Back from Potterland

[MrShiny]

We went a couple of times to t WWOHP during our recent trip.

Definitely best to go in the afternon/evening. We walked into the land and the ride wait was about 60 minutes.

We also went in the morning. We arrived and valet parked about 9. My wife and oldest waited for a pass at the front of IOA (only one had to wait per party) that let them in at 10:50. I waited in the line in Jurassic Park with my youngest (the big HP fan) and got in about 10:30.

In the morning, definitely do Owl Post/Dervish & Bangs - no line at all.

Good time to get a wand too, as the line is on the other side to see the Olivanders show.

Yes, I get and appreciate the attention to detail, BUT some of it just smacks of cost cutting. There is no reaon for the stores to be so small - Zonko's in the films was more like a department store!

And the themeing has nothing to do with the awful exit of the ride. The had a worker posted there all day to tell people that there picture would not appear on the screens at the ride exit and to move to the left (even though the picture would appear there!). For those that haven't been, once you exit the ride (whichI hope to fit on someday!), you enter a shop with a set of LCD screens above and a shelf unit perpendictular to your path below. The shop itself is very small, and with folks existing hte ride, shopping, loking at the decorations in the shop, going to the lockers at the left and entering the shop from the outside, it's the perfect storm!

I just really wonder how the ADA let this be built - I can't imagine navigating the shops with a wheelchair (or even a stroller - although some surely tried!).

It is beautiful, but like those really cool shoes that tear up your ankles! Beauty at the cost of practicallity.

On the 100+ heat index days we were there, my favorite place was HogsHead. Just go around the back of 3 Broomsticks and right in. I claimed the vent across from the bar as mine. There was a lovely bench right under it (the only exclusive seating in HogsHead). So if you visit, cool off with a frozen Butterbeer on the bench under my vent!

I don't see a lot of space for them to fix things properly, which is a shame. It is definitely worth hte visit, especially if you can fit on the ride. My daughters could, but only one did and only after a GREAT worker walked her on. She came off shaken but OK. I am trying to convince her she'll like it a lot more if she opens her eyes next time!

It should be really neat at the holidays, especially if they are cold again. I would be surprised if they don't have some spectacular Christmas decorations planned.

I just wonder when it does calm down and when most have been through the ride and the shops, how much repeat wil there be? The rest of the park hasn't changed much (since opening! what, added a few miunor rides and took away the triceratops encounter). I really hope they build on the success (and that Disney copies it with Beastly Kingdom finally!)

I can't wait to get back, but really had there been no crowds I might not be so eager as I would have done most I wanted to (unless of course I'm still to big to ride, darn it!)

 

[Lou Holtz]

It should be calming down over the next week or so as far as crowds. I think this week is the end of the summer season.

 

[damo]

If you look at an overhead map of the area, you'll see that there is no room for the shops to be any bigger. The lagoon is on one side (Three Broomsticks backs right up to it and its kitchen and delivery area are immediately behind Honeydukes and Zonkos) and the Dragon Challenge is on the other side. Once the crowds settle, it will be fine. Spiderman empties out into a smaller store than Filch's. I think they will probably reorganize the photo area and it will be fine.

 

[fairyprincess88]

I guess Im weird in the fact that I loved the smallness of the stores, and that it was actual in size to the stores in the books. Zonkos was never featured in the movies, but is described as being a small joke shop in the books, as all the stores are old shops in a tiny village. The joke shop featured in the 6th film is WWW which is Fred and George Weasly's store and yes that one was huge as it is described in the books as being huge and eleborate. I do understand why people hate the size though, as it is hard to navigate and the lines to get into them are less than fun. But I guess for me, I love how authentic they look and feel. Can't wait to go back and really look through all the shelves and spend more money.

 

[Purseval]

We loved looking at the store windows and the details on the outside. The few times we went inside all we saw was some overpriced junky souvenirs and lots of people so we'd just head right back out again. I'd like to go back when it isn't so crowded so I can see if there are any cool details inside the stores.

 

[donaldduck352]

We loved looking at the store windows and the details on the outside. The few times we went inside all we saw was some overpriced junky souvenirs and lots of people so we'd just head right back out again. I'd like to go back when it isn't so crowded so I can see if there are any cool details inside the stores.

