Harry Potter Opening confusion

[lesterhd]

No, off site hotels DO NOT get the FOTL perk - but yes, if you have the HP package booked, even at an off site hotel, and are arriving between 5/28 and 6/18 you will be given access to WWOHP - but it must be the HP package (breakfast at Three Broomsticks, Commemerative ticket, etc).

Pete

I called Universal last night and complained because I booked a package back in January. I will be staying on site and my tickets run through May 29th. I received an email about the Harry Potter package and called Universal in February to inquire. I was told that I did not have to change my package. Since I already had an "on property" packaged deal, that I would be fine.

When I explained this to guest services last night, I was told that as long as I had a packaged that was "On Property" and booked before yesterday that they would honor my ticket and I could get into HP.

I don't think anyone has heard the end of this.

 

[ADP]

Okay, we have 'official' word from Universal on this...

Unless you booked the HP package with arrival between 5/28 and 6/18, your out of luck. Only those with HP packages will be allowed into that area of the park during those dates. It will open to the general public after 6/18.

Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.

Pete

Thanks Pete! So much for AP holders and resort guests. If they let it stand that way they are making a mistake....There will be quite a few upset guests. Just my opinion.

 

[dpuck1998]

No, off site hotels DO NOT get the FOTL perk - but yes, if you have the HP package booked, even at an off site hotel, and are arriving between 5/28 and 6/18 you will be given access to WWOHP - but it must be the HP package (breakfast at Three Broomsticks, Commemerative ticket, etc).

Pete

So the HP Package gets you the early entry into HP land, but not FOTL, am I understanding that correctly? I thought I had heard/read something about only getting FOTL for the Forbidden Journey, but only once per day? Is that still out there for resort guests?

 

[Metro West]

So the HP Package gets you the early entry into HP land, but not FOTL, am I understanding that correctly? I thought I had heard/read something about only getting FOTL for the Forbidden Journey, but only once per day? Is that still out there for resort guests?

My guess is...you won't be able to ride Forbidden Journey before 6/18 unless it's a soft opening situation and you can't make plans around a soft opening. After 6/18...the Express line MIGHT be open but according the articles I've read, the whole experience of the Forbidden Journey will take an hour from start to finish...so I wouldn't be surprised if Express takes a while to show up.

 

[dpuck1998]

My guess is...you won't be able to ride Forbidden Journey before 6/18 unless it's a soft opening situation and you can't make plans around a soft opening. After 6/18...the Express line MIGHT be open but according the articles I've read, the whole experience of the Forbidden Journey will take an hour from start to finish...so I wouldn't be surprised if Express takes a while to show up.

I'm not coming till December, so they should be open by then....right?

 

[ADP]

My guess is...you won't be able to ride Forbidden Journey before 6/18 unless it's a soft opening situation and you can't make plans around a soft opening. After 6/18...the Express line MIGHT be open but according the articles I've read, the whole experience of the Forbidden Journey will take an hour from start to finish...so I wouldn't be surprised if Express takes a while to show up.

It may take express a while to show up. When I booked last month for 6/18 - 21 I was told HPaFJ would be 1 express pass per day for resort guests. Who knows when that will go into affect though.

 

[Metro West]

It may take express a while to show up. When I booked last month for 6/18 - 21 I was told HPaFJ would be 1 express pass per day for resort guests. Who knows when that will go into affect though.

Yeah...I don't look for it to be available anytime in the near future. Besides...the queue is part of the attraction too so why miss it?

 

[mel&me]

From what I have read here and other places. I don't see anyway universal is going to make everyone happy. It may end up being a PR nightmare, but people will get over it and fade away. By thanksgiving it will be a thing of the past.

 

[Commando2319]

I'm not coming till December, so they should be open by then....right?

Hmm. With the way Universal is handling this, I wouldn't count my chickens.

 

[wishspirit]

I called Universal last night and complained because I booked a package back in January. I will be staying on site and my tickets run through May 29th. I received an email about the Harry Potter package and called Universal in February to inquire. I was told that I did not have to change my package. Since I already had an "on property" packaged deal, that I would be fine.

