Orlando, FL - One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort - is set for a public grand opening on June 18.

Universal Orlando Resort has also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.

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On a recent trip to the Florida Panhandle we stopped in a place called Destin, now I had been to Panama Beach, which is less than 50 miles away, before and it was a lot of fun but I’d never been this far west. The panhandle is also called the ‘Emerald Coast’ and as we were driving it became clear why the water is a beautiful shade of clear green. Another other thing I noticed was how the area, especially around Destin, was so beautiful and peaceful.

All along the road between Destin and Panama City Beach were these picturesque, little beachfront towns called, Seaside, Watercolor, Sandestin and Miramar. These towns are small and homey, with tree lined streets and pastel painted houses; they look like something out of a movie. In fact, the movie, The Truman Show was made in Seaside.

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Fort Lauderdale captures the essence of all that is Florida. It’s not as snobby as Palm Beach and not as trendy as South Beach Miami, what it represents is all the best of old Florida and how far we’ve progressed. Fort Lauderdale was once thought of as a spring break party town but it has really grown up. They have a fabulous art district and host many festivals throughout the year including the largest in water boat show in the world. They have a busy port that sails many cargo and cruse ships and the nearby Everglades National Park is a must see. The weather in Fort Lauderdale is great too it’s tropical with hot, humid summers and dry, warm winters which make the beach a great place to spend a day year round.

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Fort Lauderdale has it all, food, fun, sun, the arts, shopping, yachting as well as a rich culture and history. Here you can see a play, enjoy both modern and classical dance or hear a lecture or enjoy many other things to do in Fort Lauderdale. Whether you’re in the mood to relax or party, be wild and crazy or take in a little bit of art Fort Lauderdale has just what you’re in the mood for.

Gone are the old days of Fort Lauderdale being synonymous with the Spring Break. These days Fort Lauderdale means a lot more, it’s matured and become more upscale. You can however still have a good time and party here. The ’strip’ is still a popular night spot and of course, the beach and all the many waterways in and around the city are still a major draw. Now, in addition to all of that, Fort Lauderdale has several theaters many shops and you can find a restaurant to satisfy any appetite, they also host a huge art show and Music festival each year, normally in March.

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When I was 16, it was June and we had just moved to Florida. I was so excited I could picture that golden tan I was going to get. I remember distinctly my father’s words as we headed off to the beach with our towels and radio in search of the perfect tan. “Be careful the sun at Florida beaches is stronger than you’re used to, you need to have something on with at least an SPF of 15 at all times, 30 is better but I’ll be realistic, and reapply it often.” We rolled our eyes as we left but took the bottle he held out to us. Guess what; it turns out he was right. The first time I was ever consciously aware of the heat from the Florida sun was years later. Fast forward to ten summers; I was on a plane heading home to Central Florida from New York, sitting in a window seat with my arm resting on the window ’sill’. I was wondering how much longer to Orlando when the pilot came on telling us to look out the window to see Cape Canaveral, it was also at that moment I noticed that my arm, still on the sill, had gotten considerably warmer. The truth is that much of Florida’s climate is considered sub tropic so the sun is stronger here than the rest of America.

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