So my family has been going to Disneyworld for years and Universal Orlando Resort is not a new experience for us. But now, I can’t wait to get back to the theme parks. That’s because of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park experience that just opened.

I read all the Harry Potter books with my children and, like many others, imagined myself walking through Hogwarts up the winding, moving staircase. I imagined what the magical world was like and often inserted myself into the mysteries. Now, I have the chance to do that in real life. The Harry Potter books have come to life in this new theme park exhibit and author J.K. Rowling has personally signed off on the authenticity of the attractions, shops and restaurants. Imagine having a meal in the Three Broomsticks and stepping into Dumbledore’s office. I’ll sample some butterbeer and eat exploding sweets (chocolate frogs, too!), and feel like I’m a student at Hogwarts. And I can’t wait to take part in this ride, described in a recent release sent out about the adventure park:

 The ride will take guests on a journey where they will travel by Floo Network, soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.

Oh yeah, I’m so there! And I want my kids right alongside me for the fun, since we experienced the books together before they even knew how to read (it is the Harry Potter series that actually got my eldest hooked on books). If you want to go to, check out the tickets and packages for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, at http://www.universalorlando.com/.

(Photo Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort)