Harry Potter: How the Wizarding World came to be

January: Universal CityWalk billboard pushes Wizarding World. It’s later covered by a Mardi Gras promotion.

Jan. 28: Guests will be able to buy magic wands at Wizarding World, Universal announces. Actually, through special effects and a live actor, the wands will select their new owners. A 3-D, “augmented reality” map of Wizarding World appears in a newspaper ad. With aid of webcams, visitors “fly” through the area and hear the Hogwarts Express.  (DEWAYNE BEVIL/ORLANDO SENTINEL)