Universal Orlando is kicking off their 2018 in the most magical way they can-with a full celebration of the boy Wizard. A Celebration of Harry Potter kicks off this weekend, and while it always brings some of the biggest and most magical looks at JK Rowlings Wizarding World, but this year sees tons of new developments on the horizon. Here’s what we think Wizards and Witches at Universal will get a special look at when the wands wave this weekend!
The Cast of Harry Potter films(Confirmed)
One of the staples of A Celebration of Harry Potter is the all star panel of guests. This year is no different, as Celebration Veterans Oliver and James Phelps (Weasley Twins) Return, along with their onscreen Sister, Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley). New to Celebration this year is Viktor Krum actor, Stanislav Ianevski, and Natalia Tena, who plays Nymphadora Tonks. The actors will be
New Nighttime Lights Show at Islands of Adventure(Confirmed)
Fans can be among the first to see the huge new castle show, which will showcase the four houses of Hogwarts coming to life on the castle.
Harry Potter Expo(Confirmed)
The Harry Potter Expo is a great chance to see everything happening in the world of Harry Potter. From games, to costumes, there’s a little bit of everything happening at the Expo.
Here’s a list of some of the experiences you can find in the Expo:
•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 be one of the first ever to experience the magic with a gallery wall, enchanting giveaways and hands-on gameplay accompanied by the developers themselves!
•The Harry Potter Film Concert Series – CineConcerts
Fans can learn more about the global sensation that allows fans to experience the magic of the Harry Potter films with a LIVE orchestra. Guests will be able to take an exclusive selfie at the Harry Potter Film Concert Series photo booth and take part in fun giveaways.
• Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Get ready to see the wizarding world as never experienced before with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Virtual Reality Experience. Fans can step into Newt Scamander’s case and explore the spectacular world of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in a breathtaking cinematic virtual reality experience. Meet and interact with 6 beasts, complete spells, and immerse yourself in the magic like never before. This unique virtual reality experience is coming soon to major virtual reality platforms.
Collectible Harry Potter Merchandise (Confirmed)
Specialty merchandise will be available all through the parks and at the expo. Celebration will have the first chance to get a brand new Chocolate Frog card, featuring Bernie Botts, the maker of Every Flavor Beans. There will also be a special interactive wand that will be available only at Celebration.
Plus there will be tons of special merchandise from the weekend, including art from Mina Lima.
Panel-Sound & Image: The Magic Behind the Music(Confirmed)
In film, music represents the words that cannot be spoken. 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. What makes the music so iconic? How can a single motif define the characters we love? 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 how each film score has uniquely defined the Harry Potter series.
Highlights from the Harry Potter Film Concert Series(Confirmed)
At the Opening Night Event on Friday, Jan. 26, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will perform iconic music from the first four Harry Potter films live-to-picture alongside memorable scenes from the films.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway
The acclaimed play will debut on Broadway very soon. We are willing to bet that we will get a first hand look at the new production, or at least a first look at the renovated theater.
First Look at New Mobile Games:(Confirmed)
Panel: Explore Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
Get ready to experience Hogwarts like never before in the upcoming mobile game, Harry Potter Hogwarts Mystery! Learn how you can explore your Hogwarts Story and join the creators of the game for a sneak peek at the visuals, story, and gameplay of this groundbreaking Harry Potter RPG mobile game.
There is another game which will allow players to cast spells, and will be much like Pokémon Go. We are willing to bet we will see a first look at that as well.
The Celebration of Harry Potter 2018 – Scavenger Hunt
Throughout the weekend, guests will be tasked to search 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. A fun experience for all Harry Potter fans, families and kids alike!
First Look at Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald
Back when the first film was released, fans at A Celebration of Harry Potter were treated to a sneak peek at the first teaser trailer before anyone else. With a new film wrapping production, we would be willing to bet that we could see a little from the new film.
More Details About New Harry Potter Ride in 2019
It’s no secret that a new Harry Potter attraction is coming to Universal’s Islands of Adventure next year. While everyone has rumors and guesses, no one knows much of it, except that it’s going to be a coaster. What better time to roll out new details? Universal has said there will be more details this year, Celebration seems like the perfect time to roll out new details.
We will be at Celebration of Harry Potter all weekend, and will have several live streams and tons of pictures from the event. Be sure to stay tuned!
Stay tuned for more from Universal, and be sure to get social with us on Facebook and follow along with us on Twitter @BehindThrills for the latest updates!
For our latest theme park videos please be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube!