I've been holding out for a slower time of year myself.DW has already been twice.Middle of summer,heat index of 105 and shoulder to shoulder crowds is not my Idea of fun.
Then again i'm describing HHN at the sametime!!!

 

[MrShiny]

The joke shop featured in the 6th film is WWW which is Fred and George Weasly's store and yes that one was huge as it is described in the books as being huge and elaborate.

I do stand corrected - but perhaps that would have been a much better choice for the area!

Looking at google maps, it does look like there is room behind the facade across from the train and a few other spots. They could have expanded further into Lost Continent with little trouble too.

The point is they decided to go small, and smaller than the books. Olivanders, Dervish and Bangs and Owl Post should be separate instead of squished together to save space and staff. The Owlery provides much needed shade and at least one open spot.

While mostly well themed, Dragon Challenge's queue kind of runs out of steam at the end.

I still think it could be themed equally well without so many compromises. Olivanders would have been better if it were multiple show rooms (like seeing Mickey in Toon Town).

I do think its great, but when it comes down to it, it's three rides (all three of which are exclusive of many people who would otherwise enjoy Harry Potter themed rides), two very small show areas, a restaurant and 3 shop areas. If there were no crowds, you could probably do the whole area in about 90 minutes. Not to say the rest of IOA isn't good, but it's just about the same as when it opened, so if you've done it, you've done it.

I hope the cash infusion is used to expand and build out (you know they could even reclaim part of the lagoon if they really wanted).

It's a great addition, but alone it seems like it would wear out.

 

[damo]

The area behind the facade across from the trains is the area where trucks come in and out to deliver supplies to Three Broomsticks. There is already another buildling being built in that area (not sure what it is for).

Here is a clearer picture. There is no room for any size increase that would make a difference. I think the answer lies in adding more merchandise carts, which they have been applying for and doing. I also think that taking the cash registers out of the Owl Post would help.

I would not be the least bit surprised to see them expand into Lost Continent in the future.

 

[Coach81]

Thanks for the info.. we'll be there next summer..

 

[aubriee]

It should be calming down over the next week or so as far as crowds. I think this week is the end of the summer season.

I sure hope you are right! I'll be there in about two weeks (August 29th-Sept 4th) and am hoping the crowds will be gone by then. I know the schools here start next week.

 

[Deb in IA]

I guess Im weird in the fact that I loved the smallness of the stores, and that it was actual in size to the stores in the books. Zonkos was never featured in the movies, but is described as being a small joke shop in the books, as all the stores are old shops in a tiny village. The joke shop featured in the 6th film is WWW which is Fred and George Weasly's store and yes that one was huge as it is described in the books as being huge and eleborate. I do understand why people hate the size though, as it is hard to navigate and the lines to get into them are less than fun. But I guess for me, I love how authentic they look and feel. Can't wait to go back and really look through all the shelves and spend more money.

JK Rowling signed off on all design aspects of WWOHP, so I think she must have wanted to the small size of the stores, to make it feel more like quaint old English shops, not humongous theme park merchandise marts.

 

[damo]

JK Rowling signed off on all design aspects of WWOHP, so I think she must have wanted to the small size of the stores, to make it feel more like quaint old English shops, not humongous theme park merchandise marts.

I agree. No Super Dervish and Banges.

In comparison to the rest of the stores at Universal/IOA, it is right on track. It is just that the crowds are so high right now. There are large souvenir stores at the front of the parks for anyone who really wants that.

 

[Nero the dog]

JK Rowling signed off on all design aspects of WWOHP, so I think she must have wanted to the small size of the stores, to make it feel more like quaint old English shops, not humongous theme park merchandise marts.

Yes, but JK will only have been interested in what it looks like. She will have had no idea about the logisics of catering for thousand's of people a day in a small area.
I bet she didn't have crowds around her when she visited the park.

 

[mesaboy2]

Yes, but JK will only have been interested in what it looks like. She will have had no idea about the logisics of catering for thousand's of people a day in a small area.
I bet she didn't have crowds around her when she visited the park.

I bet you just quoted several Universal execs right there.

 

[princesslexis'mom]

will be there in 11 days(not that were counting),great pictures,will there be anything my 4yr old can do? hate to go off subject but that dog is adorable,what breed?/

The area behind the facade across from the trains is the area where trucks come in and out to deliver supplies to Three Broomsticks. There is already another buildling being built in that area (not sure what it is for).

