Whether you and your family read all the books or saw all the movies, this announcement is still big news for teens. Teens love theme parks. Let me repeat – Teens Love Theme Parks.  The thrills, the excitement, the variety – other teens, junk food, lots of space – whatever it is that makes theme parks a comfortable place for teens, you can’t beat taking them to a Universal Park. 

Theme Parks are my family’s go to spot for together time believe it or not! We all love to go, even if some of us don’t ride all the rides. We even spent actual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Universal Orlando and Loews Portofino Bay Resort.  By staying on site, it makes for such a relaxing vacation.  Yes, I said relaxing.  You can go back and forth between the parks and the resorts without much hassle.  Also there are various ways to accomplish the journey with options by boat, bike carriage and more.  

In the coming months, I will share with you more about Stress-free Refreshing Travel.  I shared some of my tricks and hints this year with many during speaking engagements.  Stay tuned for how to snag spa time without anyone even missing you!  I even accompblished this on Christmas Day last year at the Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay.  Also I wil give you all the top apps to keep you on track for a wonderful  vacation!

Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today announced a partnership to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the enormously popular themed entertainment environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The two companies also announced their plans to significantly expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.

“I am delighted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been so popular with fans since the opening in Orlando last year and I am sure that the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. will bring their expertise and attention to detail to Hollywood to make this new experience equally as exciting,” said J.K. Rowling.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened in June 2010 and immediately captured global attention.  It is a spectacularly themed land that includes Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions.  Specific details of its expansion will be announced over time.

“The announcement of our partnership with Universal to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood and expand what already exists in Orlando is probably the best holiday gift we could give to the legions of Harry Potter fans worldwide,” said Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros.  “Everyone involved with these projects is committed to continuing the enchantment of J.K. Rowling’s masterful books as they were brought to life on screen in our eight films and dedicated to extending the magic of the experience for generations of fans to come.”

“This is an incredible moment for Universal Studios and the millions of guests who visit our theme parks,” said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios.  “The Harry Potter stories are some of the most powerful of our time and we are honored to expand our Orlando experience and bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood, forever changing family tourism in Los Angeles.”

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an entirely new level of themed entertainment that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in incredible ways,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts.  “We are thrilled to be able to share this experience with our guests in Hollywood.  And we are thrilled to take what has been created in Orlando to even greater levels.”