10 Fun Facts About The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter's New Diagon Alley

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is about to get a little bigger. And whileDiagon Alley, the park's new addition, won't open until July 8, perhaps some fun facts will tide you over until then.

First, some basics. Harry's world spans two parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts castle, which opened in 2010, are located in Islands of Adventure. Diagon Alley and London will be located inUniversal Studios Florida. Here's a little preview:

1. You can now RIDE the Hogwarts Express. 

If you visited the Hogsmeade section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you probably stopped for a photograph with the Hogwarts Express and its conductor. However, when the new park opens, you will be able to actually ride the iconic train from King's Cross Station in "London" to Hogsmeade.

2. The theme park is basically a carbon copy of film sets.

Universal consulted J.K. Rowling and the film's production designers during the design process, so each and every detail is picture perfect, as Robert Niles, editor ofthemeparkinsider.com, told CNN.

3. You'll get to hang with animatronic goblins at Gringotts.

The bank is part of the Park's headliner ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Be advised, goblins are not the friendliest of creatures.

4. Apparently, if you ring their bells, they look right at you. Creepy!

5. Want to buy some Pygmy Puffs? How about Skiving Snackboxes? Or some U-No-Poo? Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes sells them all!

Unfortunately, George, Fred and Ginny won't be there to sell you their favorite gag gifts. The three-story shop is said to look identical to the one in "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince."

6. If hunger strikes you while wandering Diagon Alley, don't fret. The Leaky Cauldron awaits you.

The pub serves up British fare and Butterbeer, of course.

7. And if the, ahem, "darker arts" are more your thing, head over to Knockturn Alley and check out Borgin and Burkes.

And yes, that creepy "Hand of Glory" from "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is allegedly on display.

8. There are now two Ollivanders Wand Shops -- one in Hogsmeade and one at Diagon Alley. So you can double up on all your wand-related needs.

Get your hands on an interactive wand and make some magic.

9. There is a fire-breathing dragon atop Gringotts.

According to Buzzfeed, the dragon breathes its fiery breath approximately every 15 minutes.

10. It's totally and completely magical. What else would you expect?

(Your favorite film stars agree!)

Contributed by Lisa_Miller, The Huffington Post 

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

New Harry Potter Park: 5 First Impressions

This June 2014 photo released by Universal Orlando Resort shows "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley," from the Harry Potter-themed area of Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Fla. The attraction, featuring shops, dining experiences and the next generation thrill ride, will officially open on July 8. (AP Photo/Universal Orlando Resort, Sheri Lowen)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Universal Orlando Resort opened its new, richly detailed Harry Potter-themed area to media and other travel industry insiders on Wednesday night.

The new park zone, called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, will delight fans of the hit book and movie series with a marquee ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

But Diagon Alley is also heavy on experiential retail, with stores so entertaining and visually stimulating that you almost forget you're shopping.

The attraction doubles the size of the Harry Potter footprint on Universal's property. Diagon Alley opens to the public July 8 at Universal Studios. A train called the Hogwarts Express connects the new area to the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, called Hogsmeade, which opened in 2010 on the other side of the theme park at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

If fans want to see both Harry Potter areas, a two-park ticket is required. For adults, a two-park ticket for one day costs $136; for children, it's $130.

Helena Bonham Carter, Matthew Lewis and Domhnall Gleeson were among the actors from Potter films walking a red carpet at Universal Wednesday night.

Here are five first impressions of Universal's new Diagon Alley, which was inspired by the fictional London location famous for wizarding supplies in the Harry Potter series:

WINDOW SHOPPING

The level of detail in Diagon Alley is amazing, and nowhere are the features more fun and true to the novels and movies than in shop windows. There are lots of things for sale, but others are simply great decorations. Books play a central role in the decor; window-shoppers will see animatronic versions of "The Monster Book of Monsters," a tome with teeth, along with self-knitting needles and Harry Potter's snowy owl, Hedwig.

