Onsite guests go in HP if booked pre 3-25

[bubba's mom]

thanks, it is just that boards aside, the info I was given was from RPR when I had booked...I received a PIN and that got me to call to book, it was then that the rep filled me in on HP stuff, and the packages ( Which we did not buy, we are room only)so I DO feel that even tho nothing is in writing the mere fact that the info was offered at time of booking is what peaked our interest. What about the people who have been told "you are the lucky few to get to see WWOHP prior to 6/18?" Why was that being told to anyone?Yes, we booked our trip based on US/IOA aside of WWOHP, and that is still the case...but since the booking all the conflicting info and now the resort sort of taking on an attitude of "we made no promises" ( which I did not call complaining, I called trying to get factual info, something I would do for any trip I plan)is putting a damper on things. Why should I be made to feel bad about asking how our reservation is going to be handled when it is based on info the resort gave me 2 months ago? That is what is eating away at me...I am just really glad that we plan to drive and are not locked into airfare...lets me feel still a little bit in control. I think the fact that RRR was a fiasco, well, I guess I should look at it as no big surprise on WWOHP, but one would hope that they learned from that little mistake, not perfect how to string the pre-booked public along. I was on the boards in the beginning of the year...WWOHP was not the orig objective, but it became a top runner once RPR offered me info at time of booking. We were heading for Star Wars weekend and decided to do US/IOA since we had the $99 tix. Again, thanks for the outlook...I appreciate your help.

Sounds like you will still have an enjoyable time.

I remember when the DIS was abuzz w/ the whole PIN thing. It was new, so I was suspicious. And, unfortunately, I think I was right. The hotels knew that people would wait until late June and the rest of summer to come see HP...so, they threw really cheap rates out there hoping to fill the hotels this spring. (We would normally go late June too...but, we pushed UO back after our cruise & visiting family so we'd arrive mid-July instead.)

The only thing people can take away from this experience is to check around here for the best info. The hotels are Loews and not related to Universal. They don't care what Universal does...they want to fill their rooms....even if that means misguided info.

It's a tough thing to experience/learn...but I have no doubt you'll still have a very fun trip!

 

[dawgsgirl]

my package for 2 adults came to 1670 give or take a dollar. We are staying at RPR for 7 days at the end of July. Our tickets are 7 day park to park and we got a $200 giftcard too. Where am I getting a raw deal?

Universal started selling the Harry Potter packages with a starting date of 5-28. Then announced on March 25 that the GO was 6-18. It is those people who booked the HP package between 5-28 and 6-18 that got a raw deal. Your trip has nothing to do with that situation.

 

[damo]

We don't know if anyone got a raw deal yet. There are still five weeks left before those packages start.

 

[kuayoung]

Not sure if this is the best board to post this but here goes. . .I am booked for the package breakfast on 5/28. I just completed the last portion of my payment and received my e-document and it says that the early entry portion is only from June 19 (not 18) until the end of the year. I am not sure why they would bother to print that option on my document since I am there 5/28 but I have to admit I am upset and while I chose the 9:30 breakfast-thinking I could get the Forbidden Journey ridden beforehand-there is an 8:00 and 8:30 option. . .hmmmm.

 

[Momw/aplan]

Not sure if this is the best board to post this but here goes. . .I am booked for the package breakfast on 5/28. I just completed the last portion of my payment and received my e-document and it says that the early entry portion is only from June 19 (not 18) until the end of the year. I am not sure why they would bother to print that option on my document since I am there 5/28 but I have to admit I am upset and while I chose the 9:30 breakfast-thinking I could get the Forbidden Journey ridden beforehand-there is an 8:00 and 8:30 option. . .hmmmm.

Whoa. No way.

When they announced the HP packages were for sale I called Universal and told them I wanted to book a vacation to come and see WWOHP after it opened. They sold me a package for June 14-17. We booked our breakfast for 9:30 (like you) because (with the "early entry" they told me I'd be getting AS PART OF THE PACKAGE) I figured we could go in, look around, and ride FJ once before our reservation.

I scheduled an entire road trip around the dates they sold me with time scheduled off of work and several hotels booked all the way to Orlando and back. And NOW they are saying we won't get early entry for those dates?! I wonder what else they're going to go back on?

