A Mom’s Survival Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

In the early 2000s, budding Potter fans had little hope for leaving their humdrum muggle existence behind and entering the magical worlds of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. No matter how many times they read the series, they were left to wait desperately and despairingly for an acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which they knew in their heart of hearts would never arrive.

Today’s generation of “Harry Potter” acolytes has it much easier. Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida offers young and old fans alike a wizarding wonderland full of shops and rides designed to dazzle even those with a superficial knowledge of the series’ sensational secrets. With 20 acres of magical fun, it is no wonder this addition to the amusement park has brought in millions of attendees to dramatically increase the park’s profits. In fact, only six months after the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in 2010, the park announced that it had sold its millionth brew of butterbeer.

Your family may be utterly enchanted by the promise of Universal Studio’s magical realm, but you probably have some doubts about the shops, the rides, and the crowds. Fortunately, with a little guidance, you can prepare fully for your trip to the Wizarding World — unlike Harry while he searched for those Horcruxes.

Stay On-Site

If you and your family make hotel reservations at any of Universal Studio’s four on-site hotels, you are granted early admission to the parks, which means you and your kids will have one hour to see the busiest attractions before the rest of the biggest crowds arrive. Because the Wizarding World remains the newest and most visited region of the park, you can spend your morning touring the shops and riding the rides.

However, it is important to note that Universal Studio’s hotels can be a bit costlier than off-property lodgings. You can stay on budget by booking your flight to Florida on Flights.com. Alternatively, you can stay at a budget hotel for most of your trip and move on-site for the night before you plan to visit the Wizarding World.

Eat the Food

You might be tempted to smuggle in your own snacks and lunches to save money. While in-park meals can be expensive, in the Wizarding World, the experience is well-worth the price. Unlike hamburgers and French fries you’re likely to find in other amusement parks, the Wizarding World offers all the unique British cultural foods mentioned in the books, many of which your kids likely have never seen or tasted before.

There are a handful of restaurants and food stands to fill you up when your energy flags, but the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley and the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade are by far the most bountiful and immersive. For dessert, stop by Honeydukes or Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour.

Use the Facilities Beforehand

Little ones don’t have the best track record for letting you know when they need to go, and unfortunately, the Wizarding World has precious few restrooms to relieve the pressure of tiny bladders. Diagon Alley is particularly egregious of this crime, as there is only one bathroom located in a far, back corner — and as you might expect, there is always a long wait. Before you head to the Wizarding World, and Diagon Alley in particular, you should schedule a family pit stop to mitigate potential bathroom emergencies.

Look for Magical Secrets

Just like the books, the Wizarding World parks contain countless cute (and crucial) details designed to delight those paying close attention. If you and your family keep your eyes peeled, you might be able to spot any of the following hidden treasures around Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts Castle.

• Shrunken heads singing “Show Me the Way to Go Home” in Knockturn Alley
• Talking snake in front of the Magical Menagerie
• Self-playing cello in the window of Dominic Maestro’s Music Shop
• Moving cat made of Measuring tape in Gladrags Wizardwear
• Kreacher peeking out a window at 12 Grimmauld Place
• Moaning Myrtle’s cries in the Hogsmeade restrooms
• The red phone booth outside King’s Cross dials the Ministry of Magic with 62442 (“magic”)
• Potions class in session in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride
• Voldemort appears in front of Malfoy Manor during Hogwarts Express ride to Diagon Alley
• And literally hundreds more.

Photos by Scott Smith on Flicker’s Creative Commons.

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Kings Island announces Banshee!

As you know, I am an amusement park enthusiast!  I try to visit all the parks that I can and ride as many of their rides as possible.  Luckily, my kids also love amusement parks and rides.  The nearest amusement park is Kings Island - so we usually try to purchase season passes and visit often.

Today I am thrilled because Kings Island has announced plans for a screaming new world record-breaking inverted roller coaster coaster to open in 2014!  Banshee!




Also, I want whatever program they used to create this virtual Kings Island! I have Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 - and can't create anything as amazing as the park in this birds-eye view.





So, who wants to ride this terrifyingly awesome looking coaster with me?

