The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[scasta86]

Check out www.leakynews.com for more information about the ride....
Simply put...
THIS.IS.GONNA.BE.AMAZING!!!:c ool1:

[Dawnee]

It's up on the Universal HP website - "Grand Opening - June 18th"

[WebmasterPete]

My speculation on this is as good as anyone elses, but here's my take.

They are definitely going to have to have WWOHP open by May 28th in regular operation (not soft opening). They're selling packages starting on that date, and as people have mentioned here, there will be torch wielding villagers at the gates if its not. It would be a PR disaster of epic proportions and they're just not that irresponsible as to sell packages when they're unsure of the dates.

This years International Travel Association POW WOW is taking place in Orlando from May 15th to 19th. The industries BIGGEST players are all going to be in Orlando for it and if anyone thinks that Universal will blow the chance to show this off to that group, they're crazy. They will have to soft open well in advance of that date to ensure that everything is working, all the kinks are worked out and that the entire area is up and ready to go. The last thing they want is to be embarrassed in front of the biggest travel trade group in the world.

Then again, this is Universal we're talking about and god love 'em they could screw up a two car funeral. But I must admit that they've managed the hype and media attention around this masterfully. So, my gut feeling is that they're on top of things with this, and have a solid plan to roll it out. That's what I'm praying for.

It's not unusual for things to be officially open before a grand opening is done. The grand opening is a media event - that's it. Having it up and running for a few weeks before time will help generate the buzz necessary to draw the media attention they need.

So, my guess is that we're going to see a soft opening VERY soon - maybe even days away. I could be wrong, but I have this feeling that they will soft open tomorrow with the official announcement. Again, I have no concrete info to back this up, just a gut feeling. We'll all find out soon enough.

Can't wait for noon!!!

Pete

[SomeoneAwesome]

mugglenet.com/erichpfjreview
Ah-MAZING

[MadeToLove]

Holy Moley!!!

If you guys are up and haven't seen these links yet, head here first this morning:

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/20...ogwarts-emerge

http://mugglenet.com/app/news/show/3359

I'm giddy with joy.

[MadeToLove]

Double posting because there is some very important info here: http://www.mugglenet.com/erichpfjreview.shtml

First, the release date. It was confirmed to us that the grand opening for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios will take place on June 18, 2010. This information was made available to fan sites first and will be announced at some point later today (March 25th). Interestingly, the Universal Orlando Resort has been offering vacation packages beginning May 28th, 2010 which offer admission to the park and breakfast in The Three Broomsticks. Two separate sources at Universal confirm that this vacation package, which is still available from Universal Orlando's web-site and will continue to be available, is legitimate and will be honored. Those who opt to buy the vacation package and travel on May 28th will get what they've paid for. This means, technically, if you choose the package you will be among the first to visit and see the park.
Also confirmed by a Universal representative, the notion of a "soft open" or a preliminary period of the park being open to the public before the grand opening of June 18th is sound, but no specific dates are known at this time. So there will be opportunities for guests to access the park prior to the grand opening week, particularly by way of purchasing this "early access" vacation package mentioned above.

I've highlighted those things because so many people have been asking about soft openings and whether those who bought packages that begin before the 18th will still get in. I know there is still confusion here. But I hope that helps answer some questions.


Edited to add: I'm sitting here reading through this particular insider report and I'm shaking!!!!! They designed the lines for you to linger in them and soak it all it. If you chicken out before the ride, there is a whole other hall of portraits where the founders argue with each other. I'm going for four days and it's going to take me that long just to see everything in this one ride. All this talk about WWoHP not being a "theme park".... Heck, the one ride itself is a full day's adventure. I LOVE IT!!!!

[Dollyrar]

Wow, I've just read the full press release on Orlando United, and the estimated attraction length of the Forbidden Journey (including the queue) is 1 hour!!

Not sure if that's a good or bad thing depending on repeat rides?

[Metro West]

Originally Posted by MadeToLove

Edited to add: I'm sitting here reading through this particular insider report and I'm shaking!!!!! They designed the lines for you to linger in them and soak it all it. If you chicken out before the ride, there is a whole other hall of portraits where the founders argue with each other. I'm going for four days and it's going to take me that long just to see everything in this one ride. All this talk about WWoHP not being a "theme park".... Heck, the one ride itself is a full day's adventure. I LOVE IT!!!!

[amacspad]

Sorry if this has been asked already, having a mad morning trying to book my florida trip right now!!!!! If you are there before the Grand Opening can you still get in or is it just for people who have booked special packages? My head is in bits with prices, school time, work hols etc!!

[Pikester]

My local news had the Grand Opening Date running on the ticker at the bottom of the screen under National News.

[Rags]

Originally Posted by amacspad

Sorry if this has been asked already, having a mad morning trying to book my florida trip right now!!!!! If you are there before the Grand Opening can you still get in or is it just for people who have booked special packages? My head is in bits with prices, school time, work hols etc!!

I would like opinions on this also. I booked my Memorial day trip in Jan before the HP package was offered. My documents from Universal does state early entry for IOA but now I am nervous. TIA to all who respond!

[JackandSally79]

Originally Posted by Rags

I would like opinions on this also. I booked my Memorial day trip in Jan before the HP package was offered. My documents from Universal does state early entry for IOA but now I am nervous. TIA to all who respond!

Update from Mugglenet

Universal has updated its Vacation Package page, which no longer allows purchasing the Potter vacation package as early as May 28th. The earliest available now is June 18th (the Grand Opening). If you purchased a Wizarding World vacation package, and it begins earlier than June 18th, your package will still be honored. Call Universal for more details.

[Metro West]

Originally Posted by amacspad

Sorry if this has been asked already, having a mad morning trying to book my florida trip right now!!!!! If you are there before the Grand Opening can you still get in or is it just for people who have booked special packages? My head is in bits with prices, school time, work hols etc!!

My guess is...you will be able to walk around the new land and maybe ride the coasters but I doubt the Forbidden Journey will be open before 6/18. I would think Universal is saving that for the Grand Opening but who really knows? Maybe they will announce more details closer to the opening date.

[Rags]

Originally Posted by JackandSally79

Update from Mugglenet

Thank you for the quick response!!!!! I am so fortunate that we can go to Universal once a year so if I have to wait until next Memorial day that will be fine! It might be less crowded!

Thanks to the Dis I bought 3 years worth of the $99 ticket before they were removed! THANKS DISERS!!!

[amacspad]

I really hope we can get to just have a look around, the only date we can finally come up with is the 14th, May for 14 nights, fingers crossed!!