Diagon Alley July 8th Grand Opening

[5littleindians]

I called and rebooked our room only ressie at the hard rock to book the harry potter package instead. Based on my call with the reservation line, that is the ONLY way to get into diagon alley over the 4th of july - when we will be there. Hope that is true because it is costing us a fair amount more. Super excited for our trip and just praying we will get access to diagon alley.

 

[eeudj]

Curling in a ball and crying! I have zero luck with picking vacation package dates. Last time (2010) I booked a package that had the last full day as opening day. This time it's our 2 full day. Gerrrrr

Can't change the dates due to time off work, just hoping it's not as crazy as last time. Also that Cabana Bay will only get early entry to Hogsmead and the Deluxe hotels will get early entry to Diagon Alley. I fear if everyone gets early entry to Diagon Alley it will not be a benefit at all.

Hi I just checked my reservation and I was told Cabana Bay does get early entry into both... but does not get express pass??? Where did you hear only Hogsmade?

 

[macraven]

Hi I just checked my reservation and I was told Cabana Bay does get early entry into both... but does not get express pass??? Where did you hear only Hogsmade?

Cbay was never advertised to allow their guest free usage of the express lines.

 

[eeudj]

You guys got nothing on me - We're at Universal July 3-9. Our last full park day is the 8th.

Just praying for Early Admission on the 8th or 9th.

Just got off the phone with Universal to clear up my confusion ...and concern about things...

They advised me that early admission would not be on July 8, 2014 but the 9th is a go... hope that helps

 

[eeudj]

Cbay was never advertised to allow their guest free usage of the express lines.

Yes.. Thanks... Just clarifying the early entry benefit .. according to the information I was given by Universal no express pass (which I knew) but yes on early entry... every day to include the 4 of of July weekend... just not opening day, July 8. works for us love this board for newbies like me it is PRICELESS

 

[lizzytizzy]

Yes.. Thanks... Just clarifying the early entry benefit .. according to the information I was given by Universal no express pass (which I knew) but yes on early entry... every day to include the 4 of of July weekend... just not opening day, July 8. works for us love this board for newbies like me it is PRICELESS

Are you sure? I spoke with Universal also and was told that there will be early entry.

 

[lizzytizzy]

Yes.. Thanks... Just clarifying the early entry benefit .. according to the information I was given by Universal no express pass (which I knew) but yes on early entry... every day to include the 4 of of July weekend... just not opening day, July 8. works for us love this board for newbies like me it is PRICELESS

Are you sure? I spoke with Universal also and was told that there will be early entry.

 

[macraven]

aha.......the plot thickens..........





when you call and ask that question, talk to a supervisor as they would know what the situation would be.

and come back to report before anyone starts crying.

 

[eeudj]

aha.......the plot thickens..........





when you call and ask that question, talk to a supervisor as they would know what the situation would be.

and come back to report before anyone starts crying.

Just got off phone with one... Thanks, here is what they said (after looking up my reservation??) Cbay will have early entry everyday except opening day the 8th. This goes for every hotel... according to the supervisor I spoke with he said as of now they have been been told to inform guests that NO on-site hotel will be allowed early entry that day. Now please note he did stress AS OF NOW..... so i do not know if this really helps. My vacation begins July 23rd... so opening day does not apply to me... I was more concerned with Cbay getting early entry to both Harry Potter sections; however, I thought this MAY help others. But I really think information could change.

 

[lizzytizzy]

Just got off phone with one... Thanks, here is what they said (after looking up my reservation??) Cbay will have early entry everyday except opening day the 8th. This goes for every hotel... according to the supervisor I spoke with he said as of now they have been been told to inform guests that NO on-site hotel will be allowed early entry that day. Now please note he did stress AS OF NOW..... so i do not know if this really helps. My vacation begins July 23rd... so opening day does not apply to me... I was more concerned with Cbay getting early entry to both Harry Potter sections; however, I thought this MAY help others. But I really think information could change.

When you say no early entry, do you mean no early entry to ALL parks or just to DA? Unfortunately, I bought the Harry Potter Vacation Package and I am going in on 7/8. I've called them and asked them and they told me I can get in with early admission. I'm wondering if I can still get early admission to the park.

