Earlier this year, I went to Disney's Star Wars weekends and had a blast. (A trip report is in the stack of things I will write it up eventually). While there, I wondered why other theme parks didn't do this type of tie in event. I received a press release while I was in San Diego and it appears that universal has finally decided to try to get in the game with a Harry Potter Themed weekend. I can only guess that this would have been announced at San Diego Comic Con if Warner Brothers had done a panel. It looks like they are only offering packages, but I can't imagine that they won't sell individual tickets eventually. (Especially since the release says "There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events." I hope this is a huge success and that it will eventually become as popular as Star Wars weekends. Geeks like options.
If you are interested, tickets go on sale Sunday.
If you are interested, tickets go on sale Sunday.
Somehow I doubt we will see these three.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS FROM THE PRESS RELEASE
"A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films” Event to Take Place November 11 – 13 VACATION PACKAGES ON SALE SUNDAY, JULY 31st FOR “A CELEBRATION OF THE HARRY POTTER FILMS” AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Special Event Hosted by Warner Bros. to Feature Three Days of
Cast Member and Filmmaker Appearances, Autograph Signings, Q&A Sessions and Film Screenings
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 25, 2011) – Universal Orlando Resort announced today that special vacation packages will go on sale Sunday, July 31st that will give guests the opportunity to attend “A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films.” This special event will be hosted by Warner Bros. and will celebrate a decade of movie history by allowing fans to share their love for the Harry Potter films. The event will take place from Friday, November 11, to Sunday, November 13, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
During this special event, guests can celebrate their favorite memories and stories of Harry Potter with filmmakers, cast members and fellow fans. While all theme park guests will be able to enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during their visit, only a limited number of guests and those who buy special event packages will have access to exclusive benefits such as:
The primary way to participate in celebration events is by purchasing one of Universal Orlando’s special vacation packages. Packages are extremely limited and go on sale at noon EDT on Sunday, July 31. Guests can choose from two vacation package options: the Celebration Vacation Package and the Premier Vacation Package. There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.
Vacation Packages for A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films
Celebration Vacation Package – Starts at $369 per person
All of the above, PLUS:
"A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films” Event to Take Place November 11 – 13 VACATION PACKAGES ON SALE SUNDAY, JULY 31st FOR “A CELEBRATION OF THE HARRY POTTER FILMS” AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
Special Event Hosted by Warner Bros. to Feature Three Days of
Cast Member and Filmmaker Appearances, Autograph Signings, Q&A Sessions and Film Screenings
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 25, 2011) – Universal Orlando Resort announced today that special vacation packages will go on sale Sunday, July 31st that will give guests the opportunity to attend “A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films.” This special event will be hosted by Warner Bros. and will celebrate a decade of movie history by allowing fans to share their love for the Harry Potter films. The event will take place from Friday, November 11, to Sunday, November 13, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
During this special event, guests can celebrate their favorite memories and stories of Harry Potter with filmmakers, cast members and fellow fans. While all theme park guests will be able to enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during their visit, only a limited number of guests and those who buy special event packages will have access to exclusive benefits such as:
- A spectacular evening gala in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Autograph signings with stars from the Harry Potter films
- Q&A sessions with Harry Potter filmmakers and cast members, along with the creators of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Screenings of all eight Harry Potter films – including “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2” – at the AMC Universal Cineplex 20 in Universal CityWalk. Access to the screenings can be added to the vacation packages for an additional fee.
The primary way to participate in celebration events is by purchasing one of Universal Orlando’s special vacation packages. Packages are extremely limited and go on sale at noon EDT on Sunday, July 31. Guests can choose from two vacation package options: the Celebration Vacation Package and the Premier Vacation Package. There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.
Vacation Packages for A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films
Celebration Vacation Package – Starts at $369 per person
- 4-night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
- 3-day ticket to both of Universal Orlando’s theme parks
- More time to enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with Early Park Admission starting at 6 a.m.
- Reservation to one in-park Harry Potter talent Q&A session (one per person)
- Commemorative pin (one per person)
- Harry Potter Blu-Ray set (one per package)
All of the above, PLUS:
- Reservation to one in-park Harry Potter cast member autograph session
- Admission to the exclusive nighttime gala event on Sunday, November 13
- Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks
I should also add that Universal also posted some frequently asked questions on their site:
Celebrities
Who will be there from the Harry Potter films and will I be able to meet them?
During the event, there will be scheduled appearances by some of the cast members from the Harry Potter film series. Your opportunity to participate in events featuring various cast members depends on the scheduled activities included in your vacation package. Please check your vacation package entitlements for full details of what’s included in your specific package.
When will I know the celebrities that will be attending? Please continue to check www.universalorlando.com/celebration for updates about the event. Celebrities may not be announced until closer to the event.
Will J.K. Rowling be there? No, J.K. Rowling will not be in attendance.
Autograph and Q&A Sessions
How can I participate in the Autograph and Q&A sessions? Guests can purchase a Premier Package to participate in one Cast Member Autograph session. Guests can purchase either a Premier package or a Celebration package to participate in one Cast Member Q&A session. There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.
What type of celebrities will be at the Autograph and Q&A sessions? The Autograph and Q&A sessions will feature select cast members and filmmakers from the Harry Potter films.
Where will the Autograph and Q&A Sessions take place? Autograph and Q&A sessions will take place in various areas within Universal’s Islands of Adventure – home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Specific locations and times will be provided in your welcome packet.
Where will I pick up my welcome packet? You will receive e-mail communication at a later date on how and when you will receive your welcome packet.
