just got back from Harry Potter!

[jimmyzluck]

no doubt about it walking the line to the ride is awesome.It is allways great
whenever we get new attractions and while I saw a few things I was critical about I am happy overall.I will admit however that I avoided being checked outside by rushing in with the crowd so didnt see how many or if any got turned away and when we got to the seats inside to be checked I was slouched over and worried.but I believe this is being over thought and if it does cause problems universal will do all they can to fix.and I will admit I am hard to please.I expect alot,you gave me spiderman this better be better was my motto!!Again I was just giving my size and experience to give others something to compare to.I hope everyone gets a ride and I will be back down for 11 days in nov/dec. to play some more.by the way we did H.P.,discovery cove,universal,disneyquest,ect.. and my 11 year old son said the best part of this vacation was the day we spent at fun spot!!!!!

 

[Kelrykengab]

We plan on going in November and would not being going to IOA if it weren't for HP. I am not saying anything against it; just that there are people out there who would not be venturing there if it wasn't for HP. I don't think getting into the seats will be a problem for my family, but I could certainly understand where someone would be VERY uspet if they were turned away at the entrance to the ride when that is why they came.
I will say, we can't wait despite the fact that my 2 youngest won't be tall enough to ride this time around.

 

[eeyorefan67]

I was there yesterday and FJ was not working, but the employees told us to walk around and take a look. All I can say is AMAZING. I will upload some pics to photobucket. When I came out of the FJ some workers were setting up chairs and music sheet holders for a orchestra. Stages and lighting gear were all set up. I'm starting to think that I might have to go to the grand opening... BTW I overheard a CM talking to someone else and he said that WWHP is now open but the GRAND OPENING is the 18th. SSHHHH I didn't tell you that last part.

 

[Claire-Bear]

Can I ask, does Ollivanders have a Wait Time board?

 

[yarlenna]

But the Wizarding World is much, much more than just the four minute ride. No Harry Potter fan is going to be turned off just because they can't do that part. Even without the ride, everything is amazing. The queue itself, even without the ride, is worth the experience.

I really wanted to do this ride, but I am a large woman. I will only put my money down when I can enjoy the whole thing. Where is the magic for people who will never be allowed to enjoy it? It is very hard to be a large woman in this world. Now they just made it worse.

 

[leebee]

I, too, am a larger person and, while I think I will fit, I also struggle mightily with vertigo and motion sickness so I will forego the ride and just do the walk-through. I have to say, it's disappointing that Universal didn't make FJ more user-friendly. I feel really badly for all the kids under 4 feet tall who won't be able to ride this attraction. I was hoping that WWoHP attractions would be more "available" to the general public. Many find it hard to believe, but the only reason we are going to IoA is because of the HP attraction. In our 20+ trips to Orlando, we have never been to Universal. We are unfamiliar with the majority of the movies showcased/used for themes at the 2 parks, so haven't spent the money for tickets (disney soaks up enough of our $$$). DD is a coaster fanatic, but as she isn't familiar with Universal's themes we have just taken her to other amusement parks (like Cedar Point) for her coaster thrills. SO... yes, we are going to IoA just because of HP (although we will experience the rest of the park, too), and no, I won't ride either FJ or the big coaster (that was Fire and Ice). I know this going into any amusement park... I was just hoping HP would be magical for more people.

 

[damo]

I really wanted to do this ride, but I am a large woman. I will only put my money down when I can enjoy the whole thing. Where is the magic for people who will never be allowed to enjoy it? It is very hard to be a large woman in this world. Now they just made it worse.

It is also very difficult being a person with back and neck problems, motion sickness, prosthetic limbs, sensitive to strobe lights, claustraphobia, or those who are pregnant. Universal makes thrill rides and thrill rides have restrictions.

 

[Magpie]

I, too, am a larger person and, while I think I will fit, I also struggle mightily with vertigo and motion sickness so I will forego the ride and just do the walk-through. I have to say, it's disappointing that Universal didn't make FJ more user-friendly. I feel really badly for all the kids under 4 feet tall who won't be able to ride this attraction. I was hoping that WWoHP attractions would be more "available" to the general public. Many find it hard to believe, but the only reason we are going to IoA is because of the HP attraction. In our 20+ trips to Orlando, we have never been to Universal. We are unfamiliar with the majority of the movies showcased/used for themes at the 2 parks, so haven't spent the money for tickets (disney soaks up enough of our $$$). DD is a coaster fanatic, but as she isn't familiar with Universal's themes we have just taken her to other amusement parks (like Cedar Point) for her coaster thrills. SO... yes, we are going to IoA just because of HP (although we will experience the rest of the park, too), and no, I won't ride either FJ or the big coaster (that was Fire and Ice). I know this going into any amusement park... I was just hoping HP would be magical for more people.

