IMO HP is way overated

[Rip]

And transitioning from the fat wank, I kind of agree with the OP. I mean in reality they built one ride, did a little re-themeing in an area that was originally double the size it now is and what we are left with is a bunch of people raving about cream soda and overpriced chocolates they waited an hour to get. I understand people's excitement, and it looks as though Universal did a great job, but it's nothing new and i still don't get the hype.

Obviously you haven't been there. They didn't "do a little re-theming to an area that was originally twice as big", they actually added space that was previously unused, and to call what they did "a little re-theming" is, quite honestly, beyond absurd.

 

[SeeJackRunn]

either way, i still cant get over them leaving dueling dragons exactly the same and just changing the name. obviously harry potter fans are excited about this and i won't rain on their parade, but the area is what it is. one new ride and a few shops to sell merchandise.

 

[Purseval]

Look what one new ride with no retheming (TSM) did for DHS. Do you get the hype on that?

 

[SeeJackRunn]

Look what one new ride with no retheming (TSM) did for DHS. Do you get the hype on that?

Nope, I don't get the hype for that at all.

they're both overrated.

 

[TaylorsDad]

And transitioning from the fat wank, I kind of agree with the OP. I mean in reality they built one ride, did a little re-themeing in an area that was originally double the size it now is and what we are left with is a bunch of people raving about cream soda and overpriced chocolates they waited an hour to get. I understand people's excitement, and it looks as though Universal did a great job, but it's nothing new and i still don't get the hype.

I still dont understand the need for people who have never visited the WWOHP to criticize the area. But if you havent even been its little wonder you dont get the hype.If someone visited and was disappointed at least I can respect their opinion, but anyone who has paid any attention to the "hype" obviously knows Universal did more than a little retheming. And whats wrong with raving about "cream soda"? Is that different than all the "raving" people do at MK over ice cream in pineapple juice commonly referred to as a dole float?

 

[SeeJackRunn]

why is this a disney vs. universal thing? i enjoy both places, for different reasons. islands of adventures is one of my favorite parks, i just think the hype for harry potter is getting out of hand for what it actually is. i will be visiting it in October and am REALLY looking forward to the new ride. But other than that, I don't see much to look forward to. Now Halloween Horror Nights is a whole different story. I love Universal, been numerous times and even bought an AP, but I just cant get excited about Harry Potter.

 

[damo]

why is this a disney vs. universal thing? i enjoy both places, for different reasons. islands of adventures is one of my favorite parks, i just think the hype for harry potter is getting out of hand for what it actually is. i will be visiting it in October and am REALLY looking forward to the new ride. But other than that, I don't see much to look forward to. Now Halloween Horror Nights is a whole different story. I love Universal, been numerous times and even bought an AP, but I just cant get excited about Harry Potter.

Awww. Getting excited about a trip is half the fun! Hype is wonderful and this hype is well placed. There is more to a theme park than rides.

 

[SeeJackRunn]

well i guess i'll find out in october!

 

[TaylorsDad]

I love both places as well and just cant understand how sometimes people have a tendency to feel only their favorite is a great park. Its just there has been so much WWOHP hating by people who havent been there yet that does cause one to get defensive. Then again, I havent been to WWOHP yet either so any praise I would give it would be premature as well. I have just decided to try and go with an open mind. However with all the youtube videos I have seen I am already impressed and even if the FJ ride ends up being a disappointment I cannot help but feel I will love the place. I will agree though that as much as I am looking forward to WWOHP, the anticipation for it is as nothing compared to how much I am looking forward to my first HHN.

 

[Mtnman44]

Just curious: Those of you that can't fit on the rides, how do you fit on the airplanes that get most of us to Orlando? It's a serious question as I can't imagine the ride seats being smaller than airline seats.

 

[brenda1966]

I love what you wrote Fairyprincess! Such a great description on how we can see the magic in something. I have read all the books, but they are too advanced for my DD. I want her to appreciate the details when we go this fall. I read her book 1 ages ago. Which book do you think would be best to read to her to prep her? She's seen a few of the movies.

I'm always sadened when people are disappointed in something. I wonder if they just build it up too much in their minds, expect too much. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you don't find joy, amazement, wonder, or fun in it, then may be best to stay home! LOL!

