Universal Orlando handed out bonus checks to employees Thursday in recognition of a record year following the opening of the hugely successful Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

"Thousands of team members across all areas of our destination received bonuses today [Thursday] — from back-of-house team members to those in direct contact with our guests," Universal spokeswoman Alyson Lundell said. "We're thanking our team members for the excellent work they've done over the past year and for where we know they will continue to take us in 2011."