View Full Version : Harry Potter Opening confusion
Commando2319
03-25-2010, 11:19 AM
I am seeing the news that Universal announced that the Harry Potter area will open on June 18th.
What about the special Harry Potter package they are selling starting May 28th?
So if you booked the special Harry Potter package for the earliest dates, you don't even get to see Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Is it a misprint? Did they mean May 18th?
NedsTJ
03-25-2010, 11:30 AM
According to the blogs and press releases (from what I read this morning), people that purchased the packages will get exactly what is promised with the packages. Personally...I'd read the fine print very carefully!
We are going to be in Disney early May. We're hoping there's a "soft" opening of WWOHP, in which case we're renting a car and heading over, LOL.
I am seeing the news that Universal announced that the Harry Potter area will open on June 18th.
What about the special Harry Potter package they are selling starting May 28th?
So if you booked the special Harry Potter package for the earliest dates, you don't even get to see Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Is it a misprint? Did they mean May 18th?
I'm right there with you. There's a lot of word of mouth speculation going on right now. The information Universal released seems meager in my opinion. They announced the grand opening date and details about HPatFJ. That's about it. It's left a lot of other questions to be answered.
Folks on the Universal board have been told by reservationists at Universal that you will only be able to access Harry Potter Island if you have the Harry Potter package before June 18th. General resort guests without the package and AP holders would not have access. I'm finding that hard to believe since this hasn't been Universal's philosophy over the years. They've always treated AP holders and resort guests at a high esteem.
Hopefully, more information will be released in the coming days to clear up the other questions fans have about access, soft openings, and other special events.
Commando2319
03-25-2010, 11:43 AM
Folks on the Universal board have been told by reservationists at Universal that you will only be able to access Harry Potter Island if you have the Harry Potter package before June 18th. General resort guests without the package and AP holders would not have access.
Amazing. This seems like Universal's big chance to pull some business from Disney and gain some market share. But from the looks of it, they are screwing it up big time.
Makes me wonder if the whole HP experience will be filled with these problems and if it will just be a complete let down.
GaSleepingBeautyFan
03-25-2010, 12:10 PM
I'm right there with you. There's a lot of word of mouth speculation going on right now. The information Universal released seems meager in my opinion. The announced the grand opening date and details about HPatFJ. That's about it. It's left a lot of other questions to be answered.
Folks on the Universal board have been told by reservationists at Universal that you will only be able to access Harry Potter Island if you have the Harry Potter package before June 18th. General resort guests without the package and AP holders would not have access. I'm finding that hard to believe since this hasn't been Universal's philosophy over the years. They've always treated AP holders and resort guests at a high esteem.
Hopefully, more information will be released in the coming days to clear up the other questions fans have about access, soft openings, and other special events.
Wow! I'm going to keep an eye on this. I've got a room only booked just after Memorial Weekend since we already had 3 of the 4 tickets we needed. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will not be true.
At the very least, they should let in folks with the HP package, AP holders and resort guests.
Found this on the Universal board and posting it here.
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22952060/index.html
dpuck1998
03-25-2010, 01:11 PM
Found this on the Universal board and posting it here.
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22952060/index.html
Cool Vid! Can't wait to go in December!
WaltD4Me
03-25-2010, 01:33 PM
Found this on the Universal board and posting it here.
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22952060/index.html
Wow. It looks absolutely amazing!!!!!! Thanks for the link!
Metro West
03-25-2010, 04:26 PM
I'm right there with you. There's a lot of word of mouth speculation going on right now. The information Universal released seems meager in my opinion. The announced the grand opening date and details about HPatFJ. That's about it. It's left a lot of other questions to be answered.
Folks on the Universal board have been told by reservationists at Universal that you will only be able to access Harry Potter Island if you have the Harry Potter package before June 18th. General resort guests without the package and AP holders would not have access. I'm finding that hard to believe since this hasn't been Universal's philosophy over the years. They've always treated AP holders and resort guests at a high esteem.
