Celebration of Harry Potter Weekend Returns to Universal Orlando for 2016

August 12, 2015, 1:23 PM · The Celebration of Harry Potter weekend will return to the Universal Orlando Resort in January and vacation packages will go on sale next Wednesday.

Diagon Alley

Next year's event runs January 29-31 and will be open to all Universal Orlando theme park visitors with Park-to-Park tickets or annual passes. As with the previous two celebrations, the event will include demonstrations and Q&A sessions with actors and production talent from the Harry Potter films, as well as an exhibition of props from the film. Cosplay is very much in effect at the event, too, though the normal prohibitions against masks and weapons apply. (And if you're wondering, wands apparently do not count as weapons. Don't bring the Sword of Gryffindor, though.)

Universal's hotel vacation packages for the event also include special access to the exhibition, panels and demonstrations, as well as an additional Q&A session and a dessert reception open only to those who buy the package, plus some complimentary souvenirs. The premium version of the vacation package also adds another reception, breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron, a Shutterbutton's photo session and an autograph session with the actors. You can find complete descriptions for all packages and hotel options on Universal's website.

Package prices start at $199 to $419 per person per night, depending upon the package and hotel selected. Universal Orlando annual passholders can book hotel vacation packages that do not include the three-day park ticket, starting at $129 to $245 per person per night.

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Replies (2)

August 12, 2015 at 2:08 PM · And here I am waiting for Universal Studios Hollywood to finish Hogsmeade.
August 12, 2015 at 5:55 PM · I visited this year's Harry Potter Weekend and wow was it a blast! I didn't get to go on very many rides, but it was worth it! I caught the q&a, saw some cool props from the films, bought a crapload of merchandise, and definitely the highlight of my day, and one of the highlights of my year, I got to meet the Weasely Twins themselves, James and Olliver Phelps!

I won't be going this time, though. My Universal annual pass expires at the end of the year, and I'll be exchanging it for a Disney pass. (Hey, at least it means I get to build up more anticipation for King Kong!) But I do wish everyone who will be going a good time. If you'll be in the Orlando area around this time, and you've got a Potterhead in the family, I highly recommend it!

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