 

[macraven]

When you say no early entry, do you mean no early entry to ALL parks or just to DA? Unfortunately, I bought the Harry Potter Vacation Package and I am going in on 7/8. I've called them and asked them and they told me I can get in with early admission. I'm wondering if I can still get early admission to the park.

everything i have read was those that booked the special potter package, would be allowed to do the breakfast and the DA touring.
when this was first released to be booked, the opening date was not known.

i don't think they will restrict those package holders from that on one specific date.

what has been reported just today here, might not apply to those already booked with the special package.

just my thoughts.

 

[eeudj]

everything i have read was those that booked the special potter package, would be allowed to do the breakfast and the DA touring.
when this was first released to be booked, the opening date was not known.

i don't think they will restrict those package holders from that on one specific date.

what has been reported just today here, might not apply to those already booked with the special package.

just my thoughts.

I did not book a package so I failed to ask anything having to do with the Harry Potter package... but I assume this is correct.. maybe this is why they as for my reservation number and looked it up prior to answering my questions.

 

[macraven]

I did not book a package so I failed to ask anything having to do with the Harry Potter package... but I assume this is correct.. maybe this is why they as for my reservation number and looked it up prior to answering my questions.

that makes sense.
those that booked the harry potter package receives the breakfast between 8-9:30 am.

it was guaranteed that they would be allowed in early for their breakfast reservation and could tour around DA.
if their reservation is for July 8th, it would still hold.

since you don't have that package, i'm guessing that is why they gave you the reply of no early entry on the 8th.

 

[Selket]

I'm in the boat of wondering IF there will be a soft opening for hotel guests without packages before the grand opening. I'm staying on-site and planned to go to the park on July 1st. I need to find out soon because I think I need to cancel by the 25th or 26th.

I'm guessing we may know the answering to that on Monday or Tuesday? (23-24th)?

We may not go this year if we can't into that area - I have non-expiry tickets that are good through the end of next year so I'll wait and go next summer.

 

[hermionesnape]

I just called and asked a TM and the told me that with the package I will have early access July 6th-10th including on the 8th.

He also told be both parks will be open 1 hour early so the HE will be running.

 

[Bluer101]

I just called and asked a TM and the told me that with the package I will have early access July 6th-10th including on the 8th. He also told be both parks will be open 1 hour early so the HE will be running.

1 hour early for hotel guest too? We know about the packages.

 

[stky6]

We're coming down the third week of August for Disney/Universal trip, think it just turned into a Disney/SeaWorld trip

Maybe Disney will be slower now when we're there

 

[hermionesnape]

1 hour early for hotel guest too? We know about the packages.

I was told on the phone that the 29th of June - the 8th of July (opening day) ONLY package guest get early entry to Diagon Alley. Starting the 9th of July onsite hotel guest and package guest will be allowed early entry to both parks.

I spoke to two different TMs and one TM manager on two different cells and got the exact same information.

On both calls I had to give my reservation number before they would answer any questions. I assume it was to verify I had a package.

 

[dragn0422]

Wow! This is horrible news! Why would they not have DA open before July 4th? We are booked at Cabana Bay from July 2nd to 5th. DA was really the only reason we decided to do this trip. Back in early May, we were trying to figure out something to do with the kids over the 4th, sense I had a few days off. A commercial for DA came on the TV and the wife and I looked at each other and knew that would be perfect. I would have put serious money on it being opened before the 4th of July. It is also the only reason I paid for 4, 3 day park hopper passes. So I could ride Hogwarts Express. I am really disappointed!

 

[hermionesnape]

Wow! This is horrible news! Why would they not have DA open before July 4th? We are booked at Cabana Bay from July 2nd to 5th. DA was really the only reason we decided to do this trip. Back in early June, we were trying to figure out something to do with the kids over the 4th, sense I had a few days off. A commercial for DA came on the TV and the wife and I looked at each other and knew that would be perfect. I would have put serious money on it being opened before the 4th of July. It is also the only reason I paid for 4, 3 day park hopper passes. So I could ride Hogwarts Express. I am really disappointed!

You still might be able to get in. Soft openings can still happen during your visit at random times through out the day you just won't have early entry according to the TMs I spoke with.

You could see if they have any vacation packages left for the time you are going. They offer them for onsite and offsite hotels. There is a four night min so you would have to add an extra night.