Saturday, June 5, 2010

Harry Potter and the VIP access

Colin and Vicky Hanley were first through the doors with kids Luke, eight, and Caitlan, six, yesterday. And the family, from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, thought it was a magical marvel.

Colin said last night: "It is fabulous - the kids were blown away when we walked into Hogsmeade and they saw the Hogwarts Express at the station.

"It's far better than we expected it to be. My son Luke is a huge Potter fan and he's just been in heaven!

"The new ride in the castle is probably the best theme park ride we have ever done.

"You feel like you are flying through the air with the dragons and the pre-ride walk through the castle is great. Seeing Harry and his pals appear and talk to you was incredible.

"We went into the wand shop Ollivanders three times to make sure that Luke was chosen by the Wand Master - it was worth the wait!"

Exclusive access is a huge coup for Virgin Holidays, who are celebrating their 25th birthday this year.

Their customers get in earlier and enjoy a breakfast at the Three Broomsticks as well as picking up a free gift.

And to celebrate their 25th birthday they have come up with an amazing offer for Sun readers who book an Orlando holiday.

Chuffed ... Hanley family and Hogwarts Express
Chuffed ... Hanley family and
the Hogwarts Express

Call to book between now and June 13 and you'll get a FREE Universal Orlando 2-Park Bonus Ticket for every person (adult and child) booking a new seven-night minimum stay Virgin Holiday to Florida that departs before October 31 next year.

With the 2-Park Bonus Ticket, you get unlimited access to Universal Islands of Adventure - including the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter - and Universal Studios theme parks for 14 days.

That could save an incredible £350 for a family of four.

We've full details on the offer on the right. But however you get to Orlando, I can guarantee you're in for a treat.

Universal have always done fabulous movie rides and brilliant recreations - The Simpsons ride and rock coaster Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit are two of my Orlando all-time favourites. And when I had a sneak preview of the Wizarding World last month I was amazed by the detail that has gone into creating Potter.

The excitement starts as you walk through the ornate gates and spy the Hogwarts Express billowing plumes of steam at Hogsmeade station. Snow sparkles on roofs from Ollivander's Wand Shop and the Owl Post Office to the Three Broomsticks Inn and Hog's Head pub.

And there, looming in the distance, is the iconic Hogwarts Castle - towering on its grey, rocky crag above a forest of pine. Author JK Rowling has been involved in creating this celebration of all things Potter, coming up with new stories and characters for its three rides, approving every morsel of food and piece of merchandise for sale.

The jewel in the crown is Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey - a ride snaking through the awesome Castle and featuring stars of the books and films brought to life with stunning holographics, robotics and live action.

Standing in a queue has never been such fun - winding its way through the creepy corners and corridors of the school before bumping into Professor Dumbledore in his office.

On to the Defence Against The Dark Arts classroom and here Harry, Hermione and Ron appear to rescue you from a dull lesson - promising a wild ride as you escape the dragon, take part in a game of Quidditch and have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow.

A strong stomach is all you'll need for the second ride in the park - Dragon Challenge. Originally the hugely popular Duelling Dragons ride, it has been re-themed and now sees the mythical creatures battling in the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

Advertisement

Dragon Challenge is a thrill attraction for the over-tens with its 60mph close-shave ride as two cars come within inches of each other. The final ride in the park, Flight Of The Hippogriff, will delight younger fans. Hagrid's welcome as you queue is a great introduction to Harry's story for little ones.

But the park is much more than its three rides. The streets of Hogsmeade village are lined with stores fans will be familiar with. Pop into Ollivanders and you could be chosen by the wand.

The shop is small and will be hugely popular but only 30-odd people can cram in at once and they will all want to see the wand choosing someone and hear the wandmaster's patter - it could lead to long queues outside.

At the Owl Post, send off your own letters marked with a Hogsmeade stamp. Or check out the authentic tricks and magic at Zonko's joke shop - there are plenty you'll remember from the film and some more besides.

The entire park is a tribute to the incredible attention to detail and faithful recreation of the world of Potter.

Muggles will definitely not be disappointed!

No comments:

Post a Comment