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A Celebration of Harry Potter will not return in 2019

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We do always try our best to bring you good news from within the world of Orlando theme parks however sometimes we cannot avoid bad news…

This time we aren’t basing off rumours.. Universal have confirmed that A Celebration of Harry Potter isn’t going to return to their parks in 2019. Here’s the official press release:

Universal Orlando Resort is working on exciting new experiences for guests to continue to celebrate the Wizarding World next year. These include the all-new thrill ride coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and additional fan experiences that have yet to be announced. While our focus on these fan experiences means we will not be hosting A Celebration of Harry Potter in 2019, we and other Universal theme parks will always be looking for opportunities to host special Wizarding World experiences.

This poses the questions of ‘is it being replaced by something new?’ or ‘are they too busy with the new ride to host it?’ Gavin thinks that they could be replacing it with something Fantastic Beasts themed ‍♀️ Universal have also said that there are going to be ‘additional fan experiences’ like the Back to Hogwarts event hosted on the 1st September.

Now we don’t know if it is just 2019 that Universal have pulled the plug on or future years as well as that isn’t mentioned in the press release. It is quite unusual though, A Celebration of Harry Potter has been going 5 years and each year seems to become more and more popular so surely it cannot be a case of it not bringing in enough witches, wizards and muggles?

Lets take a look back at some of the cool shots we got from last years event.

It’s a sort of bitter-sweet feeling as we don’t like to say goodbye to a fantastic event but we can look forward to what Universal are going to surprise us with in the near future..

Smiles Included,

Abby

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A Portrait Of A Celebration of Harry Potter

Hey Thrill Seekers,

I was lucky enough to attend this years A Celebration of Harry Potter, after reporting about the event for the past few years from the UK I was so excited to finally get the opportunity to sample the atmosphere in person.

On top of being present at the media event for the talent Universal invited (Ginny, Weasley twins, Tonks and Victor Krum), the opening ceremony and a special night time visit of Diagon Alley I also got access to some of the amazing people that attended. Here is a selection of some of my favourite pictures.

Best Dressed

Jay McDougall (@ragingstormcosplay ) won best costume and for me was a worthy winner. His attention to detail is amazing and I believe the costume took just under 2 years to design and source.

My Favourite Photo

I grabbed this pic on the fly. I happened to be talking to a colleague when I spotted the girls walking down the New York section of Universal. I practically sprinted to grab their picture. The girls were amazing too, they really played up to the camera and I have a few shots of them being awesome but this was my favourite. They’re dressed as the Holyhead Harpies, the all girl quidditch team that play in the British and Irish league.

Craziest Costume

If you come to an event dressed as a couch then for me you’ve won this award hands down.

Most attention

This gentleman was roughly 6′ 5″ and dressed as Professor Umbridge. I watched him try and walk through Diagon Alley and literally every step he took someone stopped him to take a picture. He handled the attention very graciously.

Funniest

There’s so much to love about this picture. When I approached them they were sitting chatting to each other quite normally, as soon as I raised the camera they were straight into House Elf mode.

Most obscure 

…. took me a while to get this one…. but it’s when Neville faces the Boggart and uses the Riddikulus spell on his worse fear, Professor Snape.

Cutest

I love this one, it totally looks like just two old mates hanging out in Diagon Alley plus the costumes are amazing.

Best of the rest

If you get the chance to visit A Celebration of Harry Potter next year then I would encourage you to not only do it but dress up and get involved. I really wish I had.

Smiles included…

Gavin

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Universal Confirm Natalia Tena For A Celebration of Harry Potter

Hey Thrill Seekers,

The latest and final film star to be joining A Celebration of Harry Potter is Natalia Tena who played Nymphadora Tonks, you’ll most likely remember for her bright pink hair throughout the films.

This is Natalia’s first time attending the event and she will be alongside previously announced guests – Stanislav Yanevski (Viktor Krum), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley).


There will also be interactive booths at the Harry Potter Expo this year, one of which  is a Harry Potter and the Cursed Child themed. Guests will have the opportunity to get a ‘never seen before look at imagery, designs and costumes from the Broadway production.’  Guests will also be able to get a up close look into the much loved stories during live panels and demonstrations. One in particular is called “The Magic of Costumes in Harry Potter” and will feature the award winning costume designer Jany Temime who will be discussing all things wardrobe related.

A Celebration of Harry Potter is taking place from the 26th Jan – 28th Jan 2018.

Who’s going?! (can you take me with you pleeeeeeease)

Smiles Included,

Abby

 

 

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Universal Confirm More Celebration of Harry Potter Details

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Are you in Orlando from the 26th January to the 28th January?

Have you purchased a 3 park Explorer ticket from us?

Do you love Harry Potter?

If you can answer yes to all these questions then WOOOHOOO because the much loved “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will be taking place at Universal Orlando Resort on those exact dates.

What can we expect I hear you cry?

Harry Potter Chalk Art Walk

Prepare to be blown away by some of the most talented chalk artists who will draw your favourite characters and scenes from Harry Potter, as well as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

You can also let your creativity shine and show off your skills in the fan chalk art gallery that will be on display throughout the entire event.

Film Screenings

Time to grab a Butterbeer and watch the Harry Potter films we all love 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

It’s time to finally 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.

Dance like a Beauxbatons and Battle like a Durmstrang

Raise your hand if you wish you had been in the Great Hall when Beauxbattons and Durmstrang made their grand entrance.

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

Some of the best scenes from the Harry Potter films have included epic wand duels that left us glued to the screen.

You’ll 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.

Smiles included…

Jamie

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A Celebration of Harry Potter Confirm Guests

Hey Thrill Seekers,

As we already knew, Universal’s A Celebration of Harry Potter will be returning for its 5th year in 2018. Universal have confirmed that the Celebration will start on January 26th and culminate on 28th.

