A Celebration of Harry Potter 2018 Preview & Guide

A Celebration of Harry Potter returns to the Universal Orlando Resort this weekend, January 26-28. Popular offerings such as wand combat training and the Sorting Hat are returning while new experiences from MinaLima, Fantastic Beasts, and CineConcerts are being offered.

For more information on A Celebration of Harry Potter read its TouringPlans page and Derek Burgan’s Saturday Six Reasons We Love A Celebration of Harry Potter.

 

Planning & Overview

A Celebration of Harry Potter is a two-park event featuring panels, demonstrations, interactive experiences, and an exposition on all things Potter. Joining the panels and the exposition are actors from the movies who provide insight into their experience with the films and mingle with fans at random times.

While the celebration takes place in the parks, the walking areas for guests are unaffected, unlike Food & Wine at Epcot. Panels and demonstrations are held at the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios Florida and the Toon Lagoon Theater in Islands of Adventure while the Expo is held in two behind-the-scenes soundstages.

Tickets

A Celebration of Harry Potter is included with admission into the theme parks. Because events are held between the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure a two-park admission is required to experience everything.

Costume Guidlines

Universal Orlando normally does not permit character costumes into the parks but makes an exception for Celebration weekends. The costumes of Celebration exhibit the creativity and passion the fans have and are a highlight each year. Make sure to seek out your favorite characters!

Costume rules are subject to change, but here’s the current rundown.

• A Celebration of Harry Potter™ attendees may wear costumes in Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ and Universal Studios Florida™ theme parks January 26–January 28, 2018.
• No masks, facial coverings, veils, long trains, live animals, swords, or weaponry are permitted. Any home-crafted wands must be rounded on either end and must be appropriate in nature.
• Costumes cannot exceed 28” (inches) wide x 80” (inches) high to meet Universal Orlando’s metal detection regulations. Costumes are subject to secondary x-ray screening. Universal Orlando™ will have sole discretion to decide whether an item is permissible. Any item deemed inappropriate will be turned over by the owner and may be retrieved at the end of the day at the Universal CityWalk™ hub.
• If a guest is spotted in a costume that is not deemed permissible, he or she will be asked to either remove the costume and change into something more appropriate, or exit the park.
• Costumed guests may not give the impression that they are Universal Orlando™ Team Members.
• To ensure guests’ safety, some costumes may not be permitted on certain attractions.
• Bartenders and staff reserve the right to request that a guest remove any type of facial covering for identification purposes.
• As guests enter or exit the parks, they may walk through CityWalk™ in costume with no masks or facial coverings, but not enter or linger in that area in their costume.

A general convention costume rule to readers: wearing a costume is not an invitation to invade the personal space of or harass those wearing the costume. Always ask to take photos of those in costume you enjoy. Be cool.

 

At The Celebration

Crowds

A Celebration of Harry Potter brings thousands of additional guests to the resort. The Expo Hall fills to capacity quickly; be sure to show up first thing in the morning. Prioritize low-capacity experiences such as the Sorting Hat, Harry Potter: The Exhibition, and Fantastic Beasts VR prior to other open-form exhibits and shops.

It is recommended to show up an hour before show times for panels with talent, and half an hour to other panels and demonstrations to guarantee admittance.

Wait times for non-Wizarding World attractions will be minimally affected by the Celebration. Attractions in the Wizarding World, such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hogwarts Express, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts will have longer waits than seasonally suggested. Visit the Wizarding World attractions during panels or the opening/closing ceremonies for the shortest waits.

Talent

What good convention isn’t with some film stars? This year’s Celebration splits the talent between fan favorite actors and those new to the celebration. Talent participates in the Q&A panels and appear for scheduled fan events. Check the Panel schedule for times and information.

Panels & Demonstrations

Harry Potter Expo

The Celebration Expo features exhibitions, shops, and attractions from those in the “Potter-sphere”. The Expo runs Friday the 26th from 9:00am – 5:00pm, Saturday the 27th from 9:00am –3:30pm; and Sunday the 28th from  9:00am – 5:00pm.

Events in the Parks

Other events throughout the parks are being offered. Check times guides and Universal Orlando’s website for more information.