Hang on - are you saying that because you have motion sickness you believe Universal should have made FJ gentler? To cater to your stomach?

I have visual tracking issues - meaning I see double and get queasy just riding in a car. I expect FJ will make me sick. Certainly Tower of Terror did a really nasty job on me. But I would never argue that Disney should take all the drops out of the Tower of Terror in order to make it "more magical for more people" or "more user friendly".

How bad do you feel for all the rocket-ship loving kids too short to ride Space Mountain?

 

[LJF]

Can I ask, does Ollivanders have a Wait Time board?

No, but there is an "assistant" at the door that you can ask to give you an estimate. I believe they take in groups of about 25 and each session is about 10 minutes or so (someone can correct me if I'm off) so you can also get a rough idea by counting the amount in line yourself.

 

[spima3]

Hang on - are you saying that because you have motion sickness you believe Universal should have made FJ gentler? To cater to your stomach?
I have visual tracking issues - meaning I see double and get queasy just riding in a car. I expect FJ will make me sick. Certainly Tower of Terror did a really nasty job on me. But I would never argue that Disney should take all the drops out of the Tower of Terror in order to make it "more magical for more people" or "more user friendly".
How bad do you feel for all the rocket-ship loving kids too short to ride Space Mountain?

No, not everyone is going to be accomadated, but I understand where many are coming from; also, for a book series written mainly for children, the FJ does seem to exclude many of them. It might not be a thrill ride, but it comes close to that? I am a little worried myself about trying it, I don't like thrill rides.

And we are also ONLY going to US/IOA because of HP. It is a long, very expensive trip, and not one we would be doing otherwise. The parks may have other attractions, but none of them had enough interest for us to want to put out that kind of $$$.

 

[damo]

No, not everyone is going to be accomadated, but I understand where many are coming from; also, for a book series written mainly for children, the FJ does seem to exclude many of them. It might not be a thrill ride, but it comes close to that? I am a little worried myself about trying it, I don't like thrill rides.

I don't think the books were intended for young children but more kids about 9 and up which works perfectly for the height restrictions.

 

[Planogirl]

Universal has always been more about the thrill than the Disney parks and that hasn't stopped because of HP. From what I read there's plenty to see without the ride and I've even considered skipping the ride if the line is too ridiculous when we go in August. We would fit but I hate lines.

I'm more eager to see the walkthrough and the buildings and the shops. And to try a Butterbeer. YMMV of course.

 

[jpeppers]

I can't believe all the people who are complaining about the size restrictions on the ride and how thoughtless Universal was in there planning but in the next sentence openly admit they would not be going to Universal if not for HP because they spend enough money at Disney and don't normally support US. Universal is a (2) fantastic park with or without HP. I hope I'm not too big to get on the ride when I go but if so I will just be happy my daughter can and will enjoy the rest of the parks.

 

[petals]

Kerri I think I saw your page on facebook through some of the harry potter pics. Loving the pcis and info on the park section thanks

 

[eeyorefan67]

Here's some pics

 

[damo]

Great pics!!!!!!!!!! When we were there last week, the hog's head was not there. Glad to see it back. Does it do or say anything?

 

[eeyorefan67]

Great pics!!!!!!!!!! When we were there last week, the hog's head was not there. Glad to see it back. Does it do or say anything?

I think it's suppose to snarl at you, I didn't see it do anything.

 

[HebeJebe]

I just wanted to say awesome pics and thanks to everybody that has and/or will post some.

 

[joecatz]

I find it both hilarious and a tyestament to the power of Harry potter that people are actually complaining that the ride does not accomodate big people.

I spoke to someone who works the ride while there, and she estimates that 30 to 40 people per day are being turned away once inside.

According to her, the ride will accomodate most people who are shorter than 6'5, and most people who weigh less than 265 lbs.

That's 90% of the population.

the ride is not designed to accomodate a "max load seat".

Should Universal have sacrificed the quality and technology of the ride itself to accomodate "bigger folk"?

Anyone who has ridden the ride will tell you the answer to that is a resounding NO.

 

[momblanch]

I don't think the books were intended for young children but more kids about 9 and up which works perfectly for the height restrictions.

I totally agree! In fact the series begins with Harry at age 11, and progresses with intensity as he matures. Not for young children. A less thrilling, "more accomodating for all" ride would be a disappointment to my kids DS18-DD12 who are hoping US has captured the essence of the books. And from what most everyone is saying, they will not be disappointed!