This event has been cancelled for 2018 (and maybe beyond). We’ll update if/when new dates are announced.
A Celebration of Harry Potter
Universal Orlando Resort is the place to be for all things Harry Potter during the A Celebration of Harry Potter event. Guests are invited to take part in this magical three-day event that is presented by Warner Bros. and Universal Orlando Resort. During A Celebration of Harry Potter, Guests can take part in film talent Q&A sessions, special panels, unique demonstrations and experience new surprises.
In addition, as part of the event, Guests are invited to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade found at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley found at Universal Studios Florida. A Celebration of Harry Potter is an unforgettable experience, because it’s the place where the magic of Harry Potter continues.
Admission Vacation Packages Celebrities Panels Activities Expo Evening Event Costumes
Admission
A Celebration of Harry Potter takes place over three days, January 26-28 inside Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Most of the events during the event are included with either regular theme park admission the parks (Guests will need a Park-to-Park Ticket to experience all of the event elements) or for those who have a Seasonal or Annual Pass to the Universal Orlando Resort.
Vacation Packages
Premium Package
Universal Orlando is offering a special premium vacation package for Guests who are interested in attending the event. With this package, Guests are able to get the most access to this magical event with on-site hotel accommodations, park-to-park tickets, guaranteed access to select event activities and premium package inclusions. Do keep in mind that the premium package is limited and can sell out quickly. Premium Vacation Packages start at just $599 per adult, per night.
The Premium Package includes:
- 3-Night hotel accommodations at one of the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
- 2-Park 3-Day Park-to-Park Ticket to Universal Studios Florida AND Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Exclusive Autograph and Photo Session with select film talent
- Evening Reception at the Harry Potter Expo (Saturday)
- Special Guest access to the Harry Potter Expo (Friday–Sunday)
- Special Guest access to Panels and Demonstrations (guaranteed)
- Reserved section for select Panels and Demonstrations
- One Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade
- Exclusive Talent Q&A session with select film talent
- Special Guest access to Workshop Series (first come, first served)
- Exclusive Evening at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (includes access to both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley) with desserts and a complimentary Butterbeer (Friday)
- Shutterbutton’s Photography Studio session at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
- Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, one hour before the theme park opens to one Universal Orlando theme park as determined by Universal Orlando
- One Breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley
- Commemorative merchandise item from A Celebration of Harry Potter
- Commemorative pin and lanyard from A Celebration of Harry Potter and lanyard
- Access to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk
Standard Vacation Package
Universal Orlando is also offering a standard vacation package for Guests who are interested in attending the event. With this package, Guests are able to get the most access to this magical event with on-site hotel accommodations, park-to-park tickets, and special access to event activities. Do keep in mind that the standard vacation package is limited and can sell out quickly. Standard Vacation Packages start at just $285 per adult, per night.
The Standard Vacation Package includes:
- 3-Night hotel accommodations at one of the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
- 2-Park 3-Day Park-to-Park Ticket to Universal Studios Florida AND Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Exclusive Talent Q&A session with select film talent
- Exclusive Evening at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (includes access to both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley) with desserts and one Butterbeer (Friday)
- Commemorative merchandise item from A Celebration of Harry Potter
- Commemorative pin and lanyard from A Celebration of Harry Potter
- Access to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk
- Special Guest access to Workshops (first come, first served)
- Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens to one Universal Orlando theme park as determined by Universal Orlando
- Special Guest access to the Harry Potter Expo (Friday – Sunday)
- Special Guest access to Panels and Demonstrations (first come, first served)
- Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade
Special Vacation Packages are also available for Florida Residents and Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passholders.
Keep in mind that select special events will only be available with these Vacation Packages. The best way to experience A Celebration of Harry Potter is by purchasing one of the available vacation packages.
Celebrities
At A Celebration of Harry Potter, Guests have the chance to see some of your favorite movie stars from the Harry Potter film franchise. This event provides an incredible opportunity for fans. This year’s celebrities include new and returning favorites including:
- Stanislav Yanevski – Viktor Krum
- James and Oliver Phelps – Fred and George Weasley
- Bonnie Wright – Ginny Weasley
- Natalia Tena – Tonks
During the event, there will be scheduled appearances by some of the cast members from the Harry Potter films series. While there is a possibility that Guests will meet film talent, there is no assurance. All panels and demonstrations that include celebrities are open to all Guests of A Celebration of Harry Potter.
Panels
During the panels, get an inside glimpse of Harry Potter from the insiders. A variety of topics will be discussed during panels and demonstrations as a part of A Celebration of Harry Potter. Panels are expected to be announced soon.
