THE Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened its gates in Orlando last weekend and looks set to become as popular as the books and films. But is it any good? EDWARD GLEAVE was one of the first to check it out.

IT'S no wonder they've brought the Harry Potter stories to life in an Orlando theme park - it's pretty much guaranteed to rake in oodles of cash.

The books have sold more than 400million and, coupled with the films, Harry Potter is reportedly the biggest franchise in history. But with big success comes high expectations.

Click here now for amazing offers to Orlando!

Just as when any popular book is transferred to the big screen, hardcore fans will be hoping for an attraction that honours the fiction they've loved for the past decade.

Fortunately the attention to detail at The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter is astounding. Author JK Rowling and the film-makers have been involved from its inception - six years ago - and it really shows.

From the moment you arrive in Hogsmeade, you are surrounded by lush manifestations of the magical stories.
Pretty much every square inch feels true to the book.

The shops are an attraction themselves with Honeydukes sweet shop the best.

Seeing JK Rowling's confectionery creations come to life is fantastic.

Want incredible deals to Orlando? Click here now...

Chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans adorn the shelves. The chance to actually eat what were previously just words on a page will prove a thrill to any fan.

Then there's Zonko's Joke Shop, where more snippets from the fiction are on offer. An adult can only imagine how exciting a place like this must be for children.

Through every step you are immersed in Harry Potter, with carefully designed shopfronts and staff costumes all delightfully accurate.

Some of the American staff's English accents are somewhat less accurate - even Dick Van Dyke would probably giggle at their efforts.

A central point for most families will no doubt be The Three Broomsticks, Wizarding World's restaurant. To Americans this will appear authentic English and be thrilling.

To anyone who has been to an old pub this side of the pond, it won't appear too out of the ordinary. But it's a great environment to grab a snack - like pancakes with maple syrup or a full English breakfast.

There are three rides with varying levels of fear to keep the crowds busy.

The first you come to - and the scariest - is Dragon Challenge.

This comprises two rollercoasters - red and green - which represent dragons duelling as they soar across the sky. This is not for the fainthearted, and rivals big thrills found in any theme park.

A ride more likely to appeal to all ages - and stomachs - is Flight Of The Hippogriff. This is a much tamer rollercoaster, with enough ups and downs to keep the braver visitors happy. And at a much slower pace, it gives you the chance to take in the surroundings, which are Wizarding World's strongest point.

But if you only try one ride during your visit, make it the third one.

Harry Potter And The Forbidden Journey really is stunning.
Landmark technology and incredible innovation make this a delightful experience anyone can enjoy.
Based in Hogwarts Castle, even the queue is worth seeing. As you wait for your ride you are taken through places such as Dumbledore's office and Gryffindor's common room.
The ride itself takes you on Harry Potter's journey, meaning you get to join in a game of Quidditch before facing dragons and dementors.
The movement of the ride is very smooth and the visuals and interiors are outstanding. This ride is the main focus of the Wizarding World so it would be criminal not to try it out, even if the queues are long.
While the stories of Harry Potter have been honoured with incredible detail and fantastic flair, the world itself is rather small.
Universal has two theme parks in Orlando, with the first - Universal Studios - built 20 years ago. A second theme park - Islands of Adventure - was added 10 years ago. And the Wizarding World is one of six attractions within the second park.
So if you visit expecting the Wizarding World to be massive then you will be disappointed. Expect a small but beautifully-formed attraction.
Luckily, Universal offers so much more across the two theme parks that you should factor into your plans. Rides based on films like Jaws are all thrilling.
The best ride on offer outside Wizarding World is The Simpsons simulator ride. There are three on-site hotels worth looking at.
The Portofino Bay is mockItalian while the Hard Rock Hotel is cooler and ideal for teens.
The Loews Royal Pacific resort also offers a stunning place to relax. These offer guests express passes included in the price.
The Wizarding World is well worth a look for anyone who has enjoyed the books or the films - and even those who aren't fans.
You can't have much more fun than this.
FACT FILE
EDWARD visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Virgin Holidays. Ten nights in Orlando with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick on July 8, staying at the three-V Quality Inn Plaza on a room-only basis and car hire, costs from £999.
Universal Orlando Resort two-park bonus ticket costs from £76 (adult) and from £71 (child three-nine).
As the UK's official holiday company to Universal Orlando Resort, Virgin Holidays customers get exclusive benefits, including early park admission to experience The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter rides and attractions, free parking at Universal Orlando Resort, complimentary breakfast and a free gift.
Start your holiday before you've taken off in the V ROOM at Gatwick, costing £17 for adults and £10 for kids.
Call 0844 557 3859, see virginholidays.com or visit one of 40 House of Fraser and Debenhams stores.