A Celebration of Harry Potter: Part 1

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good..."

Having an annual pass to Universal Studios Orlando is pretty spectacular. Whenever I'm looking for more thrill than theme park environment, you can find me on Universal's multiple roller coasters and simulators. However, there is one weekend a year that is solely responsible for the renewal of my annual pass.. A Celebration of Harry Potter. For those of you who know me, my obsession with Harry Potter runs deep. I own all 7 books and 8 movies, I have countless Harry Potter merchandise and even a tattoo (sorry mom). So last year after I purchased my first annual pass, you can understand my excitement when I found out that I not only get to explore both Harry Potter worlds but they even throw a whole weekend dedicated to my fellow Potterheads!

For those of you who have never attended the event, basically, A Celebration of Harry Potter is a three day weekend event, Friday-Sunday. There are exhibits, performances, previews of new things to come in the Potter universe, film talent, and much more. All of this is included in the price of your annual pass or park ticket if you are only visiting for a few days. People from all over the world come to attend this event and again, I am reminded how lucky I am that it is in my own backyard!

Today my friend Nick and I journeyed to the Universal Studios park where the main part of the expo is being held. Inside the park, there is a stage for the performances and this is also where they hold the Q&A with the film talent. Beyond that, there are two large buildings where they hold the expos. The content of the buildings vary slightly for each event but this year they have exhibits such as a preview for the new Harry Potter app game that is coming out in the spring, which I got to test, a behind the scenes look at Harry Potter in Concert, a photo booth, a "match that quote to that book" contest, virtual reality simulators starring Fantastic Beast and Where to Find them creatures and a plethora of other things. They even play the films and/or performances that are happening on giant televisions around the park while you wait in line...not kidding... see?!

I now interrupt this long winded blog with photos of me enjoying the exhibit:

Believe it or not, I did also manage to snap some photos of the expo that I am not in as well...

Left to right: A baby Harry Potter in his crib staring at his owl mobile, Slughorn's costume from armchair to pajamas, and the entrance to one of the exhibits.

PEOPLE, HOW ARE YOU NOT BUYING YOUR PLANE TICKETS TO COME HANG OUT WITH ME FOR THE WEEKEND RIGHT NOW?!


Tomorrow is round 2 for me and since I requested the day off, I will be there from park open to close. Tomorrow's event I am most excited about is a Q&A including Bonnie Wright, James and Oliver Phelps, and Stanislav Yanevski, so I am very anxious to be back. Look out for part two of this blog early next week but for now, enjoy this picture of me reenacting Harry's ride on the Knight Bus 🙂

".... Mischief Managed"

To anyone reading this, all positive and constructive opinions are welcome! Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional at writing or vacation planning so if you read my blogs or take my advice do so with a grain of salt.