Hopefully, more information will be released in the coming days to clear up the other questions fans have about access, soft openings, and other special events. Yeah...Universal really needs to clarify what's going on for hotel guests, AP holders and the general public. This has turned into one BIG mess. :sad2:
WaltD4Me
03-25-2010, 06:34 PM
Yeah...Universal really needs to clarify what's going on for hotel guests, AP holders and the general public. This has turned into one BIG mess. :sad2:
Have they not had months and months to figure this out? Wasn't this a planned announcement? Why wouldn't you make everything clear so you don't put people off before it even opens??? :confused3
Now, Disney is also known for making announcements and running promotions that are as clear as mud, but HPW is HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE for Universal, you would think they would want to come off looking better than Disney at rolling out something this big. :rolleyes:
LMO429
03-25-2010, 06:45 PM
I am just guessing here but I look at the June 18th date to the equivalent of a show's opening night on broadway. Typically they have previews weeks before and people who buy tickets to watch the performance are paying to see mistakes/errors. So just because Universal stated that it's the "grand opening" on June 18th does not necessarily mean that Harry Potter land will not be open before hand. I would guess that those individuals who bought the "harry potter" package before june 18th will be entitled to some sort of exclusive access to that area of the theme park.
dizneedoll
03-25-2010, 09:30 PM
There is a thread on the Universal boards where folks are discussing the opening day dates dilemma. Apparently if you booked the HP package before June 18, it will be honored. But all the packages as of today have a travel window of June 18-Dec 31, no longer May 28. Hopefully, people who booked travel before June 18 will be able to get in. It's a bit unclear however, if anyone will be able to get in before June 18 if they do not have one of the special packages booked. I think it would be a huge nightmare for Universal if those anyone who booked those packages were denied entry.
Metro West
03-26-2010, 07:05 AM
Have they not had months and months to figure this out? Wasn't this a planned announcement? Why wouldn't you make everything clear so you don't put people off before it even opens??? :confused3
Now, Disney is also known for making announcements and running promotions that are as clear as mud, but HPW is HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE for Universal, you would think they would want to come off looking better than Disney at rolling out something this big. :rolleyes: Yup...I agree.
mom_2a_sept_princess
03-26-2010, 07:09 AM
I saw a TV commercial last night that had the June opening date.
WebmasterPete
03-26-2010, 10:58 AM
Okay, we have 'official' word from Universal on this...
Unless you booked the HP package with arrival between 5/28 and 6/18, your out of luck. Only those with HP packages will be allowed into that area of the park during those dates. It will open to the general public after 6/18.
Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.
Pete
dpuck1998
03-26-2010, 10:59 AM
Okay, we have 'official' word from Universal on this...
Unless you booked the HP package with arrival between 5/28 and 6/18, your out of luck. Only those with HP packages will be allowed into that area of the park during those dates. It will open to the general public after 6/18.
Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.
Pete
WOW, that is a huge break for those people though, they get it all to themselves!!
wishspirit
03-26-2010, 11:08 AM
Okay, we have 'official' word from Universal on this...
Unless you booked the HP package with arrival between 5/28 and 6/18, your out of luck. Only those with HP packages will be allowed into that area of the park during those dates. It will open to the general public after 6/18.
Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.
Pete
Damn, I was just about to change my package!
Nevermind, stick with the old one!
dpuck1998
03-26-2010, 11:16 AM
Okay, we have 'official' word from Universal on this...
Unless you booked the HP package with arrival between 5/28 and 6/18, your out of luck. Only those with HP packages will be allowed into that area of the park during those dates. It will open to the general public after 6/18.
Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.
Pete
Pete,
Is it correct that several off-site hotels are offering this package also? So even those off-site get FOTL access to just the Harry Potter attractions? Are on-site guest going to get access to HP attractions also (more than just once per day)?
WebmasterPete
03-26-2010, 11:31 AM
No, off site hotels DO NOT get the FOTL perk - but yes, if you have the HP package booked, even at an off site hotel, and are arriving between 5/28 and 6/18 you will be given access to WWOHP - but it must be the HP package (breakfast at Three Broomsticks, Commemerative ticket, etc).
Pete
Michele
03-26-2010, 12:53 PM
Have they not had months and months to figure this out? Wasn't this a planned announcement? Why wouldn't you make everything clear so you don't put people off before it even opens??? :confused3
Now, Disney is also known for making announcements and running promotions that are as clear as mud, but HPW is HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE for Universal, you would think they would want to come off looking better than Disney at rolling out something this big. :rolleyes:
More like years....I'm listening to old podcasts now.... it was announced late 2007/early 2008(can't remember exactly). The original opening was supposed to be Spring 2009.
lesterhd
03-26-2010, 01:04 PM
No, off site hotels DO NOT get the FOTL perk - but yes, if you have the HP package booked, even at an off site hotel, and are arriving between 5/28 and 6/18 you will be given access to WWOHP - but it must be the HP package (breakfast at Three Broomsticks, Commemerative ticket, etc).
Pete
I called Universal last night and complained because I booked a package back in January. I will be staying on site and my tickets run through May 29th. I received an email about the Harry Potter package and called Universal in February to inquire. I was told that I did not have to change my package. Since I already had an "on property" packaged deal, that I would be fine.
