Universal Orlando has announced the dates for 2016’s Celebration of Harry Potter at their theme park. The third annual event will be held from January 29th to the 31st, which is in line with the past 2 years.
Behind the Thrills has posted what is believed to be the schedule for Universal Orlando’s Celebration of Harry Potter. It has not been officially released by Universal, so this could be an early draft of a schedule, but the real lineup will most likely be very similar.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30
A Celebration of Harry Potter Expo (Soundstage 33) 9 am – 5 pm
Movie in the Park (Music Plaza) 2:30pm – 5:30pm
A Celebration of Harry Potter Opening Night Event (Music Plaza) 5:30pm – 6pm
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
A Celebration of Harry Potter Expo (Soundstage 33) 9am – 5pm
Behind the Scenes: Harry Potter Film Talent Discussion (Music Plaza) 10am – 11am
Kids’ Harry Potter Film Trivia (Music Plaza) 11:15am – 11:30am
Kids’ Dueling Demonstration & Wand Masterclass with Paul Harris (Music Plaza) 11:30am – 12pm
House Photo Meet-Up — Hufflepuff (Music Plaza) 12:30pm – 12:45pm
Graphic Design for the Harry Potter™ Films with MinaLima (Music Plaza) 2:30pm – 3:15pm
Illustration of Harry Potter with Kazu Kibuishi (Music Plaza) 4pm – 4:45pm
House Photo Meet-Up — Ravenclaw (Music Plaza) 4:45pm – 5pm
Dueling Demonstration & Wand Masterclass with Paul Harris (Music Plaza) 5:15pm – 6pm
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1
A Celebration of Harry Potter Expo (Soundstage 33) 9am – 5pm
Dueling Demonstration & Wand Masterclass with Paul Harris (Music Plaza)10am – 10:45am
Kids’ Dueling Demonstration & Wand Masterclass with Paul Harris (Music Plaza) 11:30am – 12pm
House Photo Meet-Up — Slytherin (Music Plaza) 12:30pm – 12:45pm
Kids’ Dance Like a Beauxbatons & Battle Like a Durmstrang (Music Plaza) 2:30pm – 3pm
Creating The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Music Plaza) 3:304m – 4:15pm
House Photo Meet-Up — Gryffindor (Music Plaza) 4:15pm – 4:30pm
Behind the Scenes: Harry Potter Film Talent Discussion (Music Plaza) 5:00pm – 5:45pm
We will be in attendance at the event and will keep you updated!
Universal has released details on how to win tickets to their Social Media Meet-Up taking place during A Celebration of Harry Potter at the end of the month.
The lucky winners and their guests will tour the grand marble hall of Gringotts Wizarding Bank with Alan Gilmore, Art Director for a number of the Harry Potter films and visionary for the new attraction in Diagon Alley, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Then descend into the bank vaults to meet with MinaLima, the design team responsible for bringing the Daily Prophet, and more, to life. There will be a chance for Q&As at both stops before you embark on an adventure as you ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. There may even be another surprise or two along the way…
January 8: Twitter Click the link below to Tweet us with “I wish to enter my vault! #HPCelebration” to enter for your chance to win one of six credentials for you and a guest to join the Social Media Meet-Up during A Celebration of Harry Potter.
Next Tuesday, January 13, we’ll ask which house the Sorting Hat has placed you into – just comment with your Hogwarts house for your chance to win one of six credentials for you and a guest to join the Social Media Meet-Up during A Celebration of Harry Potter. If you don’t know which house you’re in, head over to Pottermore.com to find out and get ready to share it with us in the comments!
January 15: Instagram
Next Thursday, January 15, we’ll post a photo of hot Butterbeer. To enter for your chance to win one of six credentials for you and a guest to join the Social Media Meet-Up during A Celebration of Harry Potter, double-tap if you’d like to take a sip of hot Butterbeer in Diagon Alley!
Be sure to gulp down some Felix Felicis before you enter and good luck!
Date: Friday, January 30, 2015
Packet Pick-Up: Universal Studios Arches: 8:30–9:30 AM
Meet-Up Check-In: Universal Studios Arches: 5:00–6:00 PM
Social Media Meet-Up: Diagon Alley: 6:00–7:30 PM
Each winner will receive:
General Parking at Universal Orlando Resort
A one day, two-park ticket for the winner and their guest
Access to the A Celebration of Harry Potter Social Media Meet-Up
Make sure to check out Universal’s blog for official rules and more information.
