NewsOutside the Disney Bubble

Happy Birthday Harry Potter!

It’s our favorite wizard’s birthday featuring a special surprise for those who share their birthday with “The Boy Who Lived.”

It’s a day to step outside the Disney bubble and into the world of magic, wizards, and witches with one of the most famous wizards of all time. Harry Potter is a name that practically every young child knows and cherishes. A journey that began in a small cafe in the UK in the 90s has become a name and franchise synonymous with wonder worldwide for people of all ages.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince / Credit: Warner Bros.

Harry Potter the Series

The Harry Potter books were penned by British author J.K. Rowling. The series explores the adventures and lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley—students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The first book was released on June 26, 1997, and the seventh and final book was released on July 21, 2007.

In 1999, the series was sold to Warner Bros. for a reported 1,000,000 pounds, and as they say, the rest is history. It became one of the most iconic franchises for children and families around the world.

Disney lost Harry Potter to Universal
The final scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows featuring (L-R) Ron (Rupert Grint), Hermione (Emma Watson), Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ginny (Bonnie Wright), and their kids / Credit: Warner Bros.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition in New York City

A new Harry Potter: The Exhibition opened in New York City recently, inviting fans of all ages to come and celebrate the magic and wonder of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and the like.

What is Harry Potter: The Exhibition?

The exhibition is a “one-of-a-kind journey through the entire Wizarding World, celebrating the most iconic moments from the beloved books and films of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts.” It features an immersive experience complete with interactive technology and design, allowing Guests to create their own uniquely magical experience.

Where is the exhibition?

It’s located in the heart of Herald Square, a short five-minute walk from Penn Station, a ten-minute walk from Grand Central Station, and a fifteen-minute walk from Port Authority Bus Station.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows / Credit: Warner Bros.

Why is July 31 special?

On Monday, July 31, 2023, the exhibition is hosting special festivities to honor the birthday of “The Boy Who Lived.” Any Guests who share Potter’s birthday will also receive free entry

Team members of the exhibition team will also hand out thousands of complimentary ice pops as part of the celebration, and an airbrush tattoo artist will be on site for some temporary wizard-themed designs for visitors.

You can purchase tickets to the event here.

Priyanka Kumar

Priyanka is a writer, artist, avid reader, and travel enthusiast based in Chicago. In her free time, she is probably walking by the lake, catching up on the latest releases on TV, or spending inordinate amounts of time rewatching Moana, Encanto, and her Disney Channel life-long favorites Zack and Cody wreak havoc on the Tipton.

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