. There are also two major water rides: a log flume and a river rafting ride.

For dinosaur lovers, you’ll love Jurassic Park land. The main ride here is the Jurassic Park Adventure, where dinosaurs chase you the entire way until you end up on a surprise 85 foot drop to the water below. There’s also a Jurassic Park playground and a dinosaur discovery area for kids.

Speaking of kids, they’ll love Seuss landing, which has several Seuss themed attractions, including a Cat in the Hat dark ride, a Caro-Seuss-el carousel, and an interactive play land for kids.

For more big thrills, head over to the Lost Continent. Here you’ll find the Dueling Dragons coasters, Fire and Ice, as well as the children’s coaster The Flying Unicorn. There are also two spectacular shows based on Sinbad and Poseidon, and a really uniue interactive fountain that’s not to be missed.

Coming in 2009, a new land will be added based on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Fans of the books and movies are eagerly awaiting this new land.

Many people who have visited Orlando’s Universal Studios park in the past will be surprised at just how much the resort has evolved. There are now two major parks, three hotels, and the CityWalk Entertainment complex. Read more »

The Universal Resort offers three on-site hotels that truly five-star, world-class destinations, with a price tag to match. So why bother reviewing these hotels if the price is so high? Simply put, Universal’s hotels come with the greatest theme park perk ever. Guests of the hotels get free front-of-the-access to all the major rides and attractions in the park! Can you imagine a sweeter deal?! All you have to do is show your room key to the ride attendents and you can breeze past the lines.

So what, you’re thinking, if the prices are too high for me to afford it? While the rack rates at the three hotels are all over $300 a night, the smart traveler can easily get a room at one of Universal’s hotels for $150-175/night by shopping around.

The first place to look is Priceline. Not only do they seem to have some of the best hotel deals around, but they have the lowest booking fees too. There’s nothing I hate worse than finding a low price for a hotel on Expedia or Orbitz then finding out I’m paying an extra $50 or so in booking fees. Read more »

Planning a trip to Universal Orlando and want to make sure you’re not stuck in long lines? Try visiting the park during off-peak times. Like Walt Disney World, Universal is a lot more fun when you’re not fighting your way through crowds. Read more »

This blog has grown out of my love of Universal Studios theme park. While I’ve always been a Disney fan, it seems like Universal is getting better every year, and their hotels and attractions are truly outstanding (Spiderman ride anyone?) I’ll be posting news, reviews, and tips to help make your trip more fun.

The first thing you should know about me is that I HATE CROWDS. If it comes down to going to the park and waiting in long lines all day, count me out. Luckily, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure offer ways to see the park and ride all the rides without experiencing the dreaded 90 minute wait time. Read more »