Wizarding World Now Open!

[Webmaster]

Thousands of excited Muggles are experiencing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the first time.

The new, enchanted land opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure Friday morning, with the help of a few famous wizards.

A huge, white curtain dropped shortly after 9 a.m. Friday, unveiling the magical gateway to Hogsmeade Village, and a procession of villagers eager to welcome the crowd of Potter fans into the world they’ve grown to love through author J.K. Rowling’s seven-volume series.

Arriving aboard the Hogwarts Express was Harry Potter, himself -- Daniel Radcliffe -- and eight of his co-stars from the films.

Radcliffe welcomed the crowd, starting with a group of lucky elementary school students from Texas in the front of the line.

“What Universal Orlando has done with Harry Potter is really, really fantastic,” he said. “We’re all grateful that the next part of the Harry Potter legacy has been so well done and well made, and it really is absolutely fantastic. You’re going to have an amazing time.”

Then, to start things off with a bang, James and Oliver Phelps -- better known as Fred and George Weasley -- attempted to light a large firecracker, courtesy of Zonko’s Joke Shop.

But just as the fuse appeared to fizzle on the apparent dud, a dazzling display of fireworks went off high above Hogwarts Castle.

With that, Radcliffe led the crowd into the Wizarding World, as snowflakes fell onto the streets of Hogsmeade.

Packed house
Since before dawn, Universal Orlando Resort has been packed with Potter fans anxious to experience the Wizarding World.

Park officials said if the island reaches capacity, more people will be let inside as others leave.

Hundreds of cars full of excited Muggles started pulling into Universal’s parking lot just after 5 a.m., with hundreds more filing into the theme park on foot.

The parking lot was not supposed to open early, but officials said so many people showed up, the cars were blocking Interstate 4.

Security began checking bags early, allowing guests to wait outside the park’s gates, just inside the property.

Harry Potter fans from around the world, including many from the Boy Who Lived’s native Britain, said they couldn’t wait to see the magical world with their own eyes.

Many fans said they did not mind waiting hours in line just to be among the first to walk through the island and ride the new attractions, including “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” inside Hogwarts Castle.

Dumbledore’s Army tours Central Florida
It wouldn’t be a truly magical opening for the Wizarding World without the stars of the Harry Potter film series.

Harry, himself, Daniel Radcliffe, and many of his co-stars showed up at the park Wednesday night to light up Hogwarts Castle during a private party.

Radcliffe and his British-born co-stars have spent much of week in Central Florida -- all as the area has been dealing with a heat wave.

“This is something I’ve never encountered in my life before!” said Radcliffe as he mopped the sweat from his face with a tissue.

Rupert Grint, who plays Harry’s best friend, Ron Weasley, said he didn’t get much sleep Wednesday night after the private party.

Instead, he went to the Rising Star for some karaoke.

“I did ‘I Got You Babe,’ ‘We Are Family,’ and ‘Fight for your Right (to Party),’” Grint said.

His on-screen sister, Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), said she was supposed to join Grint for a duet of “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” but someone else beat her to it.

“And then I chickened out, so hats off to them,” said a not-too-disappointed Wright.

But the men behind the characters of Professor Flitwick and Draco Malfoy gave their own reasons for staying off the stage.

“I didn’t want to embarrass anyone,” said Tom Felton, who plays Harry Potter’s rival, Malfoy. “I’m like a professional singer, so.”

“I’m an excellent singer,” said Warwick Davis, who plays Flitwick. “You know, I’m almost professional, so I just don’t want to get involved in all that stuff.”

Meanwhile, twins James and Oliver Phelps spent their time in Orlando doing something they’re still buzzing about.

“We played at Bay Hill, which was a dream for us,” Oliver said.

Who was here?
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter)
Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy)
Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore)
Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley)
Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick)
Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)
James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley)
J.K. Rowling (author)
Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)
John Williams (composer)
Rowling did not appear in public, but Universal staff said she had many positive things to say about her literary world realized.

Officials said Rowling personally authorized every creation inside the Wizarding World, from the shops that line Hogsmeade’s main street, to the recipe and appearance of Butterbeer.

Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) got a sneak peek of the finished island in May.

Wizarding World fun facts
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been years in the making.

It was in May 2007 when Universal Orlando Resort officially announced plans to open the “park within a park.”

The completed island covers 20 acres, including a replica of Hogwarts Castle that’s roughly the same size as Walt Disney World’s Cinderella Castle.

It’s been rumored Universal spent more than $265 million to bring the Wizarding World to life.

[Shirls]

Well having seen it, I would say go, whether you are a Harry Potter fan or not, the attention to detail is fantastic