KINGS ISLAND, Ohio – The longest inverted steel roller coaster in the world, “Banshee,” will make its debut at Kings Island in April of 2014.

The first female-inspired thrill ride at a Cedar Fair Entertainment Company amusement park, Banshee will send riders screaming through 4,124.1 feet of track and seven mind-bending inversions at speeds up to 68 miles per hour during the 2-minute, 40-second ride.

Built over hilly terrain and incorporating the most exciting features of the very best inverted roller coasters in the world, Banshee will feature several unique elements that distinguish the ride from others.

The ride begins with a lift taking riders up to the maximum height of 167 feet. After plunging down 150 feet, riders will go through a dive loop, followed by a vertical loop, zero gravity roller, two batwing inversions, a second vertical loop and a 170-foot long heartline finale.

Two of the most unique features about Banshee are the massive size of every loop, and unlike other roller coasters, the top speed isn’t reached until halfway through the ride’s course.

Since Banshee’s lift hill is on a higher elevation of terrain than the other side of the ride that goes down into a valley, the total elevation change is 208 feet from the highest point at the top of the lift hill to the lowest point, which is the bottom of the batwing between loops four and five.

Passengers will be seated in cars four across. A total of three trains, each containing eight cars, will enable Banshee to accommodate approximately 1,650 riders per hour.

“Banshee reflects our commitment to providing the best in world-class thrills and value for our guests and is an investment in the Ohio tourism industry,” Kings Island’s vice-president and general manager Greg Scheid said. “People from around the world will plan a visit to Ohio next summer specifically to experience this ride."

Banshee will be the 15th roller coaster at Kings Island, which is home to some of the top-ranked roller coasters in annual industry and enthusiast polls including The Beast and Diamondback, and represents the biggest new product investment in the park’s 41-year history at $24 million.

Banshee was designed by Bolliger and Mabillard of Monthey, Switzerland, one of the premier leaders in roller coaster development. Since 1990, B&M have designed a number of ground-breaking and critically acclaimed roller coasters. In fact, B&M features 14 of the top 25 roller coasters on the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards Top Steel Roller Coasters list for 2012, five of which are listed in the top 10. They have more top-ranked steel roller coasters than any other ride manufacturer on the list.

B&M roller coasters are renowned for their smooth ride, comfortable seats and restraints, reliability, low maintenance, impeccable safety record and ride capacity.

As of 2013, B&M has more than 85 roller coasters operating worldwide, including Diamondback at Kings Island and this year’s sensation, GateKeeper at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.

The construction of Banshee is currently underway in the Action Zone area of Kings Island. Park visitors can see the ride being built from the ground up with great aerial views and photo opportunities available from the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower on International Street. Those who cannot wait until 2014 may take a virtual ride on Banshee at visitkingsisland.com/banshee.

Visitors to visitkingsisland.com/banshee may also access exclusive Banshee updates, virtual videos and renderings, ride statistics and more.

Kings Island is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Kings Island, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, four water parks, an indoor water park, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.

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Ripley's 3 D Moving {Now 4D} Theater -Gatlinburg

Another stop you will want to make while in Gatlinburg is the Ripley's 3-D Moving Theater. It has actually now been updated to 4-D! The kids enjoy rides and movies, so why not add the two together! The moving seats and #D glasses allow you to feel as though you are a part of the movie itself.

We watched the 4-D version of Happy Feet. Of course, you don't watch the entire movie - just a portion. You get to feel as though you are there, sliding on the ice and diving into the water. With snow actually coming at you and the feeling of sliding down the great hills of ice - it is a fun time.

The kids enjoyed it and could probably have sat through and entire full length 4-D movie if those were available.

There are of course various movie options and the choices will change periodically.  So check out the listings and see if anything fits your tastes.  It doesn't take too much of your time and is a thrilling little adventure for the kids.

www.tiffanynoth.com/2012/05/ripleys-3-d-moving-theater-now-4-d

www.ripleys.com/gatlinburg/your-visit/ripleys-3d-moving-theater

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Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium - Gatlinburg

Passing by the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium in Gatlinburg, TN – you’re immediately drawn to the, well, odd displays that occupy the entrance. The over-sized heavy equipment tire, the giant granite ball floating on a thin layer of water and the robotic statues made entirely of random parts and items.

