Huge Fun

John Arie Jr. credits an unusual source for the boost in his business and the Orlando economy — wizards.

“Harry Potter kicked-started the Orlando economy, there's no doubt about that,” says Aria, who is chief operating officer at Fun Spot, a Central Florida-based attraction that features multi-level go-kart tracks, carnival thrill rides, arcades and carousels.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction opened in June 2010 at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure and brought a surge of tourists to the Central Florida area.