I’m quite literally within spitting distance of Harry Potter. Not that I would spit at Daniel Radcliffe, of course – he’s always come across as a polite, unassuming young man.
And that sort of behaviour would definitely be frowned upon here. Not only am I in Florida, one of America’s friendliest states, but I’m also at the official launch of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and thus surrounded by some of the world’s most ardent Potter fans.
They’ve queued for hours in the sweltering Orlando sun to see Radcliffe, plus Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Oliver and James Phelps, Michael Gambon, Matthew Lewis and Tom Felton, (Ron, Ginny, Fred and George Weasley, Dumbledore, Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy, respectively) emerge to officially open the new area in Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
“The park really is incredible,” Radcliffe says, gesturing over his shoulder up Hogsmeade Village high street towards the looming towers of Hogwarts Castle.
“We’re grateful that the next part of the Harry Potter legacy has been so well done.”
There is a real sense that the stars – or ‘the talent’ as they’re referred to in film circles – are genuinely excited by the theme park. Alan Gilmore, the architect and designer who art-directed both the Harry Potter films and the Universal theme park, explains that this is the first time the actors actually get to be in Hogwarts castle, or any other part of the village.
“If this were a movie set, there would be only two or three walls, and no ceiling,” he says, pointing to the soaring rafters of The Three Broomsticks, Hogsmeade Village’s inn and restaurant. “When they came here the actors said, ‘so this is what it looks like’.”
Fan approval
And it’s no less exciting for the fans. Colin and Vicky Hanley from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, and their kids Luke, eight, and Caitlin, six, travelled with Virgin Holidays and were among the first through the doors.
“It is fabulous,” Vicky says. “The kids were blown away when we walked into Hogsmeade and they saw the Hogwarts Express at the station. Luke is a huge Potter fan and he’s just been in heaven!”
It’s no wonder that the details are all so perfect. Many of the team from the films worked on the theme park too, and author JK Rowling was also heavily involved throughout. A Butterbeer sample was even flown to Scotland for her to approve.
Hogsmeade Village
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is part of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure. Visitors enter under a tall stone archway and are immediately greeted by a full-size replica of the Hogwarts Express, standing by the station and puffing steam. There’s usually a voluble conductor in full uniform on hand for pictures and to answer any questions.
The crooked houses of Hogsmeade meander up the main street, offering opportunities to indulge in all sorts of Potter-related eating, drinking and shopping. Fans of the books and films can pick up delicacies like Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs and Pumpkin Juice in Honeydukes sweetshop, or buy a Sneakoscope or a Pygmy Puff at Zonko’s Tricks & Jokes next door.
The much-anticipated Butterbeer flows both in The Three Broomsticks restaurant and the adjoining Hog’s Head pub, and from a stand in the street. The two-part process used to create this ever-foaming drink – which tastes a little like cream-soda with a fluffy head – means it can’t be sold by the bottle and can be sampled only at the park.
The interactive highlight is Ollivander’s wand shop. Groups of about 10 or 12 people enter the dim, dusty shop at a time, and one lucky visitor is selected to undergo the wand-choosing process.
Whether they end up with a core of unicorn hair or dragon-heartstring and a wand of walnut or cherry wood is anyone’s guess – and in any case, according to the books, the wand chooses the wizard, not the other way round. Then all the visitors can head next door to Dervish and Banges to purchase a wand for themselves ($35), or pick up a golden snitch, or even a pricey broomstick ($300).
Every so often, guests will be entertained by an impromptu performance. Students in robes break into song with the Frog Choir, and the blue-clad girls of Beauxbatons have a dance-off with the schoolboys from Durmstrang.
