Forbidden Journey closed Dec 1-18

[lulutoronto]

I can't change my vacation plans. When you plan on going to Orlando just to see Harry Potter it is a big deal not being able to see hogwarts castle, at least to do the walk through, not the ride. Obviously they had this planned probably all year, as I have read they have been talking about this since May. So it is very disappointing. They should have posted this as soon as they knew. I booked my trip 2 weeks before they posted it.

 

[damo]

I have read that there were some problems with leaks in the roof that have damaged some sets and thus the short notice on the closure.

 

[hdnwaters]

I know first hand how disappointing this is for those that have trips when FJ is down. Nov '14 was our first trip to WDW in many years and we were so excited to ride Expedition Everest. It went down for the day right when we got there, I think it was shut down for like 8 hours. There was just not a way for us to go back to ride it. I think with all the moving parts on the FJ seats, it can shut down frequently. You just never know.

 

[TommyJK]

I feel for those who will be there at that time and miss it. I know if it were me I'd be fairly upset too as it's my favourite ride in the park.

I remember how disappointed we were a few years back when we went to Magic Kingdom and Splash Mountain was in refurb mode (it's our favourite ride at MK).

 

[cnids00]

We booked this trip Jan 6 this year, going Dec 11-16. Just found out today about refurb on Forbidden Journey. We did go last year and DH could not get test chair outside to latch so he couldn't ride it. Now 45 pounds lighter and determined to get on the ride, it is a no go this time around. Deciding now between cancel for $200 or just go and make the best of it.

 

[Mom3girls]

I would go and have a blast!! There is soooo much to do and see at IOA/US and at the resorts. I love the HP sections but would NEVER cancel over one ride

 

[bchbetha]

Rides break down all the time. Day 1 last year we rode Gringotts first thing in the AM. Good thing bc it broke down and didn't reopen till the evening- with a gigantic line. Had we only had one park day, we might have missed it. (FYI- don't wait to ride must rides at any amusement park, just in case!)

 

[pcstang]

Just asked a few different TM's, ride is down tomorrow but they all said the castle tour is scheduled to still be open.

 

[damo]

Just asked a few different TM's, ride is down tomorrow but they all said the castle tour is scheduled to still be open.

Great news!

 

[lulutoronto]

I had contacted Universal 3 days ago and they said as of then the tour won't be open, Has anyone else spoken to anyone at universal with different info?

 

[mya1k9]

How do you get a Hogwarts letter??

 

[lulutoronto]

Just asked a few different TM's, ride is down tomorrow but they all said the castle tour is scheduled to still be open.

Hey pcstang, sorry silly question what is TM? Other threads?

 

[Mom3girls]

Hey pcstang, sorry silly question what is TM? Other threads?

Team member

 

[damo]

How do you get a Hogwarts letter??

You have to make your own, or find one on the interwebs somewhere.

 

[Disxuni]

I'm sure they've done little things to it over time. Last time I rode it I noticed there was more lighting in certain areas to highlight the threat of the spiders (for example). There were other little details here and there. The ride itself broke down, which hasn't done while I've been on it since the ride has opened. Other than that, it looked like it was in great order. So, perhaps it's what you said @damo about it being the roof.

 

[pcstang]

Castle tour is open

 

[Karen2711]

Yep - we got to walk through the castle today which took a bit of the sting out of FJ being closed.

 

[Obscurus]

What are the odds of a long closure like this happening again in 2017 or 2018? We're hoping to go in November or December...

 

[TommyJK]

What are the odds of a long closure like this happening again in 2017 or 2018? We're hoping to go in November or December...

I'd wager it would be a very low chance of a shut down in the next 2 years. This was the first refurb the ride had ever been on since opening so I'd guess we're probably good for another few years.

But who knows for sure....

 

[Obscurus]

Fingers crossed, eh? I mean, my God... I've never been, and I'm a huge HP fan. If I planned a vacation and got this news, I think I might die of a broken heart.

And I'm BARELY exaggerating. LOL!