When I explained this to guest services last night, I was told that as long as I had a packaged that was "On Property" and booked before yesterday that they would honor my ticket and I could get into HP.

I don't think anyone has heard the end of this.

Do you think that this would work for me too, I booked before Harry Potter Package came out too at Royal Pacific? I am going from June 15th to 19th...

 

[safetymom]

The information we have been given is that you need to have the Harry Potter package to get into the area.

I wouldn't give up hope just yet but I wouldn't plan on access according to this latest information.

 

[dpuck1998]

Yeah...I don't look for it to be available anytime in the near future. Besides...the queue is part of the attraction too so why miss it?

I won't miss it......the first time! After that I'd prefer to fly through the express line.

Hmm. With the way Universal is handling this, I wouldn't count my chickens.

Tru

The information we have been given is that you need to have the Harry Potter package to get into the area.

I wouldn't give up hope just yet but I wouldn't plan on access according to this latest information.

You mean before June 18th right?? After that its open for everyone....correct??

 

[k5jm]

Okay, we have 'official' word from Universal on this...

Unless you booked the HP package with arrival between 5/28 and 6/18, your out of luck. Only those with HP packages will be allowed into that area of the park during those dates. It will open to the general public after 6/18.

Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.

Pete

Well I guess we are stuck going after 6/18 with the 50000 virgins dressed in robes and funny glasses. Sorry Aaron.

 

[safetymom]

Correct. After June 18 everyone can go to the Harry Potter area.

 

[ADP]

Well I guess we are stuck going after 6/18 with the 50000 virgins dressed in robes and funny glasses. Sorry Aaron.

We'll have to make do Mike! Look at it this way we might get a glimpse of J.K. Rowling. That's what I call getting the full experience.

 

[Metro West]

I know nothing of the Harry Potter books/movies but I'm looking forward to see how many people dress up!

 

[Sphyrna]

I don't understand what people are so upset about or how this is a BIG mess. Universal said it would open Spring 2010. The June 18 Grand Opening is technically still Spring. And it is just that, a GRAND Opening. That doesn't mean it won't be open sooner. That's the big press day. I wouldn't be surprised to see soft openings in May and it fully open early June. It would be nice if Universal would announce more, but you can't really blame them. There's still so many factors that can cause a delay. If they announced a date and couldn't meet it THAT would be a BIG mess. Hopefully we'll find out more as the big day approaches.

 

[Metro West]

I don't understand what people are so upset about or how this is a BIG mess. Universal said it would open Spring 2010. The June 18 Grand Opening is technically still Spring. And it is just that, a GRAND Opening. That doesn't mean it won't be open sooner. That's the big press day. I wouldn't be surprised to see soft openings in May and it fully open early June. It would be nice if Universal would announce more, but you can't really blame them. There's still so many factors that can cause a delay. If they announced a date and couldn't meet it THAT would be a BIG mess. Hopefully we'll find out more as the big day approaches.

Exactly...I expect many more announcements between now and the end of May.

 

[safetymom]

The problem has been created by Universal. They issued a statement saying that those not having a Harry Potter package between May 28 and June 18 would not be able to enter the Harry Potter area. Many are planning on vacationing but the HP packages are sold out.

If this is their trip of a lifetime or they are HP fans and they are being told they may be able to enter isn't good enough. We all know that soft openings are no guarantee they will be able to view the area.

 

[ADP]

The problem has been created by Universal. They issued a statement saying that those not having a Harry Potter package between May 28 and June 18 would not be able to enter the Harry Potter area. Many are planning on vacationing but the HP packages are sold out.

If this is their trip of a lifetime or they are HP fans and they are being told they may be able to enter isn't good enough. We all know that soft openings are no guarantee they will be able to view the area.

This is definately the problem....And I'd add that in the past resort guests and AP holders were held at a higher esteem. With what is being announced with packages it doesn't appear this is Universal's message or philosophy right now.

As Metro said hopefully more positive communication will come out in the near future.