I didn't jump the gun and book a vacation based on their "promise" of a "spring opening"--I called Universal and booked a package to see WWOHP (with the understanding that that was the entire reason I was booking the vacation to begin with) and ONLY after advertisements on the internet and on TV had announced packages were available for booking.

No amount of "fine print" on the packages should make it acceptable for them to go back on the benefits people were promised at the time of booking. It may be legal, but it's not acceptable. And, frankly, I question the legality. To me it is false advertising as well as misrepresentation of the product I was purchasing at the time of my purchase.

I know nothing is a done deal yet--I'll just have to wait and see how it turns out--but man oh man, they had better not go back on what I was supposedly sold!

 

[dawgsgirl]

I emailed Universal Guest Services yesterday, as well as calling them. I recieved a call this afternoon from guest services. I made her read the statement 3 times. The new word I heard was "intention." Our intention is for you to experience a preview of HP. No explanation of preview. She finally got tongue-tied and told me she had no idea what preview meant. I have never had dealings with Universal, so the prior advice given on this thread was good for me to hear. At least they responded to my email. I did find it interesting that they called instead of replying by email. Nothing in writing!!

 

[Indy Denise]

Whoa. No way.

When they announced the HP packages were for sale I called Universal and told them I wanted to book a vacation to come and see WWOHP after it opened. They sold me a package for June 14-17. We booked our breakfast for 9:30 (like you) because (with the "early entry" they told me I'd be getting AS PART OF THE PACKAGE) I figured we could go in, look around, and ride FJ once before our reservation.

I scheduled an entire road trip around the dates they sold me with time scheduled off of work and several hotels booked all the way to Orlando and back. And NOW they are saying we won't get early entry for those dates?! I wonder what else they're going to go back on?

I didn't jump the gun and book a vacation based on their "promise" of a "spring opening"--I called Universal and booked a package to see WWOHP (with the understanding that that was the entire reason I was booking the vacation to begin with) and ONLY after advertisements on the internet and on TV had announced packages were available for booking.

No amount of "fine print" on the packages should make it acceptable for them to go back on the benefits people were promised at the time of booking. It may be legal, but it's not acceptable. And, frankly, I question the legality. To me it is false advertising as well as misrepresentation of the product I was purchasing at the time of my purchase.

I know nothing is a done deal yet--I'll just have to wait and see how it turns out--but man oh man, they had better not go back on what I was supposedly sold!

I would be hoppin mad and if is this is the case I hope some lawyers file a class action suit on ya'lls behalf. Okay, flame me for saying that but I seriously mean it.

 

[freediverdude]

I'm starting to get worried that this ride will not even be fully operational by June 18th, much less May 28th. Seeing as how we're almost 4 weeks out from the May 28th date now, and as far as I can tell, there's been no TM previews, no VIP parties, grad bash previews have been cancelled, etc., etc., much less things like passholder previews and soft openings that typically occur closer to grand opening, it makes me pretty nervous that they'll even have FJ up and running on the promised date of June 18th.

I've got a night at Hard Rock booked for June 3rd (booked after the GO announcement in the faint hope of a soft opening or passholder preview), but I'm getting nervous about keeping it. If we don't hear something in the next couple weeks about a TM preview or SOMETHING happening that the ride is working, I think hope will start to fade quickly.

 

[glocon]

IT'S ONLY A LITTLE MORE THAN A MONTH AWAY!!!! Wow! So excited! Surely they will at least have the rest of the world open, even if the FJ is not working yet. It would be great to even go through the line and not get on the ride, just to see inside of Hogwarts Castle. Do any of you vets think that is a possibility? I would be thrilled with that! One can always hope.....

 

[FINFAN]

I am wondering if the powers that be have decided that they do not want ANY info leaked out ahead of GO...and I mean anything...like what we saw on Ellen may have been too much info. Lets face it, anyone who is let in ahead of 6/18 is going to be taking photos, video like crazy and I get the feeling that once the massive public that is coming after 6/18 discovers that for a month earlier people on site were allowed entry... Just trying to look at this from all sides as I am bummed , and trying to console myself. Seriously, if Unvcersal has to deal with angry mobs, they are going to go with the smaller size of the pre 6/18 crowd vs those after 6/18. I am not sure how they are going to have a smooth opening without running the ride with massive people ahead of time, but that is the direction they may be going. Just guessing as I sais, and more than likely way off base, but it appears that Universal is going to do this the way they want , regardless of what they have advertised.

