Mark your calendars and grab your wands — a "Happee Birthdae" is coming up for one of the most iconic characters in pop culture.
Potterheads and movie buffs alike are awaiting the upcoming birthday of Harry Potter, with the character turning 44 on Wednesday, July 31.
It's been over 25 years since the the first book in the series, Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone, was released. Since then, fans have spent the late July day honoring the character and the entire magical universe. Here's how you can celebrate across Florida.
Who is Harry Potter? Iconic role played by Daniel Radcliffe
Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels based around a fictional character created by British author J.K. Rowling in the late 1990s. Harry is the main character, the story covering how he learns he is a wizard on his 11th birthday and is accepted into a magical school.
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He eventually learns that a Dark wizardLord Voldemortmurdered his parents but was unable to kill him as well. The novels revolve around him adapting to thewizarding worldand his desire to defeat Voldemort.
The books were developed into eight movies, starring actor Daniel Radcliffe as "Harry Potter." The cast also included Emma Watson as "Hermoine," Rupert Grint as "Ron," Alan Rickman as "Professor Snape," Maggie Smith as "Professor McGonagall," and Ralph Fiennes as " Lord Voldemort."
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The films were directed by a combination of four different filmmakers: Chris Columbus,Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates. Combining all the movies, the complete Wizarding World film franchise has grossed over $9.5 billionat the worldwide box office.
The character of Harry Potter is also considered both a literary and film icon, with his signature round glasses and lightning bolt scar. The series has sold 500 million copies worldwide in 20 years; 180 million in the U.S. alone.
When is Harry Potter's birthday?
According to the books, the boy wizard was born onJuly 31, 1980, making him 44 this year. Rowling is also born on July 31.
For those into astrology, Harry Potter's zodiac sign is a Leo.
Where is Hogwarts in Florida? Fly to Universal Studios Orlando
While most Potterheads have accepted that a Hogwarts acceptance letter will never show up on their doorsteps, they can still live out their fantasy of being a Hogwarts student at Universal Studios in Orlando.
The amusem*nt park has a Harry Potter-themed in both of its parks — Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios.
In Hogsmeade, guests can explore the snowcapped wizarding village bustling with enchanted shops and eateries before making their way to Hogwarts castle. It hosts three rides, including the new "Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure" coaster.
Just a train ride away, you can walk through the streets of London and enter Diagon Alley. Universal's website says you can "dine at the Leaky Cauldron, see a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders wand shop, and get ready to travel deep below Gringotts bank for a multi-dimensional thrill ride."
In the company's upcoming Epic Universe park, they will be building the Ministry of Magic to "blend the 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series."
How much are tickets to Universal Orlando parks?
Day passes to access both Universal Orlando parks start at $174 plus tax for adults, while a children's ticket starts at $169 plus tax. For only one park, prices are $119 plus tax for adults and $144 plus tax for kids.
The Orlando theme park is also offering a "Florida Unlimited Days” deal exclusively to Florida residents, allowing them tohead to the parkswhenever they want until Dec. 18. Guest must present valid proof of Florida residency at time of purchase, ticket pickup and redemption.
According to its website, tickets start at $199.99 plus tax for adults and a children's ticket starts at $194.99 plus tax.
Can't go to Universal Studios? See other Harry Potter-related, magical spots around Florida
For those not near Orlando or can't afford a trip to the amusem*nt park, there's plenty of whimsical places around the state for you celebrate the character's 44th birthday. From fairy gardens to hidden waterparks, here's a look at some of the "magical" places around Florida:
- Cassadaga, Volusia County - One hundred and thirty years ago, a medium from New York took the advice of his spirit guides and founded a wooded area next to what is now Lake Helen where he establishedCassadaga, the south's largest spiritual community and the self-proclaimedPsychic Capital of the World.
- Falling Waters State Park, Chipley - Visitors can hike up two miles to the deck, where they can observe the 100-foot-deep, 20-foot-wide cylindrical sinkhole that causes a rush of water that drops 73 feet. The water's final destination is unknown.
- Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales - Both a botanical garden and bird sanctuary, the gardens host The Singing Tower quickly, one of Florida's most popular early tourist attractions.
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Gainesville - In this geological wonderland, there is a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest.
- The Kampong Botanical Garden in Coconut Grove - In the quirky Coconut Grove neighborhood on Biscayne Bay, you can explore the former home of Dr. David Fairchild, one of the most famous horticulturists in history.
- Coral Castle, Homestead - One of the closest things you'll get to an official Florida castle. It was built by Ed Leedskalnin, crafted entirely from coral rock.
- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota - While the name Ringling might signal chaos to some potential guests, the museum is located within a serene setting on the Intracoastal Waterway. It houses several galleries dedicated to European Old Masters and classical antiquities.
- The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters, Ochopee - What's more magical than a mythical beast? Interested visitors can see a plaster cast of a skunkape footprint and Dave Shealy's photographic evidence of the creature.
Where can I binge all the Harry Potter movies?
All eightHarry Potterfilms —Sorcerer's Stone(2001),Chamber of Secrets(2002),Prisoner of Azkaban(2004),Goblet of Fire(2005),Order of the Phoenix(2007),Half-Blood Prince(2009),Deathly Hallows Part 1(2010), andDeathly Hallows Part 2(2011) — are now available to stream on Peaco*ck and Max.
TheFantastic Beasts trilogy, the Harry Potter prequel film series, are also available to stream on Max.