Here is a clearer picture. There is no room for any size increase that would make a difference. I think the answer lies in adding more merchandise carts, which they have been applying for and doing. I also think that taking the cash registers out of the Owl Post would help.

I would not be the least bit surprised to see them expand into Lost Continent in the future.

 

[damo]

will be there in 11 days(not that were counting),great pictures,will there be anything my 4yr old can do? hate to go off subject but that dog is adorable,what breed?/

There are lots of things for little kids at IOA. Everything in Suess Landing will be good, Flying Hippogriff at Wizarding World, Pteranadon Flyers in the Jurassic Park area as well as the playarea. The Bilge Barges and the play area there, Storm Force Acceletron, the Jurassic Discovery Centre and The Sinbad Show. She may not care about the Superhero Parade but who knows.

Oh, and my doggies are American Cocker Spaniels.

 

[jnjusoioa]

Thank you for sharing, I also bet that it will be neat at the Holidays, it was so cool how they always celebrated Christmas in the movies, so I will be anxious to see photos of it at Christmas time. Do you have photos of any your merchandise, what does the Birthday wand look like? Is it anything special? Also do they have zippered hoodies for sale? The Creature shirt too, do they have a good stock of those, I saw one on ebay and loved it but would rather buy one in person. Won't be there till March.

 

[princesslexis'mom]

There are lots of things for little kids at IOA. Everything in Suess Landing will be good, Flying Hippogriff at Wizarding World, Pteranadon Flyers in the Jurassic Park area as well as the playarea. The Bilge Barges and the play area there, Storm Force Acceletron, the Jurassic Discovery Centre and The Sinbad Show. She may not care about the Superhero Parade but who knows.

Oh, and my doggies are American Cocker Spaniels.

thanks for the info , I think she's tall enough for the hippogriff and pteranodon flyers,either way we are super excited,it's her first visit to us/ioa. I had a cocker many years ago,best and smartest breed I know.

 

[Tammyepolytinkfan]

JK Rowling signed off on all design aspects of WWOHP, so I think she must have wanted to the small size of the stores, to make it feel more like quaint old English shops, not humongous theme park merchandise marts.

You have to know that the old English part of IOA was there already and they saved money by just redoing the outsides of the shops area etc. The only new construction was the castle. The Flight of the hippogrif was already there it was a unicorn roller coaster in previous years, the Dragon challange roller coaster was already there it was the dueling dragons they just slapped on triwizard flags to make it Harry Potter themed. The 3 broomsticks was always there it was a wizard themed oldworld style counter service restaurant before even had Merlin around back then they just slapped on the 3 broom sticks and only changed a couple of small details inside to go with the Harry Potter theme. Even the food was the same except for the new Frozen butter beer and pumpkin juice. They only had the small shops in previous years with beer stines for sale and old english and wizard items.
SO the execs at US saved money of cosmetic fixes to the old part of that area and put all the money into the castle. They should put more new things at US too most things have not changed in 20 years. I think they made big mistake taking out Back to the future and putting in Simpsons it was aweful. They need to keep popular classic rides and add newer themed items.

That old England area was already small but they should have expanded to make bigger shops etc. It will always be crowded in a small area like that.

 

[damo]

You have to know that the old English part of IOA was there already and they saved money by just redoing the outsides of the shops area etc. The only new construction was the castle. The Flight of the hippogrif was already there it was a unicorn roller coaster in previous years, the Dragon challange roller coaster was already there it was the dueling dragons they just slapped on triwizard flags to make it Harry Potter themed. The 3 broomsticks was always there it was a wizard themed oldworld style counter service restaurant before even had Merlin around back then they just slapped on the 3 broom sticks and only changed a couple of small details inside to go with the Harry Potter theme. Even the food was the same except for the new Frozen butter beer and pumpkin juice. They only had the small shops in previous years with beer stines for sale and old english and wizard items.
SO the execs at US saved money of cosmetic fixes to the old part of that area and put all the money into the castle. They should put more new things at US too most things have not changed in 20 years. I think they made big mistake taking out Back to the future and putting in Simpsons it was aweful. They need to keep popular classic rides and add newer themed items.

That old England area was already small but they should have expanded to make bigger shops etc. It will always be crowded in a small area like that.

The only things that were left from before were the kitchen from Three Broomsticks and the bathrooms. It was mostly new construction.