Harry Potter Expo at Universal Orlando

I learned last-minute Friday night that Universal was hosting a Harry Potter Expo over the weekend, so yesterday John and I managed to catch the last few hours. There were really only two things to see: a studio walk-through with various props and costumes from the movies, and an outdoor stage with various presentations, like "wand dueling" and  Q&A's with the actors who played the Weasley twins, Luna, & Dumbledore.

So if you missed it, never fear! I have pictures! (Lots... and LOTS... of pictures. Ha!)

The four house founders' costumes at the entrance to the studio tour.

Check out the detail on Rowena Ravenclaw's gown!

Inside it was all one giant space, with activities and displays scattered mostly along the walls:

 Harry's battle-damaged robes from Chamber of Secrets:

One long display case held 6 of the 7 horcruxes:

Nagini's head & Marvolo Gaunt's ring

The other end of the snake, looking down the case:

Rowena Ravenclaw's tiara

 Helga Hufflepuff's cup

Tom Riddle's diary

Godric Gryffindor's sword

Slytherin's locket was really fascinating in person; all the facets and floating bits mean you see something different from every angle:

 I did my best to capture the different shadows:

Next up:

 The flying car!

Bellatrix's costume:

 Never noticed that detailing on her sleeves before.

And Snape's:

But this random Death Eater stole the show:

Sweet leather hat/hood, yes, but check out... his buttons:

Tiny snakes!

Dumbledore's desk:

And because I'm addicted to taking close-ups of props:

Totally want this box:

And does anyone know what this is?

Sorry I couldn't get a clearer shot. Maybe some kind of astrological calendar?

From the display case next to the desk:

 

Omnioculars! And deliciously steampunky, so of course I want a pair. :)

A model of one of the chess pieces:

And check out the Tiny Twister-in-a-jar! I bet you could make something similar with cotton-wrapped wire and oil.

More weather-related jars from the Weasley twin's shop:

... plus a bottle of Skele-Grow.

The last display case was so poorly lit I couldn't really get any usable shots, but here, have some anyway:

 Bonus reflection of my Back To the Future "Save the clock tower" 5K run t-shirt. :)

 

And finally, there was a large display area of all the graphic design from the movie (signs, labels, books, etc.), with the two artists responsible for it all at a signing table. (Their company is called MinaLima, btw, and they sell some of their HP goodies online!) Here's a small sampling of their work:

These tiny glass vials caught my eye:

If you look closely, you can see one reads "Thomas Riddle, 1938."  So I think those may have stored Slughorn's memories.

In another case: books, glorious books!

Ah, don't you just want them ALL on your book case? Even When Muggles Attack, because that's  just stinkin' hilarious.

My favorite had this beautiful filigree metal plate attached:

And as we exited through the gift shop (of course), I wanted to take all these trunks home with me:

 K, that does it for the studio tour, so here's a blurry shot of the cast on stage answering questions:

(The guy on the left is the moderator.)

And now, a random Diagon Alley shot:

 

Every nook and cranny of this place is photogenic. I could spend forever in there with my camera.

And finally, my favorite shots of the day, courtesy of a lovely cast member skulking around the entrance to Knockturn Alley:

  I feel I should point out that her hat has a stuffed rat on it. 

 

 Sometimes you see Potter cast members with exceptionally great costuming like this, and I can't help but wonder if Universal lets them embellish their own wardrobes.

Anyway, she was perfectly in character: never said a word when I complimented her, just gave a solemn nod. Heh.

 

Hope you guys had fun visiting the Expo with me!