Pay tribute to fallen actors at “Wands Up” events put on by fans at Universal Orlando.
In the enchanting world of Harry Potter, there’s a powerful and touching gesture known to all: raising one’s wand in the air. It’s a symbol of respect, remembrance, and unity among witches and wizards. And when an actor related to the Harry Potter Franchise dies, fans in Orlando will typically flock at 7pm to the Hogwarts Castle at Universal Orlando to pay tribute to the fallen witch/wizard or Muggle.
The Power of “Wands Up”
In the Harry Potter series, “Wands Up” moments are significant and emotional. They represent solidarity in times of darkness and loss.
Fans will remember the heart-wrenching scene in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” when Hogwarts students and staff raise their wands to honor Dumbledore after his tragic demise.
This tradition has transcended the pages and screens, uniting fans worldwide to commemorate not only fictional characters but also the real-life individuals who brought magic to our lives.
Tonight’s Wands Up: A Tribute to Maggie Smith
Today, on September 27, 2024, the wizarding community, both real and magical, gathers at Universal Orlando for a special “Wands Up” event at 7 PM to honor the late Maggie Smith, the beloved actor who portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films.
On September 28, 2023 there was a Wands up event for Michael Gambon
Gambon, born in 1940, enchanted us with his portrayal of the wise headmaster. Now, as we mourn his passing at the age of 82, we raise our wands to the sky to pay tribute to his remarkable contribution to the wizarding world.
Previous “Wands Up” Events
The magic of “Wands Up” extends beyond the boundaries of fiction. Fans have come together in various places to honor those who have left an indelible mark on the wizarding world.
Previous “Wands Up” events paid tribute to actors like Alan Rickman (Professor Snape), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Helen McCrory (Narcissa Malfoy), and other beloved figures.
These gatherings are a testament to the enduring impact of Harry Potter and the connections it fosters among fans.
How to find out about “Wands Up” Events
To stay informed about “Wands Up” events and other magical gatherings in the wizarding world of Universal Orlando, Facebook is your enchanted portal. Join Universal Orlando Annual Passholder groups and other dedicated fan pages where fellow witches and wizards share news and organize these touching events. These events are put on by fans, not Universal itself. Universal does typically acknowledge the passing.
These gatherings often take place at 7 PM at the Hogwarts Castle on the night that a beloved figure from the wizarding world passes away. By becoming a part of these vibrant online communities, you’ll receive timely notifications about upcoming events, allowing you to participate in heartfelt tributes that celebrate the magic we all hold dear.
So bring your wand, and pay tribute.
Will you join in at the “Wands Up” events?
I sure wish that I lived closer to Orlando and could join in tonight, as fans raise their wands in memory of Michael Gambon. I will definitely remember the enchanting world he helped bring to life and the profound joy it has brought to countless hearts. In unity and with wands aloft, we celebrate the magic that binds us all, from the wizarding realm to our own.