Guests who have purchased A Celebration of Harry Potter Vacation Package will be able to attend the Panels and Demonstrations and will have access to a reserved seating section. Guests without a Vacation Package (but who have Universal Orlando theme park admission) will also be able to attend the Panels and Demonstrations, but seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dance like a Beauxbatons and Battle like a Durmstrang
At this demonstration, you’ll learn the movements and techniques from a Universal Orlando choreographer that works with the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students who perform at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris
Guests will be able to take part in the action by learning how to duel with the world’s only Wand Combat Choreographer, Paul Harris. A kids panel will also be offered for guests ages 12 and under.
Graphic Design for the Harry Potter Films
Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, founders of graphic design studio MinaLima, will share insights into their role as graphic designers for film by outlining typical tasks and challenges in relation to the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes set. They will describe this process, from script to screen and images of their work will be projected throughout the panel.
During the panel, questions are welcome from the audience regarding MinaLima’s broader experience designing for the Wizarding World, from publishing to their involvement in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Special Effects Secrets with John Richardson
John Richardson, Special Effects Supervisor, worked on all eight Harry Potter films and helped to create some of the most memorable and magical moments in the film series. Guests will be able to join John as he shares some amazing stories directly from the film set and discover how flying broomsticks, floating candles, fire-breathing dragons, wand explosions, and more were created on set.
The Magic Of Costumes In Harry Potter
Guests will be able to join Jany Temime, the award-winning costume designer behind the last six Harry Potter films and Harry Potter: The Exhibition curator Eddie Newquist to discuss the spellbinding effect of costumes in the Harry Potter films and how those pieces continue to have a lasting impression.
Explore Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery Panel
Get ready to experience Hogwarts like never before in the upcoming mobile game, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. Learn how you can explore and join the creators of the game for a sneak peek at the visuals, story, and gameplay of this groundbreaking Harry Potter mobile role-playing game.
Sound & Image: The Magic Behind the Music Panel
During this panel, Join CineConcerts founder/conductor Justin Freer and co-founder/producer Brady Beaubien to discuss the magic behind the music throughout the Harry Potter film series. Join in the dissection of music within a scene and what it takes to create these complete scores performed live to picture by a full symphony orchestra. Learn about the complexity of specific melodies we all know and love, and find out how each film score has uniquely defined the Harry Potter series.
Activities
Celebrate your love of Harry Potter with one-of-a-kind activities.
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
For the first time ever at Universal Orlando Resort, Guests will be able to celebrate your house pride with a spectacular new evening light projection dancing across Hogwarts castle. You’ll be able to watch as a stunning projection wraps take place over Hogwarts castle in spectacular house colors and spirit. This experience is open to all Universal Orlando Resort guests on the evenings of Saturday, January 27 and Sunday, January 28. An exclusive preview will be offered to package holders on Friday, January 26.
Harry Potter Chalk Art Walk
Guests will be able to see some of the most talented chalk artists who will draw your favorite characters and scenes from Harry Potter, as well as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. There will also be an area for Guests to create their own fan chalk art in a gallery that will be on display throughout the entire event.
Film Screenings
Guests can watch the Harry Potter films on the Music Plaza big screen. Relive your favorite moments from the movies with people who adore them just as much as you.
Harry Potter Knowledge Challenge
Put those trivia skills to the test. This audience-participation game will have fans of all ages showing off how well they really know the Harry Potter films.
A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018 – Scavenger Hunt
Throughout the weekend, Guests will be tasked with searching for the answers to a series of clues hidden in both magical and Muggle locations throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. To participate, guests can download and print the Scavenger Hunt instructions and questions prior to attending the event or download them digitally to use on their mobile devices.
Highlights from The Harry Potter Film Concert Series
During the Opening Night Event at A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018 there will be a live concert performance featuring highlights from The Harry Potter Film Concert Series. Don’t miss this enchanting opportunity to see and hear the Orlando Philharmonic perform fan favorites live to picture from the first four Harry Potter films while movie clips are projected on a giant HD screen.
Hogwarts House Rally and Costume Showcase
Fans can show their love for Harry Potter by showcasing their creativity through a costume experience. All fans are encouraged to dress up in their house colors. Fans will be pre-selected to participate in the Showcase.
Expo
At the Expo, Guests can make their way through interactive displays filled with Harry Potter-themed props, movie sets, artwork and more. There will also be lots of memorabilia for sale, plus lots more.
MinaLima
Returning for their fifth appearance, Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima will bring London’s House of MinaLima to Orlando, showcasing the graphic designs of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.
Over the last 17 years, MinaLima have created the graphic universe of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them films to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort, as well as a series of bestselling books.
