Katie Messier of Studio City has one goal: Going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening day, regardless of the lines. “I don’t care if I get on one ride, as long as I get a wand. Some of my friends don’t understand why I have to go opening weekend. They think because it’ll be less busy a couple weeks later, but that’s like Slytherin talk. I’m a Hufflepuff. I have hope” Katie is one of ever-growing group of people, who choose to visit theme parks regardless of how busy it is.

“’I’ve been saving up for a year to go, and the line for Flight of the Hippogriff will probably 8 or 9 hours, but just to live in JK Rowling’s world for a 2 minute ride would be worth it. They’ll probably run out of Butterbeer and Bertie Bott’s. But, it’s going to be great.” Messier continued “It’s not like have much else going on in my life. I’m going to bring Sorcerer’s Stone and Azkaban with me, because I figure I’ll have time to read in line. Plus, I’ll be surrounded by people like me. I’m sure I’ll make all kinds of friends there. Maybe even find a Quidditch team to join!”

But just being there is as important as the rides themselves to Messier; “I spent an entire day in line when Hyperspace Mountain opened. I could’ve gotten a FastPass, but that seemed like cheating. My phone died halfway through. The opening week of Harry Potter; that’s going to make it look like day in the park. I mean, people are coming from around the world to see this. I just want to be part of it