Harry Potter Grand Opening...

[luke]

...Will apparently be June 18th

soft openings are likely to about mid April tho, and it will be open for the Harry Potter Packages from May 18th.

I love how 'grand openings' come well after things have already been opened

 

[Tinks1984]

So, to get in before the 'Grand Opening', you'll have had to book one of Universal's packages? Darn it, I was hoping they'd have some soft opening's in May too in hope we might get to have a nosey around!

 

[luke]

It's thought there'll be soft openings before the Packages kick in in late May, to iron out all the kinks

 

[UKDEB]

Disappointingly, still no news about when it will actually open to the public.

From Universal's Press Release:

GRAND OPENING OF THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT SET FOR JUNE 18

Universal Orlando Also Unveils Details for the Highly Anticipated New Attraction:
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 25, 2010) – One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort – is set for a public grand opening on June 18.
Today, Universal Orlando Resort also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience.
And as they live their adventure, guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects – and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter’s world.
The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.

The Adventure
Imagine…
…meeting Harry, Ron and Hermione as if they were in person
…soaring over Hogwarts castle with Harry
…being swept into a Quidditch match
…feeling the chilling effect of a Dementor
…exploring your favorite places inside Hogwarts castle
…living adventures you’ve only been able to imagine – until now.

HARRY POTTER AND THE FORBIDDEN JOURNEY
The Story
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws you into the excitement and chaos of Harry’s life. As you venture through Hogwarts castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
“Guests will experience firsthand a completely new adventure featuring the iconic characters, amazing creatures and recognizable locations they’ve only read in the books or seen in the films,” said Thierry Coup, creative director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Location
The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience starts as soon as you walk through the gates of Hogwarts. Within the towering Hogwarts castle, you explore a truly magical place. You journey through iconic locations taken from the films and take in the extraordinary detail of each scene. They include:

• Dumbledore’s office: Here, you meet the Headmaster as he welcomes you to Hogwarts
• Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom: Where you first meet Harry, Ron and Hermione
• Gryffindor common room: You meet three additional characters who prepare you for your journey
• Room of Requirement: Here, with hundreds of floating candles above, you take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey
• Other locations: In addition, guests will pass through the Dungeon passageway and hallways of Hogwarts where they will have the chance to see hundreds of wizard portraits from the films, including several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four founders of Hogwarts. Guests will even get a glimpse of the Sorting Hat.

The Innovation
This is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It’s a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking – specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.
“We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience.”
The attraction’s newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. This fusion of robotic technology and filmed scenes has never been achieved until now. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series—and the future of theme park entertainment.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Quick Facts

• Storyline: As you venture through Hogwarts, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice you travel by Floo powder, and begin your adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
• First-ever combination of advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking
• Award-winning composer John Williams oversaw the creation of the attraction’s score
• The queue includes the following Harry Potter book and film elements: Headmaster Dumbledore’s office, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor common room, Room of Requirement, and the greenhouse; talking portraits including the Fat Lady and the never-before-seen four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw; the Sorting Hat, the One-Eyed Witch statue and the Mirror of Erised
• Duration of ride: The full attraction experience, including the queue, takes about an hour
• Number of scenes in the attraction: 12
• Characters (featuring Harry Potter film talent): Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy
• You may also catch a glimpse of Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom

For the latest news about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

Universal Orlando Resort
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation – but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. It is a completely separate destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. You can be courageous, be outrageous – and be extraordinary.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 68 languages with more than 400 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $5.4 billion at the box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.

# # #

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.

 

[luke]

I know you're a moderator and that but could you not have just added it to my thread? I wanted something I started to be a long one

 

[DISWolves]

More updates on Harry Potter opening.........

virtual tour

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trav...opening-and-dark-ride-20100324,0,205532.story
http://www.wftv.com/news/22949706/detail.html
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/attractions/universal/032510-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter

 

[fizz13]

Was just coming over to see if someone else had put the date up , what's interesting is that if you have bought a harry potter universal package, which starts may 18th, you will be able to ride forbidden journey before everyone else gets to, hence the perk of having one of their packages! A very nice touch I think

 

[fizz13]

Apologies, I meant to write may 28th

 

[wayneg]

I know you're a moderator and that but could you not have just added it to my thread? I wanted something I started to be a long one

Nigel started another so I have merged all 3 threads, hope I don't get told off by Deb now for moving her thread

 

[Figaro's paws]

Hey all, I am a bit confused by all of this!

We are going May 12th - 26th, booked through Disney UK, does that mean we will not be able to go?! I am gutted if so!

 

[DISWolves]

I wanted something I started to be a long one

Look like an argument gonna win if for you !!!

 

[jen_uk]

Wow that sounds amazing, really looking forward to it

 

[suzybear6]

Ohhhh I so want to try out this ride now.

I'm not a fan of roller coasters to put it mildly....I've only to look at one and I turn to a quivering heap of jelly in a puddle on the ground. So to have a new attraction that isn't just a "go fast and turn you upside down to scare the pants of you" type of ride is so refreshing

I'm guessing the queues are still going to be mega long when we get there in October...but I'm going to queue as long as it takes for this one I think!

Luv Suzy

 

[fizz13]

Wow does deb get a prize for longest post ever? Lol. Not that I'm complaining, nice to have it laid out x

 

[UKDEB]

I know you're a moderator and that but could you not have just added it to my thread? I wanted something I started to be a long one

Oops! Sorry, Luke - I had a quick scan to see if anyone else had posted, but obviously missed your post in my haste.

Nigel started another so I have merged all 3 threads, hope I don't get told off by Deb now for moving her thread

Now, where's that "tut tut" smiley when you need it?

 

[DISWolves]

Oops! Sorry, Luke - I had a quick scan to see if anyone else had posted, but obviously missed your post in my haste.
Now, where's that "tut tut" smiley when you need it?

It's all about excitement!.....we just want to get there

 

[Bella226]

Is this ride a roller coasre or what?

 

[~Piglet~]

I love how 'grand openings' come well after things have already been opened

like the big wheel in Liverpool, they were talking about the official opening today on the radio and its been open for months! (although it has moved location).

How does the soft opening work? if we are at Universal in May will they let us in to WWoHP?, I don't mind being a guinea pig

 

[wayneg]

How does the soft opening work? if we are at Universal in May will they let us in to WWoHP?, I don't mind being a guinea pig

Last year we were there for soft opening of Rip Ride Rocket, Stood in line for 20-30 mins then they closed it before we got on, yes you are a guinea pig.

 

[heatherbelle]

This looks like it's going to be fantastic, glad we are going for 2 days. I think most of our park time at Universal will be spent in harry potter land.