A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando
Huge Harry Potter fans may find it hard to believe it’s already the 15th anniversary of the series! I know I have a hard time believing it, considering my oldest child (top left) grew up with these books, and found his passion for reading by pouring through their pages.
That ‘child’ is now 19 and as big a Harry Potter fan as ever, as you can see in the photo above, taken with some of his college buddies just a month ago.
You can bet we’d both love to be part of the three-day anniversary celebrations happening at Universal Orlando on January 24-26. Harry Potter film stars James Phelps, Oliver Phelps and Evanna Lynch will all be part of the ‘A Celebration of Harry Potter’ event hosted by Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment. Others who are part of the success will be there, too, from Kazu Kibuishi, the award-winning artist who recently re-imagined the Harry Potter book covers, to Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina of MinaLima, who established the visual graphic style of the Harry Potter films.
Fans will be able to enjoy a Harry Potter Tribute on Friday night, a Harry Potter Expo, panel discussions with film talent and crew, and more. Access to “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included with regular theme park admission or with an annual pass.
Expo booths and exhibits include:
- Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Guests will get an up-close look at the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic costumes that have appeared throughout the Harry Potter film series. They will also have the opportunity to get sorted into Hogwarts houses during a Sorting Hat experience.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
This interactive experience will feature a duelling presentation by the worlds only Wand Combat Choreographer, Paul Harris.
- MinaLima
Limited edition artworks and reproductions based on original prop designs will be on display, including iconic pieces, such as the Marauders Map and the Daily Prophet. A selection of original graphic props from the films will also be on display, and on-hand to meet guests will be Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima.
- Pottermore from J.K. Rowling
Go behind the scenes of Pottermore.com from J.K. Rowling. Find out how Moments from Harrys story are created from the first sketch to the final splash of color, get an exclusive look at artwork that has not yet been released, and experience Pottermore.com for yourself defeat your opponent in a wizards duel or try your hand at brewing magical draughts and potions.
- Scholastic
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of the U.S. publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone and shareyour message about what Harry Potter means to you. Award-winning artist Kazu Kibuishi, who recently reimagined the Harry Potter book covers, will be signing posters at limited times throughout the weekend.
- United States Postal Service
Guests can check out the limited-edition Harry Potter collection of 20 new Forever stamps, featuring images of Harry Potter, the extraordinary boy wizard, and the adventures he encounters with the friends, heroes, villains and creatures that make up his world. Also, see collectible products featuring the stamps, meet the stamp art director, and get special cancellation postmarks commemorating this celebration.
For more information about the event and tickets, click www.universalorlando.com/celebration.
Special note about Pottermore:
My son and I found out through the web site Pottermore that we’d both be sorted into Hufflepuff and couldn’t be more proud. According to the site, “Hufflepuffs are trustworthy and loyal. We don’t shoot our mouths off, but cross us at your peril; like our emblem, the badger, we will protect ourselves, our friends and our families against all-comers. Nobody intimidates us.”
Why not try Pottermore and tell us where you are sorted…you may be surprised! Do know it takes a bit to answer all the questions, so make sure you set aside a little time for this fun site.
