Not many franchises have the universal, timeless appeal of Harry Potter. After all, Potterheads of all ages exist all around the world, reading and rereading J.K. Rowling’s beloved works (and watching and rewatching all the movies). Whether you’re a Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Gryffindor, we can all agree: the Wizarding World has a special kind of magic.
Now, Harry Potter fans will have the chance to step into that wonderful fictional universe (as soon as it’s safe, of course). There’s a new Harry Potter theme park being built, and it’s HUGE!
What’s in the Park?
It sounds to us like this park will be less like Universal Studios and more a behind-the-scenes experience for movie buffs. (If you want to take Hogwarts classes, you can totally do that). This attraction will be called “The Making of Harry Potter,” and it’ll take fans through sets built by the film’s creators, showcase original costumes and props and even allow visitors to experience scenes from the movies firsthand.
The park will cover 30,000 square feet, and it’ll take approximately half a day to walk through. Plan accordingly!
What’s on the Menu?
This is the most important question. There’s already a “Making of Harry Potter” attraction in London, so we expect to see similar food and drink offerings at the new park. In London, you can enjoy a frothy tankard of Butterbeer that tastes like shortbread and butterscotch. The park also has a restaurant designed to look like the Great Hall at Hogwarts, and they serve classic English foods like bangers and mash, fish and chips and, of course, a full English breakfast.
When Will It Open?
If you have your heart set on visiting “The Making of Harry Potter,” the first thing you should know is that it’s located in Tokyo. It will be on the grounds of the Toshimaen Amusement Park.
Now, if you’re OK with booking a flight to Tokyo, it looks like there will be a limit to how many people can enter in a day. Because the park won’t be operating at max capacity, it seem likely that tickets will sell out, especially in the first few months after opening!
But take heart, Harry Potter fans—you’ve got a while to plan and save up. The park isn’t set to open until 2023. And if you’re looking for Wizarding World attractions closer to home, check out this epic Airbnb.
Witches' Brew
Feel like you're in potions class with this bewitching beverage. For a nonalcoholic version, just omit the vodka.
Hogwarts Acceptance Letters
You might not have gotten one when you turned eleven, but these savory puff pastry envelopes are magical enough to have come from Hogwarts.
Wingless Snitches
These eggnog-flavored snitches are so good, you'll feel like you've won a Quidditch game with each bite.
Broomsticks
Fly away from hunger with this salty-sweet snack.
Owl Post Pops
While this friendly owl resembles poor Errol, use white sprinkles to make a snowy Hedwig.
Hogwarts Hats
Feel like a true Hogwarts student by decorating the hats with your house colors!
Hagrid's Rock Cookies
As much as we love Hagrid, he wasn't the best baker. Lucky, these cookies have all of flavor of Hargrid's but won't break your teeth!
'Cockroach' Clusters
This badly named candy is a favorite at Honeydukes. Our version of these delightfully crunchy treats is made with pecans and rice cereal.
Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Jelly Bean Bark
Get multiple flavors in each bite with this new twist on the famous "Every Flavor" jelly beans. Watch out for bogey-flavored ones.
Warm Butterbeer
Grab a cozy mug inspired by one of Harry's favorite drinks. To make this drink for kids, swap the shnapps for butterscotch ice cream topping.
Polyjuice Potion
While the real polyjuice potion takes a month (and a few human hairs) to brew, this deliciously sweet version takes moments to make.
Weasley Skiving Snacks
Tricky Hogwarts students use these treats to get out of class (they make you ill, and then well in the next bite). This version won't get you out of class (or work), but they're just as sweet.
Cauldron Cakes
Transport yourself to the Hogwarts Express with these chocolate and caramel cupcakes, a classic in Harry's world.
Dumbledore's Sherbet Lemon
Dumbledore loved this sweet-tart treat so much, "sherbet lemon" was the password to his office!
Slytherin Snake
This serpentine sandwich isn't nearly as scary as the Basilisk. No Godric Gyffindor's Sword required to slice this one up.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothies
A sweeter, frostier version of good ol' pumpkin juice, which pairs with almost every meal at Hogwarts.
Aragog's Followers
Aragog's minions threaten to devour Harry and Ron, until the intervention of Mr. Weasley's feral car. Turn the tables and devour a plateful of tiny spiders at your next party.
Honeydukes Gumdrops
A trip to Hogsmede wouldn't be complete without a trip to Honeydukes, and a Harry Potter celebration wouldn't be complete without these gumdrops!
Canary Cremes
Inspired by another invention of the Weasley twins, but our version won't turn you into a canary.
Harry's Birthday Cake
All you need to add is Hargrid's "HAPPEE BIRTHDAE HARRY" in green frosting to recreate Harry's 11th birthday cake.
Exploding Bonbons
Exploding with coconut, that is!
Mini Treacle Tarts
Feel like you're at a feast in the Great Hall with these delicious tarts.
Never-Ending Ice Cream
Harry eats countless bowls of ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour. You can try to do the same with this easy ice cream recipe.
Acid Pops
While the Honeydukes version of lollipops can burn a hole in your tongue, ours are certified Muggle safe.
Aunt Petunia's Pudding
In Britain, a "pudding" is any dessert. The one Aunt Petunia makes to impress Uncle Vernon's boss is a tall, frosted, fussy confection, something like this pink cake. Top with piped flowers and cherries for the full effect.The post A Harry Potter Theme Park Is Happening—and It Will Be 30,000 Square Miles of Pure Magic appeared first on Taste of Home.
Emily Hannemann