The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter expansion is currently under way at Universal Orlando, and they were nice enough to pass along these photos of the iconic Hogwarts Express being place on the tracks.
Photo Caption – Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express has arrived at Universal Orlando Resort. Today, October, 24, 2013, Universal Orlando placed the iconic locomotive and train tender on the tracks between the two theme parks. Just like in the books and films – guests will be able to board the Hogwarts Express and travel between The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, which opened in June 2010 at Islands of Adventure, and ‘London’ when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opens at Universal Studios Florida next year.
Thanks again to Universal Studios for the pics! Stay tuned for more news on the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Expansion!
Earlier today, Feltbeats.com received confirmation from Tom himself that he will be in attendance at Boston Super MegaFest taking place at theSheraton Framingham Hotel in Framingham Massachusetts November 23rd. and 24th.
Tom Felton is an English actor and singer and is best known for playing the role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series, the film adaptations of the best-selling Harry Potter novels by author J.K. Rowling, for which he auditioned at age twelve. Felton started filming in commercials when he was eight years old and in films at the age of ten, appearing in The Borrowers and Anna and the King. After being cast as Draco Malfoy he has subsequently appeared in all eight Harry Potter films, from 2001 to 2011. Felton’s portrayal of Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 won him the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2010 and 2011. In his first post-Harry Potter film, Felton appeared in the 2011 film Rise of the Planet of the Apes plus much more!
Admission for the weekend is just $23.95, and tickets can be purchased here. Photos and Autographs are an additional charge. As soon as we have Tom’s schedule for Photo’s, Autographs, and Q&A’s, we will update that information here.
As we previously reported, Universal Orlando will be hosting A Celebration Of Harry Potter At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter January 24th-26, 2014.
Vacation packages went on sale today for the 3 day extravaganza, and can be purchased by clicking here. No word yet on what cast members will be in attendance. Watch this space for further updates on the event.
Beginning January 24, 2014, fans will enjoy three days of unforgettable experiences – including interactive Q&As with Harry Potter talent and more. Special event vacation packages will go on sale August 22 and will include exclusive benefits such as access to a private evening reception held in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Full vacation package details are below.
Guests will have the opportunity to:
Attend Q&A sessions with Harry Potter talent, filmmakers, and other special guests (talent attendees will be announced at a later date)
Revisit some of their favorite Harry Potter film moments during a film tribute with Harry Potter talent and filmmakers (talent attendees will be announced at a later date)
Learn the art of “duelling” at a wand masterclass that’s featured at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and hosted by Paul Harris – the choreographer who trained the cast of the Harry Potter films
And much more!
Guests will also have access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where they can soar above Hogwarts on the thrilling attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, sip Butterbeer at the Hog’s Head pub, see a wand choose a wizard in Ollivanders, explore iconic shops like Honeydukes, Zonko’s, and more.
While most of the activities for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will be open to all Universal Orlando park guests and annual passholders, only guests who purchase the special event package will enjoy exclusive benefits and reserved seating for select events. Packages are extremely limited and go on sale at noon EST on Thursday, August 22. See below for full package details.
Packages for “A Celebration of Harry Potter” at Universal Orlando Resort
On Sale at Noon EST on August 22, 2013
On-Site Hotel Celebration Vacation Package ~ Starts at $675 per adult, tax inclusive
· 3-night accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s award-winning on-site hotels – including complimentary Universal Express access to select rides and attractions
· 3-day park-to-park ticket to both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida
· Access to the exclusive evening reception held in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
· Reserved seating for select events – including the Harry Potter film tribute, Q&A sessions and the wand masterclass
· Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and breakfast at the Three Broomsticks
Off-Site Hotel Celebration Vacation Package ~ Starts at $395 per adult, tax inclusive
· 3-night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel near Universal Orlando
· 3-day park-to-park ticket to both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida
· Access to all celebration activities– including reserved seating for select events and access to the exclusive evening reception in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
· Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and breakfast at the Three Broomsticks
· Note: This package does not include complimentary Universal Express access
Access to select events within “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included in regular admission to Universal Orlando or with an annual pass. For more informationabout the event, tickets and vacation packages, visit www.universalorlando.com/celebration.
About the Harry Potter series
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. Each of the seven books by author J.K. Rowling has broken sales records, with theseries to date having sold over 450 million copies worldwide and translated into more than 70 languages. The Harry Potter films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $7.7 billion to date worldwide at the box office, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.
Deadline is reporting that Fox Searchlight has now secured the rights to”Belle” for release in North America and the U.K. The movie stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Sarah Gadon, Penelope Wilton, Miranda Richardson, Tom Felton and Matthew Goode.They are expecting to release in Spring of 2014.
LOS ANGELES, CA July 1, 2013 – Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula announced today that the company has acquired most worldwide rights including North America and the United Kingdom to BELLE, inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle. Directed by BAFTA Award winner Amma Asante and written by Misan Sagay, BELLE features Gugu Mbatha-Raw in her first starring role along with Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson, Academy Award nominee Emily Watson, Sarah Gadon, Penelope Wilton, Academy Award nominee Miranda Richardson, Tom Felton and Matthew Goode. The film was produced by Damian Jones. The film is scheduled to be released in Spring 2014.
“Gugu Mbatha-Raw is a revelation as Belle, she gives a brave and powerful performance joined by an outstanding ensemble cast and we look forward to introducing her to film audiences everywhere. We were entranced by this inspiring story of love and perseverance during a time of significant social and legal changes,” said Gilula and Utley.
“The experience and sensibilities of the team at Fox Searchlight make it a wonderful match for BELLE. I am so pleased their passion for this film means it now has the ability to be seen by audiences worldwide. We’ve worked hard to turn historical facts of the life of a true pioneer into a compelling and moving cinema experience,” said Asante.
“We are thrilled this magnificent film has found the perfect home. The Fox Searchlight team’s understanding of the film and its potential makes for an incredibly exciting journey through release and beyond,” said Jones.
BELLE is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson), Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.
The deal was brokered by Fox Searchlight’s Vice President of Acquisitions Ray Strache, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Megan O’Brien and Executive Vice President of Worldwide Acquisitions Tony Safford with Bankside Films’ Co-Managing Director Hilary Davis and Head of Sales & Marketing Stephen Kelliher and Christos Michaels of Lee & Thompson, as well as Steve Christian on behalf of Isle of Man Film and Pinewood Pictures. The film was developed by the BFI Film Fund which also backed production, alongside Isle of Man Film, Pinewood Pictures, Head Gear Films and Metrol Technology.
For more on Tom Felton’s character, check out our exclusive interview with him from last years NY Comic Con where he gives us a little sneak peek into the film.
