Picket Fence Post

It took some convincing on my older kids’ part to get me to read the entire Harry Potter series. They’d become so enthralled by everything about the world of Potter that I felt as though I’d be missing out on a huge opportunity to bond with them if I didn’t slog through the thousands of pages of J.K. Rowling’s fanciful tale about a humble boy wizard. Surprisingly, I discovered that I adored the books and was very moved by the time I came to the conclusion of the seventh installment. I didn’t want it to end.

Then I read the news this week that injected joy in my heart: Universal Orlando Resort is opening a Harry Potter theme park next spring called, the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” 

I am so there, or at least I want to be. This is a rare thing, mind you, as I’m not much of a fan of theme parks. When the entire Picket Fence Post family went to Disney World for a week in January with a set of Picket Fence Post grandparents, it was indeed great fun and I loved making those memories with the kids, but I’m not much of a ride person. But at a Potter theme park, I think I’d have big expectations for my own personal enjoyment of it.

The Universal press release gushed, “Guests will be able to sip Butterbeer, buy Extendable Ears at Zonkos and experience a state-of-the-art attraction that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in a way never before imagined.”

Not that they’re raising hopes and expectations. Much. Visitors will see Hogsmeade, the Hogwarts Castle, Honeydukes, Hogs Head, Ollivander and even have a ride on a Hippogriff. A video has images of what the “Wizarding World” will look like. The whole idea of it makes me feel like a kid as I try to imagine what it would’ve been like to have one of my favorite childhood fictional worlds – something like Star Wars – be recreated in front of me. (I should note that my favorite part of Disney was the Hollywood Studios portion where we logged some quality time in the Star Wars corner of the park.)

I just love the fact that the Harry Potter phenomenon was initially sparked by good, old fashioned books and that children, young children, are gobbling up the dead tree books and re-reading them compulsively. (I cannot count how many times my twin 11-year-olds have voraciously consumed those books, a couple of which are already falling apart.) Anything that promotes reading and a love of literature, because that’s how I see this, is a wonderful thing.

Below is a video of the map of what will be included in Wizarding World. Is it too early to book a trip . . .

Image credit: Universal Orlando Resort via the LA Times.