 

[glocon]

FINFAN you are breaking my heart! Originally the WWoHP was opening May 28 (well HP packages anyway). It doesn't seem to me that post June 18 people would riot if the WWoHP was open then.... do you really think? I am going to keep on hoping and praying for some universal pixie dust that we will be able to get in come early June.

 

[bubba's mom]

From Ellen's show, it looked like it was pretty much ready.

I'd be happy strolling down the 'street'. The stores look ready.

Flying Unicorn, uh, I mean Flight of the Hippograff, was running (because Ellen rode it) and DC/DD is operational.... The only thing that is "if-y" is the new, never been ridden FJ.

If it is running (at least by the time we get there), I will consider it a bonus...as, it's new and was never there any other years.

That said...you can always go back. Who's to say you won't love everything else about Universal and go back anyway someday

 

[FINFAN]

FINFAN you are breaking my heart! Originally the WWoHP was opening May 28 (well HP packages anyway). It doesn't seem to me that post June 18 people would riot if the WWoHP was open then.... do you really think? I am going to keep on hoping and praying for some universal pixie dust that we will be able to get in come early June.

don't mean to upset you, I am just trying to figure out why the back-peddling of sorts from Universal..I mean, 5/28 is pretty close, you would think the decision of how to handle the pre-Grand Opening guests would be pretty decided upon by now, then the way it was said to me by phone, of how the WWOHP would be available to us "on a day of our choice"...but limited to what can be offered at that time, meaning if they have to for any reason close off the area and we would be out of luck. In our case we did not book a package so we are not "owed" anything, I just wish that the resort did not start telling me stuff as if we were at the time I booked. I know Univresal, Loews, they are all excited for this new event, I know they would like to have happy guests, I know they offer a great experience w/out WWOHP..we have stayed at RPR before ans had a great stay. Just wish they hadn't dropped the quidditch ball on this with the incorrect dates being offered. I agree w/the other posters, if I had booked a package for those dates and then found out the package was being altered (possibly) I would not be too thrilled and it would make me wonder how the rest of my trip was going to be handled...especially if I hadn't been before. I know we have a really good rate for the room, but we had been doing a split vacation between USO and WDW. Since all of this uncertantiy has started, out rate at the Dolphin has dropped ot within 14 of our RPR rate and we are thinking we may just skip the USO part and hang onto our park tix for another time. Some may think we are nuts, passing on an opportunity to have a sneak peak at WWOHP sans crowds, but that is a gamble, and if I had a more confident response from RPR/Universal , I would take that gamble, but the odds have gotten increasingly worse with each response I am given from them when I call.

I sent an email almost 2 weeks ago, no response...raises a flag for me.
If I had gotten this response:
Preds,

Regarding your email:

I emailed Management at the Hard Rock a couple weeks ago and got the following response within 24 hours (in writing):


Quote:
I have been forwarded your email, as the reservations Manager for the onsite hotels here at Universal Orlando, in regards to your upcoming stay at the end of May at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando.

I do thank you for taking the time to contact us so that we may clarify your access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal Orlando was looking forward to opening the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction this spring. You are correct, for guests trying to make travel plans we did announce earlier this year a suggested travel date of after May 28. Due to unforeseen circumstances we are not able to open the new area to the general public in Islands of Adventure at the expected date. However, we would like to offer you a special advanced preview.

I do see that you made your reservation well in advance of our Official Grand Opening date announcement. Because of which, you will be included on our guest list to be one of the few guests to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in its entirety at a special preview. When you check in on the 28th of May at the Hard Rock Hotel you will be provided with the details on how you and your family will enter the preview. Universal Vacations likely will provide additional communication to you prior to your arrival but at this time we do not now when exactly that will be sent out. I do want you to feel confident that you will enjoy the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter for your length of stay along with the many other attractions we offer in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Not to mention the great pools, restaurants and activities for your family at the rockin’ Hard Rock Hotel.

It is our hope that your experience at this exclusive preview will be a memorable one!

Enjoy your upcoming stay with us.

