The Harry Potter books hold a special place in my heart. My kids were just the right age when the books took America by storm and we have read and re-read them regularly over the years.

The kids are now 13 and 15 and don't often agree to be seen in public with us. But they did agree to go with us to see the latest movie release. They went several more times with their friends, but they did go once with us. I consider that nothing short of magical.

So I am really excited about this week's announcement from Universal Studios in Orlando. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," the newest attraction at Universal, is set to open in the spring. I can't wait. (For highlights of the announcement and some artist renderings of what the new attraction will look like, click here.)

This may not be the best bet for younger kids, but for tweens and teens, these movie studio theme parks are the place to be.

My daughter, Tess, was just 4 the first time we visited Universal Studios. We were in southern California visiting friends and doing the theme park tour. She was much too young. Even the Back to the Future ride, which I thought was thrilling but not scary, left her nearly traumatized. We left the park after only a few hours and two rides. Five years later, we headed to Orlando and went to the Disney-MGM theme park. She loved it.

I'm sure both kids are going to love this new Universal attraction. (Yes, I think even Evan, who will be 16 by then, would be willing to be seen in public with us at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.)