A few weeks ago I took a journey to Hogwarts. I’d been to Hogsmeade before, but it was time to go back, ride the Hogwarts Railways, and hang out in Diagon Alley. If you’ve guessed by now – yes, I was in Orlando, FL!
I won’t give spoilers, because that would be cruel, but I will say that I was enchanted by the new additions to Universal’s theme park. As a teen librarian, I hosted a party for the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and we all got in the mood for a few hours, but surrounded by adults and children in robes and house scarves, in such a meticulously constructed 3D space, it was easy to suspend my disbelief and enjoy the Butterbeer. It made me think back to 2007 and everything we did at the Rio Rancho Public Library to bring J.K. Rowling's books to life, from handmade house scarves to a talking sorting hat (we put a walkie talkie underneath it).
One of the main things that I enjoy when reading fantasy and science fiction is the world building. I get to know a character, but I also get to experience the ‘what ifs’. What if magic was the norm? What if aliens and robots were commonplace?? What if Krypton’s only son walked amongst us??? If I accept the premise and there is logic in the execution, from the environment’s details to the character’s reaction to the ‘problem’, then I might pull all-nighters to find out what happens next (over the past week+, I’ve lost sleep to the Lunar Chronicles – four books in ten days!). When I read both the Harry Potter series (and the Hunger Games), I had to block the pages on the right with my hand to keep my eyes from drifting. I devoured those books, and in Orlando I was surrounded by kindred spirits of all ages.
So, the park was fun, the rides were awesome, and the swag was undeniable. As I stood in one of the establishments in Diagon Alley with a Slytherin bag, pulling out a Ravenclaw wallet, to buy a Hufflepuff sweatshirt, the wizard at the cash register asked me which house I am in. I was tempted to yell out “GRRRRRRYFINDOR!”, but I maintained my cool. Cunning, brave, loyal, or wise, the strength I need to channel for the day determines which house accessories I may subtly sneak into an outfit. Most days I have a Mockingjay pin on my jacket or bag; this week I had to conquer some spreadsheets (and it was COLD in the Northeast), so I donned a Slytherin scarf.
It’s fun to escape the Muggle day-to-day. How do you do it?
