Eat Like A Hogwarts Student And We'll Reveal Your Inner Marauder
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USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
For Harry Potter fans, the Wizarding World is as close as Orlando
I never got that letter from Hogwarts – or Ilvermorny, the wizarding school in the United States. But I still get to visit the Wizarding World whenever I go to Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort all bring the magic of Harry Potter to life, but only the Florida resort expands the Wizarding World beyond Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. Here's what Harry Potter fans can expect at Universal Orlando and how much time and money it takes to visit. Which Universal park is Harry Potter in? All three of Universal Orlando's theme parks have their own corner of the Wizarding World. Universal Islands of Adventure is home to Hogsmeade. Universal Studios Florida invites guests into Diagon Alley. Universal Epic Universe transports guests to both the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter's time and 1920s wizarding Paris. Universal also calls its Volcano Bay water park a theme park, but it's not a traditional theme park and has no Harry Potter presence. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade This was the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter across Universal's resorts, and it remains a fan favorite. Fans will immediately recognize places like Honeydukes and the Three Broomsticks in the snow-capped wizarding village, where Hogwarts Castle looms in the distance. Honeydukes sells all sorts of sweets like Chocolate Frogs and Fizzing Whizzbees, while the Three Broomsticks serves up British comfort food like Shepherd's Pie and wizarding drinks like Pumpkin Juice and Butterbeer. Peering in the shop windows, guests will spot Hermione's gown from the Yule Ball and magical sights that engage when guests cast spells with interactive wands. (Additional wand experiences are available in the other parks.) The most popular attraction here is Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motobike Adventure, a coaster whose vehicles resemble the motorcycle Sirius Black gave Hagrid, with a sidecar. Younger or more timid guests, like my youngest, may prefer Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster alongside Hagrid's hut with terrific views of the park. Can you go into Hogwarts at Universal Orlando? Yes. Hogwarts Castle houses Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which hurls guests through the castle's grounds and into the path of a dragon, acromantula (giant spiders like Aragog) and dementors. Guests prone to motion sickness may want to avoid this ride, but fans should still walk through the queue filled with familiar scenes from the books and films, like Professor Dumbledore's office, walls of talking portraits, the Sorting Hat and the Mirror of Erised. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley Despite its name, there's more to this corner of the Wizarding World than Diagon Alley. Outside, guests can visit King's Cross Station, where they can catch the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9¾ to Hogsmeade, if they have park-to-park tickets. Guests can also see the Knight Bus, and if they stand outside Sirius Black's family home at the right time, they can spot faithful house elf Kreacher. Passing through the brick entrance to Diagon Alley feels like stepping into the films, where Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, the Leaky Cauldron, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and more await. Gringotts is topped with a dragon that breathes fire at regular intervals, as weather permits. Inside the bank, guests can ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, the main ride besides the Hogwarts Express. Don't leave without wandering through Knockturn Alley, one of the coolest places in the park, in every sense of the word. Many guests also like to cool off with treats from Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, which serves Butterbeer soft-serve and hard-pack flavors, including Clotted Cream and Sticky Toffee Pudding. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Unlike Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, most of this world is set in 1920s Paris during the time of the 'Fantastic Beasts' films. The wizarding neighborhood of Place Cachée feels both familiar and foreign with full-scale Haussmann-style buildings. Easter eggs include the statue that came to life in the 'Fantastic Beasts' films and myriad magical creatures adorning places like Café L'air De La Sirène, the only place to find Bieraubeurre (Butterbeer) crepes. There are two major attractions here: the live Le Cirque Arcanus show and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, the most popular ride at Epic Universe and a jaw-dropping recreation of the Ministry itself. From nifflers to demiguises: These magical creatures make Epic Universe's Wizarding World Which Universal Orlando Park is better for Harry Potter? Better is subjective. My favorite is probably still Diagon Alley, because it's where Harry Potter first stepped into the Wizarding World after finding out he was a wizard, and Universal's version stays true to the films. However, my daughters both favor Hogsmeade, and the Ministry of Magic is dazzling in its own right. How much does it cost to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando? Ticket prices vary by date and park at Universal Orlando. For Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, single-park tickets start at $119 for guests ages 10 and over but do not include access to the Hogwarts Express. Park-to-park tickets for those same parks start at $174. Universal Epic Universe tickets start at $139 a day. Fans will want to budget extra for dining and possibly souvenirs. Tip: Breakfast is the best deal at Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron; it includes a choice of drink, such as Butterbeer. Also, not everyone needs to buy an interactive wand. Friends or family can take turns using one, then reuse it on future trips. How long does it take to do 'Harry Potter World' Orlando? Guests should plan for at least two days to explore all three Wizarding World areas across Universal Orlando, but they'll need longer to fully experience the larger resort, which includes many other themed areas featuring beloved franchises like Jurassic World, Minions, Nintendo and How to Train Your Dragon.
