Harry Potter: A practical guide to the magic of Wizarding World

• Visiting soon? Be patient. Large crowds are anticipated
• The quintessential experience? Sipping a Butterbeer in line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Non-parents and those older than 10 may want to skip the tame Flight of the Hippogriff
• Those 21 and older should knock back a beer at Three Broomsticks tavern

As Muggles flooded Universal Studios Hollywood in April for the opening day of  Wizarding World of Harry Potter, park officials hoped it was just the beginning of a spell that would lure tens of thousands of visitors this summer.

But does the boy wizard have the power to vanquish the theme-park dragon that rules the Southern California realm?

Well, no. But the Wizarding World is a valiant, detail-rich effort that gives tourists good reason to visit Universal, even if it's in addition to the annual trip to Disneyland and California Adventure.

There's no doubt attendance will spike when the Wizarding World debuts. With puffs of smoke rising from towering chimneys, the snow-covered medieval village of Hogsmeade beckons more than just die-hard Harry Potter fans.

But with just two rides — one spellbinding, the other lacking any magic — and a single restaurant focused on British fare, most visitors will spend no more than a few hours, not counting time in queues.

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Will you really hurl on Forbidden Journey ride?

Much of the pre-opening attention has focused on that signature ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Headlines were made of the fact that it caused several test riders to vomit. “Hurly” Potter, anyone?

On a recent visit during a soft opening of the land, not one nauseated guest was noticed. And even those mildly prone to motion sickness can enjoy a toss-free ride by employing a few tricks that do not require a wand and the Quellium Vomitus spell. (Keep reading.)

Those who are nauseated by roller coasters and motion-based rides should definitely heed the warning signs posted along the queue, which is worth experiencing even if you have no intention of strapping into a flying broomstick.

Visitors enter beneath the  Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the castle looming on the mountain at the far end of Hogsmeade.

Through corridors and passageways (as well as a few switchbacks, the hallmark of any lengthy queue), visitors will see areas and items familiar to readers of Harry Potter, among them the Dungeon Corridor, the Mirror of Erised and Professor Sprout's Herbology class. In the latter, note the world's creepiest plants, the baby Mandrakes.

A handful of paintings in the cavernous Gryffindor Common Room come to life, the subjects talking about the boy who survived (that would be Harry, for the uninitiated). Try to guess which paintings will suddenly come alive, a hint at the effects to come.

Two areas stand out: the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and Dumbledore's office. Each boasts visual effects that make it appear that the characters are there in person, a stunning achievement the first time through (less so on return visits if you look for clues as to the technology).

Still, those effects pale in comparison to the ride.

RELATED:Reports: New Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios Hollywood is making people sick

Hop on your flying broom

Travelers board a "flying broom" — four chairs abreast that sit upon an unseen robotic arm. Boarding requires a bit of dexterity as you must step on two moving walkways, the second slightly faster than the first. As the vehicle approaches the end of the launch platform, shoulder harnesses are lowered before Hermione casts a spell and you lift, the platform disappearing under your feet.

(Riders are subject to minimum height and maximum weight requirements. Sample chairs are available in the queue should you want to try one on for size.)

Forbidden Journey is a clever combination of traditional dark ride with animatronic characters interspersed with 3D projections in which you fly behind Harry, your broomstick moving in sync with the film.

The chairs spin and tilt throughout, at times nearly turning riders upside down. Throughout the two-minute adventure, you rarely glimpse other vehicles, immersing you in the experience.

Those reports of vomiting begin to make sense, but anyone accustomed to high-speed roller coasters or motion rides (think the Star Wars ride at Disneyland) should have few problems.

If you feel something coming on — or up — don’t panic. Keep your eyes open and look straight ahead, allowing your brain to make sense of the movement. If you try to avoid nausea by closing your eyes or looking away, well, you better have a change of clothes.

The Wizarding World’s other ride is far less thrilling. The Flight of the Hippogriff is a coaster that would be more at home in a carnival.

Universal touts it as “family-friendly,” and coaster enthusiasts know that’s not-so-secret code for “tame enough for little kids.” The ride lasts less than a minute and includes nothing that might threaten delicate gastrointestinal systems.

Wand selection: Magical but pricey

In addition to the two rides, the Wizarding World features one more experience that is magical until perhaps a not-so-enchanting ending.

As many as 25 guests at a time pass through a side door to Ollivanders, entering a room with filled with wands, their long, slim boxes packing floor-to-ceiling cubbyholes.

The chief wand wizard welcomes all before selecting a member of the crowd (typically a young boy or girl) for a wand fitting. On this day it was Austin, and after a few errant attempts (as noted by lighting and special effects), the correct wand was discovered.