UNIQUE GIFTS

With seven shops in Diagon Alley, there's plenty to buy. (There are five shops in Hogsmeade, Universal's original Harry Potter attraction.) Among the offerings: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes (chattering teeth, expandable ears), Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions ($250 for a wizard's robe), Quality Quidditch Supplies (everything for playing the real-life sport based on the game in the series) and Scribbulus (implements for paper, pen and ink lovers). Magical Menagerie sells cute stuffed animals (pygmy puffs are popular), while Borgin and Burkes - located off Diagon Alley in the book, on Knockturn Alley - is a "dark arts" shop that sells skulls, black T-shirts and Death Eater masks. Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment sells telescopes and binoculars.

INTERACTIVE WANDS

For $35, guests can buy interactive wands at Ollivanders Wand Shop, located in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. When wand-wielding guests see a medallion symbol in either area, they can wave the wand and cast spells. The wands make trolls dance, light lamps and chandeliers, and silence some shrunken heads, among other things. Maps of the medallion areas are available, but Universal says there are also some hidden spell areas for guests to discover.

WIZARD WARDROBES

In addition to robes, fans can buy capes and preppy button-down cardigans inspired by the four houses where Harry and his fellow students live at Hogwarts school. Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions also has on display a wedding dress and two costumes that aren't for sale: an intimidating black-beaded cape ensemble worn in a promo for the new attraction, and a costume worn by Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart in the "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" movie. The wedding dress is white with white feathers at the hem and softly twinkling lights within the skirt.

PHOTO OPS

As you enter Diagon Alley, look toward Gringotts Bank - which is the entrance to the centerpiece thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. A dragon is perched atop the bank, and it breathes fire -an instant Facebook photo or Instagram shot. Once you enter the bank, while in queue for the ride, don't miss the three enormous glass chandeliers. Finally, find 12 Grimmauld Place where Kreacher the House Elf peers eerily from a window.

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Contributed by Tamara Lush, Twitter at http://twitter.com/tamaralush

Follow us on Twitter:@TraveloreReport

Food, Frights and Holiday Festivities in Orlando this Fall. A Look Ahead: August - December

Journey to Orlando this fall for festivals and celebrations found nowhere else, including the largest and most elaborate Halloween celebration in the country. From food festivals and ghoulish haunted houses to surprise encounters with The Grinch himself, Orlando has plenty of events to keep families entertained all season long. Fall is for Foodies As an emerging dining destination and recent host for the James Beard Foundation Semifinalist announcement, Orlando hosts several food and wine festivals throughout the fall. Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month is a culinary celebration offering the ultimate jaw-dropping combo – impressive cuisine and big savings. During the entire month of September, top Orlando-area restaurants offer three-course, prix-fixe dinners for $33. This year, Visit Orlando has added a Magical Dining preview week Aug. 25-31 for eager eaters looking to get a jump start on the month-long celebration. Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort features global cuisine from nearly 30 international marketplaces throughout the park, culinary demonstrations and a concert series Sept. 19 – Nov. 10. Visitors can indulge in tantalizing tastings and wine pairings at the Fifth Annual Food & Wine Classicheld Oct. 31 – Nov. 1 at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and Food and Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, held late September through early November. Halloween Capital of the World Visitors looking for thrills beyond roller coasters should look no further than Orlando, offering more than 80 individual Halloween events during the six weeks leading up to Oct. 31. Every weekend in October, families can experience SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular with special Halloween shows and a sea of sweet treats for kids. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort is an elaborate celebration held on select nights Sept. 19 – Nov. 1, with pulse-pounding spooks, fully-themed haunted houses, “scarezones” and live stage shows. For not-so-scary Halloween fun, guests are invited to dress in costumes and trick-or-treat throughout Magic Kingdom Park during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, held on select nights September 1 – October 31. From a haunted scavenger hunt to the largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern in the world, LEGOLAND Florida’sBrick-or-Treat offers families spooky and kooky fun during weekends in October. Holidays in Orlando Come November, visitors can get into the spirit with special holiday celebrations throughout Orlando, all leading up to New Year’s Eve celebrations like nowhere else. At Universal's Islands of Adventure, families will be entertained when the popular Dr. Seuss book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is brought to life during Grinchmas. At Universal Studios Florida, theMacy's Holiday Parade will fill the streets with the same iconic balloons found in New York City along with a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus. Guests will be dazzled by holiday stage shows, fireworks and snow flurries on Main Street U.S.A. during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park. Other Walt Disney World Resort celebrations include Holidays Around the World at Epcot and Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration comes alive Nov. 24 – Dec. 31, with Shamu Christmas Miracles show and more than 100 sparkling trees at the Sea Of Trees. LEGOLAND Florida’s Christmas Bricktacular features a 270,000-brick Christmas tree, festive decorations and LEGO Santa Claus on select dates in December. What's New During one of the largest expansion periods in Orlando’s history, fall visitors can be among the first to experience brand-new attractions and resorts. Walt Disney World Resort completed a multiyear project that doubled the size of Fantasyland with the debut of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a family-friendly coaster which takes guests on a wild journey through the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Universal Orlando Resort expanded The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both of its theme parks with the addition of Diagon Alley. Guests can journey between Hogsmeade and ‘London’ aboard the Hogwarts Express and experience a brand-new, multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the fourth on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, featuring family suites, 10-lane bowling alley and two massive pools areas. Opening in August, the 444-room Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort features a golf course, full-service spa, elaborate pool area and rooftop steakhouse with breath-taking views of nightly firework celebrations at the area’s theme parks. For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Visitors Guide and Orlando Magicard® or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando’s official website at VisitOrlando.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. For real time updates, follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/VisitOrlando or Facebook at Facebook.com/VisitOrlando. While in Orlando, visitors may stop by the Official Visitor Center located at 8723 International Drive

