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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley Set to Open Summer 2014

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley Set to Open Summer 2014

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Wizarding World of Harry  Potter If you’re planning on visiting Universal Studios Orlando this summer, you’re in for a real treat. Universal has expanded The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to include Diagon Alley allowing you to explore more of than ever before from the beloved series. This is going to be most exciting!

For those who aren’t familiar with the Harry Potter stories. Diagon Alley is the secret place in London where the students of Hogwarts go to get there wizarding supplies for the school year and visit the goblin run bank Gringotts to withdraw money and complete other banking transactions. Now that we’ve cleared that up, here are a few things we are excited about that we’ll find in Diagon Alley.

1. The Famous Shops of Diagon Alley Just like in the book, you’ll get to experience the famous shops each Hogwarts student had to visit to get their school supplies. Find the perfect wand at Olivander’s Wand shop or find new gaming gear at Quality Quidditch Supplies. If you’re on the dark side you can take a turn down Knockturn Alley and visit Borgin and Burkes.

2. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts This is a must see attraction for everyone who visits Diagon Alley. This multisensory, multi-dimensional attraction takes you through what it’s like to bank with goblins. Not only that you’re there to break into a vault and escape. You won’t be doing so without a fight. You’ll encounter Harry, Ron, Hermonie and a fire-breathing dragon.

3. The Leaky Cauldron The famous Leaky Cauldron where wizards meet and greet one another over Fire Whiskey and Butter Beer. If you’ve never tried Butter Beer, we recommend that you do. Get the frozen one. You can also expect to relax and enjoy a traditional British meal.

4. Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Shop What’s a visit to Diagon Alley without visit the popular ice cream shop? A must do among Hogwart’s children, Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Shop has something to satisfy anyone’s palatte.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios Florida and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Hogsmeade is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. To experience both wizarding worlds, we recommend purchasing a Park-to-Park ticket.

The MagicBand Experience

The MagicBand Experience

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The credit card companies have known for a long time that people spend more when they do not have to use cash.  It’s all about convenience.  Disney wants to make your vacation experience care free.  Now vacationers who book at Disney resorts won’t have to take out their credit card after their initial check in. Introducing the MagicBand, Disney’s waterproof wrist bands that link to your credit card (if you desire) to make your Disney experience even more magical.  If you are staying at a Disney resort, the MagicBand replaces your traditional key or key card.  All you do is waive your band over the key pad and wait for the green light (Disney uses the universal colors of green for go and red for stop with the MagicBand system.).

Using the MagicBand is simple.  When you schedule your Disney vacation you will be able to link your reservation to your My Disney Experience Account (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-disney-experience/bands-cards/).  Customize your MagicBand in the colors of Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Orange or Gray.  If you are like me and you did not go online prior to arriving at your hotel then you will receive the default color of gray.  It’s okay.  It’s still pretty cool because it has your name engraved on the inside.  If it really bothers you to have a gray band, you can go to the gift shop and purchase a different color, but it will not have your name on it.

When you check in to your hotel you will show you photo ID and credit card, which is customary.  You can link your MagicBand with the credit card of your choice.  If you want to use different credit cards for different members of your party you can do that as well.  You will set up a pin to go along with your MagicBand and use that to authorize your charges.  When you want to make a purchase, (for food, merchandise, etc.) simply swipe your MagicBand across the Mickey MagicBand receiver and enter your pin.  How cool!

You can also link your park passes to the MagicBand.  When you finish your stay you will receive an itemized receipt of all of your purchases.  Currently, the coolest thing about your MagicBand is the connection with My Disney Experience website and App, but more cool MagicBand features are being unveiled by Disney all the time.

MagicBands work throughout the Disney resorts and theme parks.

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This was Maunda's Personalized MagicBand. It is good for two years.

Hollywood Studios – The Osborn Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Hollywood Studios – The Osborn Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

If you are in Central Florida and you want to get a taste of a white Christmas then head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and experience “The Osborn Family Spectacle of Lights”. The spectacular show lasts from November 8th through January 5th this year. The show starts every night at darkness. The area is set up with lighted buildings and aerial displays!

Find out about other great activities, restaurants, hotels and attractions by purchasing “The Ultimate Orlando Travel Guide”.