Universal’s Islands of Adventure is celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter today with plenty of butterbeer, rides, and merchandise from the book and film series. For the past two years muggles from across the globe have descended upon Orlando’s biggest movie based themed area to experience the magic and mystery of the world of Harry Potter. And while Universal may have known they were creating something great, they had no idea how successful it would become. A new report released by a Los Angeles based market-research firm and the Themed Entertainment Association has revealed that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter experienced a 29 percent increase in attendance last year. According to the study, nearly 7.7 million people visited Islands of Adventure, in 2011 undoubtedly to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, beating out all other theme parks in North America in percent increase. And the Harry Potter success train isn’t stopping there. Universal Orlando recently confirmed an expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that is sure to bring in even more die hard Harry Potter fans, repeat visitors and guests who want to know what all the hype is about. While we don’t know much about the expansion other than it is in the early stage of construction we can confirm that the new area will incorporate elements from the final Harry Potter films including a Diagon Alley-themed area, complete with a Gringott's bank and a Gringott's Bank Cart ride. What we can’t confirm is the new area’s location but that hasn’t stopped us from speculating on where the area will be and what other elements it will include. It looks like Harry might be spreading his magic into Universal Studios in the area that used to house the iconic Jaws ride and Amity Islands. There is definitely some major construction going on in that area and we can’t help but wonder if that is where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion begins. If so, is it possible that it could include a non-stop train ride on Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 ¾ to the already existing train station in Hogsmeade? We certainly hope so! Other rumored areas and rides for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion include a quidditch pitch area, a triwizard event scenery, and a Chamber of Secrets ride. If Islands of Adventure keeps on this Harry Potter path, they’re sure to surpass the 29 percent increase they experienced in 2011. Stay tuned for more details on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion. In the meantime you can celebrate the area’s 2nd anniversary with discounted Islands of Adventure tickets right here on Best of Orlando. | 
