HP event

[macraven]

not sure if anyone posted this yet.

this event could make late january very busy in the parks/hotels.


https://www.universalorlando.com/la...source=A000008822.000000693&IndivKey=12092244

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

It says Vacation package starting at $395 and includes all this? Am I reading this right?

Partner hotel $395 and on-site hotel $675

So 395 or 675 is for all 3 nights, and all of the below? Wow, seems like a pretty good deal - except of course that it will probably be packed, right?

VACATION PACKAGES INCLUDE:
•3-night hotel accommodations
•3-day park-to-park ticket^ to both theme parks per day
•Entry to a Private Evening Event held in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, (includes one free Butterbeer™ and light desserts) (Saturday)
•Reserved area for the Harry Potter™ Film Tribute (Friday)
•Reserved area for the Q&A sessions (Saturday & Sunday)
•Reserved area for a wand masterclass with Paul Harris
•Early Park Admission◊ to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - one hour before the park opens
•Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks™ - one per person
•CityWalk Party Pass

thanks
-mary

 

[snoopboop]

This pricing structure is similar to that of the 2011 event. Yes, it includes everything listed! (I'm sure they bank on most of these HP fans spending a ton of money on merchandise, LOL!)

I'm sure it will be quite crowded, but to reference the 2011 event again, it wasn't unbearable. We went to the Wizarding World during early entry, then spend mid-day elsewhere in the parks, and returned again at the end of the day... We avoided the largest crowds and had an amazing time!

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

This pricing structure is similar to that of the 2011 event. Yes, it includes everything listed! (I'm sure they bank on most of these HP fans spending a ton of money on merchandise, LOL!)

I'm sure it will be quite crowded, but to reference the 2011 event again, it wasn't unbearable. We went to the Wizarding World during early entry, then spend mid-day elsewhere in the parks, and returned again at the end of the day... We avoided the largest crowds and had an amazing time!

WOW!! Sounds like a blast. thanks for the info!

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

Wait (sorry) how is it priced out for additional family members?

 

[td4298]

We are planning to hit Universal (both parks) on Friday, 1/24. We picked that day during our trip hoping for less crowds. Will this event have a major impact on the crowd levels that day? Since we're trying to do both parks in a day, we were kind of banking on low crowds. Should we pick a different day to avoid the Harry Potter event (we'll be in Orlando1/22-1/28)?

 

[hpriamson]

Why do I get the feeling that the "cast members" at the Q&A will be "Goblin at desk" and "Muggle on bridge", and possibly even "Unnamed Wizard at Hogwarts Feast" ? If they had any name characters, even just Dudley, they'd have listed them.

 

[macraven]

Wait (sorry) how is it priced out for additional family members?

it states that is the price per adult.

do read the small box that gives the details.



small box lists:





†Rate is per adult, tax inclusive and based on double adult occupancy for a 3 night stay at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort standard room. Subject to availability, room type, hotel, and travel dates selected. Rate valid for bookings now – 1/23/14 and travel 1/20/14 – 1/29/14. Additional onsite hotels, rates and travel dates available.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm sure they bank on most of these HP fans spending a ton of money on merchandise, LOL!

Oh definitely. Have you ever just sat on a bench and watched all the dollars go by in merchandise bags? It's astonishing how GOOD their design/marketing people are. We aren't huge souvenir people, but we buy a relative ton at Wizarding World compared to anywhere else.


Gah, I'm annoyed. We will be renewing APs next month, and therefore getting a package makes no sense*, but I want the reserved seating and butterbeer event and all that. Harumph!

We were already planning on being there during that time (and well before). So much for the possibility of an AP rate, LOL! Just made my hotel-only reservation just to have it. We'll see what happens when the packages are available to book.

*can tickets purchased with packages be saved for the future?

 

[snoopboop]

Why do I get the feeling that the "cast members" at the Q&A will be "Goblin at desk" and "Muggle on bridge", and possibly even "Unnamed Wizard at Hogwarts Feast" ? If they had any name characters, even just Dudley, they'd have listed them.

