sharona
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2008
- Messages
- 3,422
Just came back from 2 nights/3 days at HRH. We only did EE one day. The crowds were low, IMO, and we never saw a wait time over 30 minutes at Gringotts in the mornings. On Sunday 11/9 we got to the gates just at 8 and walked straight over to Diagon Alley. Did not notice the posted wait time. The line was out the door but that was mostly people getting lockers. Once we got that done (I stepped out of line and stowed our stuff and just caught up to them at the entrance), the real line started inside about 100 ft before the entrance to the main bank room with the chandeliers. The line always moved and we were through the preshow rooms and onto the actual ride vehicles in just about 30 minutes. Barely enough time in the main room to look around. The other 2 mornings we arrived after 830 and the line was a bit further back but still did not look too bad. We opted to do the single rider line for those days as we had already seen the interior of the bank and elevator. Single rider had no wait at all and we were on within seconds of reaching the loading area. Even had 2 of us in one car and 2 in another (all in different rows). The one time we were in that area of the park in the later afternoon (on Veteran's Day), the posted wait time was only 30 minutes but we opted for single rider and had no wait.
As to the ride breaking down, I think it may be more guest loading issues than anything else. On the 11th, about noon, I was in the lead car back row. Just after loading and moving forward, we stopped right at the part where the track turns. There was someone in the car immediately behind us that asked to get out at the last minute. I could hear most of the conversation - the ride personnel were telling the family that it would take longer to get them off of the ride than it would to get through the ride. I could not tell who in their group wanted out but they did have a pretty young child with them... The discussion took too long and the ride had to be stopped although I think they did eventually all stay aboard and ride!
My DD and friend were a few cars ahead and they were mid ride when it stopped. They said when the ride restarted one whole section of the ride was a blank screen for them. At the end they were offered an immediate re-ride which they did. Our car had not actually begun yet so our ride was unaffected other than the sitting and waiting while the other guest debated riding or getting off.
All in all, we had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the parks. Perfect touring weather with clouds overhead and cool but hardly any rain to speak of. Spiderman is still my favorite ride followed by the Mummy. Love the castle part of Hogwart's but not crazy about the FJ ride itself due to my motion sickness. The Gringotts ride was really impressively done, the 3D is incredible but I wish they wouldn't keep stopping the ride (the on purpose stops, not the break down ones). It kind of felt like stalling to make the ride longer... Hogwart's Express was fun, especially the ride from platform 9 3/4. Definitely hang around Diagon Alley at night to see the dragon do his thing. Much more impressive in the dark.
Speaking of dark - what is the point of keeping the park open until 8pm after it gets dark if there are no lights on to see where you're going? We were heading out of the park about 730 and it was almost impossible to see. Not well lit at all. Kind of got the impression they wanted everyone to just go home!
For those thinking of going over Veteran's Day weekend next year, I think our trip could easily have been managed without express pass. Many of the rides had 10 minute posted waits throughout the day (including Minions). The max posted wait time we saw was 60 minutes. If we go again in November, we may have to forgo the HRH and stay at CB to save some money! Although I am sure that we WILL stay at HRH again soon since it was wonderful cool friendly easy fun.
As to the ride breaking down, I think it may be more guest loading issues than anything else. On the 11th, about noon, I was in the lead car back row. Just after loading and moving forward, we stopped right at the part where the track turns. There was someone in the car immediately behind us that asked to get out at the last minute. I could hear most of the conversation - the ride personnel were telling the family that it would take longer to get them off of the ride than it would to get through the ride. I could not tell who in their group wanted out but they did have a pretty young child with them... The discussion took too long and the ride had to be stopped although I think they did eventually all stay aboard and ride!
My DD and friend were a few cars ahead and they were mid ride when it stopped. They said when the ride restarted one whole section of the ride was a blank screen for them. At the end they were offered an immediate re-ride which they did. Our car had not actually begun yet so our ride was unaffected other than the sitting and waiting while the other guest debated riding or getting off.
All in all, we had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the parks. Perfect touring weather with clouds overhead and cool but hardly any rain to speak of. Spiderman is still my favorite ride followed by the Mummy. Love the castle part of Hogwart's but not crazy about the FJ ride itself due to my motion sickness. The Gringotts ride was really impressively done, the 3D is incredible but I wish they wouldn't keep stopping the ride (the on purpose stops, not the break down ones). It kind of felt like stalling to make the ride longer... Hogwart's Express was fun, especially the ride from platform 9 3/4. Definitely hang around Diagon Alley at night to see the dragon do his thing. Much more impressive in the dark.
Speaking of dark - what is the point of keeping the park open until 8pm after it gets dark if there are no lights on to see where you're going? We were heading out of the park about 730 and it was almost impossible to see. Not well lit at all. Kind of got the impression they wanted everyone to just go home!
For those thinking of going over Veteran's Day weekend next year, I think our trip could easily have been managed without express pass. Many of the rides had 10 minute posted waits throughout the day (including Minions). The max posted wait time we saw was 60 minutes. If we go again in November, we may have to forgo the HRH and stay at CB to save some money! Although I am sure that we WILL stay at HRH again soon since it was wonderful cool friendly easy fun.
