10 Things to Do in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

admin August 13, 2012
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If you’re a fan of the beloved Harry Potter series, a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter should definitely be on your to-do list. Part of Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, this incredible place filled with adventure and magic is an interactive experience–one that will bring Harry Potter and his world to life right before your very eyes. If you’re planning on paying a visit to this larger-than-life theme park, here are 10 things to do while you’re there that will provide for one unforgettable experience.

Learn How to Fly a Hippogriff

If you’d like to learn how to fly on a Hippogriff, Hagrid will give you some pointers on the Flight of the Hippogriff ride–one of the three exciting rides featured in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. On this rollercoaster ride that’s suitable for almost all ages, you’ll swoop and circle around in the air as though you really are riding one of these fantastical creatures.

Go on a Forbidden Journey with Harry Potter

A treasured favorite in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this ride takes you on a journey through Hogwart’s castle and all around the surrounding grounds. While on this one-of-a-kind adventure ride, you’ll pass by some familiar places such as Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, and the moving portrait gallery–all complete with life-like character images and some thrilling surprises along the way.

Take on the Dragon Challenge

On this exciting roller coaster adventure called the Dragon Challenge, you get to choose which dragon you want to ride–the Chinese Fireball or the Hungarian Horntail. Although both dragons are part of the same adventure ride, each one will provide you with a unique experience. Ride them both and decide for yourself which dragon is your favorite.

Send a Postcard from the Owl Post

Share some of the magic with your family and friends by sending them postcards from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Stop by Hogsmeade’s post office, the Owl Post where you’ll find a great selection of postcards and other interesting souvenirs. While postcards sent out from the Owl Post won’t be delivered by owls themselves, they will at least receive official Hogsmeade postmarks so that the recipients will know exactly where they came from.

Enjoy a Tour of Hogsmeade

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Hogsmeade by taking a tour of the enchanting village that you’ve become so familiar with in the Harry Potter books and movies. Full of stunning details that you’ll recognize from the stories, you could devote an entire day just to exploring the village itself.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Honeydukes

If you’ve got a craving for sweets, stop by Honeydukes to get your sugar fix. Inside you’ll find a variety of candies unique to the world of Harry Potter–Acid Pops, Chocolate Frogs, and Bertie Botts Beans, just to name a few.

Choose Your Own Wand at Ollivander’s

While in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, pay a visit to Ollivander’s store for an interactive shopping experience. Watch as a wand chooses its own young wizard, or better yet–bring some of the magic home with you by selecting a wand for yourself.

Have a Good Chuckle at Zonko’s

At Zonko’s, you’ll find a great selection of toys designed to tickle your funny bone. From shrunken heads to yo-yos that scream, there’s a little something inside for pranksters of all ages.

Interact with the Characters of Hogsmeade

While visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, have fun interacting with the many costumed characters that you’ll cross paths with. The villagers of Hogmeade play a big part in bringing this imaginary world to real life. If you’re lucky, you may even have a chance to meet a character from the big screen–it’s not uncommon for one of the movie characters to stop by and pay fans a surprise visit.

Try Butterbeer at Hog’s Head Pub

Located in the back of Three Broomsticks restaurant, Hog’s Head Pub is the perfect place to sit down for a spell and enjoy a pint of Butterbeer or some pumpkin juice–beverages that fans of all ages will love. Beer, wine, and a variety of other spirits are also available for adults visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do while visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Because it’s a popular place, you might want to plan your visit well in advance. That way you can spend less time in long lines and busy crowds, and more time exploring the enchanting world that you’ve come to know and love.

Guest post from Cameron Gray. Cameron writes for AutoInsuranceQuotes.org.

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Five NYC Family Favorites

admin June 5, 2012
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A visit to New York City always brings along with it lots of fun and excitement. Whether you are visiting New York City for the first time or you are a repeat visitor; there are endless places to explore. When traveling with family, including little ones, there are a couple of place that will receive thumps up from everyone in the group, children and adults alike, making them NYC family favorites.

Empire State Building – One of the most iconic NYC attractions is the Empire State Building. And whether you visit there during the day or at night your family will ooh and ahh over the fantastic views of the NYC skylines. And be sure to check out the New York SKYRIDE on the second floor. You will enjoy a thirty minute aerial simulator ride which gives you a tour of 30 different sites and attractions throughout the city. So if you don’t actually make it to all thirty of those places on this trip, you will feel as though you got an inside view of them already.

Statue of Liberty – No visit to New York City would be complete without a visit to The Statue of Liberty. Climb the statue and see spectacular views from atop. Families can take part of free guided tours of the island ground and visit the statue’s museum on the second floor, to learn all about its history. And one o f the most exciting part of the trip is taking the ferry to get there. You can take a ferry from Battery Park right within the city or from Liberty State Park which is just located at a harbor just outside the city. So whether you are lodging at a NYC hotel, or staying outside the city, like in at the Crown Plaza Secaucus NJ, getting there is fun and easy, a trip everyone will enjoy.

