Harry Potter Wizarding World at Universal Orlando

Last week I visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios park in Orlando, Florida. Being that I am an enormous fan of the Harry Potter books and films, there was a significant level of excitement on my part in anticipation of visiting the park.

As I entered the park, I first saw the famous 'Hogwarts Express' steam train that dutifully brings students from London's King's Cross station, platform 9 & 3/4 to Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was a nice way to start the experience, just as the kids do in each film. Of course, I couldn't miss the opportunity for a photo op with the train conductor...

 

The park is very well designed, with wonderfully authentic architecture, right down to street signs such as these, calling out the way to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Look to the right of the sign post- you can just see the snow-capped roof. The entire park has snow covered roofs, an interesting sensation, considering it was in the mid 80's in Orlando.

This view of Hogwart's castle is quite awe-inspiring. Scores of kids gasp, and shriek with delight as this comes into view as they 'round a corner walking in the park. Unlike other structures at theme parks, this park looks very "old England", complete with old, worn roofs and chimneys. Interspersed throughout are the five rides, such as this one above, to the right of the castle.

Hagrid's House

A nice stone arch, covered in snow...

It truly has a village atmosphere to it.

Lockers provide safe storage during the rides.

See what I mean about the slanted chimneys?

...and these banners throughout make it feel like a school area

The Dragon Challenge has two rides, both are pretty scary.

Inside the castle- complete with "talking" paintings

The Sorting Hat- it speaks when you walk past

The Book of Monsters is safely locked up.

The Three Broomsticks serves English Pub Grub

Nothing quite like a cold Butter Beer to take the edge off.

Honeydukes sweet shop!

Zonkos jokes shop had cool stuff too

Wizard's chess

The Owl Post

Inside Olivander's Wand Shop

Flight of the Hippogriff is a family ride

This is the Weasley's flying car

Before I left, I had the opportunity to scrawl out a few postcards, conveniently available at the many gift shops throughout the park. The cool part is they had their own post box, so if you mail them from inside the park, they will be post-marked as mailed from Hogwarts (or so I was told). So I borrowed a quill pen and hastily wrote out a few post cards. I had an absolute blast at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Like most theme parks, it can be expensive for a family, but any Potter fan worth their salt will gladly fork out the dough for the experience. EXPECTO PATRONUM!

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The Adventures of Sheldon & Harry Potter

Regular readers are familiar with the occasional mini-series of The Adventures of Sheldon which started in 2008 or later the Adventures of Sheldon & Duncan which started in 2009. It has been a month or so since the last episode, so its time for a fresh installment! I can't think of a better night than to be at home relaxing with the poodles. Both Sheldon and Duncan are happiest when we're all home together. Today brings The Adventures of Sheldon & Harry Potter. It all started when I settled down in the media room to watch Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Mr Sheldon curled up on the black leather sofa next to me while Duncan Diggory chose to sit on the floor at my feet. As the movie started, Sheldon instantly perked up. We have surround-sound speakers in the media room that provide for excellent sound quality. Sheldon was drawn into the story in no time.

I first noticed in one of the scenes when there was a Quidditch match with kids flying around on their broom sticks. I watched Sheldon's head movie side to side as he watched the action on the big screen in front of him. I was amused by his interest in the film. 

Shortly thereafter there was a scene when Harry meets Professor Slughorn whilst snipping tentacular leaves through a window in in Professor Sprout's greenhouse. The magical tentacular plants are moving around wildly in their pots while the Professor attempts to snip a few leaves. For some reason, Sheldon was fascinated by this scene and watched intently. Maybe it was the sound and the movement of the plants. Sheldon leaned forward, to have a closer look at the screen. His ears perked up and he watched intently. I managed to snap the photo of his profile at that exact moment. I had no idea he enjoyed Harry Potter movies as much as I do. Sheldon watched the entire movie with me. When it was over, he got up, stretched out, yawned and walked to the bedroom to go to sleep. Another busy day in the life of Sheldon Gryffindor Rockhill.

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First Trailer from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows released

or if you can't view the video above, try this link below:
First Trailer from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows released


Time to re-read book seven...

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Last night I went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. I am in New York on business this week so I figured it would be a great idea to see a midnight show, since it would only be 9 pm for me (having come from Pacific time). By the time the movie let out, it was 2:30 AM so I caught a cab back to my hotel and hit the pillow. My 6:00 AM wake up call came way too early. I had scheduled an early conference call for 6:30, so needless to say I am a zombie today. But it was worth it! Being a fan of the Harry Potter series I was excited to see this latest installment, one which fans have waited far too long. I wanted to be among the first to see it, in a crowded movie theatre filled with cheering fans. A Manhattan movie house at midnight was just the trick! Loads of enthusiastic muggles, some dressed up as wizards and witches, or Quidditch players. From my perspective the movie delivered, but I am hardly objective on the matter. People seem to be so obsessed with making comparisons to other films within a series. It's normal to say which installment you liked best or least, but I'm of the mind that I like the story and enjoy seeing it be told on screen. So even if this film isn't your favorite, think of it as a chapter in the greater series. It does have a few slow moving points, but overall it has lots of excitement, good storyline development and several interesting sub stories.

I'm not trying to write a review, or explain the plot, but just to say I saw it, I loved it and plan to see it again! What about you, are you planning to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince?

Dumbledore Speaks

Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry appears on the latest issue of People magazine with his shocking personal story revealed. Dumbledore, in a rare interview with the Muggle publication discloses the background of his lifestyle choice. Additional commentary and interviews are provided from others within the Wizarding World, including "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" (Lord Voldemort), Professor McGonnegal, Severus Snape, and Harry Potter himself. Phone calls to The Ministry of Magic for comments were not returned. A spokesperson for W.W.W.A.G. (Witches and Wizards Who Are Gay) denied earlier allegations that Dubledore would be speaking from his portrait at Hogwarts later today with additional comments about this interview.
-Rick Rockhill
PS- isn't SATIRE fun?? Special thanks to the Best Week Ever and Stephen Rader for this cover art I borrowed!