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If you're planning a holiday to Florida, a visit to the Universal Orlando Resort should be on your bucket list - particularly if you're a Harry Potter fan! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a major part of the resort's experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The young wizard and his pals, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, are part of one of the biggest book and movie franchises in the world.
© Mel 23/The Conmunity
It all began in 1990, when aspiring author, Joanne Rowling (better known by her pen name, JK Rowling), was on a train, travelling from Manchester to London. When the train was delayed, she conceived the idea for the Harry Potter series.
It was to be seven years before her first book came to fruition - years filled with the trauma of her mother's death, her divorce and relative poverty. Published in 1997, her first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was the start of her real-life rags to riches story.
She went on to write six more Harry Potter books and all seven novels were made into hugely successful films by Warner Bros studios.
Awards
Rowling has won a multitude of literary awards for her novels and was made an OBE in 2000 for services to children's literature.
In 2011, she won a BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, and in 2012 she was awarded the Freedom of the City of London. In the 2017 Birthday Honours, she was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour.
With an estimated fortune of £600 million, Rowling was ranked the 197th richest person in the UK in the 2016 Sunday Times Rich List - she is thought to have earned around £1 billion but has given much of her money to charity.
Wizarding World
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was launched in June 2010 in Orlando. The Harry Potter rides and attractions create one of the most spectacular visitor experiences in the world, boasting a life-size Hogwarts Castle, which is an imposing landmark on the horizon.
Introducing children to a magical world that will keep them occupied for days, you don't have to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy the experience, as there's so much to do for all the family. At the Universal Orlando Resort, there are Harry Potter-themed attractions in both the Universal Studios and the Islands Of Adventure parks.
Hogwarts Express
Both parks have a Hogwarts Express rail station, enabling passengers to travel on a full-scale replica of the train that appears in the movies.
At the Islands of Adventure park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened on 18th June 2010. It includes an amazing re-creation of Hogsmeade, the village of wizardry, with its flagship attraction being the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. This exists within the re-creation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Other attractions include a family roller coaster, the Flight of the Hippogriff, the Hogwarts Express, Ollivander's Wand Shop, the Frog Choir, the Triwizard Spirit Rally and plenty of restaurants and gift shops, including the Hog's Head and the Three Broomsticks.
Diagon Alley
As you meander down the cobblestones of Diagon Alley, you will arrive at a section of Muggle London. There are also rides such as Hogwarts Express and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
Enjoy puppet shows of The Tales of Beedle the Bard and visit The Leaky Cauldron, Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, and Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment. There's no better way to finish your day of exploration than a visit to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.
If you're planning a spell at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Florida Sun Direct has some fabulous holiday properties to rent in Orlando. Whether you're seeking active days out at the theme park, a round of golf, or some much need R&R in the Florida sun, we have a holiday home that is sure to meet your every need.
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