June18th---Opening Day for WWoHP...Need some light shed...

[sportzboy698]

June 18th is our last day down in Orlando. We need to head home from the parks at around 5 but want to plan on riding FJ that day in case we cant get into a soft opening during the week. Do you think its safe to assume that we can get onto the ride and out of the park by 5 if we are there at rope drop?

 

[MadeToLove]

Here's my thoughts on the 18th.

Since NBC/Universal parent company owns both Univ. Studios and the Today Show, it's a safe bet that the Today Show will be covering the GO live that morning, rught up until they go off the air, (which is some areas is 11am Eastern Time). So count on them roping off large sections of WWoHP to guests all morning.

My bet would be, if they are honoring the Breakfast ressies at Three Broomsticks, that parts of Hogsmeade would be accessible.

Now if I was the PR person in charge, I'd set the ribbon cutting ceremony up right in front of Hogwarts Castle, the iconic symbol, known to HP fans worldwide. I'd have the frog choir and dancing Beauxbatons girls right there in their area performing for the cameras. I'd have the media lined up from the JP bridge to DC's exit area. I'd have the actors and VIPs in front of the winged hog statues and that cool rock formation leading into FotH and at Hagrid's Hut. Then after all the speeches are made, the balloons released and JKR cutting the ribbon, I'd let all the VIPs into Hogwarts for their first rides of FJ.

And then, around one, when the media and VIPs are done, I'd drop the ropes at the end of Hogsmeade and let the masses in.

And then, after about an hour of heavy cycling, when the lines have reached the 5+ hour wait time.... the ride will breakdown.

So, to answer your question..... Maybe. Sorry, if it seems like I'm making fun, I'm not, really, I just don't see that many people getting to ride FJ on the 18th, so I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get a soft/preview beforehand.

 

[MadeToLove]

Duplicate post, sorry

 

[ckay87]

Aww, you'll get a soft opening, stay positive! I wish I was there your week, but we unknowingly booked our arrival for 6/21. Good Lord.....

 

[Metro West]

June 18th is our last day down in Orlando. We need to head home from the parks at around 5 but want to plan on riding FJ that day in case we cant get into a soft opening during the week. Do you think its safe to assume that we can get onto the ride and out of the park by 5 if we are there at rope drop?

I think if you haven't ridden it via a soft opening by 6/18, you probably won't get to ride this trip. Grand opening day is going to be too busy and I doubt they will open WWoHP to the general public until all the celebrities are long gone...which will probably take hours. If you are over that week and soft openings are still going on, you should be good. Otherwise...you'll have to do it next trip because of the crowds.

 

[sportzboy698]

If that's the case (honestly, I don't want to be there Opening Day if I don't have to), how random are soft openings? I mean I'm sure they will be going on during that week, but as with past soft's for other rides, is there a time of day or an announcement around the park that it is open?

 

[Metro West]

If that's the case (honestly, I don't want to be there Opening Day if I don't have to), how random are soft openings? I mean I'm sure they will be going on during that week, but as with past soft's for other rides, is there a time of day or an announcement around the park that it is open?

Soft openings are not usually announced...you just have to be in the right place at the right time.

 

[Claire-Bear]

Noone knows right now how softs are going to operate. They're going to be starting this Friday since the package holders arrive, but right now guest services have been telling people only package holders will be allowed in during softs (but that will hopefully change).

 

[angela3676]

Here's my thoughts on the 18th.

And then, after about an hour of heavy cycling, when the lines have reached the 5+ hour wait time.... the ride will breakdown.