Buzz Feed
01-07-2025
- Buzz Feed
Eat Like A Hogwarts Student And We'll Reveal Your Inner Marauder
Think with your stomach, not your wand. From late-night snacks in the common room to Hogsmeade treats and chaotic dinners, your magical menu will uncover which beloved (and emotionally damaged) Marauder matches your vibe. Bonus points if you hoard chocolate like a certain someone…
Yahoo
12-11-2024
- Yahoo
Falcon's Beyond Activates Advisory Board and Its First Strategic Advisor
Former President of Universal Creative Mike Hightower Engaged by Falcon's as Strategic Advisor to Help Propel Its Ambitious Growth Plan and Broaden Its Impact ORLANDO, Fla., November 12, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Falcon's Beyond Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: FBYD) ("Falcon's Beyond", "Falcon's" or the "Company"), a visionary leader in innovative and immersive storytelling through Falcon's Creative Group ("FCG"), Falcon's Beyond Destinations ("FBD") and Falcon's Beyond Brands ("FBB") is proud to announce the establishment of its Advisory Board, along with first Strategic Advisor, Mike Hightower, former president of Universal Creative (the division of Universal Destinations & Experiences responsible for designing, developing, engineering, and producing themed attractions, rides, and resorts for Universal Parks & Resorts worldwide). Over the coming year, Falcon's Beyond will build its Advisory Board, which will expand its reach in the themed entertainment industry and beyond. By choosing prominent leaders with diverse expertise, Falcon's is poised to position the business for continued success and future growth. "As the experience economy accelerates, we recognize the value of bringing in distinguished industry leaders who are masters of their craft to participate in discussions regarding strategic guidance, insights and knowledge to help us amplify our momentum and navigate our path forward," said Cecil D. Magpuri, CEO of Falcon's Beyond. As Falcon's first Strategic Advisor, Hightower will provide strategic guidance for Falcon's theme park and entertainment ventures, particularly in the development and integration of innovative ride and show systems to further enhance Falcon's themed immersive attractions. He also will advise the business on potential acquisitions, assist with client relations, and help enhance Falcon's network within the industry by building new relationships with key influential stakeholders and potential clients and partners that can help contribute to the continued growth and success of the company. With 30+ years as a globally renowned theme park project leader, Hightower has been instrumental in shaping the themed entertainment industry and has championed innovative parks, lands, attractions, and experiences from concept through opening for Universal theme parks across the globe. His leadership was a driving force behind the innovative design, engineering and ambitious expansion of Universal's world class destinations and properties including the opening of Universal's Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, as well as Universal Studios Japan. Hightower played an integral role in the development process and has been involved in all aspects of planning, design and delivery of Universal theme parks, resorts, restaurant and retail venues and new ventures ranging from Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Spain, Dubai, Singapore, and Beijing. Story Continues "I'm excited to establish our Advisory Board with Mike as the first member on the board," said Cecil D. Magpuri, CEO of Falcon's Beyond. "Mike's proven track record of success speaks for itself. We've known each other for more than two decades and I've always admired his brilliance in stewardship and ability to make the impossible possible in theme park development. When I was thinking of establishing the Advisory Board, Mike was top of mind, and I'm incredibly honored he has stepped onboard as a Strategic Advisor. He is uniquely qualified with the methodological expertise to meet our business needs and perfectly aligns with our vision to create next level entertainment experiences worldwide." "I am excited to join Falcon's Beyond as the first member of their Advisory Board," said Mike Hightower, former president of Universal Creative. "I wasn't planning to work again after retiring from Universal, but after reconnecting with Cecil and meeting his senior team, I felt this role is a perfect fit for me. Falcon's has impressed me with their innovation, professionalism and collaborative culture. I look forward to leveraging my experience in support of Falcon's fast paced growth." Establishing the Advisory Board with Hightower as the first Strategic Advisor for Falcon's Beyond is just the latest move during a time of unprecedented growth for the Company, which has been scaling up its workforce to support creative projects worldwide. Some of this work includes: A joint venture with Hong Kong based cultural commerce giant, Raging Power Limited, an arm of K11 Group, to develop innovative virtual sea life entertainment experiences throughout China. A global licensing agreement with The Hershey Company to create Hershey-themed experiential attraction and retail experiences. A letter of intent with Tokyo-based designer Tanseisha Co., Ltd., to explore developing new themed entertainment experiences to bring popular Japanese anime and manga intellectual property (IP) to life through location-based entertainment (LBE), games, movies and more. Falcon's Creative Group's involvement in an extensive scope of work for the Qiddiya Investment Company in Saudi Arabia focused on the master planning and designing of several first-of-its-kind immersive entertainment projects for Qiddiya City (the world's first city built for play near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Prior to his storied career at Universal Parks & Resorts, Hightower was an engineering project manager in the aerospace and defense contracting industry for Eastport International (now Oceaneering Entertainment Systems), where he delivered the sharks for the Universal Studios Florida JAWS II attraction. Hightower holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University (BSME) and Stanford University (MSME). About Falcon's Beyond Falcon's Beyond is a visionary innovator in immersive storytelling, sitting at the intersection of three potential high growth business opportunities: content, technology, and experiences. Falcon's Beyond propels intellectual property (IP) activations concurrently across physical and digital experiences through three core business units: Falcon's Creative Group creates master plans, designs attractions and experiential entertainment, and produces content, interactives and software. Falcon's Beyond Destinations develops a diverse range of entertainment experiences using both Falcon's Beyond owned and third party licensed intellectual property, spanning location-based entertainment, dining, and retail. Falcon's Beyond Brands endeavors to bring brands and intellectual property to life through animation, movies, licensing and merchandising, gaming as well as ride and technology sales. Falcon's Beyond also invents immersive rides, attractions and technologies for entertainment destinations around the world. FALCON'S BEYOND and its related trademarks are owned by Falcon's Beyond. Falcon's is headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media Relations: Kathleen Prihoda, Falcon's Beyond kprihoda@
