Harry Potter fans rejoiced earlier this month when they learned that The Wizardly World of Harry Potter theme park will open this spring at Universal Orlando. But for some, the wait is just too long. If you're looking to get your Harry Potter on now, here are a few real-life locations that have been featured in the films, and are now popular tourist destinations:

King's Cross Station
The King's Cross railway station is located on the edge of Central London, at the junction of the A501 Euston Road and York Way. Platform 4 at King's Cross station is Platform 93/4 in the first movie where Harry first got on the Hogwarts Express. A sign for Platform 93/4 still hangs in the station and there is even a luggage trolley that magically disappears into the wall.

That one was easy; more after the jump. ]]> cmb 2009-09-29T10:32:56-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/9/15/112836/480

It's hard to believe anything good could come out of Draco Malfoy's mouth but today in a media webcast, Draco (aka actor Tom Felton) let us know that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a 20-acre "fully immersive" theme park attraction would be opening at the Universal Studios Orlando in Spring 2010. Muggles and Wizards rejoice!

Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts was joined by Harry Potter films production designer Stuart Craig and show producer Alan Gilmore to give out a special sneak peek of the most anticipated theme park attraction since...hmm...maybe since Disney World opened? You all know how nutty HP fans get over the newest books/films. But imagine what they'll do to experience riding a Hippogriff or sending owl mail or exploring forbidden rooms in Hogwarts Castle? ]]> juliana 2009-09-15T11:45:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/7/17/101555/626

The latest Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, broke records on Wednesday when it made $104 million in worldwide box office sales during its first day in theaters. Obviously Harry Potter mania is in full swing again, and fans are dying to get close to anything related to the boy wizard, including locations where the movie was made and spots where the stars have hung out. Lucky for you, we know a few:

Where to Stay:
Just last week, the cast of Harry Potter gathered at the Claridge's in Mayfield to take photos and celebrate the premiere of Half Blood Prince. Its not surprising Claridge's is a favorite of celebs like Justin Timberlake, as they offer a butler service for guests staying in their suites and promise that "your wish list will be complete and your every whim will be catered for." Of course, that kind of service will cost you. A one bedroom suite starts around $1400 a night. ]]> cmb 2009-07-17T11:22:34-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/7/8/10340/25715

Even though the last ever Harry Potter book has long been finished, Hogwarts fanatics still have two more movie versions of the boy wizard's adventures to look forward to, starting with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince which held its premiere last night in London's Odeon Leicester Square.

The premiere was nearly rained out (where's a good weather fixing spell when you need it?) but the cast and J.K. Rowling gamely walked the red carpet and signed autographs for fans.

More disturbing than Helena Bonham Carter reprising her role as Bellatrix Black, Rupert Grint aka Ron Weasley had recently been suffering from the Swine Flu so we're not sure standing in the rain without an umbrella was a good idea.

The movie is set to open in both the U.S. and the U.K. on July 15 but muggles looking to catch the IMAX version will have to wait until July 29th, thanks to an overlap of IMAX's commitment to Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. It will be ok, HP fans. You were probably planning on seeing it at least twice in the theaters anyways.

Related Stories:
· 'Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince' Keep It In England [Jaunted]
· Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince [Wikipedia]

[Photo: Fametastic]]]> juliana 2009-07-08T10:24:52-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/4/29/19406/8344

No, that's not at all like swine flu, for anyone left on the earth unfamiliar with the Harry Potter series. Chicago is getting in on hogwarts mania early this summer season, with a museum exhibit tied to the upcoming film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

The exhibition is the latest trick from the Museum of Science and Industry, which specializes in attacking the whole "museums are boring" perception by making museums more like pop culture. Following past exhibitions based on Star Wars and CSI, the Harry Potter show will feature artifacts from the movies, including Harry’s original wand and eyeglasses, and explore the artistry behind the films' elaborate sets, recreating locales like Hagrid's hut. There are even a couple of props from the upcoming film, which opens July 15.

The exhibit runs through September 7. Oh, and as you might expect, this one will cost you more than a regular old boring museum—tickets are $25 a pop.

Related Stories:
· Harry Potter Exhibition [Official Site]
· 'Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince' Keep It In England [Jaunted]
· Movie Travel: Harry Potter Rip-off in India OK [Jaunted]

[Photo: Harry Potter Exhibition] ]]> BS 2009-04-30T09:11:47-05:00 41.7923210 -87.582085 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/3/10/71943/5772

Warm weather over the weekend really got us thinking about summer, the outdoors, and of course, summer movies. Before you know it, the neighborhood multiplex will be filled with the latest and greatest summer blockbusters, and one of the biggies this year will undoubtedly be Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. That is, unless you can get a pirated version of it somewhere so you can watch it in the comfort of your bed with the Harry Potter sheets on it.

We understand that you can hardly contain your excitement, and that’s why we’re here to let you know where you can shoot your own bootleg version of the sixth film in the Harry Potter series. Pack your bags, head out, and start your own geeky adventure. ]]> kjb 2009-03-10T15:16:13-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/9/23/32840/4477

This just in: If you want to make a knock off of the most successful children's book-and-movie series of all time, go for it. At least, that is, if you're in India.]]> ced138 2008-09-23T11:00:32-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/