Harry Potter Opening Stampede Changed

[Momw/aplan]

I have the feeling all you lucky preview people are going to have really low crowds this week. The HP preview crowd was noticably lighter today. My mind is still reeling at how many times we literally just walked onto FJ. I think a lot of the people did it once right away, then dispersed to check out everything else. For us, the ride was the priority because we can see the shops etc. any time being local but the ride will surely have insane lines when WWoHP is officially open.

We were also literally the only ones in Ollivanders on our last stop (we'd been in several times pverthe 2 days as I wanted to witness all the different effects). Hubby loves his phoenix-tail core wand that chose him, and I wish I had him on video when he tried to move a book with another wand and a whole stack of books nearly fell on him. That's one of the best effects.

As annoying as it is that Uni is limiting those who booked an early vacation to two hours, the quality of that limited time is amazing. And it's really more, since the 2 hours has so far only applied to the rides, with 1-2 more to shop, hang out, get photos with characters, etc. I just hope everyone with upcoming packages has as great a time as we did.

Thanks Inkkognito. I'm feeling a lot better about it all with the reports coming in today. I hope our trip is as amazing as yours seems to have been. I'm glad you had a great time.

Now I'm crossing my fingers it's not a full-on soft opening for everyone yet still limited hours by the time I'm there.

 

[damo]

Thanks Inkkognito. I'm feeling a lot better about it all with the reports coming in today. I hope our trip is as amazing as yours seems to have been. I'm glad you had a great time.

Now I'm crossing my fingers it's not a full-on soft opening for everyone yet still limited hours by the time I'm there.

I agree. I think that once the GP is let in, it won't be nearly as enjoyable.

 

[inkkognito]

Yes, that is a BIG reason we booked our hotel room this week even tho' we knew the holiday weekend would be busier than the weeks leading up to June 18. I was afraid they'd open it up to the GP for a soft, and if they do it early then the hotel guest preview is worthless. With any luck they'll keep it for hotel guests till noon, even if they keep closing the rides earlier, so there is plenty of time for exploration without a mob scene.

 

[mpaxton8888]

I am also here on property this week and my experience echo's the original poster of this thread. Get there early and head to FJ and you will get on pretty quick. Everything else is walk on. Crowds aren't horrible though the shops are small. The rest of IOA and US is pretty light right now, walk on for many rides.

 

[bevgray]

Hmmm, so the "wand picks the wizard" isn't something everyone can do? They pick one person out of a group?

 

[inkkognito]

Yes, they let in a group at a time (you line up outside) and then one person is chosen from the group. Everyone watches the show and then goes next door where they can buy a wand if they want. They usually pick a kid, but hubby lucked out as it was literally only the two of us in the store late yesterday so he got picked by an elder phoenix tail core wand topped with a skull. See the show a few times if you can because there are many different effects and they vary by show.

 

[bevgray]

Thanks for the quick reply.