First reviews of Wizarding World of Harry Potter

THE soon-to-be-opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park has been labelled "stunning" by gushing reviewers.

The theme park features state-of-the-art holograms, robotics and live action. Picture: Universal Studios

THE soon-to-be-opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park has been labelled "stunning" by gushing reviewers.

The $220m attraction at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, will officially open on June 18. But a group of VIP guests from around the world were lucky enough to be shown every detail of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogwarts and all.

“After a sneak peek, I can say it is the most faithful recreation of JK Rowling's books and movies ever seen,” The Sun Travel Editor Lisa Minot said.

“From Moaning Myrtle haunting the toilets to Potter and pals stalking the corridors, fans will be in heaven.”

Pictures: Inside the Harry Potter theme park

Leigh Caldwell from Travelling Mamas said the recreation of the famous books was so realistic she felt like a student at Hogwarts.

“My job involves visiting a lot of theme parks and seeing a lot of cool stuff, but I have never felt so immersed in a fictional environment,” she said.

“I was walking the streets of Hogsmeade Village. I was a student at Hogwarts.”

John Frost from the Disney blog was also captivated.

“I felt instantly transported into the world of the books and films. Little details continually jumped out at me as I said to myself: “Oh that’s from the book. That’s from the movies,” he wrote.

Guests revealed full details of the theme park for the first time, including following Harry and pals into Hogwarts Castle and clinging on as dragons fight high in the skies.

“The excitement starts the minute you walk through the ornate gates and spy the Hogwarts Express billowing steam at Hogsmeade train station,” Ms Minot wrote.

“The park features a host of technological firsts and stars of the films are brought to life with state-of-the-art holograms, robotics and live action.”

Ms Caldwell warned that not all rides are suitable for small children or the faint hearted.

“The new ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, has a 48-inch height requirement and a long list warning away anyone with a health issue more serious than a zit or a stuffy nose,” she wrote.

“The ride was not open during the preview, but obviously, it involves some intense thrills.”

Pictures: Inside the Harry Potter theme park