Not necessarily. In 2011, they didn't list the actors until waaaay after they'd opened up ticket sales. Dan and Emma were not there, but Rupert was, along with LOTS of others.... Mark Williams, James & Oliver Phelps, Evanna Lynch, Warwick Davis, Jessie Cave, Katie Leung, Devon Murray, Domhnall Gleeson, George Harris, and I'm sure there are several more that I'm not remembering off the top of my head. It was truly magical!

 

[macraven]

my point in posting this was to make others aware that the time period of this parry hotter event, might make large crowds in the parks/hotels for Jan 24-6.


you need to break down the total costs to see if this package is worth it for you.
if you are a potter fan, i am sure it is, no matter what the cost will be.



for a non potter fan, think you can do better.

$675 for 3 nights per person. (onsite)
promo based on double occupancy.

$1350 + taxes.

you end up paying about $500 a night then.
if you don't need park tickets, and you are not interested in the HP sessions, you can do better not going with this package.

 

[macraven]

We were already planning on being there during that time (and well before). So much for the possibility of an AP rate, LOL! Just made my hotel-only reservation just to have it. We'll see what happens when the packages are available to book.

*can tickets purchased with packages be saved for the future?

it states 8/22 is when a person can book this package.


i don't know for sure but would think you can save the tickets.
all darkside multi day park tickets are non expiring until the first day of usage.

tickets aren't tied into the hotel cards so i would assume they are issued separately when you check into the hotel.

 

[snoopboop]

tickets aren't tied into the hotel cards so i would assume they are issued separately when you check into the hotel.

For the 2011 event, we were issued the 14-day park-to-park tickets. We activated them upon entry to the parks on the first day. I would imagine that, if you had tickets or an AP already, you could save those tickets. I'll do a bit more research, though, to see if I can find anything that indicates that those 14-day tickets were tied specifically to the event (i.e. if there was some stipulation that they HAD to be activated during that time frame).

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

I just got this email too! So, do you think all the new stuff will be done in time for the event then? We don't get there till May... So my hope is at least some things will be done a few months before we get there!

 

[macraven]

I just got this email too! So, do you think all the new stuff will be done in time for the event then? We don't get there till May... So my hope is at least some things will be done a few months before we get there!

if you mean the newest ride, i don't think so.



that is due to open next summer.

 

[mcgregml]

if you mean the newest ride, i don't think so.



that is due to open next summer.

Was the opening date of next summer confirmed? The link indicates "From interactive experiences to a private evening reception and more, this exciting event will be three days of unforgettable fun for all ages, set against the backdrop of two amazing theme parks." Kind of makes it seems like at least some of the area at the Studios will be open then.

 

[macraven]

Was the opening date of next summer confirmed? The link indicates "From interactive experiences to a private evening reception and more, this exciting event will be three days of unforgettable fun for all ages, set against the backdrop of two amazing theme parks." Kind of makes it seems like at least some of the area at the Studios will be open then.

i don't have the answer but anything is possible.


UO has stated "next summer"

if the ride is finished before then, i'm sure it will be posted on different websites.

 

[damo]

The waterfront for Diagon Alley will be completed by then but I doubt anyone will be allowed through to the actual new section. You'll just be able to observe the building facades.

 

[snoopboop]

Was the opening date of next summer confirmed? The link indicates "From interactive experiences to a private evening reception and more, this exciting event will be three days of unforgettable fun for all ages, set against the backdrop of two amazing theme parks." Kind of makes it seems like at least some of the area at the Studios will be open then.

Nah, that's just one of their standard marketing phrases.

I actually think this is a way for them to get a bunch of people in the parks BEFORE the expansion opens - people who might otherwise be out of the loop regarding the construction - in hopes that those people are going to want to come back again when the expansion finally opens!

 

[macraven]