The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Kickoff Celebrations

On June 16, 2010 Universal Orlando hosted a private Grand Opening Kickoff Celebration evening at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opens on June 18 but a series of short soft opening periods over the last couple of weeks have helped sort out the last few issues, particularly with the star ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

Amongst the guests at the kickoff party were the author of the Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling and stars from the Harry Potter films including Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Sir Michael Gambon (Professor Dumbledore), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) and Warwick Davis (Filius Flitwick).

Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint arrived in the Ford Anglia flying car and the others in the triple decker Night Bus.

Music was provided a 20-member frog chorus and then composer John Williams with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

Cast members offered up free butterbeer and Hog’s Head Brew along with the renowned chocolate frogs and light-up wands.

A few days before, other stars from the films including Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Robby Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid) had toured the new park.

Read more about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.