If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours

            

"Brown Teddy Bear" by Lydia Jacobs

At midnight on Friday, July 15, 2011, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, will launch in theaters nationwide, beginning the finale of an 11 year and seven sequels run of the highest grossing movie franchise of all time, based on  the enormously successful Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling. In today's edition of "Toys and Tours" we'll explore the places where Hogwarts' lives on in our real "Muggle" world, and we'll check in with the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission for their most recent toy and sports products related recalls and news.

HARRY POTTER TOURS 

Hogwarts Castle at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

If the child in your life has ever wished there was a real "Hogwarts," and they could take a training flight on a "Hippogriff" or sip a “Butterbeer,” their every wish is granted at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a totally immersive attraction at Universal Orlando Resorts and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Wizarding World is a collaborative effort between Warner Brothers, Warner Brothers Consumer Products, Universal Resorts and author  J. K. Rowling whose Potter series of books have been translated into multiple languages, selling millions of copies worldwide, and have spawned the creation of just about every toy,  game and article of clothing imaginable. 

The theme park provides an incredibly authentic Harry Potter experience that includes sets, rides and shops that offer everything from “chocolate frogs” and “Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans,” to “Quidditch” equipment, “Triwizard” apparel, “Spectrespecs,” “Omnioculars,” “Remembralls” and even remote control “Golden Snitches."

The following are pictures of some of the notable attractions families will experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.


At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station.


 
Flight of the Hippogriff, a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle.


 
Ollivanders wand shop is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard.


 
The Owlery, where owls roost and await their next delivery.


 
The Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog's Head pub features traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice.



Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced.

If you won't be traveling to Orlando any time soon, you and your child can still share an amazing free virtual tour by linking to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and following the prompts.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Because of the enormous popularity of all-things Harry Potter, "Muggles" traveling to New York City should plan on taking in Harry Potter: The Exhibition, an extraordinary 10,000 square foot assemblage of Potter artifacts from all of the films, now housed at Discovery Times Square until September 5, 2011.

The exhibit, first launched at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry to coincide with the nationwide release of Half Blood Prince went on to enthrall visitors across the nation and worldwide at designated museums.

More information is available in the video below, and tickets for Harry Potter: The Exhibition can be purchased by visiting Discovery Times Square online.

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS AND NEWS

The following is a compilation of notices from the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Below you will find the most recent recalls and product news updates from the CPSC for the last 7 days.

In case you happened to have missed any of the announcements, just click on the following links for complete information on each of the items and breaking news.

TOYS

Mini Stars Building Sets Recalled by Edushape Due to Choking Hazard

SPORTS AND RECREATION RELATED

Petzl America Recalls Scorpio and Absorbica Safety Lanyards due to Fall Hazard

Diving Unlimited International Recalls Weight Systems Due to Drowning Hazard

Mizuno USA Inc. Recalls Baseball and Softball Gloves Due to Presence of Mold

CPSC NEWS

No general news releases since last week’s posting but there are specific releases for items not in the toy or sports categories.

If you are searching for other consumer product items such as household, outdoor products, utensils, furniture and clothing that may relate to all family members, please review additional listings at the CPSC’s search page.