Disney's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival To Feature 22 Music Acts, September 19th Through November 10th.

Enlarge Photo

Quantum Leap Winery

Quantum Leap Winery plans to bring a variety of red and white wine blends for attendees of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to sample by the glass and take home by the bottle.

Matthew Richardson

Orlando Business Journal

Check out who the 22 musical acts will be at Walt Disney World’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which lasts from Sept. 19 through Nov. 10.

The complete lineup is subject to change, reports the Orlando Sentinel:

Sept 19-21: Jo Dee Messina

Sept. 22-23: The Pointer Sisters

Sept. 24-25: Rick Springfield

Sept. 26-27: Christopher Cross

Sept. 28-29: Hanson

Sept. 30-Oct. 2: Air Supply

Oct. 3-5: Starship starring Mickey Thomas

Oct. 6-8: Sugar Ray

Oct. 9-10: Fuel

Oct. 11-12: Sister Hazel

Oct. 13-14: To be announced

Oct. 15-16: Billy Ocean

Oct. 17-1 9: Night Ranger

Oct. 20-22: Smash Mouth

Oct. 23-24: Jim Brickman

Oct. 25-26: Los Lonely Boys

Oct. 27-28: Wilson Phillips

Oct. 29-31: Dennis DeYoung, original member of Styx

Nov. 1-2: 38 Special

Nov. 3-5: Boyz II Men

Nov. 6-7: David Cook

Nov. 8-10: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Well-known musical acts featured at theme parks can be another draw to bring visitors to Central Florida, which adds to the region’s $50 billion tourism industry.

10 Tips to Planning the Best Florida Disney Vacation

Spring break is the perfect time for families to plan a trip to Florida for a fun-filled and exciting Disney vacation! Disney World is a magical place for adults and kids alike and there's no better time to visit than when the weather is starting to warm up and flowers are blooming. You'll find plenty of fun activities for the family to enjoy while visiting the park and taking in the sunny Florida weather. Before you start planning your trip, Florida Sunshine Vacation Rentals shares these 10 tips for families to plan the best Florida Disney vacation.

