Since the moment I first opened Harry Potter and the Philsopher’s Stone, I wanted to go to that wonderful and exciting place just called the wizarding world just like Harry. It matters not that I was twenty-five at the time, or that I would spend the next eight years of my life reading and re-reading those popular childrens’ books and enjoying the movie adaptations. Like anyone with an imagination, I thought the wizarding world was an amazing and beautiful place.

Now, we can all go there, or at least get as close to it as possible beyond the books and films, thanks to Disney Orlando and Universal Studios. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is officially open to the public as of June 18, 2010, and people are already spending upwards of 90 minutes in line to enjoy the various attractions.

You will be shelling out the big bucks, so make sure your wallet is heavily padded before visiting the park. A one day pass will cost around $79.00 for adults and $69.00 for kids. If you buy two theme park tickets to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (where the Wizarding World attraction is hosted,) plan to spend about $109.00for adults and $99.00 for kids.

Seems expensive, but for the chance to traipse through Hogsmeade, enjoy a mug of butter beer and visit Hogwarts, I’m justifying it in my mind as a memory of a lifetime investment.

For more information, including directions and park hours, visit the official website.

Here’s a short video from June 18, of the earliest visitors lining up to enjoy the park.