Harry Potter - Hogwarts Express

[*NikkiBell*]

I just listened to the discussion of the Harry Potter expansion on today's show. Because I am not a Universal fan, the only time I have visited the area was during DAP a few years back. I loved it because I'm a fan of the books and J.K. Rowling, but it was not something I wound venture off property for more than once. When I was there, I distinctly remember seeing the Hogwarts Express train. Does anyone know what the plan is for that, if it is even still there? I'm assuming it will be removed?? Just curious.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I thought there was a rumor going around that the train was going to run between both parks in the HP sections. I read so many blogs that I don't remember where I read that anymore.

Maybe they'll keep the current display train just as a display? Or maybe it's the actual working part of a train and they'll use it in the train going between the parks.
That would be cool.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I thought there was a rumor going around that the train was going to run between both parks in the HP sections. I read so many blogs that I don't remember where I read that anymore.

Maybe they'll keep the current display train just as a display? Or maybe it's the actual working part of a train and they'll use it in the train going between the parks.
That would be cool.

If I heard correctly, that is basically what they said on the show. The train I'm talking about is a display prop, but it says the Hogwarts Express on it. There's only one HE, so wouldn't it have to go when this addition comes into play?

 

[Taytortots]

They've actually officially announced that with the expansion for WWOHP, the hogwarts express will be traveling between the two areas of the park (Diagon alley and Hogsmead) This is because one section (the current one) will be in Islands of Adventure, and the expansion will be in Universal. Of course, this is probably for money.
The one on display right now is just a prop as far as I know. It will almost positively either be moved or taken away from the park entirely, now that they will have a functioning Hogwarts express.

 

[o0quirkygirl0o]

I'm a bit sad that I scheduled our trip for this year. I really want to go once the new HP expansion opens up. Well, better start working on the fiance now. By next year he'll be all buttered up for a second trip.

 

[Teleclashter]

If I heard correctly, that is basically what they said on the show. The train I'm talking about is a display prop, but it says the Hogwarts Express on it. There's only one HE, so wouldn't it have to go when this addition comes into play?

Not necessarily...the Hogwarts Express is parked outside of Hogsmeade, because that is where it is dropping "students" off in this version of the Wizarding World. The train can still be sitting where it is, because when you are about to board the "train" you're not going to be able to see the one out front. When you get to the new expansion there could very well be another Hogwarts Express train parked by the entrance.

Think Disney characters for this one. We know their are multiple Mickey's on property, but no one will ever admit to it. And if you're eating at a character meal and a parade is about to come by, if a character is in the parade that is at the restaurant you know it is going into the back until its over.

Makes sense, Nikki?

 

[Teleclashter]

They've actually officially announced that with the expansion for WWOHP, the hogwarts express will be traveling between the two areas of the park (Diagon alley and Hogsmead) This is because one section (the current one) will be in Islands of Adventure, and the expansion will be in Universal. Of course, this is probably for money.
The one on display right now is just a prop as far as I know. It will almost positively either be moved or taken away from the park entirely, now that they will have a functioning Hogwarts express.

The one that is on display right now is technically a prop, but its about on par with saying that Hogwarts is a prop castle. The train is extremely expensive, as it is an exactly replica of the Hogwarts Express, made by the same train building company that built the replica Polar Express for Sea World.

I would even argue that it is the second best photo opportunity and iconic piece of the Wizarding World after the castle and if it is removed and put anywhere other than in the new "train station" then guests will have huge issues with this.

 

[Cyrano]

The one that is on display right now is technically a prop, but its about on par with saying that Hogwarts is a prop castle. The train is extremely expensive, as it is an exactly replica of the Hogwarts Express, made by the same train building company that built the replica Polar Express for Sea World.

I would even argue that it is the second best photo opportunity and iconic piece of the Wizarding World after the castle and if it is removed and put anywhere other than in the new "train station" then guests will have huge issues with this.

We had a fantastic conductor on our last visit who really got in character at the Hogwarts Express.

I have not read any of the HP books and have watched a few of the films. I am not a big fan but have a major HP fan in my daughter.
The WWoHP is a great themed area and definitely has attracted us to go back to USF and IOA for 5 days again for this year's summer trip

 

[Taytortots]

The one that is on display right now is technically a prop, but its about on par with saying that Hogwarts is a prop castle. The train is extremely expensive, as it is an exactly replica of the Hogwarts Express, made by the same train building company that built the replica Polar Express for Sea World.

I would even argue that it is the second best photo opportunity and iconic piece of the Wizarding World after the castle and if it is removed and put anywhere other than in the new "train station" then guests will have huge issues with this.

I definitely wasn't undermining the importance of it. When I went I loved that it was there. I meant it was a prop compared to the train that will be fully operational.