The Universal Orlando blog has announced that they will be having a social media meet-up during A Celebration of Harry Potter. The blog says:
Over the coming week, you’ll have a few opportunities to win a credential for you and a friend to attend a special Social Media Meet-Up that will provide an inside look at some of the art and artistry that has brought Harry Potter to life in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The lucky winners and their guests will tour the grand marble hall of Gringotts Wizarding Bank with Alan Gilmore, Art Director for a number of the Harry Potter films and visionary for the new attraction in Diagon Alley, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
Then descend into the bank vaults to meet with MinaLima, the design team responsible for bringing the Daily Prophet, and more, to life. There will be a chance for Q&As at both stops before you embark on an adventure as you ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. There may even be another surprise or two along the way…
So, how can you take part in the magic? We’ll detail out all of the ways to enter on Thursday on the Universal Orlando blog.
A Celebration of Harry Potter Social Media Meet-Up
Date: Friday, January 30, 2015
Packet Pick-Up: Universal Studios Arches: 8:30–9:30 AM
Meet-Up Check-In: Universal Studios Arches: 5:00–6:00 PM
Social Media Meet-Up: Diagon Alley: 6:00–7:30 PM
Each winner will receive:
General Parking at Universal Orlando Resort
A one day, two-park ticket for the winner and their guest
Access to the A Celebration of Harry Potter Social Media Meet-Up
Universal has put out a press release announcing the cast members who will be attending 2015’s Celebration of Harry Potter and Universal Studios in Orlando. Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps and Evanna Lynch are scheduled to attend. It will be James, Oliver and Evanna’s second time at the event. The also revealed the panels slated to take place!
Harry Potter film talent Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps and Evanna Lynch are slated to appear at the second annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter” – a special event hosted by Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment. The event allows fans to celebrate all of Harry’s adventures, from the beloved books to the feature films. Creative talent also set to appear includes Paul Harris, the world’s only Wand Combat choreographer, Kazu Kibuishi, illustrator of Scholastic’s re-imagined Harry Potter book covers, and Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina of MinaLima, who established the visual graphic style of the Harry Potter films.
“A Celebration of Harry Potter” will take place from January 30 – February 1, 2015 at Universal Orlando. Fans will enjoy three days of incredible experiences, including Q&A and autograph sessions with Harry Potter film talent, special discussions and demonstrations with creative talent, and access to the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo – where fans can enjoy the Sorting Hat experience, pose for a photo in a recreation of the iconic Great Hall set and celebrate their Hogwarts house pride in an interactive Pottermore exhibit.
Guests can also experience Harry Potter’s world for themselves by visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the all-new The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Vacation Package guests and those with a park-to-park ticket will also be able to board the iconic Hogwarts Express and enjoy a unique journey as they travel between King’s Cross Station and Hogsmeade Station.
Access to “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included with regular theme park admission or with an annual pass, with admission to certain activities being granted on a first-come, first-served basis. While most of the activities for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will be open to all Universal Orlando park guests, guests who purchase the exclusive event vacation package will enjoy certain special benefits and reserved sections for the discussions and demonstrations.
Event details are below:
“A CELEBRATION OF HARRY POTTER” DISCUSSIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS Discussions and Q&A sessions will be available featuring Harry Potter film talent and crew, with special demonstrations and discussions for kids. Admission into discussions and demonstrations will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Specific times will be released at a later date.
Behind the Scenes: Harry Potter Film Talent Discussion
Enjoy a fascinating and interactive Q&A session featuring some of your favorite actors from the Harry Potter films. Discover what it was like to work on the most successful film franchise in history.
Duelling Demonstration & Wand Combat Masterclass with Paul Harris
Pick up your wand and take part in a live duelling masterclass, hosted by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, featuring the world’s only Wand Combat choreographer, Paul Harris. Paul choreographed the epic battle scenes in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenixand will be on hand to teach you the technique behind wielding a wand.
Creating The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Alan Gilmore, Art Director for the Harry Potter films, will explain how he and his team brought the world of Harry Potter to life from the fiction to the films, and eventually in the two lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. In addition, hear firsthand from Universal Orlando’s Entertainment team how live shows in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were created, as well as some of the hidden “secrets” and innovative interactive elements contained within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Graphic Design for the Harry Potter Films with MinaLima
Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, from the graphic design studio MinaLima, will share insights into their role as Graphic Prop Designers for more than a decade on the Harry Potter movies. They will discuss and show some of the iconic props they created for the Harry Potter films, including the Marauder’s Map, the Daily Prophet and The Quibbler, amongst others. Still immersed in all things Harry Potter, they will also talk about their recent involvement in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Illustration of Harry Potter with Kazu Kibuishi
Award-winning illustrator Kazu Kibuishi, who reimagined the Harry Potter book covers for Scholastic, will be drawing some of your favorite Harry Potter characters live on-stage in this interactive panel for all ages.
