Universal plans massive Harry Potter celebration this fall

Universal Orlando will host a three-day special event this fall celebrating the Harry Potter films with stars from the movies, filmmakers, creators of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, Q&A sessions, an after-hours party and movie screenings, the theme park announced Monday.

Vacation packages will go on sale Sunday for the event that will run Nov. 11-13 at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

There will also be limited tickets to some of the events that don't require a vacation package, but those details haven't been released yet.

The Celebration Vacation Package starts at $369 per person and includes four nights in a Universal hotel, a three-day ticket to both of Universal's theme parks in Orlando, early admission starting at 6 a.m., access to one in-park Harry Potter talent Q&A session, a commemorative pin and a Harry Potter Blu-Ray set.

Starting at $699, the Premier Vacation Package includes all of that plus one in-park Harry Potter cast member autograph session, an exclusive nighttime gala Nov. 13 and breakfast at the Three Broomsticks.

The celebrities included in the event have not yet been announced, but one definite no-show, Universal said, is the creator. J.K. Rowling will not be there.

They will screen all eight Harry Potter films at the AMC Universal Cineplex 20 in Universal CityWalk that weekend, but the screenings are an additional fee.

For information about the event and vacation packages, see www.universalorlando.com/celebration.