The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the enormously popular and magical addition to Orlando’s Universal Studios Resort, is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. It’s like Manifest Destiny for wizards and the muggles that love them (you know who you are).

Don’t worry, Florida, your version of  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to be significantly expanded. It is unclear if the new Hollywood version will include the pending Orlando expansions. Read More »

One of the cool things, if you’re into cool things, about living in Los Angeles is all of the Hollywood fun. Take the premiere of Real Steel that my family and I attended at Universal City Walk (adjacent to the Universal Studios theme park). My kids got to meet a bunch of their favorite Disney channel stars, my wife got to drool on Hugh Jackman, and I ate all the popcorn I could eat (which is way too much). Of course, their favorite part was meeting all of the robots from the film, and I can’t say that I blame them.

If you’re a fan of pop culture and entertainment it’s pretty easy to find out when and where movie premieres are being held. I can’t promise you a ticket, but I can darn near guarantee that you’ll see a celebrity. The kids will love it.

This post is part of UpTake’s Friday Family Series. If you would like to see your family vacation photo here please submit it via the contact link in the sidebar, subject line: Family Photo.

Photo: Whit Honea

Guess what time it is, Internet! That’s right, it’s time to travel around you! Stand still.

Travel Around the Internet is a weekly UpTake feature where we showcase the numerous emails we receive from you, the reader. Also, tweets, deals and stuff we stumble upon (and Digg, and reddit). Basically, it’s internet travel news all in one nice place.

Seriously, we’re a lot of fun to be around.

There’s no crying in flying — at least not on Southwest. (AOL Travel)

Snorkel for luminescence at CasaSandra on Holbox Island, Mexico. (CasaSandra)

Looking for Scottsdale luxury at an affordable price? (Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale)

Win a Disney family trip to Hollywood! (Family.com)

Looking for good surf in Los Angeles? (CBS: Best of L.A.)

Tour the rainforest by zip line and moonlight in St. Lucia! (AdrenaLUNA)

DreamWorks and Gaylord Opryland have an experience that you might like! (Gaylord Opryland)

The world’s most endangered travel destinations — see them while you can! (lonely planet)

Live your own Shark Week! (Gadling)

Jackasses on airplanes. (CNN)

Universal Orlando Resort has some Harry Potter travel deals that are just like magic! (Universal Orlando)

More travel drama re: Cuba. (MSNBC)

In need of a mancation? Here are the best places! (AskMen)

If you would like to see your link on UpTake please use the email link in sidebar. Happy travels!

Every so often, Disney rolls out a classic film on DVD and Blu-Ray for a limited time.  This fall, “Beauty and the Beast” is up for its Diamond Edition, so to celebrate, the film will play theatrically through October 7 with a sing-a-long feature!  Before the show, American Idol winner Jordin Sparks coaches the audience on a how a sing-a-long works.  Daily showtimes are 10:45am, 2:00pm, 4:45pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now, and available at the El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), online at www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6.  Our readers can enjoy the special rate of $9.00 per ticket by using the code UPTAKE upon checkout.

On select days, El Capitan guests may enjoy Breakfast with Belle at the Disney’s Soda Fountain & Studio Store, and then see the 10:45am movie! Seating is limited and reservations are required.