Had gotten that email response I would feel a bit more confident, but I did not, and I do not have this in writing as this poster will have. So....yeah, I'm leary. However, the person who did receive this has a few "key" words/phrases in this that work to thei iadvantage... Experience the WWOHP in it's "entirety" at a special preview....and enjoy the WWOHP for your LENGTH of stay. It's statements like this that if not honored, will really disappoint a lot of us who are booked in the time frame of 5/28-6/17

 

[LIFERBABE]

Thanks for this thread!! I just saw the US HPotter commercial with the "Spring" opening and came here to chek it out as we will be there til June 12th. I ve been sitting on unused tix for about 5 years so thought I would Finally pick them up next trip so we could ride HP.

Most rides have a "soft opening" and I am not impressed with their use of Spring when most schools are out for summer vacay by June 18th.

I guess we will sit on those tix a little longer or I may see if we can get our money back next trip

 

[dawgsgirl]

At this point, I do not believe anything they say.

 

[bubba's mom]

Just wish they hadn't dropped the quidditch ball on this

I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at YOU...just your comment. Good one!

I think the problem is Universal tells the hotels one thing, then is having a problem, and has to tell the hotels another thing.

The hotels want their rooms filled w/ happy people and seem like their hands are tied, yet they are trying to please their guests w/ what Universal is telling them.

I think the hotels are stuck in the middle...and, not a place they want to be, because it's the guest that ends up w/ a less than perfect experience in the long run

 

[Indy Denise]

At this point, I do not believe anything they say.

I don't either. I even wrote the CEO of Universal. I got a response from his secretary who told me that she forwared my e-mail to Hard Rock..Hard Rock forwared my e-mail to Universal...and poof!!!! I am back where I started from.

 

[Indy Denise]

I don't either. I even wrote the CEO of Universal. I got a response from his secretary who told me that she forwared my e-mail to Hard Rock..Hard Rock forwared my e-mail to Universal...and poof!!!! I am back where I started from.

I can even picture " he, who must not be named, cause I don't know who is making any kind of decision over at Universal, so I CAN"T name him" sitting down with his Death Eaters and the scene going like this.......

" Ah, evil ones. We must not cause our muggleonsiters to panic and cancel. We will fill their heads with reassurance and promises so they don't travel instead to the world of dreams known as Disney.
One month out we will start letting them down gently, confusing them with our hidden meanings and dark magic."

I feel like Doby, waiting for Master to give me a sock.


TO BE CONTIUNED..DAILY.............

Whoever termed the phrase" the darkside " for Universal is sadly, correct

 

[Indy Denise]

I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at YOU...just your comment. Good one!

I think the problem is Universal tells the hotels one thing, then is having a problem, and has to tell the hotels another thing.

The hotels want their rooms filled w/ happy people and seem like their hands are tied, yet they are trying to please their guests w/ what Universal is telling them.

I think the hotels are stuck in the middle...and, not a place they want to be, because it's the guest that ends up w/ a less than perfect experience in the long run

I think you are right. The hotels are going to bear the brunt of the complaints first, at check in. Poor staff.

 

[HufflepuffMudblood]

I can even picture " he, who must not be named, cause I don't know who is making any kind of decision over at Universal, so I CAN"T name him" sitting down with his Death Eaters and the scene going like this.......

" Ah, evil ones. We must not cause our muggleonsiters to panic and cancel. We will fill their heads with reassurance and promises so they don't travel instead to the world of dreams known as Disney.
One month out we will start letting them down gently, confusing them with our hidden meanings and dark magic."

I feel like Doby, waiting for Master to give me a sock.


TO BE CONTIUNED..DAILY.............

Whoever termed the phrase" the darkside " for Universal is sadly, correct

This made me smile. a lot. I've been, frankly, worried about the same thing, and've been lurking to see. This statement gave me hope and made me laugh.

"Oy! Dobby? Would you like a sock?"

"Yes! Master would be so gracious to give Dobby a sock! -takes it and cuddles it-"

several weeks later...

"Oy! Dobby! Could I have that sock back?"

"NO!!!!!"


(what I think were aall going through right now.)

I think they could be decent enough to at least let us experience everything but FJ, if that's what's keeping them.


"Please Master, could Dobby have his sock back?"