When I explained this to guest services last night, I was told that as long as I had a packaged that was "On Property" and booked before yesterday that they would honor my ticket and I could get into HP.
I don't think anyone has heard the end of this.
Okay, we have 'official' word from Universal on this...
Unless you booked the HP package with arrival between 5/28 and 6/18, your out of luck. Only those with HP packages will be allowed into that area of the park during those dates. It will open to the general public after 6/18.
Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.
Pete
Thanks Pete! So much for AP holders and resort guests. If they let it stand that way they are making a mistake....There will be quite a few upset guests. Just my opinion.
dpuck1998
03-26-2010, 01:44 PM
No, off site hotels DO NOT get the FOTL perk - but yes, if you have the HP package booked, even at an off site hotel, and are arriving between 5/28 and 6/18 you will be given access to WWOHP - but it must be the HP package (breakfast at Three Broomsticks, Commemerative ticket, etc).
Pete
So the HP Package gets you the early entry into HP land, but not FOTL, am I understanding that correctly? I thought I had heard/read something about only getting FOTL for the Forbidden Journey, but only once per day? Is that still out there for resort guests?
Metro West
03-26-2010, 01:50 PM
So the HP Package gets you the early entry into HP land, but not FOTL, am I understanding that correctly? I thought I had heard/read something about only getting FOTL for the Forbidden Journey, but only once per day? Is that still out there for resort guests? My guess is...you won't be able to ride Forbidden Journey before 6/18 unless it's a soft opening situation and you can't make plans around a soft opening. After 6/18...the Express line MIGHT be open but according the articles I've read, the whole experience of the Forbidden Journey will take an hour from start to finish...so I wouldn't be surprised if Express takes a while to show up.
dpuck1998
03-26-2010, 01:54 PM
My guess is...you won't be able to ride Forbidden Journey before 6/18 unless it's a soft opening situation and you can't make plans around a soft opening. After 6/18...the Express line MIGHT be open but according the articles I've read, the whole experience of the Forbidden Journey will take an hour from start to finish...so I wouldn't be surprised if Express takes a while to show up.
I'm not coming till December, so they should be open by then....right? :thumbsup2
My guess is...you won't be able to ride Forbidden Journey before 6/18 unless it's a soft opening situation and you can't make plans around a soft opening. After 6/18...the Express line MIGHT be open but according the articles I've read, the whole experience of the Forbidden Journey will take an hour from start to finish...so I wouldn't be surprised if Express takes a while to show up.
It may take express a while to show up. When I booked last month for 6/18 - 21 I was told HPaFJ would be 1 express pass per day for resort guests. Who knows when that will go into affect though.
Metro West
03-26-2010, 02:01 PM
It may take express a while to show up. When I booked last month for 6/18 - 21 I was told HPaFJ would be 1 express pass per day for resort guests. Who knows when that will go into affect though. Yeah...I don't look for it to be available anytime in the near future. Besides...the queue is part of the attraction too so why miss it?
mel&me
03-26-2010, 02:03 PM
From what I have read here and other places. I don't see anyway universal is going to make everyone happy. It may end up being a PR nightmare, but people will get over it and fade away. By thanksgiving it will be a thing of the past.
Commando2319
03-26-2010, 02:23 PM
I'm not coming till December, so they should be open by then....right? :thumbsup2
Hmm. With the way Universal is handling this, I wouldn't count my chickens. :rotfl:
wishspirit
03-26-2010, 02:42 PM
I called Universal last night and complained because I booked a package back in January. I will be staying on site and my tickets run through May 29th. I received an email about the Harry Potter package and called Universal in February to inquire. I was told that I did not have to change my package. Since I already had an "on property" packaged deal, that I would be fine.
When I explained this to guest services last night, I was told that as long as I had a packaged that was "On Property" and booked before yesterday that they would honor my ticket and I could get into HP.
I don't think anyone has heard the end of this.
Do you think that this would work for me too, I booked before Harry Potter Package came out too at Royal Pacific? I am going from June 15th to 19th...
safetymom
03-26-2010, 04:56 PM
The information we have been given is that you need to have the Harry Potter package to get into the area.
I wouldn't give up hope just yet but I wouldn't plan on access according to this latest information.
dpuck1998
03-26-2010, 06:31 PM
Yeah...I don't look for it to be available anytime in the near future. Besides...the queue is part of the attraction too so why miss it?
I won't miss it......the first time! After that I'd prefer to fly through the express line.
Hmm. With the way Universal is handling this, I wouldn't count my chickens. :rotfl:
Tru
The information we have been given is that you need to have the Harry Potter package to get into the area.
I wouldn't give up hope just yet but I wouldn't plan on access according to this latest information.
