Pottermania is running wild once again as the sixth film in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is set to open in select theaters at the stroke of midnight. Fans of the boy wizard will surely be flocking to Islands of Adventure, the second park at Universal Orlando, when it opens The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in early 2010. The highly anticipated themed land, which is being designed under the watchful eye of Potter scribe, J. K. Rowling, is under construction and taking shape at the far end of the Florida park.

The new film is sure to stoke what is shaping up to be one of Hollywood's best seasons. That bodes well for parks. Despite the floundering economy, people still seem to be willing to shell out their dwindling bucks for some fun. Read more about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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Photo: Guests will be able to see and visit Hogwarts castle at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Orlando, 2007. Used with permission.

Sadly, there aren't many seaside amusement parks left. As the original park, Coney Island, struggles to re-imagine itself for the 21st century, many other pleasure palaces by the shore have thrown in the beach towel. The Jersey shore, however, still beckons fun-seekers with time-honored traditions such as spinning rides, flashing lights, and greasy food. Proudly flaunting a 1950s and 1960s vibe, Widlwood, New Jersey, seems particularly stuck in time.

The summer hotspot is home to Morey's Piers, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer. To mark the occasion, the family-owned boardwalk area will be staging a peculiar event this Thursday, July 16 at 4 p.m. David "The Bullet" Smith, a human cannonball, will fly high above Mariner's Landing while clutching a copy of the new book about Morey's Piers, A Wild Ride. Morey's is pitching the event as a "human cannon book launch." The book traces the history of the classic amusement area, which has grown to include three amusement piers, two water parks, and over a hundred rides and attractions. Copies of A Wild Ride will be available for purchase at Morey's Piers.

• The Cyclone Roller Coaster- Review of the classic Coney Island woodie
• Coney Island Photo Gallery

Live music, such as the big bands that drew huge crowds to dance halls in the 1930s and 1940s, have long been part of the entertainment offered by amusement parks and theme parks. The beat goes on today as a number of parks feature concert series. Some require an extra fee, but many are included with the admission price. A sampling of some upcoming park shows include:

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg (VA)- Kansas on July 11 and 12, the Commodores on July 18 and 19, and Foreigner on August 1 and 2
• Six Flags Great Adventure (NJ)- Jesse McCartney on July 20, Asia and Yes on July 26, and Flo Rida on August 13
• Wild Adventures (GA)- Chris Tomlin on July 18, Foreigner on August 15, and Ricky Skaggs on September 19
• Hersheypark (PA)- Chubby Checker on July 19, Dave Matthews Band on July 24, and Kid Rock on July 31
• Darien Lake (NY)- Vans Warped Tour on July 16, Creed on August 8, and Phish on August 13

Are you planning a convention or business meeting in the Cincinnati area? You could book it at one of the usual suspects. Or you could consider holding it at the Great Wolf Resort at Kings Island. Known for its indoor water park, the hotel has a surprisingly spacious and lovely convention and meeting center. Its ballroom can be configured to accommodate up to 660 guests. And what other meeting facility comes with a magnetic induction water coaster? In the warmer months, you could also schedule a meeting break at the adjacent Kings Island to ride some outdoor coasters. Read more about the Great Wolf Resort at Kings Island.

• Great Wolf Lodge at Kings Island Photo Gallery
• Great Wolf Lodge Resort Guide

Photo: A watery toadstool at Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio, adjacent to Kings Island. ©Arthur Levine, 2009. Licensed to About.com.