Countless graphic props such as The Marauder’s Map, Daily Prophet, MACUSA card identity and The New York Ghost, have now become iconic pieces. The memorable three–story Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes shop, as seen in the films, was home to hundreds of original MinaLima designs and will be the focus of this year’s event.
Pottermore
Pottermore will be bringing the latest news and announcements directly from the digital heart of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. This year fans will be able to once again participate in Harry Potter – #AudibleRecall, now with updated questions and house-specific rounds running each day. So get ready to find out if you have Prefect potential or all the brains of a Flobberworm.
Scholastic
Scholastic celebrates 20 years of Harry Potter magic with the beloved books that started it all. Fans of all ages are invited to express what Harry Potter means to them by sharing a message on the Muggle Wall. Guests will also be able to step into a life-sized re-creation of the cover of the illustrated version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, as well as collect one-of-a-kind giveaways and surprises.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Wizarding Costumes from Harry Potter: The Exhibition is rolling out the red carpet to welcome visitors and celebrate the exhibition’s 9-year, 16-city (and counting) world tour. Guests will be treated to a display of some of the series most stunning costumes before strutting the runway to take a one-of-a-kind photo keepsake. All visitors will be able to enter into a drawing for a chance to win a trip for two to the next host city for Harry Potter: The Exhibition. The city will be announced during the Welcome Event on Friday evening.
The Sorting Hat Experience: At the beginning of each school year, the Sorting Hat sorts new Hogwarts students into their house, and you will have the opportunity to be sorted into your house in a Great Hall setting. Harry Potter: The Exhibition is proud to present the Sorting Hat Experience.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a unique attraction offering Harry Potter fans the ultimate opportunity to journey behind the scenes and experience the magic that has gone into creating one of the most successful film series of all time. Visitors can step on to authentic sets and admire the real props and costumes used during filming at the series’ production home in England, UK The Studio Tour will return to A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018 and will give Guests the chance to see firsthand some of the incredible practical effects behind the magic of the iconic film series.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Get a glimpse behind the scenes of the critically acclaimed stage play, currently playing in London’s West End, and due to open in New York on Broadway in Spring 2018 and in Melbourne, Australia in early 2019. Visitors can expect to get an exclusive, never-seen-before look at imagery, designs, and costumes from the production.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Jam City is excited to present Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, a new mobile game launching under Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s Portkey Games, a label dedicated to creating gaming experiences inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. Fans are invited to experience the magic with a gallery wall, enchanting giveaways, and hands-on gameplay accompanied by the developers themselves.
Warner Bros. Studio Home Entertainment
Fans will be able to step through Newt Scamander’s case and explore the spectacular world of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in a breathtaking cinematic virtual reality experience. Guests will be able to meet and interact with six beasts, complete spells, and immerse yourself in the magic like never before.
The Harry Potter Film Concert Series – CineConcerts
Guests will be able to take an exclusive selfie at The Harry Potter Film Concert Series photo booth.
Exclusive Evening Event
Guests who end up purchasing a Vacation Package for A Celebration of Harry Potter will be able to attend the Exclusive Evening Event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on January 26. The A Celebration of Harry Potter Exclusive Evening Event will take place in Hogsmeade and in Diagon Alley. Guests will be able to travel between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley throughout the event.
During the Exclusive Evening Event, Guests will be able to an assortment of light desserts and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
Access to the Exclusive Evening Event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is only available for those who purchase one of the A Celebration of Harry Potter Vacation Packages.
Costumes
Guests are encouraged to dress up to show their love of Harry Potter and share their creative side. There are a few rules to keep in mind:
- Attendees may wear costumes in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida during the event weekend only.
- No masks, veils, long trains, live animals, swords or weaponry are permitted. Any home-crafted wands must be rounded on either end and must be appropriate in nature.
- Universal Orlando will have sole discretion to decide whether an item is permissible. Any item deemed inappropriate will be turned over by the owner and may be retrieved at the end of the day at the CityWalk hub.
- Universal Orlando will have sole discretion to decide whether or not a costume is appropriate or permissible.
- If a guest is spotted in a costume that is not deemed appropriate, he or she will be asked to either remove the costume and change into something more appropriate or exit the park.
- Costumed guests may not give the impression that they are Universal Orlando Team Members.
- To ensure guests’ safety, some costumes may not be permitted on certain attractions.
- Bartenders and staff reserve the right to request that a guest remove any type of facial covering for identification purposes.
- As guests enter or exit the parks, they may walk through CityWalk in costume with no masks or facial coverings, but not enter or linger in that area in their costume.