Hey, GirlMoguls! So, when I read the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, I definitely thought to myself, “I wonder what that looks like!” and “I really wish I could see the Great Hall!” Well, dreams do come true.

When you read the fantasy series, did you think of things like this? Didn’t you want to experience the awesome world Rowling created? Warner Bros. and Universal Studios are teaming up to bring the world of harry Potter to life. Author J.K. Rowling has been involved in the project, as has the cast of the movie!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is debuting this spring, and will involve life-size attractions inspired by the books and movies. The theme park will be an addition to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. It s being built right now in the Island of Adventures side, and will have shopping, rides, and of course, the Hogwarts Castle.

Some of my favorite features of the park include the installment of an entire Hogsmeade, complete with all the stores I’ve always wanted to go. There will be a Honeydukes with fabulous treats like chocolate frogs, a Three Broomsticks serving butterbeer, and even a Zonko’s where you can get crazy magical toys. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will also include Dragon Challenge, a set of two twin high-speed roller coasters, Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a cool, new attraction featuring brand new technology.

I recently made my way to Orlando, Florida, and got a sneak peek at the construction going on in the Islands of Adventure. Check out my pics and keep checking for updates!

The magical transformation continues.  Although still very much a work in progress, the magnificence of Hogwarts castle is beginning to take shape above Hogsmeade as work continues on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Hogwarts will be the home of a thrilling, new, state-of-the-art attraction – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – that uses ground-breaking technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced. Set to open in Spring 2010 only at Universal Orlando Resort, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant.

Ollivanders Wizarding Shop at Orlando Universal Resorts

Also available is a sneak peak at Ollivander’s wand shop, where the wand chooses the wizard – you’ll get to experience it just like in the books.   You can see a cool video about the experience here: http://media.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/assets/videos/09310%20Ollivanders%20Web%20V8%20AFD.mov

And if you truly want to wait – and keep dropping hints to your mom and dad, you can go to the main website of the park and check out all the deets including a map, so you can plan out your trip http://www.universalorlandoresort.com/harrypotter/