3rd Annual Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando in January 2016

Harry Potter Forever! Universal Orlando continues to ride on the success of Harry Potter, and announced the third annual Celebration of Harry Potter event to be held January 29-31, 2016.  During previous celebrations fans enjoyed panel discussions with film stars, demonstrations of wand-dueling, an expo packed with books & merchandise, and exclusive time inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.  Guests who purchase a hotel package (on sale August 19, 2015) can enjoy a private evening reception inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Continue reading below for more details from Universal’s press release, and click here for our tips and tricks for enjoying Diagon Alley.

Update November 11, 2015

Universal Orlando announced the film talent appearing at the third Celebration of Harry Potter event including: Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Katie Leung.

Universal Orlando Celebration of Harry Potter

Creative talent also set to appear includes Pierre Bohanna, head prop maker for the Harry Potter film franchise, Paul Harris, the world’s only Wand Combat choreographer, and designers Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina of MinaLima, who established the visual graphic style of the Harry Potter films.

Original post from August 12, 2015 follows below…

Diagon Alley Dragon

From Universal Orlando Resort’s Press Release

Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. will host the third annual A Celebration of Harry Potter, a special gathering of Harry Potter fans from around the globe. The three-day weekend event will take place January 29 – 31, 2016 and will feature an array of experiences.

Celebration of Harry Potter

All general admission park guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Attend Q&A sessions with Harry Potter film talent (complete talent lineup will be announced at a later date)
  • Experience and participate in the interactive and unique exhibits at the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo, featuring Harry Potter brand partners such as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Pottermore, Scholastic, MinaLima, and Harry Potter: The Exhibition
  • Enjoy special panels and demonstrations regarding various aspects of the Harry Potter stories

Additionally, guests will be able to 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.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley

Park-to-Park ticket required to board the Hogwarts Express

 

Special vacation packages, including annual passholder packages, will go on sale at noon EST on August 19. On-site hotel packages start at $235 per adult per night and include exclusive benefits such as special guest access to the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo, admission to a private evening reception in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and special guest access to panels and demonstrations. Packages also include three-night hotel accommodations, three-day park-to-park tickets to both Universal Studios Florida & Universal’s Islands of Adventure, a special welcome parcel and more.

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About Dave Parfitt

Married, father of two girls, and living in the heart of the Finger Lakes. I'm a runner with a PhD in neuroscience and a passion for travel.