Harry Potter Theme Park Delayed

Last year Universal Studios announced that they would be opening the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park within the existing Universal Resort in 2009. Now the date has been pushed to 2010, so if you’ve already planned your trip, you might want to push your dates back as well. Here’s the original story:

Maybe you’re already planning to be one of the first in line when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens its doors at the Universal Orlando Resort in 2009. But if you’re really serious about your theme parks, consider delaying your trip by a few months and doing an around the world trip to take in a few more.

Universal has just announced another new park, this one a bigger and fancier version of the Hollywood-themed Universal Studios, to open in 2010. Location? South Korea, about 20 miles south of Seoul. From there it will be just a hop and a skip to Tokyo Disneyland, and then you may as well head south to Australia’s Gold Coast to do the full theme park tour. They have Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, Movie World, and Dreamworld.

Still haven’t had enough? Take another long flight to reach Ratanga Junction in Capetown, South Africa. Then swing up north again for a stop in Paris and (no, not Disneyland Paris), Parc Asterix, based on the popular French cartoon character.

Alright, so that might be a lot for one trip, especially if you don’t have $10K or so to drop all at once, but for a tired backpacker, or a traveler who’s feeling a little museum-ed out, a day of rollercoasters, costumes, and parades can be a nice treat. Always check for student discounts as well, so that you’ll have a little extra to spend on postcards.

Try a Rockin New Theme Park This Summer

The Hard Rock Cafe expanded into the hotel business a few years ago, and now it’s entered the theme park game. Hard Rock Park just opened about a month ago, so it still has that new park smell, and it’s located near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, so you can combine it with a beach vacation.

It looks like the Hard Rock could be a good alternative to the Disney parks, especially if princess dresses and mouse-shaped everything give you hives. The park is broken up into different genres – country, American rock, the British Invasion, the 70s – and the rock and roll theme carries over into ride names, food, merchandise, and of course, the entertainment. (I think the Slippery When Wet ride looks like the most fun.)

A Ticket to Ride will cost you $50 for a day, or you can pick up an annual pass for $150. The park is also hiring, so if you want to spend your summer getting some sun and listening to the squeals and screams of little rockers, have a look at their Kickass Jobs section.

Plan Ahead for Theme Park Adventures

Maybe you’re already planning to be one of the first in line when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens its doors at the Universal Orlando Resort in 2009. But if you’re really serious about your theme parks, consider delaying your trip by a few months and doing an around the world trip to take in a few more.

Universal has just announced another new park, this one a bigger and fancier version of the Hollywood-themed Universal Studios, to open in 2010. Location? South Korea, about 20 miles south of Seoul. From there it will be just a hop and a skip to Tokyo Disneyland, and then you may as well head south to Australia’s Gold Coast to do the full theme park tour. They have Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, Movie World, and Dreamworld.

Still haven’t had enough? Take another long flight to reach Ratanga Junction in Capetown, South Africa. Then swing up north again for a stop in Paris and (no, not Disneyland Paris), Parc Asterix, based on the popular French cartoon character.

Alright, so that might be a lot for one trip, especially if you don’t have $10K or so to drop all at once, but for a tired backpacker, or a traveler who’s feeling a little museum-ed out, a day of rollercoasters, costumes, and parades can be a nice treat. Always check for student discounts as well, so that you’ll have a little extra to spend on postcards.