This weekend The Intrepid Traveler kindly sent over a copy of Universal Orlando 2011 so I could check out their new 16 page chapter on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  This book also contains a ton of great information on all the other Universal Theme Parks & is a definite must read if you plan on visiting any of the parks.

As someone who has not been able to visit the theme park yet (depressing!)  I excitedly opened the book right up to the Wizarding World chapter to read all about it. The  section begins with a short introduction on the park noting some pros and cons.  Then they get into each ride and rate them, say how long they take and even have some tips and notes such as, “There is a small pouch in the back of each rider’s seat, just big enough for your keys, wallet, and cellphone or compact camera. Don’t forget your belongings when your journey ends!” Everything is very descriptive and gives you a good idea of what to expect when entering the park.

At the end of the chapter the authors tell readers about the food and shopping in the park giving prices for some of the items.  This will definitely be helpful for the fans that are trying to decide how much money they need to save before visiting the park.

For those of you that want to know more about other parks as well you can read about Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk and the Resort Hotels.  The book also lets you know where to stay if you don’t want to stay at a resort hotel.  There is also a list of all the places you can eat and where they are located.  You will definitely want to get this book before making a trip to the parks and to take it with you to use as a guide.

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If you are interested in purchasing this book, I suggest you do it before Labor Day since the book is HALF OFF with free shipping until then, so you will pay $7.98 rather than $15.95!  Head over to this page to order it!  You can also pre-order the book on Amazon.com.

Universal has emailed to let us know some great news about Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.  There is also an accompanying video that you may watch below (the quality will improve soon, the video was just uploaded).

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – the marquee attraction within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – has reached a major milestone in record time.  Also voted “Best New Theme Park Attraction” for 2010 by ThemeParkInsider.com, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws guests into the excitement and chaos of Harry’s life.

I have a fun deal for everyone today thanks to Expedia.com.  Currently on Expedia.com travelers can choose from three spectacular on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort and save up to 42 percent per night.  On-site hotel guests will enjoy exclusive benefits, including:

• FREE Universal Express ride access at select rides and attractions throughout both Universal Orlando theme parks
• Early Park Admission to Universal’s Islands of Adventure one hour prior to park opening including all three rides in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Complimentary resort-wide transportation
• Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key card
• Priority restaurant seating

In addition, when you bookyour  flight and hotel together you can save up to $450 dollars. Finally, Expedia offers the added convenience for Harry Potter fans to purchase their park tickets in advance and save. Right now you can get a Universal Orlando Three Day with Park to Park Access ticket for the price of a two day park to park ticket.

For more information about this promotion please head over to Expedia’s Universal Orlando page.

Today we have three videos from the press conference held at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on June 17th.  The first is with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton and Michale Gambon. The second with Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps and Warwick Davis. The final video is with David Heyman, David Barron, Stuart Craig and Alan Gilmore.

Thanks so much to SnitchSeeker!

Another article that was lost yesterday.  Universal has released an official video from the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Watch the video below.

Thanks to Universal for mailing!

GMTV has released a few new interviews with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Tom Felton from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The first shows Daniel and Rupert inside the park and the second is from the Red Carpet with Dan, Rupert and Bonnie Wright, James and Oliver Phelps, Michael Gambon, Tom Felton.