HP expansion at IoA end?

[KatieCharlotte]

From what I've read, Hogsmead Station is currently being built in IoA and the whole expansion will open sometime between March and August, depending on the current rumor. There are also some shops in WWoHP at IoA that would actually belong on the other end of the Hogwarts express, right? Are there any rumors about what sort of construction the IoA WWoHP will be undergoing in spring 2014?

We'd like to go to IoA for one day in early April 2014, when we're in the area. I promised my 9-year-old HP fanatic that she'll finally get to see WWoHP. She's been waiting two years because, on our last trip to Florida, she was too petite for FJ and thought a visit would just be frustrating. But a one-day visit to one park, plus an early entry hotel, is over $700 for the family. I don't want to make the investment, only to see WWoHP when it's half-closed and full of scaffolding. We won't make a decision for awhile, but I want to prepare DD. We're planning to come back in 2015 to see the full expansion when the crazy crowds have died down and we have time for a longer visit.

Rumors? Speculation? Assumptions? Advice?

 

[damo]

The only change at IOA is the new station being built. I haven't heard anything about shops being changed or anything being done to the actual Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The station isn't in the Hogsmeade area so it won't impact your visit. Even if you go right now, you don't really see the station being built because it is outside the Wizarding World over beside the Sinbad show in Lost Continent.

 

[RMulieri]

AFAIK they aren't doing anything to IOA WWoHP.Hogsmeade station is not going to be directly in Hogsmeade like damo pointed out.All the new stores and the ride are at the studios, the train itself will travel between the 2 parks in the BACKSTAGE area ( employee-only areas) and though the construction is pretty visible ( it is hard to hide something of this magnitude) it doesnt take away or destroy anything at the current WWoHP..BUT on second thought, as we get closer to opening, they may very well close off the current Hogwarts express train that is on display.I haven't heard what they are doing to that if anything..No way to know for sure what may or may not be going on in Spring.

 

[Jason71]

There was a rumor that the original Olivanders would close once the new, larger store opens in Diagon Alley, to make way for a tea shop (the one where Harry went on a date). Haven't heard anything solid on that in a while tho, I suspect the powers that be are waiting to see how well wand sales hold up next Summer before doing anything drastic. I can all but guarantee it will still be open in April.

 

[damo]

There was a rumor that the original Olivanders would close once the new, larger store opens in Diagon Alley, to make way for a tea shop (the one where Harry went on a date). Haven't heard anything solid on that in a while tho, I suspect the powers that be are waiting to see how well wand sales hold up next Summer before doing anything drastic. I can all but guarantee it will still be open in April.

There is going to be a larger Olivanders in Diagon Alley but I haven't heard that the one in WWoHP is going to close. I think they'll probably keep it there for people who are only doing the one park.

 

[hydrotony]

I heard a rumor that Ollivander's in IOA will be slightly renamed to be a 'branch' store of the London one. So there will probably be a multi-room Ollivander's in Diagon Alley and the same one-room store in Hogsmead. No word on the photo op train in Hogsmead but that seems likely to be removed sometime or relocated to the new train station area.

 

[Planogirl]

I wonder if they'll remove the train engine and building that is in Hogsmead once the new station is built?

 

[damo]

I wonder if they'll remove the train engine and building that is in Hogsmead once the new station is built?

From what I have heard, no. It is supposed to create the illusion that it is the engine of the train you will be boarding.

 

[truck1]

I was talking to a friend of mine that works for the Orlando Fire Dept. They did a walk though of the new area the other day. I would not expect to see any pictures of anything. Apparently from what the FD was told at least 3 people have lost there jobs over taking pictures of the additions. Apparently there is a lot of equipment and ride vehicles already here. The trains apparently are here and half the train is supposed to be for passengers (Im thinking if you cut the car in half lengthwise) and the back part is supposed to be unfinished. The way it sounds, is that you wont have a direct view outside the train, but the "windows" will be more like tv screens playing scenes from something.

 

[Planogirl]

From what I have heard, no. It is supposed to create the illusion that it is the engine of the train you will be boarding.

I need to look at google earth. I'm having trouble figuring out the logistics for this.

I was talking to a friend of mine that works for the Orlando Fire Dept. They did a walk though of the new area the other day. I would not expect to see any pictures of anything. Apparently from what the FD was told at least 3 people have lost there jobs over taking pictures of the additions. Apparently there is a lot of equipment and ride vehicles already here. The trains apparently are here and half the train is supposed to be for passengers (Im thinking if you cut the car in half lengthwise) and the back part is supposed to be unfinished. The way it sounds, is that you wont have a direct view outside the train, but the "windows" will be more like tv screens playing scenes from something.

That sounds like it could be amazing.