India, Aug. 10 -- As I walk beneath the archway, the mundane world of Muggles fades behind me. The worry of work deadlines, payments, and the distinct noise of responsibility is drowned out by the Harry Potter theme song that plays softly, on a loop, in the background. It casts a spell, and I find myself surrounded by wizards in long cloaks, brandishing their wands, portraits that talk, self-stirring cauldrons, and people sipping butterbeer. The surreal had taken shape just as I walked beneath the archway that marked the entrance to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. If Los Angeles is the city of dreams, this theme park gives wings to those dreams.

"But isn't the park suitable only for kids?" remarked a f...