Poof! The magical transformation continues, but here's a sneak peak at the magnificence of Hogwarts castle above Hogsmeade as work continues on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

Hogwarts will be the home of a marquee ride — Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey — that Universal says will use ground-breaking tech. It opens to Muggles this spring. Find out more at www.UniversalOrlando.com/HarryPotter.

ANTARCTICA

FUN FACTS ABOUT A COOL CONTINENT

1. Antarctica is the driest place on Earth, it yet holds 70 percent of the planet's fresh water in its ice. In parts of the Dry Valleys, there has been no precipitation for thousands of years.

2. Three colors dominate in Antarctica: white, blue and the black of volcanic dirt — and of course, the coats of penguins.

3. The Antarctic is colder than the Arctic.

4. The world's lowest temperature of -128 F was recorded at the Russia Vostok Station in Antarctica.

5. The Antarctic ice sheet is on average 1› miles thick and in places up to 3 miles thick.

6. As sea ice gets older, it becomes stronger. In young sea ice, much of the salt remains in tiny pockets that prevent a more rigid crystalline ice structure forming. As ice ages, the salts slowly leach out, leaving a much stronger crystal.

— Source: http://icecube.wisc.edu/info/facts.php

BIG ISLAND

GLIDE HIGH THROUGH THE RAINFOREST IN HÄMÄKUA VALLEY

Zip line alert: The Hämäkua Coast's new tourism venture, the Zip Isle Zip Line Adventure across Umauma Valley, is open daily at the World Botanical Gardens and Waterfalls. Seven zip lines whoosh visitors through the rainforest. WBGW recently added a 1,100-foot-long zip line at the ride's seventh stage, allowing riders to race alongside each other.

The Zip Isle ride elevation is up to about 100 feet. All tours include safety training and transport from the gardens to the zip line starting point. (The World Botanical Gardens in Umauma is off Highway 19, near mile marker 16.) Cost: $117-$147. 888-947-4753, www.zipisle.com.