Latest Site Notices

masterofmystery · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2011, 11:25 PM

It was reported less than a week ago that Warner Bros and Universal Orlando Resorts would host A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films, which would include a Q&A and autograph session with select cast and crew members of the series (to be announced closer to the opening dates), a gala event, and entrance to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter the weekend of November 11-13, 2011.

Two separate packages were available: the premier package that included invitation to the gala the evening of Sunday, November 13, and entrance to the autograph session.

For those keeping track of the landing page for the event, it was revealed that tickets for the premier package (including hotel stay) have already been sold out, in less than an hour after its announcement, seen here. Tickets are now available for the celebration package, and for select people who will or cannot purchase either package, there will be a chance to attend the events, though it has not been announced yet.

A key part of the celebration includes a screening of all Harry Potter films, but note that tickets for the films will be sold separately, and are not exclusive to those who purchase either package. Anyone at Universal Orlando Resorts can purchase tickets and watch the films on the big screen once again.

A few more important FAQs were released on the site, for those still interested in purchasing the lesser celebration package, or the individual sets to be sold later this year.

Will J.K. Rowling be there?
No, J.K. Rowling will not be in attendance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

All details and information can be found here. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is now open to the public. Click here to plan your vacation package – with special access and perks!

Ringo · 07-31-2011, 11:56 PM

I probably can't go anyway. Hope everyone who goes as an awesome time!

*LYNN* · 08-01-2011, 12:00 AM

wow, expected, but still, wow

Mr Molly Weasley · 08-01-2011, 12:02 AM

Sounds fun, ahahaha i would go but dont have that kind of money lol, unless i can have my grandads money which he left for me lol, have fun for those who are going.

sek112873 · 08-01-2011, 12:12 AM

Wow, it took a whole hour for the premier tickets to sell out?! LOL.Not surprising. Oh well. Can't go anyway at that time. I'm sure they may have others as time goes on and there are anniversaries to celebrate. Plus I just went to the Wizarding World last week. Didn't meet any celebrities, but I felt like one after I put on the Griffindor house robe I purchased, along with the time turner I purchased from Warner Bros. Boy did I get a great response from people! And I wasn't even wearing my complete Hermione costume. It was a lot of fun!!

LittleSlytherin · 08-01-2011, 12:17 AM

grrr i wanted to go so badly , cant believe its gone

Devina Wellheart · 08-01-2011, 12:37 AM

I wish that I could go.

' sniffle sniffle '

amandagayle · 08-01-2011, 12:50 AM

I'm still hoping they'll release some sort of ticket option for those who don't need a hotel. I live about an hour away and I don't need all the extras

Patronus Charm · 08-01-2011, 01:00 AM

sounds so nice....but crowded!

HogwartsHokage · 08-01-2011, 01:02 AM

Haha, I wouldn't be able to go anyway either. Can't believe tickets ran out so fast already.

loony_potterhead · 08-01-2011, 01:14 AM

cant go

Ginny GL · 08-01-2011, 01:25 AM

I so wish I could go. But school will be in session then, so travelling won't be possible.
For those able, ENJOY and share images and stories, please.

AshleyWheat · 08-01-2011, 01:45 AM

IM GOING! im soooo excited!

It will be amazing. I knew it would sell out, I'm shocked I got my tickets!

stephani · 08-01-2011, 01:46 AM

cool, I hope I'll be there

Sahara727 · 08-01-2011, 02:02 AM

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! I want to go too!

hpluvr037 · 08-01-2011, 03:13 AM

Wish I could've gone!

pensieve1 · 08-01-2011, 03:48 AM

I sure hope this event is better than the Grand opening last summer. I was at Wizarding World last Oct, and I talked to several people that work at Universal, and they were still reeling from opening day. They said that the people that got into the park first, while Dan, Rupert, et al were in the park, never left, and that people were lined up 1/4 mile past Hardrock Cafe on City Walk!!! It sounds great, like everybody's going to meet the cast--but in reality--NO WAY!!!

If the park was as big as Disney World--they might be able to accommodate
all those ppl--but Wizarding World is just too small. I can see them taking over the Jurassic Park and Lost World of Atlantis areas in the future. Those
attractions are just lame.

amandagayle · 08-01-2011, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pensieve1

I sure hope this event is better than the Grand opening last summer. I was at Wizarding World last Oct, and I talked to several people that work at Universal, and they were still reeling from opening day. They said that the people that got into the park first, while Dan, Rupert, et al were in the park, never left, and that people were lined up 1/4 mile past Hardrock Cafe on City Walk!!! It sounds great, like everybody's going to meet the cast--but in reality--NO WAY!!!

If the park was as big as Disney World--they might be able to accommodate
all those ppl--but Wizarding World is just too small. I can see them taking over the Jurassic Park and Lost World of Atlantis areas in the future. Those
attractions are just lame.

I was there opening day and from the sounds of this, this is going to be WAY different. For opening day, they didn't sell tickets like this, if you had a Universal pass or just bought a ticket for that day, you were allowed in and the only bit of control they had was letting people in as people left. My best friend and I left after only a few hours because we needed something to drink and the lines were too long inside the Wizarding World. But this seems pretty organized with the limited tickets and all that, so hopefully it won't be such a crazy mass. Not sure how they are going to separate the regular crowds from the special event, though...

kindofabigdeel · 08-01-2011, 04:56 AM

I would have loved to go to this event, but in reality.. $700 is an insane amount. What could be more priceless than just meeting these actors in their normal state, maybe just talking to them in a pub or something? To me, paying an insane amount of money just to get a few minutes with an actor or two would never be worth just randomly coming across them in normal living.