Where else would you stand for half an hour in a queue line for a theme park ride that isn’t even open?
The buzz created by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal’s Islands of Adventure park in Orlando has been pretty impressive.
And last night, delegates at the Pow Wow trade show were given a preview ahead of the official opening on June 18.
Coming from an industry in which the extraordinary is the norm, and from a nation where healthy cynicism is positively encouraged, you might have expected the British contingent to be pretty laid back about the whole thing.
But not a bit of it. There was a genuine sense of excitement as the day wore on, and you only had to pick out the Brits in the queue line to nowhere to see they were as excited as anybody to see how the magical world of Potter has been brought to life.
The attention to detail is incredible from the moment you enter Hogsmeade village, with snow covered rooftops, stalls selling butter beer and Hogwarts students wandering about the place clad in robes and scarves.
Universal’s well-established Duelling Dragons coaster has been re-themed as Dragon Challenge to fit in with the rest of the attraction, and there are other rides and attractions dotted throughout.
So what of the showpiece itself, Hogwarts Castle? The answer is that it is undeniably impressive.
Using forced perspective to create the impression of size, a relatively small structure appears to tower above you.
And while the exact details of the ride experience within the castle are being kept under close wraps, the vast majority of those willing to file through the queue line agreed that the line in itself would be promoted as an attraction in most other parks.
Characters from the books and films greet you as you move along the queue, which takes you through scenes and locations including the Gryffindor common room and Dumbledore’s office.
On a baking summer’s day in Orlando this summer, you won’t be able to move for Potter fanatics. But you have to hand it to the creators; wherever you’re stuck there’ll be something to look at.