 

[fairyprincess88]

I love what you wrote Fairyprincess! Such a great description on how we can see the magic in something. I have read all the books, but they are too advanced for my DD. I want her to appreciate the details when we go this fall. I read her book 1 ages ago. Which book do you think would be best to read to her to prep her? She's seen a few of the movies.

I'm always sadened when people are disappointed in something. I wonder if they just build it up too much in their minds, expect too much. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you don't find joy, amazement, wonder, or fun in it, then may be best to stay home! LOL!

I would read her book 3 Prisoner of Azkaban as that is the book that introduces Hogsmeade. In that book is where they talk about Honeydukes, Zonkos, ect.

 

[Purseval]

Just curious: Those of you that can't fit on the rides, how do you fit on the airplanes that get most of us to Orlando? It's a serious question as I can't imagine the ride seats being smaller than airline seats.

If you are too big to fit in an airplane seat you can always buy the one next to it or sit on an aisle seat and put the armrest up so you stick out into the aisle. You don't have either one of those options on FJ.

 

[I<3stitch626]

Was just there about a month ago and I personally loved it, even tho everyone has their own opinion on wat they like and dislike. I can def see where you are coming from with the small shops and waiting in lines just to look around. not fun. but the small shops, like people have said add to the feeling of the park. i've only ever seen the movies too but i think actually bringing even part of the harry potter world to life is SO cool and interesting. I only wish i had more time to look at all the details put into it. there is probably so much to see that gets over looked when you're trying to squeeze thru the mass of people everywhere. but over time, i'm sure it will become a natural part of the park that won't have so many people at one time.

also, have to add, forbidden journey may have to be the coolest ride i've personally ever seen.

 

[CRSTEPHE]

I would read her book 3 Prisoner of Azkaban as that is the book that introduces Hogsmeade. In that book is where they talk about Honeydukes, Zonkos, ect.

Brenda,
Have you considered listening to the Book on CD? I've read all of the books and I love them but I too thought they were a bit advanced for my younger son. So, I visited my local public library and checked out the first book "on CD". My entire family (including my husband) was enthralled! The gentleman who reads is mesmerizing! We finally worked our way through the entire series-generally listening whenever we were in the car. We listened to the last book during our 9 hour drive to Disney last year.

 

[TaylorsDad]

Brenda,
Have you considered listening to the Book on CD? I've read all of the books and I love them but I too thought they were a bit advanced for my younger son. So, I visited my local public library and checked out the first book "on CD". My entire family (including my husband) was enthralled! The gentleman who reads is mesmerizing! We finally worked our way through the entire series-generally listening whenever we were in the car. We listened to the last book during our 9 hour drive to Disney last year.

That is exactly how I "read" book 3, by listening on CD.I agree Jim Dale(?) does an Amazing job on the one I have listened to. Listening to him was actually what convinced me to read the rest of the series.

 

[brenda1966]

Thanks! Great idea to listen on CD. Will have to check the library. We have a couple of long drives coming up (3 hours), so that may work.

 

[ChrisFL]

Just curious: Those of you that can't fit on the rides, how do you fit on the airplanes that get most of us to Orlando? It's a serious question as I can't imagine the ride seats being smaller than airline seats.

I don't think seat width at the hips is a problem (like airline seats would be) but the problem is chest area and how tall people are, some people are too tall to ride, not just too wide.

 

[JenM]

That is exactly how I "read" book 3, by listening on CD.I agree Jim Dale(?) does an Amazing job on the one I have listened to. Listening to him was actually what convinced me to read the rest of the series.

One of my friends got into them through the audio books too. She listened to them on a long car trip and said when she heard a certain spoiler in Book 3 she was so shocked she nearly drove off the road!

Jim Dale did a live reading at the midnight release party for Deathly Hallows at a Barnes & Noble in NY. I wasn't there, but I watched it online - he was great! He read one of the Quidditch chapters from the first book, and split half the room into Gryffindors and Slytherins and had everyone cheering for each team. It was so cool! He also brought kids up to read Mrs. Weasley's Howler letter to Ron.

 

[phamton]

I don't understand the disappointment either. The queue for Forbidden Journey is an experience in itself. I have never seen such an amazing queue anywhere. My favorite queue used to be Indiana Jones at Disneyland but this is far better than Indiana Jones.