Central Park – Be sure to check out Central Park. It’s hard to imagine that right within the ultra urban confines of New York City, acres of park like settings can exist. There is so much to see and do there; you can spend an entire day there alone. The Central Park Zoo is fantastic. You can see do many different wildlife animals within a short walking distance and be sure to spend some time in children’s zoo. There are so many hands on exhibits there. You can feed the animals, play in a spider’s web, and crawl through a turtle’s shell and more. Aside from the zoo there are many shows and exhibits taking place throughout the park throughout the year, plus the famous Central Park Carousel which children and adults won’t be able to bypass. Take a walk through the park or take a horse and buggy ride through for an added adventure.

FAO Schwarz – This Kid friendly attraction in New York City is the home to one of the oldest toy store in the US. Famous for its life-sized stuffed animals and its kids-sized sports cars, it will bring hours of fun. The fun begins with a greeting from the dress up toy soldier at the front door. Make sure to check out the huge floor piano where you can play music by stepping on the different keys. There is a full section dedicated to just about every type of toy imaginable. This is by far one of the most popular kid attractions in NYC.

Madame Tussauds – One more must see NYC attraction for the entire family to check out is Madame Tussauds. Get really up close and personal to over two hundred historical, political and iconic figures. Meet movies stars, sports personalities and US presidents in one location. You can ring the bell at the stock exchange and view a 9/11 memorial or sit behind the wheel of a NYC cab, all the NYC fun in one location. The museum is located in the heart of Times Square, so make sure to set aside some time to visit while you are in the neighborhood and remember to bring along the camera. This is one place you can be sure you will really enjoy.

Keith Brown is a travel manager for a North Bergen Hotel. With years of experience in the hotel and travel industry he uses his expertise to assist others with their NYC travel plans and to many other locations throughout the country.

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GUEST POST: 5 Fun Family Attractions in Menorca

admin June 1, 2012
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With stretches of sandy beaches, beautiful scenery and a wide variety of activities to enjoy, Menorca is a big hit with visitors of all ages. It’s no surprise therefore that families flock to this stunning Balearic Island of for their dose of sun filled, summer holiday fun. If you are considering holidaying here, we’ve put together a pick of some of the best attractions that you should make some time for during your trip.

  • As well as beautiful, the harbour in Mahon is the second deepest natural harbour in the world. There are plenty of ways to enjoy it too with a variety of water sports on offer. With a family in tow, jumping aboard a jet ski or strapping on an oxygen tank to go scuba diving might not always be feasible. A glass bottomed boat ride on a catamaran is the perfect answer – the whole family will love to cruise along the coast before heading out to open water. Go down below into the bottom of the boat to spot the colourful fish swimming along beneath you!

  • A purpose built kids entertainment venue with its selection of activities, Castillo Menorca is a sure fire way to have a fun day for all the family. Set in attractive grassed gardens, the kids can delight in the swimming pool, several giant trampolines, mini golf, sand pits and even a climbing wall. At the same time, mums and dads can relax at the café and keep watch or take a wander around the outlet stores that have thoughtfully been included on site. Next door, you will find the Costa Nova Karting Track, perfect for older children.
  • If you are unlucky enough to suffer a bout of bad weather during a day or two of your Menorca holiday or perhaps are seeking shade from the scorching sun for a few hours, don’t despair. Pick up car hire Mahon Airport and make you way to Boti Park located in Sant Lluis! This indoor soft play centre is perfect to keep children aged 11 and under entertained for a few hours.
  • Boasting over 100 beaches and excellent weather, Menorca is a fantastic location to enjoy a beach break. Sometimes though, it’s nice to cool off somewhere a bit different and Los Delfines Aqua Park is the best of the bunch. For starters it’s huge and within it you will find a mind boggling array of water rides! Take the plunge on the Black Hole, toss and turn on the Adventure River and scream on your way down the many water slides, tunnels and flumes. All the while, parents can relax in the jacuzzi while the kids tire themselves out. There is even an area to keep very young children amused.
  • Everyone loves to go to the zoo, no matter how old you are; the variety of creatures never fails to capture our curiosity! Menorca Zoo is of course no different. Guaranteed to deliver a great day, the animals here live in near to natural habitats and visitors can feed and pet many of them. You won’t find lions or tigers but plenty of goats, deer, emus, horses, parrots, and more. Don’t forget to stop by at the reptile house either – the snakes will be sure to create a stir! When lunch time swings around, enjoy some tasty treats at the on-site café and the kids can have some fun on the playground for a while too.

The attractions on offer for families of all ages are near on limitless in Menorca; this is just a pick to whet your appetite!

Bio: Kerri Ware is a travel blogger and writes for Economy Car Hire, a car hire broker offering great deals for car hire across Menorca and beyond. Follow us on Twitter @economycarhire.

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