Thoroughly Modern Mimi

Mimi might be a mere muggle, but she’s ready to join Harry Potter on the “Forbidden Journey”, a high-tech ride at the new Wizarding World theme park opening next spring at Universal Resort in Orlando, Florida.

The “Forbidden Journey” ride was named by author J.K. Rowling .  It will take guests through scenes and rooms of Hogwarts Castle, the boarding school that Harry Potter attends. The entire landscape or island in this case, was inspired and based on scenes from the Potter books and movies.

Other rides in the new “Wizarding World of Harry Potter ” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will include the “Dragon Challenge,” a twin high-speed roller coaster themed after a wizard tournament.  Plus there’s the family-friendly roller coaster “Flight of the Hippogriff,” named for a creature with an eagle’s head and a horse’s body.

Visitors will be immersed in the magical environment just like walking onto the movie set.  They will wander through the village of Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest, stop in Ollivander’s shop where a wand chooses the wizard, visit the Owlery, and dine at The Three Broomsticks or Honeydukes.

You won’t have to cast a spell to get me down to Orlando.  For information: www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter

I can’t wait for the delivery of my pre-ordered copy of Dan Brown’s latest book, The Lost Symbol.  The novel already sits at the top of the bestseller list– two weeks prior to the release date– today!

I understand the story packs mysticism, hidden codes, and the secret society of Freemasons in Washington, D.C., with edge-of-your-seat adventure.

I have visited a few historic sites of Freemasons, so will give readers a tour in future blogs.  I predict tourism at those locations will rise dramatically.

Watch for my book review coming soon, but in the mean time, buy the book and follow our old friend, Professor Robert Langdon, in a new thriller.