The kids immediately began to touch, push and move the granite ball. They were amazed that they were able to easily move something as large as they are.

If items out of the ordinary fascinate you, walking through the Ripley's Odditorium will be an interesting stroll.  Inside you'll find a collection of weird and rare sculptures, creations and facts.  Historical pieces such as a piece of the Iron Wall and a lock of George Washington's hair were among the most interesting and unexpected displays.


The hologram of Robert Ripley, who founded Ripley's Believe It or Not, startled the kids at first.  Then they were caught up in trying to figure out if it was real or a movie.  This picture was actually taken during the hologram display, though you can't see the image of Robert Ripley sitting in the chair.

It's ghostly and eerie - yet fascinating.  He briefly explains what you will see on your journey through the collection and what prompted him to begin such an endeavor.

Take your time while walking through the Ripley's Odditorium.  If a display is set out for you to interact with and take part it - make sure that you do!  


www.tiffanynoth.com/2012/05/ripleys-believe-it-or-not-gatlinburg

www.ripleys.com/gatlinburg

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Titanic Museum - Pigeon Forge

I am so glad that on this trip to the Smoky Mountains, we were able to visit the Titanic Museum. Driving through Pigeon Forge, you can't help but take notice of the breathtaking ocean liner just before the mountain view.

Well, it isn't the entire ship.  However, it is very large.

The museum is located on the main road through Pigeon Forge - you will not miss  it as you drive by.  

Standing next to it, you can only imagine the grandeur of the RMS Titanic.

"The best way to respect and honor those who gave their lives is simple:

Tell their stories..."

Even as you approach the museum, you notice that everything has been done with great care.  It's peaceful.  It's respectful.  The smallest detail was given great attention.

Upon arrival, you will receive a boarding pass.  Each pass represents an actual passenger aboard the RMS Titanic.  In essence, you become that passenger.  Your boarding pass gives history, information and reminds you of the true loss on that fateful night.


Walking through the museum, you will find scaled versions of the ship - showing in great detail all that she had to offer.  A large portion of the museum is made up of items retrieved from the wreckage at some point since she sank.  No pictures are allowed inside the museum, as most items are under copyright protection.  You will be much too caught up in the stories, either on postcards and letters or through the audio tour if you decide to utilize that (and I highly suggest that you do).  If you opt for the audio tour, there is a version for children and a version for adults.  I took the time to listen to both.  They were both very well produced.  You will be able to listen to portions of interviews should you decide to take the self-guided audio tour.  Again, do it. 

Inside, there are recreations of portions of the ship, including the grand stair case.  They have also recreated the Bridge (the room from which the ship is steered) of the Titanic.  From there, you are given a view of what anyone in that room would have seen that night.  The cold, dark sky.  Stepping out into a room created to look like the front of the ship, you will find a real and growing ice berg on the starboard side.  Reaching over the edge of the Titanic in this replicated room, you can touch and dip your hand into the icy waters.  The room is kept at the same temperatures that were experienced that night.  It will instill even more compassion for those who gave up or never secured a seat on one of the few life boats. 

So many displays inside captured my attention and can never be forgotten.  Entering one room within the museum, you will be presented with a staircase enclosed behind a protective window.  Water rushes down the staircase, seemingly filling the room.  For a moment, you have a window - a glimpse into history.

The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge is more than a tourist attraction.  When visiting the area, you should plan spend a few hours walking through and getting to know some of the passengers and their stories.  It took us two hours to make our way through the museum.  I could have stayed another two hours simply gazing at displays and taking in a better reality of that maiden voyage.

Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Titanic Museum Branson, Missouri

Check out Jaynee's blog - the First Class Maid aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.

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Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - Gatlinburg

One of the most amazing attractions in Gatlinburg is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. You will easily spend a few hours in amazement as you stroll by {and under} the various exotic displays.  I am fascinated with the natural world around us and enjoy introducing it to my children.

