It’s Harry Potter’s birthday! How to celebrate iconic character at Universal Studios Orlando
Harry Potter was born on July 31, sharing the same birthday as author JK Rowling.
Samantha Neely"Happee Birthdae" to one of the most iconic characters in modern pop culture.
Potterheads and movie buffs across the globe are celebrating the official birthday of Harry Potter, with the character turning 44 on Wednesday, July 31.
It's been over 25 years since the the first book in the series, "Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone," was released. Since then, fans have spent the late July day honoring the character and the entire magical universe. Here's how you can celebrate at Hogwarts without ever leaving Florida.
When is Harry Potter's birthday? How old is Harry Potter?
According to the books, the boy wizard was born on July 31, 1980, making him 44 this year. Rowling is also born on July 31.
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For those into astrology, Harry Potter's zodiac sign is a Leo.
Who is Harry Potter? Iconic character played by Daniel Radcliffe
Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels based around a fictional character created by British author J.K. Rowling in the late 1990s. Harry is the main character, the story covering how he learns he is a wizard on his 11th birthday and is accepted into a magical school.
He eventually learns that a Dark wizard Lord Voldemort murdered his parents but was unable to kill him as well. The novels revolve around him adapting to the wizarding world and his desire to defeat Voldemort.
The books were developed into eight movies, starring actor Daniel Radcliffe as "Harry Potter." The cast also included Emma Watson as "Hermoine," Rupert Grint as "Ron," Alan Rickman as "Professor Snape," Maggie Smith as "Professor McGonagall," and Ralph Fiennes as " Lord Voldemort."
The films were directed by a combination of four different filmmakers: Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates. Combining all the movies, the complete Wizarding World film franchise has grossed over $9.5 billion at the worldwide box office.
The character of Harry Potter is also considered both a literary and film icon, with his signature round glasses and lightning bolt scar. The series has sold 500 million copies worldwide in 20 years; 180 million in the U.S. alone.
Where is Hogwarts in Florida? Aim your broomsticks for Universal Studios Orlando
While most Potterheads have accepted that a Hogwarts acceptance letter will never show up on their doorsteps, they can still live out their fantasy of being a Hogwarts student at Universal Studios in Orlando.
The amusement park has a Harry Potter-themed in both of its parks — Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios.
In Hogsmeade, guests can explore the snowcapped wizarding village bustling with enchanted shops and eateries before making their way to Hogwarts castle. It hosts three rides, including the new "Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure" coaster.
Just a train ride away, you can walk through the streets of London and enter Diagon Alley. Universal's website says you can "dine at the Leaky Cauldron, see a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders wand shop, and get ready to travel deep below Gringotts bank for a multi-dimensional thrill ride."
In the company's upcoming Epic Universe park, they will be building the Ministry of Magic to "blend the 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series."
Where is Universal Studios Florida located?
The theme park is located at 6000 Universal Boulevard in Orlando, roughly 10 miles outside of the city's downtown area.
How much are tickets to Universal Orlando parks?
Day passes to access both Universal Orlando parks start at $174 plus tax for adults, while a children's ticket starts at $169 plus tax. For only one park, prices are $119 plus tax for adults and $144 plus tax for kids.
The Orlando theme park is also offering a "Florida Unlimited Days” deal exclusively to Florida residents, allowing them to head to the parks whenever they want until Dec. 18. Guest must present valid proof of Florida residency at time of purchase, ticket pickup and redemption.
According to its website, tickets start at $199.99 plus tax for adults and a children's ticket starts at $194.99 plus tax.
Where can I binge all the Harry Potter movies?
All eight Harry Potter films — "Sorcerer's Stone" (2001), "Chamber of Secrets" (2002), "Prisoner of Azkaban" (2004), "Goblet of Fire" (2005), "Order of the Phoenix" (2007), "Half-Blood Prince" (2009), "Deathly Hallows Part 1" (2010), and "Deathly Hallows Part 2" (2011) — are now available to stream on Peacock and Max.
The Fantastic Beasts trilogy, the Harry Potter prequel film series, are also available to stream on Max.