Actors Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps and Evanna Lynch are slated to appear at the second annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter” at Universal Orlando Resort next year, the resort has announced. 

Others who will appear include Kazu Kibuishi, illustrator of Scholastic’s re-imagined Harry Potter book covers, and Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina of MinaLima, who established the visual graphic style of the Harry Potter films.

“A Celebration of Harry Potter” will take place Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at Universal Orlando.  There will be Q&A and autograph sessions with Harry Potter film talent, and access to  the “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo, where fans can enjoy the Sorting Hat experience and pose for a photo in a recreation of the Great Hall.

The actors who are appearing portrayed the characters Rubeus Hagrid, Dumbledore, the Weasley twins and Luna Lovegood.

Access to “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included with regular theme park admission or with an annual...

Some local theme parks have begun offering limited-time deals.

SeaWorld Orlando is offering free kids' tickets to adults who purchase one-day admission. The offer is for advance purchases only. There is a limit of two free children's tickets. The offer runs through Dec. 31.

Meanwhile, Universal Orlando just announced a package that includes a three-night stay at Cabana Bay Resort for $99 a night and a free pair of Blue Man Group tickets. Reservations must be booked by Thursday and can be used through Feb. 12. Blockout dates apply Dec. 25 through Jan. 3.

SeaWorld Orlando has begun hiring for the holidays.

SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica will hire up to 500 seasonal employees this year, spokesman Nick Gollattscheck said.

The jobs can last through the holidays and spring season. Positions include food-service attendants, park-operations hosts and line cooks.

Pay starts at $9 an hour. Applicants must be at least 18 yaers old,.

Those interested must apply online at seaworldjobs.com

For questions, call 407-363-2637 or visit SeaWorld's human resources office at 6283 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando,

SeaWorld Orlando has announced a recently-launched program called PhotoKey, on which guests can digitally access pictures taken of them around the park.

A card allowing access to the photos for one day costs $60.  Guests can buy PhotoKey cards at several stations inside SeaWorld or online.

SeaWorld photographers shoot the pictures at key locations throughout the park.  Visitors can view and share the photos instantly online with a mobile app, and the pictures can also be turned into various mementos.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions has named Disney executive Greg Hale second vice chairman, paving the way for him to become chairman of the group's board in 2017.

Hale is vice president and chief safety officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide.

He will become first vice chairman in 2016. He will then lead the association as chairman of the board in 2017.

"His industry knowledge combined with his proven track record of leadership on safety-related issues and other complex industry matters make him an ideal second vice chairman for IAAPA," said Bob Rippy, chairman of the group's Governance Committee, in a press release.

Hale has worked for Disney for 26 years.

He joined Walt Disney World in 1988 as manager of electrical and electronics engineering. 

In 2002, Disney promoted him to vice president and chief safety officer for its parks and resorts division. He leads a global team of ride design, operations, and maintenance professionals....

Some harbor seals are moving from SeaWorld's Pacific Point Preserve today to become part of the park's Wild Arctic attraction.

The 11 seals will replace polar bears at the exhibit. Wild Arctic's last polar bear, Johnny, died in July of apparent complications recovering from anaesthesia. SeaWorld says it would have a more difficult time obtaining new polar bears now because they have been listed as a threatened species. Polar bears were part of SeaWorld's Wild Arctic attraction since it opened in 1995.