The kids love seeing the live Jelly Fish!  On our family vacation last year, they were able to see one as well... except that was one that came ashore and was left behind by the waves.  That wasn't a great experience for them.  Having the opportunity to watch the Jelly Fish swim and float while behind a glass wall - the kids highly approved!  Though, you can see that Savannah was still a bit worried.

The Giant Crabs were among my favorite stops at the aquarium.  Our eyes immediately fixated on the enormity of their shells and how tall they stood. Turning the corner into the room with their display, they will immediately capture your attention.  The kids were leery and took a moment to slowly approach the glass.

Another beautiful creature you won't want to pass by is the Weedy Sea Dragon.  I tried to take a picture and capture its beauty and splendor as it glided through the waters.  However, I wasn't able to get a shot without a glare.  So I guess you will have to visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and see it for yourself.

Currently, there is a fantastic Shark display at this Ripley's Aquarium.  Walking through the special observation tunnel, you will be able to see all types of fish swimming above and around you.  Included in this tank, you will find sharks! How amazing and surreal to see a shark swimming overhead!  The kids were intimidated by it in the beginning, but by the time we reach the end of the tunnel - they were ready to turn around and go through it again.

It was amazing to see the peacefulness at which all the different types of fish swam through the tank and inhabited it together.  

Savannah loved seeing schools of fish.  She was fascinated at how well they swam together and stayed together at every turn.

They have also set aside a special section dedicated to sharks and a lot of incredible information about this amazing creature!  There are interactive displays the kids can use to help solidify their understanding of different shark facts.

The most adorable exhibit is by far the penguins!  How can you not love penguins!  They were by far the biggest amusement to the children in the aquarium that day.  At various times throughout the day, you can assemble in front of their exhibit to learn more about these adorable little animals.  I never knew how high maintenance they are!  You'll be amazed at all there is to know about penguins.






Check here for location, hours and ticket information - Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Previous Ripley's Aquarium post.

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The Track - Pigeon Forge

Driving through Pigeon Force, the kids nearly had their faces pressed against the window in an attempt to check out all the attractions. There are so many exciting places to see and activities to choose from - it can be a little overwhelming.

One attraction will catch your immediately. Especially if someone is Bungee Jumping or trying the Sky Flyer as you pass by.

The Track in Pigeon Forge offers a variety of entertainment to fit everyone!

Savannah and Joey couldn't wait to get into the Go Karts and speed down the track. Over hills and up the winding tower - I'm not sure that they have ever laughed so hard!

The Track offers four Go Kart tracks: The Track and Wild Woody for the taller drivers. Kiddie Karts and Rookie Karts {located in Kids Country} for the younger ages. Check their driver/rider height guide here!

Once you've spent an hour or two on the tracks, you'll want to try the Bumper Rides! I really wanted to try them ,however, the kids were a little nervous and so we didn't decided to save that for another time. It has been a decade or two since I've driven a Bumper Boat and I don't think those were nearly as fun as what you'll find at The Track. They aren't only Bumper Boats... they are Blaster Boats! Riders can spray the riders of other boats with water. The kids would have really enjoyed that! I'll convince them next time!

If you are visiting The Track with children, you'll want to schedule enough time to take them to Kids Country. This section is just their size!

Kids Country at The Track has the most kid rides in town with:

The Rio Grande Train
The Carousel
The Red Baron Plane Ride
Spin Tops
Swings
Ferris Wheel
Noah's Lark
Kiddie Karts
Rookie Karts







Our vacations are never complete without a fun game of Mini-Golf. It is so much fun to see the kids learning to aim, swing and try their best to get the ball into the hole! At The Track you can play Gator Golf, and test your mini-golf skills while you encounter jungle animals, walk through dark tunnels and play through beautiful waterfalls.

You could easily spend an entire day at The Track! There are still more options! Thrill seekers will love the Bungee Jump and Sky Flyer! Maybe next time I could be coaxed into one of those two. We saw several people enjoying the thrill of jumping and flying through the air!

After all the fun outside, take a break in the arcade! I've never been very good at arcade games - but aren't they so much fun! The lights, the sounds and the prizes!


They also offer group and party passes!

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