Universal Orlando Welcomes Warwick Davis, Matthew Lewis and More to the 2017 a Celebration of Harry Potter!

in Entertainment, Harry Potter

Harry Potter

If you haven’t been to A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, you’re missing out on one of the biggest, most magical (and official) events straight from the Wizarding World. The 2017 event will be held from January 27-29, and will feature film talent Q&A sessions, access special panels and demonstrations, and discover many more surprises. What could Potterhead ask for more?

It was also announced that this year’s celebration would be welcoming actors Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick, Griphook) and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom). Universal has specifically stated that even more stars will be announced at a later date.

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A CELEBRATION OF HARRY POTTER PANELS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

Demonstrations and Q&A sessions will feature Harry Potter film and creative talent, with special panels and demonstrations for kids. Admission into panels and demonstrations will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Specific times and locations 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 including Warwick Davis, Mathew Lewis and more. Discover what it was like to work on the most successful film franchise in history.    

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Creating Creatures for the Harry Potter Films with Nick Dudman and Warwick Davis

Join award-winning special make-up effects artist Nick Dudman and discover how creature effects were brought to life in the Harry Potter film series. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London presents this exclusive panel with Dudman and Warwick Davis, who portrayed Professor Flitwick and Griphook on-screen. Learn about the incredible skill that went into producing iconic creatures such as Aragog, Buckbeak and the Gringotts Goblins, plus see some authentic models from the Harry Potter film series.

Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris

This interactive panel will offer you the chance to pick up your wand and take part in a live dueling masterclass, hosted by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and featuring the world’s only Wand Combat Chorographer, Paul Harris.

*Kids panel will also be offered for guests ages 12 and under

Stories from Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Harry Potter: The Exhibition has the unique privilege of bringing a selection of some of the best known authentic props used to create the entire film series to fans in cities close to home. Each and every real element on display within the exhibition has a story. Eddie Newquist, creator of the exhibition, will be joined by Pierre Bohanna, head prop-maker from the films, to tell stories of how these props and costumes were selected for the exhibition and about their histories.  

MinaLima

Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, from the graphic design studio MinaLima, will share insights into their role as graphic prop designers, and how their paths crossed at the WB film studios in London while working for 10 years on the Harry Potter movies, and more recently on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. They will show some of the iconic props they created from both franchises, such as The Marauder’s Map, the Daily Prophet, The New York Ghost, MACUSA Wand Permit, and more. Additionally, they will discuss their involvement in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.


HARRY POTTER EXPO

The Harry Potter Expo will be open to Guests throughout the weekend and include the following booths and exhibits that will give fans a deeper insight into the global phenomenon of J.K. Rowlings Wizarding World.

MinaLima

Graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima worked for ten years on the Harry Potter™ films, creating countless unforgettable graphic props. Iconic pieces such as The Marauder’s Map, Daily Prophet™ and Hogwarts™ school books will be on display.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter™

Relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers who brought the Harry Potter™ film series to life at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Step on to authentic sets and admire the real props and costumes used during filming. Enjoy an interactive mini-tour experience and see the behind-the-scenes talent that went into creating the iconic films.

Harry Potter™ The Exhibition

Are you a Gryffindor™, Slytherin™, Hufflepuff™, or Ravenclaw™? At the beginning of each school year, the Sorting Hat™ places new Hogwarts™ students into a house, and now you can get sorted at a Great Hall setting. Step inside the Expo to celebrate the global impact of Harry Potter™: The Exhibition.

Scholastic

Celebrate Harry Potter™ at Scholastic’s booth by sharing a message about what Harry Potter™ means to you. Color in a magical page from our brand-new Harry Potter™ coloring book. Collectible giveaways are available for fans of all ages.

Pottermore

All weekend, Pottermore and Audible will be inviting visitors like you to participate in Audible Recall – the ultimate audio challenge that decides who knows the wizarding world inside-out and who has a bad case of the wrackspurts. Pottermore will also bring you the latest news and announcements directly from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

Warner Bros.

Wave a wand to explore the magic of Newt’s case from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in virtual reality. With Daydream View, Google’s newly launched VR headset, you can cast spells and solve puzzles to explore the world of the film in virtual reality. Step inside this interactive experience and follow along as Newt narrates your encounters with some of his favorite beasts.


Here’s some more information on a special vacation package straight from the folks at Universal Orlando Resort:

CELEBRATION VACATION PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • 3-Night Hotel Accommodations
  • 2-Park 3-Day Park-to-Park Ticket^ to Universal Studios Florida™ and Universal’s Islands of Adventure™
  • Exclusive Evening at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ (includes access to both Hogsmeade™ and Diagon Alley™) with desserts and one complimentary Butterbeer™ – one per person (Friday)
  • Exclusive Talent Q&A session with the select film talent
  • Early Park Admission◊ to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the Theme Park opens to one (1) 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 Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ – one per person
  • Commemorative merchandise item from A Celebration of Harry Potter™ – one per package
  • Commemorative pin from A Celebration of Harry Potter™ and lanyard – one per person
  • Access to select live entertainment venues^ at Universal CityWalk™

This year’s A Celebration of Harry Potter will also include Harry Potter film trivia and, for the first time, a Fan Art Walk where Guests can draw Wizarding World-inspired chalk art. It’s also worth noting that Guests will have access to Universal Orlando’s attractions throughout the weekend, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley.

Stick with Inside the Magic for all news on A Celebration of Harry Potter!

in Entertainment, Harry Potter

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