The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has finally opened its doors to muggles!  (FTF covers the highlights of the attraction, such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a thrilling ride through Hogwarts Castle, here). 

Families who want in on the action should start planning their trip soon.  Many hotels in the area are sponsoring Harry Potter-themed hotel packages and discount. Available at multiple locations, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package” which features:

• Four-night accommodations at one of Universal’s three on-site luxury hotels:  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. You can read more about the Universal Orlando Hotels as reviewed by FTF's editorial team, and pick the one that's best for your family.

• Three days' admission to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks.

• Complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at select theme park rides and attractions (a $70 value per person, per day).

• Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

• Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks.

• Commemorative ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This luxury package starts at $645 per adult if you dare leave the kids at home, and is priced at $1,548 for a family of four. It can be booked at Universal Orlando and is good for travel until the end of 2010. 

To experience more of Universal, guests may consider adding additional nights and upgrading their themepark tickets to include park-to-park access, allowing them to go to both Universal theme parks each day.

And if the price is too steep for your current vacation budget, never fear! Additional packages for budget-minded families are available through Universal Orlando with prices starting at just $285 per adult ($829 for a family of four). This rate gets you a full four nights at the Quality Inn International along with theme park tickets, and is just one among other special packages available at local hotels.

Orlando visitors can also opt to stay with the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld which is offering the “Wizards Wanderlust Package.”  Nightly rates for the deal start at $149/N and include a wizard hat for the young wizards-in-training.  The kids can practice real magic by going to the hotel’s various restaurants and saying the magic word (Harry) to receive two free wizard drinks.  And not only are these drinks on the house, but those under the age of 12 get complimentary meals throughout their stay.  Older wizards will receive their very own magical beverage (champagne or cider) upon arrival and can also redeem a 10% discount at the hotel’s spa.   Unlike the aforementioned packages, entry into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not included in this deal.  However, all hotel guests at the 716-room Renaissance are welcome to take the free shuttle transportation to Universal Studios.  The package is available through September 27, 2010; for more information or to book the Wizard Wanderlust package please call 1-800-380-7917 or use rate code P50 when making reservations online.