A Celebration of Harry Potter welcomes Stanislav Yanevski & fan favorites

Just announced, next year’s Celebration of Harry Potter will welcome Stanislav Yanevski for the first time to the massive fan event.

Walking into Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade is like stepping into the Harry Potter world. Each minute detail is wizarding perfection. While any day at Universal Orlando Resort can be an amazing experience for Harry Potter fans, the annual Celebration of Harry Potter is the ultimate event.

Photo provided by Universal Media Site, www.UniversalOrlando.com/WizardingWorld.

Universal Orlando Resort just announced that Stanislav Yanevski (Viktor Krum) will appear at the event for the first time. While the complete line-up of attendees hasn’t been announced, favorites James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) are slated to attend. These Harry Potter actors will join fans for special events and experiences throughout the three day celebration.

The upcoming Celebration of Harry Potter comes at a unique time for Universal Orlando Resort. This fall, the theme park closed the Dragon Challenge roller coaster. Formerly known as the Dueling Dragon, this steel roller coaster was popular with fans. While the “dueling” part stopped years ago, roller coaster fans will miss this true roller coaster.

Hogswart Castle, photo provided by Universal Media Site

While Universal promises that the new Harry Potter theme ride will impress guests, no one knows what type of ride will come to the soon to be empty space. The entrance to the Dragon Challenge was just to the side of the Owl’s Post. Walking through the queue provided a great view. Plus, it even had a repeat ride entrance so that riders could experience both coasters. Now, the area just seems to be lacking a little bit of Harry Potter magic.

The annual Celebration of Harry Potter would be a perfect time for Universal Orlando Resort to announce the Dragon Challenge replacement. If it doesn’t announce a new ride, the event could be a great way to crowd-source fans opinions. Maybe people are expecting some type of all ages ride. But does Universal really need another ride simulator?

Next: Most anticipated theme park rides for 2018

Hopefully, the upcoming Celebration of Harry Potter will bring all types of surprises and announcements. Tickets and packages are on sale now. The three day event is always extremely popular and fans are encouraged to plan early.

Get your wands ready. A Celebration of Harry Potter returns to Universal Orlando Resort Jan. 26-28, 2018.