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 have the chance to step into that wonderful fictional universe. There’s a new Harry Potter theme park and it’s HUGE!
What’s in the Harry Potter Theme Park?
It sounds to us like this park is 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 is called “The Making of Harry Potter,” and takes fans through sets built by the film’s creators, showcasing original costumes and props and even allowing visitors to experience scenes from the movies firsthand.
The park covers 30,000 square feet, and takes 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.
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When Will the Harry Potter Theme Park 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’s located on the grounds of the Toshimaen Amusement Park and opened in June of this year.
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 isn’t operating at max capacity, it seems likely that tickets will sell out, especially in these first few months of opening!
But take heart, Harry Potter fans—if you aren’t able to snag a couple of tickets, or you’re looking for a Wizarding World attractions closer to home, check out this epic Harry Potter-themed Airbnb for a magical experience.
Magical Harry Potter-Inspired Recipes
LAUREN HABERMEHL FOR TASTE OF HOME
You can bring some magic into your kitchen with a homemade version of Hagrid’s birthday cake for Harry. Don't forget to
buy some butterbeer to wash it down.
Get Our Recipe for Harry Potter's Birthday Cake
Polyjuice PotionWhile the real polyjuice potion takes a month (and a few human hairs) to brew, this bewitching beverage won't take long to make. For a nonalcoholic version, just omit the vodka.
Hogwarts Acceptance LettersYou might not have gotten a letter when you turned 11, but these savory puff pastry envelopes are magical enough to have come from Hogwarts.
LAUREN HABERMEHL FOR TASTE OF HOME
This tart has a flaky, buttery crust and sugary filling made with golden syrup. No wonder Harry loves it!
Get Our Recipe for Treacle Tart
Mother Lode PretzelsI brought these savory-sweet pretzels to a family gathering, and they disappeared from the dessert tray before dessert was even served! My family raves about how awesome they are. —Carrie Bennett, Madison, Wisconsin
Owl Post PopsThis friendly owl resembles poor Errol, but use white sprinkles to make a snowy Hedwig.
Witch's Snack HatsThese treats go over well at parties, but they're guaranteed to be a hit at Halloween parties. They're well worth the prep time. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
LAUREN HABERMEHL FOR TASTE OF HOME
As much as we love Hagrid, he wasn't the best baker. Luckily these cookies have all the flavor of Hagrid's but won't break your teeth.
Get Our Recipe for Rock Cakes
Chocolate BillionairesEveryone raves about these chocolate and caramel candies. I received the recipe from a friend while living in Texas. When we moved, I made sure this recipe made the trip with me! —June Humphrey, Strongsville, Ohio
Jelly Bean BarkHomemade Easter candy really doesn't get easier than this. It's so simple—all you need are three ingredients, a microwave and a pan! It makes a perfect gift. —Mavis Dement, Marcus, Iowa
LAUREN HABERMEHL FOR TASTE OF HOME
Butterbeer
This potion makes a batch of chilled butterbeer. It’s as close as you’ll get to the real thing without needing a ticket to Universal Studios or boarding the Hogwarts Express on platform 9 3/4.
Get Our Recipe for Butterbeer
Neapolitan FudgeIf you like Neapolitan ice cream, you will devour my fudge version of the vanilla, strawberry and chocolate favorite. It makes a great addition to any candy platter. —Faith Leonard, Delbarton, West Virginia
Cauldron CakesTransport yourself to Honeydukes with these chocolate and caramel cupcakes, a classic in Harry's world.
Lemon Jelly CandiesThis timeless candy will add a little sparkle to any candy assortment. The tart jellies will be a refreshing treat.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slithering Snake RollThere’s nothing sinister about this snake. It’s filled with meat, sweet red pepper and cheese. You can paint the pizza dough any color or leave it plain.—Jaclyn Scanlan, Dayton, Ohio
Pumpkin JuiceEven Muggles can make this Harry Potter recipe any time of year.
Spider CupcakesSpooky Spider Cupcakes are creepy—and easy! Make a chocolate cupcake into a spider by adding a half-marshmallow "body" under the frosting, licorice legs and mini M&M eyes. Add chocolate sprinkles for a "hairy" effect. —Darla Wester, Meriden, Iowa
Honeydukes GumdropsA trip to Hogsmede wouldn't be complete without a trip to Honeydukes—and a list of Harry Potter recipes wouldn't be complete without these gumdrops.
Mini Peanut Butter Sandwich CookiesPeanut butter lovers go nuts for these rich little sandwich cookies. On a hot day, sandwich ice cream between the cookies instead of frosting. It cools you right down. —Keri Wolfe, Nappanee, Indiana
Coconut Creme ChocolatesI'm a proud wife, mom of three and grandma of many. I've cooked many things over the years, including these marshmallowy chocolates. —Dolores Wilder, Texas City, Texas
Never-Ending Ice CreamHarry 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.
Don't miss our
Harry Potter gifts that’ll make you say “Accio”!