Austin beamed as he held his wand high, his smile as bright as the spotlight illuminating him. His family then was shown to the cashier to purchase the wand for $46.95, plus tax, if desired.

The interactive wand can be used at 11 stations where prescribed motions activate sensors. You can open a flower or operate a cauldron. Fun, but useful only at the parks in Hollywood and Orlando. Non-interactive wands are $39.95.

The wand-selection show is meant to entertain, but it puts a lot of pressure on the parents of the selected wizard to part with $50 for a collectible.

Note to Universal: Consider offering a cheaper replica wand to the "winner." For $5 or so, everyone is happy.

Butterbeer and bangers

Food and drink, while plentiful, are limited to items one would expect to find in a centuries-old village populated by the magically endowed. At the Three Broomsticks restaurant and tavern, that means traditional British fare including shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash. And beer, nearly a dozen on tap.

Even if the hearty fare is not up your alley, the restaurant is worth a visit. The peaked roof soars over the dining room, almost disappearing amid a network of heavy beams. Mismatched wooden chairs around heavy tables add to the feeling that you’ve stepped into a time-worn lodge.

To the right, an intimate low-ceilinged pub awaits. The boar’s head mounted behind the smooth, polished bar snorts with what seems to be unhappiness at his predicament. Several British ales, stouts and lagers are available on tap. Try Dragon’s Scale, a malty red ale that goes down well on a warm day.

Most guests, however, will opt for Hogsmeade’s signature Butterbeer, a fictional creation made real when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in Orlando in 2010.

Butterbeer is also served hot, but most visitors opt for chilled. Imagine a thick, creamy slush drink flavored with butterscotch and a hint of rum. The non-alcoholic concoction is extremely filling and one can be shared among two or three people.

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Shopping: Bring your Muggle cash or credit

Shops lining Hogsmeade are straight from the Harry Potter books. Find wizarding essentials including house robes, hourglasses, compasses and more at Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment. Enjoy sweets of all kinds at Honeydukes, though you may want to think twice before savoring certain beans at Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans (unless you’re drawn to dirt, vomit and, well, perhaps that’s enough).

Mail a letter with a Hogsmeade postmark at the Owl Post, or see what wizards find funny at Zonko’s Joke Shop. And if you duck into Dervish and Banges, a general store offering all the supplies you need to enroll at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, beware  “The Monster Book of Monsters,” which is easily irritated if you approach too closely.

The time spent in the Wizarding World will directly correlate to one’s interest in and knowledge of the Harry Potter canon. Fans will delight in seeing an animated window display showing the pure power of Puking Pastilles, and may linger in the women’s room to listen to Moaning Myrtle. Hard-core fans could spend hours in Hogsmeade, sipping Butterbeer, nibbling chocolate frogs and going on the Forbidden Journey for the sixth time.

Those who want nothing to do with puking or moaning will still find much to like within the detailed medieval village. Still, after an hour or so, they may be ready for a drink at Moe’s Tavern in “The Simpsons” area just outside Hogsmeade.

Crowd control: Get a time-stamped ticket

The size of the crowd also may affect enjoyment. In 2010, fans camped out before Wizarding World opened at Universal Studios Orlando.

To ensure that crowds don’t choke the life out of Hogsmeade, Universal Hollywood will for the first time employ a timed-entry system. As Wizarding World nears capacity, the entrance will be blocked to control access.

Dozens of self-serve kiosks will dispense free time-stamped tickets. Once that time arrives, guests are welcome into Hogsmeade.

One catch: If the Wizarding World is still at capacity, you may have to wait past the time on your ticket. If that happens, put on your Sorting Hat and hope to be placed in Hufflepuff, which values dedication and patience.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will certainly conjure crowds, but most visitors should be able to see the entire park in a day. Hard-core fans who want to dwell in Hogsmeade for several hours may want to invest in a second day at Universal Studios Hollywood to experience everything it has to offer.

Also new this summer: The park will add a walk-through "The Walking Dead" attraction, where real and animatronic zombies stalk their victims. The attraction will bring Universal one step closer to real theme-park magic, requiring more than a single day to see it all.

RELATED: 'Walking Dead' zombie attraction to open at Universal Studios Hollywood this summer

Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood

What: The medieval village of Hosgmeade, once reserved for wizards, now is open to Muggles (those with no magical abilities). Based on the character created by author J.K. Rowling, it features two rides, one restaurant and Butterbeer.

When: Grand opening is 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, April 7-10. Hours vary after that.

Admission: $105 from April 7-10. $95-$105 through summer ($115 if purchased at front gate). General parking is $18, $10 after 5 p.m.

Details: www.universalstudioshollywood.com.