1. Rent a condo/home/townhouse instead of a hotel. For the ultimate comfort, look to rent a home away from home where you can have your own kitchen to cook, rooms for each family member, and more privacy, all at an affordable price. Instead of cramming everyone into one hotel room or reserving multiple rooms, one vacation rental home in Orlando, Florida will meet all of your family's needs. The luxury Florida rental homes come fully equipped with all appliances, TV's, free wifi and cable. It'll feel like coming home to relax after a long day at the park!

2. Make dinner reservations in advance. ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) need to be made if you're looking to get a table at a Disney World restaurant. These reservations are made 180 days in advance of the day you arrive at the park. Some restaurants get fully booked within minutes once the ADR lines open up so you need to plan in advance which restaurant you want to reserve a table at and be persistent in calling if you can't get the reservation you want.

3. Create an itinerary. Disney World consists of various parks, each with their own exciting must-see attractions but with so much to see and do, it's impossible to do everything in only one or two days. Instead of packing a week of activities into 2 days, make a list of the attractions you want to see the most and be realistic about what you will and won't be able to fit into your itinerary.

4. Bring the essentials. When you're walking around the park all day long, the heat can get to you so it's important to stay hydrated and comfortable. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes for trekking around the park as well as moisture-wicking socks to avoid getting blisters. A hat is recommended to protect your face and keep your head cool. Don't forget the sunscreen; it's cheaper to bring with you than to purchase at the park. A small backpack is perfect for holding snacks, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any other personal items you need to keep with you that won't take up too much room on the rides.

5. Skip the lines. With a Disney FASTPASS+ you choose three of your favorite attractions in advance and receive a one-hour time window to return and experience the attraction with short or no wait. It's recommended that you use your FASTPASS+ during peak hours (from 11am to 5pm). Know what attractions you want to see in advance and have a plan for what time you want to see them.

6. Get a rental car if you can. If you're planning on going from park to park it's a good idea to get your own rental car for transportation. Disney transportation is free but you will most likely have to wait 20-30 minutes for the buses to come. The buses also make several stops along the way, usually at hotels. With a rental car you are free to come and go on your own schedule. Getting a good map will help you navigate the parks so you know exactly where to go.

7. Get the Park Hopper for more flexibility. The Disney World Park Hopper allows you to visit multiple parks in one day. This means you can make any changes to your itinerary whenever you feel like it if one of the parks gets too crowded or you just feel like changing your plans at the last minute. You can also visit another park after the first one you're at closes (Animal Kingdom usually closes at 5pm) and you can take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours.

8. Take a break. Get to the park early in the morning when the park is less crowded and you'll have shorter wait times for the attractions. In the afternoon when the day is hot and the park is much more crowded consider taking a break and going back to your hotel room or rental home and doing another activity. Once the sun sets you can head back to the park to enjoy the night time events.

9. Pick up a Guide Map and the Times Guide. This will help you plan out your visit the day of as it lists all show times, character greeting times/locations and special events like parades and live entertainment. It will also inform you of any show cancellations. Tip boards located near the center of each park feature up-to-the-minute readouts of all the wait times for the park attractions so you can plan your day around them.

10. Enjoy other Florida activities! Outside of the park there are plenty of activities the family can enjoy. If you have an extra day to spend consider heading to the pool or the beach to play water sports. You can also enjoy tours, golf, shopping, spas, nightlife and much more. Downtown Disney also has plenty of shops and restaurants and is a great way to relax at the end of the day after the parks close.
For more information visit www.floridasunshinevacationrentals.com

Royal Caribbean Expands Partnership With Universal Resorts In Orlando To Sailings From Both East & West Coasts Of Florida......

Now those sailing with Royal Caribbean from both the East and West Coasts of Florida have the option of adding on a stay at one of Universal Orlando Resort's 3 AAA Four Diamond hotels with the added bonus of their Express ride access to skip long lines at their 2 theme parks. We've sailed on one of the featured ships, the Freedom of the Seas, currently sailing to the Western Caribbean and found the ship to be exceptional. One of the things we were most pleased with was, considering the size of the ship, we found very intimate public spaces. For more details please go to www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Universal or call 877-202-5090