HP areas/rides - worth the time if not HP fans?

[sarahtar]

I feel like, for example, Star Tours can be enjoyed by even those who are not Star Wars fans because it doesn't rely on fandom or previous extensive knowledge of the SW plotlines. Are the HP rides similar, or does one need to be a HP fan to really get them?

We've got one day to hit both Universal parks, and while I would do the HP stuff if I wasn't going to feel more or less lost, if they're mainly intended to be enjoyed by fanboys/girls, then I'd just as soon spend my time elsewhere.

Thoughts?

(We're planning to hit the Hogwarts Express regardless, because it's a train, and I have a 2 year old. But I've read about various HP characters interacting with the glass or flying past the window... that will be lost on 4/5 of our family.)

 

[macraven]

well, i am not a parry hotter fan.

never read any of the books.
tried to watch the movies but could not get into them.

but, i thoroughly enjoy the potter sections at the darkside.
the theme, exterior shop fronts, etc are amazing.
i had someone "interpret" the voice and what was behind it while in the restroom.........lol
it was carried out very cute.


i have read thru threads that have discussed parry hotter and background info which helped me understand quite a few things in the potter sections in the parks.

even without the background that others have, i was awed by FJ and the shops at IOA.
the story line was easy to follow after doing the ride a few times.

even doing ollivanders show was easy to follow and understand.


have not been to the addition at the studios but will be hitting it this october.

from what i have read on the darkside threads, i am looking forward to this new section at the studios.
it looks delightful and entertaining.

the outside shows at IOA added to the feel of being a great addition to the potter theme.

it is all quite entertaining and i would hope you would enjoy your time for your first venture into potterworld.

the shops that i went into are geared for everything potter.
the candy shop was fun, of course i bought things there but not the jelly beans.

the new section at the studios will probably have a bit more that i can get into.
i'll attempt the flavored ice cream there.
butterbeer ice cream is at the top of my list.

the first sip of butterbeer had me hooked.
so looking forward to that for many of the days i will be there.

 

[RMulieri]

The HP areas are well themed and fun even with NO knowledge of HP( though it will help) .We are all HUGE potter fans here, but I did have neighbors who just got back a few weeks ago that had NO HP knowledge at all and LOVED it and had a great time....I will say though that once my neighbors experienced it, they came home and it prompted them to read the books to see what they were missing.

 

[damo]

It is really no different than enjoying Fantasyland at Disney. The actual storyline isn't important. If you have heard of wizards and witches and dragons and the likes, you will enjoy the Harry Potter lands.

 

[sarahtar]

Alright, thanks for the input! I really appreciate it.

 

[Minerva Mouse]

Sarah, I completely agree with the posters above. I'm not really a HP fan either and really enjoyed the new attractions, they are absolutely amazing.

But if you only have ONE day to experience both parks, I would probably advise staying away from HP. Being that it is so new, and so successful, wait times for these attractions are typically longer than the wait times for anything else in either of the parks. Waiting in HP lines, will significantly impact the use of your time, and leave you with less time to really enjoy other attractions.

I would advise you to decide on 3 attractions at each park that are on the top of your must see/do list. If you still have lots of time after hitting those six attractions, buy all means go experience HP. But I wouldn't let the new success of HP, pull you from something else you may better enjoy.

Just my two cents.

P.S. don't forget that the train physically takes you from one park to the other. So still pick 3 attractions at each park that are must do's. Then utilize the train when you are ready to leave one park and go to the other.

 

[bumbershoot]

if they're mainly intended to be enjoyed by fanboys/girls

Not sure that themeparks bring in the masses of people over time by only catering to "fanboys/girls". Well, except maybe Avatarland at WDW, but then...I've never had a moment of interest in seeing that and cannot imagine going there. Guess it might feel the same as (shock gasp ack!) people who have no interest in HP. (such good books! good stories! a character's name is Molly and she has a red-headed son, just like me!)

Anyway, they are amazing, gorgeous, neat places that, well, might spark some interest, or maybe can just be seen as their own standalone things. And they have tasty food. (I love a coffee and a Rock Cake in the morning, personally, in Hogsmeade, though you have to get the Rock Cake (like a scone) in the candy store and the coffee at the Three Broomsticks)

 

[zebsterama]

I'm not a big Hp fan - have seen the movies - but I was blown away by the immersive experience, theming, and attention to detail of both HP areas.

I especially loved DA at night - thought that added a lot of magic to the experience. Arguably better than anything Disney has to offer currently - that coming from a BIG DW fan.

On a side note - I'm very much looking forward to seeing Avatar land; can Disney match DA? Again, seen the movie, but not an Avatar fan.

 

[rastuso]

Don't buy into the non-hype of the Disnoids who always say stupid stuff like "I just don't like Harry Potter, so I'm sure I won't like the rides and half billion dollars of stuff they have built.". Who cares?! 99% of all WDW visitors have NEVER seen Song of the South, and probably the same for Willow of the Wisp.

However, I've NEVER heard someone ask "I've never seen Song of the South, is Splash Mountain really worth my time?"

Do people really think that Universal puts in rides with such deep references in them that if you haven't seen the movie, the hundreds of millions of dollars they spent on a thrill ride and effects is completely lost on you because of severe befuddlement?

I've never read a Popeye comic strip, or seen the 80's movie, should I just skip the best river rapids ride in the world? I mean, I won't "get" the characters, and the their motivation, which will obviously devoid the thrills from the raft ride element.

I mean, really...

-Jason

 

[bumbershoot]

Jason, go watch Popeye! It's weird....after all, early 80s or late 70s and I think Altman directed it.... but you should watch it!

I think we might have to rewatch tonight (I have it on fabulous laserdisc) and cry over Robin Williams a little bit.