Wizarding World of Harry Potter Considering Yule Ball

Universal Orlando is surveying ideas for holiday themed special events at the park, including a Yule Ball at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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Every Harry Potter novel has moments that are memorable, from Harry’s first trip to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone, to the final walk into the Forbidden Forest in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. But perhaps none quite captured the imagination of readers than the “unexpected” challenge that occurred during Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the Yule Ball.

It may have been nearly a decade since the final book was released, and five years since the movies ended, but Potter fans still hold Yule Balls every winter, either virtually on Twitter, or as cosplay events in real life. And as Universal Studios considers how to continue to plumb the depths of Potter fandom for their Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks (especially with the West Coast version opening in Hollywood in just over a month), it has occurred to them that perhaps holding an actual Yule Ball at their recreation of Hogwarts might just be the very thing. Especially in light of the huge success of the Hogwart’s Christmas Feast held at Warner Brothers Studio London this past December.

According to the Orlando Informer, research surveys of park goers have gone out recently, looking to gauge the appeal of various holiday offerings for those who attend the East Coast theme park regularly. “The ideas ranged from returning offerings from previous years like Macy’s Parade and How the Grinch Stole Christmas to brand new concepts such as a Yule Ball.”

The article says that the survey they saw included “numerous” ideas that involve the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the holiday season. Some were ideas for events for major dates on the Potter calendar such as Halloween. (October 31st is a major day on the Potter calendar, as it marks the end of the First Wizarding War, and the day The Boy Who Lived got his scar.) But the majority of them seemed to be focused on the end of the year holiday season, post Thanksgiving but before Christmas. The article provides a full rundown of ideas:

A nighttime show at Hogwarts Castle using 3D projection, lights, and more (included with park admission).
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Special holiday-themed Cinematic Spectacular
Holiday party in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley on select nights in December, including delicious holiday treats and beverages (separately ticketed event)
Glowing nighttime parade
Mannheim Steamroller
Universal Studios Holiday parade (not Macy’s)
Yule Ball and Great Dance Hall Dinner – “guests wear dress robes and dine/dance at a festive holiday Yule Ball with themed music, dancing, food and beverages” (separately ticketed event)
Immersive and festive holiday decorations at both parks
Grinch character breakfast
Special holiday performances by the Frog Choir and London Street Buskers and other holiday themed surprises in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Now, it should not be lost of those who see this huge list that Universal isn’t just expanding their Wizarding World park for the sake of expanding. As we all know, November 16th marks the 15th anniversary of the Harry Potter movies first release to theaters, and the 18th is when Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will hit theaters. So it is a good bet that Universal is expecting a huge renewed wave of interest this coming holiday season and is considering the best way to capitalize.

Next: A Full Breakdown of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Cast

Let’s hope that those surveyed are as enthused at the idea of a real live Yule Ball to attend as hardcore Potterheads are. They could even hire Harry and the Potters to perform!

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