You mean before June 18th right?? After that its open for everyone....correct??
k5jmh
03-26-2010, 06:35 PM
Okay, we have 'official' word from Universal on this...
Unless you booked the HP package with arrival between 5/28 and 6/18, your out of luck. Only those with HP packages will be allowed into that area of the park during those dates. It will open to the general public after 6/18.
Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.
Pete
Well I guess we are stuck going after 6/18 with the 50000 virgins dressed in robes and funny glasses. Sorry Aaron. :rotfl2:
safetymom
03-26-2010, 06:35 PM
Correct. After June 18 everyone can go to the Harry Potter area.
Well I guess we are stuck going after 6/18 with the 50000 virgins dressed in robes and funny glasses. Sorry Aaron. :rotfl2:
:laughing:
We'll have to make do Mike! Look at it this way we might get a glimpse of J.K. Rowling. That's what I call getting the full experience.
Metro West
03-26-2010, 09:00 PM
I know nothing of the Harry Potter books/movies but I'm looking forward to see how many people dress up! :laughing:
Sphyrna
03-27-2010, 09:16 AM
I don't understand what people are so upset about or how this is a BIG mess. Universal said it would open Spring 2010. The June 18 Grand Opening is technically still Spring. And it is just that, a GRAND Opening. That doesn't mean it won't be open sooner. That's the big press day. I wouldn't be surprised to see soft openings in May and it fully open early June. It would be nice if Universal would announce more, but you can't really blame them. There's still so many factors that can cause a delay. If they announced a date and couldn't meet it THAT would be a BIG mess. Hopefully we'll find out more as the big day approaches.
Metro West
03-27-2010, 09:42 AM
I don't understand what people are so upset about or how this is a BIG mess. Universal said it would open Spring 2010. The June 18 Grand Opening is technically still Spring. And it is just that, a GRAND Opening. That doesn't mean it won't be open sooner. That's the big press day. I wouldn't be surprised to see soft openings in May and it fully open early June. It would be nice if Universal would announce more, but you can't really blame them. There's still so many factors that can cause a delay. If they announced a date and couldn't meet it THAT would be a BIG mess. Hopefully we'll find out more as the big day approaches. Exactly...I expect many more announcements between now and the end of May. :thumbsup2
safetymom
03-27-2010, 09:47 AM
The problem has been created by Universal. They issued a statement saying that those not having a Harry Potter package between May 28 and June 18 would not be able to enter the Harry Potter area. Many are planning on vacationing but the HP packages are sold out.
If this is their trip of a lifetime or they are HP fans and they are being told they may be able to enter isn't good enough. We all know that soft openings are no guarantee they will be able to view the area.
The problem has been created by Universal. They issued a statement saying that those not having a Harry Potter package between May 28 and June 18 would not be able to enter the Harry Potter area. Many are planning on vacationing but the HP packages are sold out.
If this is their trip of a lifetime or they are HP fans and they are being told they may be able to enter isn't good enough. We all know that soft openings are no guarantee they will be able to view the area.
This is definately the problem....And I'd add that in the past resort guests and AP holders were held at a higher esteem. With what is being announced with packages it doesn't appear this is Universal's message or philosophy right now.
As Metro said hopefully more positive communication will come out in the near future.
Sphyrna
03-27-2010, 11:55 AM
I can see your point, especially given that the HP packages were originally advertised for May 28. If someone thought the breakfast and commemorative ticket weren't worth the extra money and just booked a regular package I could understand how they could be upset or worried. But I'm confident Universal will do the right thing. Maybe I'm biased since I got to enjoy a soft opening of IOA.
WaltD4Me
03-27-2010, 01:10 PM
I don't understand what people are so upset about or how this is a BIG mess. Universal said it would open Spring 2010. The June 18 Grand Opening is technically still Spring. And it is just that, a GRAND Opening. That doesn't mean it won't be open sooner. That's the big press day. I wouldn't be surprised to see soft openings in May and it fully open early June. It would be nice if Universal would announce more, but you can't really blame them. There's still so many factors that can cause a delay. If they announced a date and couldn't meet it THAT would be a BIG mess. Hopefully we'll find out more as the big day approaches.
The problem is Universal didn't have their story straight for their booking CSR's. So when people called and booked they were told they could get into HPW as resort guests, then the HPW packages became available and those same people called back to re-bok the HPW packages and were told they didn't need the package, so they kept their original reservation and now it seems that won't get them into HPW. (at least that is mostly what I've been reading the big complaint is) And I completely understand, if I had booked, the only reason I would have was for HPW, if I had a resort ressie that I was told would get me into HPW and now I can't change my vacation date and can't get into HPW I would be upset.
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