For the past 4 years, Universal Studios Orlando has hosted The Celebration of Harry Potter, a large three day fan event that takes place at the end of January. Fans and their supportive friends/family members enjoy the thrills of the Universal Parks (for my full write-up about the HP parks, click here) as well as host of additional magical delights.
The 2018 Celebration will be the third one for my family and me. I love being in a space that is overtaken by fans of the series that we adore. My partner and I have since gone to the parks outside of the Celebration weekend and, while I love it just as much, it misses that heightened sense of community and shared connection that permeates the event. (As an example of this, Alan Rickman, who played Professor Severus Snape in the Potter films, passed away shortly before the 2016 Celebration. Many of the fans attending the event gathered together on opening night to have a “wands up” moment to honor and celebrate his life.)
If you are thinking about or planning to attend the Celebration of Harry Potter for the first time, it’s always helpful to know what you are getting into! There are plenty of things to do, see, and enjoy.