Can I purchase extra Autograph and Q&A sessions? No. The number of Autograph and Q&A sessions is predetermined based on the vacation package you purchase and cannot be changed. Please check your vacation package entitlements for full details of what’s included in your specific package.There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.
What should I bring to the autograph session? Universal Orlando will provide markers and celebrity photos at the Autograph session. You may also bring a personal item – like a Harry Potter DVD or movie poster– to be signed; however we ask that only one item be signed per cast member.
Can I bring a camera and or/video camera to the event? Yes, you can bring a camera/video camera to the event. However, please keep in mind we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate requests for personal photos with cast members.
Vacation Package Questions
I am an Annual Pass Holder; do I have to purchase a vacation package? Yes, this is a separately packaged event. There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.
How will I get my admission for the event festivities? You will receive an email with instructions at a later date on how to fulfill your vacation package and gain access to the events.
Film Screening Questions
Are the film screenings included in the vacation package? No. Harry Potter film screening tickets are not included in the vacation package.
When will film screening tickets be available for purchase? Film screening tickets will be available for separate purchase at a later date. Please continue to check for updates.
Are film screening tickets exclusive to vacation package guests only? No. They will be available for purchase by the general public.
What will be the price of the film screening tickets? Pricing is not available at this time. Please continue to check for updates.
Nighttime Gala Event on November 13
How can I attend the Nighttime Gala Event on November 13? Guests who purchase the Premier package attend the Nighttime Gala Event on November 13. Upon your arrival, event details will be provided in your welcome packet.
What is the attire for the Nighttime Gala Event on November 13? There is no set attire for the November 13 event. However, since you will be experiencing all of the adventures of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, comfortable theme-park attire is recommended.
Will food and drinks be included at the evening event? Yes, you will enjoy an assortment of food and drinks from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as part of the event.
Is there any minimum age restriction to attend? We understand that there are Harry Potter fans of all ages. Therefore, we leave it up to the discretion of the child’s parent or guardian as to whether the festivities of "A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films" will be suitable for their children.
Can I bring a camera to the event? Yes. This is a special event so we recommend bringing a camera to capture your memories.
Celebrities
Who will be there from the Harry Potter films and will I be able to meet them?
During the event, there will be scheduled appearances by some of the cast members from the Harry Potter film series. Your opportunity to participate in events featuring various cast members depends on the scheduled activities included in your vacation package. Please check your vacation package entitlements for full details of what’s included in your specific package.
When will I know the celebrities that will be attending? Please continue to check www.universalorlando.com/celebration for updates about the event. Celebrities may not be announced until closer to the event.
Will J.K. Rowling be there? No, J.K. Rowling will not be in attendance.
Autograph and Q&A Sessions
How can I participate in the Autograph and Q&A sessions? Guests can purchase a Premier Package to participate in one Cast Member Autograph session. Guests can purchase either a Premier package or a Celebration package to participate in one Cast Member Q&A session. There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.
What type of celebrities will be at the Autograph and Q&A sessions? The Autograph and Q&A sessions will feature select cast members and filmmakers from the Harry Potter films.
Where will the Autograph and Q&A Sessions take place? Autograph and Q&A sessions will take place in various areas within Universal’s Islands of Adventure – home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Specific locations and times will be provided in your welcome packet.
Where will I pick up my welcome packet? You will receive e-mail communication at a later date on how and when you will receive your welcome packet.
Can I purchase extra Autograph and Q&A sessions? No. The number of Autograph and Q&A sessions is predetermined based on the vacation package you purchase and cannot be changed. Please check your vacation package entitlements for full details of what’s included in your specific package.There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.
What should I bring to the autograph session? Universal Orlando will provide markers and celebrity photos at the Autograph session. You may also bring a personal item – like a Harry Potter DVD or movie poster– to be signed; however we ask that only one item be signed per cast member.
Can I bring a camera and or/video camera to the event? Yes, you can bring a camera/video camera to the event. However, please keep in mind we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate requests for personal photos with cast members.
Vacation Package Questions
I am an Annual Pass Holder; do I have to purchase a vacation package? Yes, this is a separately packaged event. There will be additional ways for a limited number of people to participate in celebration events. Stay tuned for more details.
How will I get my admission for the event festivities? You will receive an email with instructions at a later date on how to fulfill your vacation package and gain access to the events.
Film Screening Questions
Are the film screenings included in the vacation package? No. Harry Potter film screening tickets are not included in the vacation package.
When will film screening tickets be available for purchase? Film screening tickets will be available for separate purchase at a later date. Please continue to check for updates.
Are film screening tickets exclusive to vacation package guests only? No. They will be available for purchase by the general public.
What will be the price of the film screening tickets? Pricing is not available at this time. Please continue to check for updates.
Nighttime Gala Event on November 13
How can I attend the Nighttime Gala Event on November 13? Guests who purchase the Premier package attend the Nighttime Gala Event on November 13. Upon your arrival, event details will be provided in your welcome packet.
What is the attire for the Nighttime Gala Event on November 13? There is no set attire for the November 13 event. However, since you will be experiencing all of the adventures of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, comfortable theme-park attire is recommended.
Will food and drinks be included at the evening event? Yes, you will enjoy an assortment of food and drinks from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as part of the event.
Is there any minimum age restriction to attend? We understand that there are Harry Potter fans of all ages. Therefore, we leave it up to the discretion of the child’s parent or guardian as to whether the festivities of "A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films" will be suitable for their children.
Can I bring a camera to the event? Yes. This is a special event so we recommend bringing a camera to capture your memories.
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