This year’s “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will also include kids’ discussions and interactive experiences such as a special duelling demonstration and wand combat masterclass with Paul Harris, an interactive ‘Dance Like a Beauxbatons and Battle Like a Durmstrang’ experience, as well as Harry Potter film trivia.
“A CELEBRATION OF HARRY POTTER” EXPO The Expo will be held inside a Universal Orlando soundstage and will be open to guests throughout the weekend. The expo will include the following booths and exhibits that will give guests deeper insight into the global phenomenon that is Harry Potter:
Harry Potter: The ExhibitionSorting Hat Experience Do you think you are a Gryffindor, or a Slytherin? A Hufflepuff? Perhaps a Ravenclaw? At the beginning of each school year the Sorting Hat sorts new Hogwarts students into the appropriate house, and you’ll have the opportunity to get sorted in a Hogwarts-inspired setting…sponsored by Harry Potter™: The Exhibition.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
The production home of the Harry Potter film series, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London gives visitors the chance to step on to the actual sets used during filming. ‘A Celebration of Harry Potter’ visitors will get a chance to pose for a photo in a recreation of the iconic Great Hall.
MinaLima
Graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima created countless pieces of unforgettable artwork, some of which will be on display including iconic pieces such as the Marauder’s Map, Daily Prophet and Hogwarts school books. Exclusive to the Celebration, they will be launching their brand new range of Harry Potter stationery, featuring original film graphic artwork. Limited edition prints based on the original prop designs will also be displayed.
Pottermore from J.K. Rowling
Show your Hogwarts house colors and celebrate your pride with Pottermore from J.K. Rowling. For the millions of fans who have participated in the exclusive Sorting Hat quiz devised by J.K. Rowling herself, here’s an amazing chance to take part in Pottermore’s Proudest House Contest. Also, relive the excitement of a year in Pottermore.com and get an exclusive chance to have your say on what is to come.
Scholastic
Celebrate Harry Potter and share your message about what Harry Potter means to you. Meet award-winning illustrator Kazu Kibuishi, who re-imagined the Harry Potter book covers and will be signing posters on Saturday, January 30, and enter for a chance to win a box set of all seven Harry Potter books.
Warner Bros. Entertainment Do you have what it takes to defend yourself against a Dementor or soar above Hogwarts castle on Buckbeak? Step into some of your favorite scenes with this magical photo experience while surrounded by authentic movie props from the Harry Potter films.
Universal Orlando Resort revealed that they will be holding another “Celebration of Harry Potter” in 2015. Packages will go on sale August 21st and are very limited, so make you will want to book as soon as possible. Harry Potter talent will be in attendance again this year, but no one has been announced. This past year included Evanna Lynch, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Devon Murray and Matthew Lewis as well as some of the creative team.
Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. announced today that they will host the second annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter” event – a special event for fans celebrating the global phenomenon that is Harry Potter.
Beginning January 30, 2015, fans will enjoy three days of incredible experiences – including the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo, Q&A sessions with Harry Potter film talent and more. Special vacation packages, including annual passholder packages, will go on sale August 21 and will include exclusive benefits such as access to an exclusive evening event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and the all-new The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Full vacation package details are below.
All general admission park guests will have the opportunity to:
Attend Q&A sessions with Harry Potter film talent and other special guests (talent attendees will be announced at a later date)
Experience and participate in the interactive and unique exhibits of the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo
Enjoy special discussions regarding various aspects of the Harry Potter franchise
Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Plus, ride the Hogwarts Express between the two lands with a park-to-park ticket.
And much more!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley officially opened in Universal Studios Florida on July 8, 2014 bringing even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life at Universal Orlando Resort. The new land features incredible shops with windows full of magical surprises, authentic dining experiences, a fire-breathing dragon and the new multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Guests with a park-to-park ticket will also be able to board the iconic Hogwarts Express and enjoy a unique journey as they travel between London and Hogsmeade. The new immersive area expands upon The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, launched in 2010 in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and doubles the size of the sweeping area already dedicated to Harry Potter’s adventures to create a spectacularly themed environment across both Universal theme parks.
While most of the activities for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will be open to all Universal Orlando park guests and annual passholders, only guests who purchase the exclusive event vacation package or annual passholder package will enjoy certain special benefits and reserved seating for select events. Packages are limited and will go on sale at noon EST on Thursday, August 21, 2014.
To book special annual passholder event vacation packages, please call 1-888-343-8991 starting August 21, 2014 at noon EST.
Access to select events within “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included in regular admission to Universal Orlando or with an annual pass. For more information about the event, tickets and vacation packages, visit www.universalorlando.com/celebration
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