How I did it: When I first heard the Harry Potter park was being built, I was sure it would cost a lot of money, so I started saving right away. Much to my surprise, it was actually quite affordable to go in January (off season). My friend and I searched around for deals, and it turned out that Universal Studios (where the Harry Potter park is located) has very good package deals. It cost less than $500 for airfare, hotel (three days, three nights), and tickets to the parks (three tickets, one for each day). If you're a Harry Potter fan, highly recommend going because it truly is an amazing place. Plus, you get to go to all the other Islands of Adventure and Universal parks too. :)

Lessons & tips: Save money and plan out the trip as much as you can. I also recommend going in the off season. We went in early January, and most of the parks were pretty empty, but Harry Potter was still really crowded, I can't imagine how crowded it would be in the summer. Our waits in lines were pretty average, ranging anywhere from no wait to about a thirty minutes, and luckily the weather was BEAUTIFUL. Going in the off season gives you cheaper tickets, better rates at hotels, and shorter waits in line. And since it's Florida, the weather is almost always sunny, so you don't have to wait until summer. In fact, you shouldn't, since I heard it's ridiculously hot and humid in the summer. And who wants to wait in line in 100 degree weather?

Resources: http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotternews/

Jan 10, 2011, 02:17PM PST | 2 comments | 7 cheers