Enchanting Stops in Texas, New York, and Seattle
In Little Elm, Texas, wander through a magical woodland trail by night at the Forbidden Forest experience, an adventure that has captured my family’s imagination. Here, you can duel a wizard, encounter a hippogriff, or summon a patronus amid interactive exhibits. This magical tour isn’t just in Texas—it occasionally returns to other locales as a seasonal treat, making it a must-visit for any Potter enthusiast.
Moving to the East Coast, New York City hosts an exciting traveling exhibition of the Wizarding World. Visitors can find their names on the Marauder’s Map, repot a squirming mandrake, and brave a face-off with a boggart. This exhibition brings to life beloved spaces from the franchise, such as Harry’s cupboard under the stairs and Hagrid’s inviting hut, surrounded by genuine props and costumes from the movies.
In Seattle, ‘Magic at Play’ provides a full-immersion into the wizarding universe, where you can trace Harry Potter’s journey from Platform 9 ¾ all the way to the Hogwarts Great Hall. Here, you can partake in a sorting hat ceremony, learn spell-casting, and even play quidditch. Our family’s visit was made complete with magical treats like Butterbeer and sweets from Honeydukes.
Wizard Festivals and Unique Experiences
In Portland, OR, the Leaky Cauldron convention is set to enchant fans with its array of interactive activities and magical marketplace in July 2024. Whether it’s crafting, taking part in wizard duels, or snapping photos in enchanting setups, this gathering promises a spellbinding experience for all ages.
Meanwhile, the quaint town of Sunbury, PA, transforms into Diagon Alley for a day each September, inviting visitors to explore over 40 booths of local artists and magical performances. And in Staunton, VA, a weekend-long festival in September turns the town into a sprawling magical realm, complete with costume parades, quidditch matches, and wizarding duels, free for all to join.
Lastly, the Wizarding World also extends to theaters and performances. Attend a live symphony orchestra accompanying a screening of a Harry Potter film for a unique cinematic experience, or watch ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ on Broadway, with tours set to start in Chicago in September 2024. For a lighter take, enjoy a parody performance where two actors breeze through the entire series in 70 minutes, promising laughs and a bit of magical chaos.
Whether you’re revisiting favorite scenes, discovering new enchantments, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a magical world, these Harry Potter destinations offer something for every fan looking to add a little magic to their travels.