A Celebration of Harry Potter is open to all Orlando Attraction Tickets customers who have purchased an Explorer ticket and includes Q&A sessions with select Harry Potter film stars, as well as special panels, demonstrations, activities and displays that celebrate J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

Universal confirmed yesterday that Fred and George Weasley AKA James and Oliver Phelps will be attending as will Stanislav Yanevski, who played the role of Viktor Krum.

More information about the event will be released and we’ll be sure to post about it here.

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Universal Confirm A Celebration Of Harry Potter For 2018

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Universal love’s Harry Potter, we love Harry Potter and most importantly you love Harry Potter. So it make perfect sense for Universal to confirm that “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will be returning next year.

Today Universal have confirmed that the event will take place on the 26th January through to the 28th. Here’s what they had to say;

Be a part of this magical 3-day event presented by Warner Bros. and Universal Orlando Resort™. Enjoy film talent Q&A sessions, special panels, demonstrations and new surprises.
As part of the event, you can also explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ and Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios Florida™. It’s an unforgettable experience where the magic of Harry Potter™ continues, and it’s only at Universal Orlando Resort.

More information will be released and we’ll keep you advised about who will appearing as soon as we know more.

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Making its return….A celebration of Harry Potter 2017

Hey Thrill Seeking Muggles,

So for all you Potterheads, if you haven’t heard already the 4th annual “A celebration of Harry Potter” dates for 2017 have been confirmed. The 3 day magical event will be starting on the 27th January 2017 and ending on the 29th January 2017. So gather round wizards and witches.

This weekend-long experience is full of fantastic events including a film talent Q&A, demonstrations, exhibits and more.

Universal hasn’t released a schedule or confirmed which movie personalities will show, but it looks like a packed line-up. You may even need a Time Turner to do it all.

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Entry into this amazing event is included within your Universal tickets purchased directly with Orlando Attraction Tickets, but activites are often on a first come first served basis.

If this isn’t enough to get your Potter fix, you can upgrade to one of the event vacation packages. This way you can attend even more activities throughout A Celebration of Harry Potter. Universal offer a range of packages which will have you all Pottered out.

Spells included

Kelly

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A Celebration Of Harry Potter To Return To Universal Orlando

Hey Thrill Seeking Muggles,

Good news, today Universal Orlando confirmed that for the third year running the highly popular “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will return. Taking place on January 29th until January 31st.

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Here’s what you can expect…

Film Talent Appearances
Rupert Grint (portrayed Ron Weasley), Matthew Lewis (portrayed Neville Longbottom), Katie Leung (portrayed Cho Chang), Bonnie Wright (portrayed Ginny Weasley), and Evanna Lynch (portrayed Luna Lovegood) will all be part of the third annual event.

They’ll be participating in various parts of the event, including a Q&A for the fans. Along with the films’ stars, you can hear special panels and demonstrations from:

  • Pierre Brohanna, Head Prop Maker for the film franchise.
  • Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina of MinaLima, who established the visual graphic style of the films.
  • Paul Harris, wand combat choreographer for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
  • The creators and talent that have made Harry Potter: The Exhibition a global touring phenomenon.

Harry Potter Expo
Guests will also have access to the Harry Potter Expo, where you will get the chance to:

  • Participate in an interactive mini-tour experience from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
  • Try on the Sorting Hat and find out which house you belong in.
  • Interact with Pottermore, J.K Rowling’s digital behind-the-scenes masterpiece.
  • Share what Harry Potter means to you, color in a page from the brand-new Harry Potter coloring book, enter daily raffles and more at the Scholastic booth.

Entry into this amazing event is included within your Universal tickets purchased directly with Orlando Attraction Tickets, but activites are often on a first come first served basis.

Smiles included…

Jamie

 

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Universal Confirm “A Celebration Of Harry Potter” Will Happen In 2016

Hey Thrill Seekers,

It’s no secret that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has done wonders for Universal Orlando. Historically deemed as a one day visit Harry Potter is one significant reason that the resort now requires a multi day visit. So its no surprise that Universal have a dedicated weekend for all things Potter.

The annual event called “A Celebration of Harry Potter” takes place generally at the end of January and boasts many stars from the original films. Take a look at this video detailing some of the higlights from earlier this year.

As you can see the event is extremely popular and packed full of Harry Potter fanatics. So its great that we’re able to confirm that “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will take place in 2016.

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Yesterday Universal Orlando confirmed that the event will start on Friday January 29th and finish on Sunday 31st. Details of what or who will attend are yet to be announced but you can be assured Universal will try their utmost to better this years effort. Here’s what they had to say;

Be a part of A Celebration of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando® Resort. Take part in all-new experiences as well as returning fan favorites such as film talent Q&A sessions, special panels and demonstrations, A Celebration of Harry Potter™ Expo, and more

We’ll keep you updated when we hear more.

Smiles included…

Jamie

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A Celebration Of Harry Potter Returns For 2015

Hey thrill seekers,

If you’re a lover of all things Potter and you’re visiting Orlando in early 2015 Universal my just have something lined up that you’ll like.

Announced today Universal have confirmed that they’ll be running the second “A celebration of Harry Potter” in conjunction with Warner Bros from the 30th Jan – 1st Feb 2015. The last celebration proved to be a massive hit with local packages selling out in days. For UK residence you can access the event with any of the orlando attraction tickets that include Universal.

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What to expect

Well along with the opportunity to visit the newly opened Diagon Alley and ride the Hogwarts Express. A celebration of Harry Potter will also offer the chance to experience the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo, attend Q&A sessions with Harry Potter film talent and much more!

Be sure not to miss it.

Smiles included…

Jamie