Question about Early Entry to IOA

[niklynn1]

Okay, I'm a bit confused. I know that by booking at RPH we can get FOTL access, but what about early entry to IOA? I just called Universal customer service, and they said one hour early admission is for PACKAGE HOLDERS only. You must buy a package that includes room and tickets TOGETHER. Does this sound right?

 

[damo]

Nobody really knows yet. We have to wait until the packages actually start to find out what the real deal is.

 

[PrincessOp]

I booked a room yesterday at PBH for June 20 - the reservationist told me all resort guests will get early admission to IOA starting June 18. Hope that helps!

 

[TwingleMum]

I booked a room yesterday at PBH for June 20 - the reservationist told me all resort guests will get early admission to IOA starting June 18. Hope that helps!

I was told the same thing.

 

[LJF]

We did not book the HP package, but will be staying on-site prior to June 18th and received an e-mail today that we would have early entry (8:00am) to IoA AND WWoHP during our entire stay

 

[LJF]

Okay, I'm a bit confused. I know that by booking at RPH we can get FOTL access, but what about early entry to IOA? I just called Universal customer service, and they said one hour early admission is for PACKAGE HOLDERS only. You must buy a package that includes room and tickets TOGETHER. Does this sound right?

I was assuming you were referring to the Harry Potter Package, but just realized that may not be the case. Either way, I'd say the information you were given by customer service was incorrect.

 

[Nickarooney]

We did not book the HP package, but will be staying on-site prior to June 18th and received an e-mail today that we would have early entry (8:00am) to IoA AND WWoHP during our entire stay

When is your trip? I am so glad somebody received that in writing - woohoo! Just wondering how early or late they sent it to you before your trip. Did the hotel send it or Universal? Really interested since so many people asked for something in writing and were told no. Very cool Gives the rest of us hope!

 

[crazy4dis]

We did not book the HP package, but will be staying on-site prior to June 18th and received an e-mail today that we would have early entry (8:00am) to IoA AND WWoHP during our entire stay

We are also staying onsite prior to June 18 and booked before the June 18th date was announced. I haven't received any e-mails. Was this in response to an e-mail you sent?

I called HRH last night to ask about the Dive-in movies and asked about WWoHP access. She was not able to give any details. It sounded like her answer was scripted but sincere. Then I called RPR and that TM said we would have access to everything...almost as if she didn't understand why I even asked.

We will be there on May 30th and hoping for the best.

 

[LJF]

We arrive on 6/2 and yes, the e-mail was in response to one I had originally sent Saturday to a contact I had from a previous visit.
As of yesterday, I had not yet received a response so I forwarded it to the General Manager of the PBH. He must have forwarded it to the Manager of Reservations since that is who I heard from today (I also came home this afternoon to a voicemail from someone at Loews that I will call back tomorrow).

Here is the email that should assure anyone that was booked on-site before 3/25 and arriving prior to the Grand Opening date that they will fully experience the WWoHP (or at least all that's operational) :




Dear xx. xxxxx,

We look forward to your upcoming visit to Universal Orlando and the
Portofino Bay Hotel.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is absolutely outstanding and we
look forward to your visit. I am fortunate as an employee to have been
to the land as well as just returned from a meal at the Three
Broomsticks. It's very exciting and we look forward to sharing it with
you. I have worked here for 14 years and have never witnessed anything
as stunning as the Hogwarts castle.

You are correct that the Grand Opening will not be until June 18. Since
you are arriving prior to that, we have planned for you, a preview. You
will be able to enter the Wizarding world of Harry Potter each day if
you would like starting at 8am. The first Water Taxi will depart the
Portofino Bay Hotel at 7:45 am. You mentioned you have tickets which is
perfect as you will require theme park ticket into Islands of Adventure.


The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has created much excitement and of
course there are many people passing on information that is not official
from Universal Orlando. With that said, let me assure you there
absolutely will not be any limitations on what you can see within the
Wizarding World of Harry Potter based on what package you booked or did
not. The ONLY difference is we have two vendors we worked with that
offered a package that bundled your hotel stay, theme park tickets and
included a pre-paid breakfast at the Three Broomsticks. If you had
booked that you would have needed to decide in advance which day and
time you wanted to have your breakfast.

The Early Park admission at 8am is exclusive to our guests staying at
one of the three onsite resorts. If the decision has been made to allow
day guests into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter they will not be
permitted until 9am. I suggest you take full advantage of the area and
enjoy the hour to experience the area.

It is our full intention for every aspect of the new area to be open for
your enjoyment.

If you chose to change your reservation to visit later in the year you
can reach the call center toll free at 0808-234-2305. An agent will be
happy to assist in your change of dates. Now or in the future I assure
you a visit to Universal Orlando and staying on site will offer you and
your family a wonderful holiday.

In which ever date you chose we look forward to having you as our guest.


I can't say how relieved I was to FINALLY get a clear answer as to what Universal meant by "preview". Now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that Forbidden Journey will be up and running.

 

[LJF]

I wanted to add that I received an updated message today stating that we must arrive at IoA no later than 8:45 am each day and proceed directly to the WWoHP in order to ensure access to the area.

 

[KerriK85]

I wanted to add that I received an updated message today stating that we must arrive at IoA no later than 8:45 am each day and proceed directly to the WWoHP in order to ensure access to the area.

well that was very nice of them to send you additional info they forgot! and i must say, that additional info is good to know too im keeping my mouth closed on the facebook page- i dont want a higher attendance lol!

 

[Pink Flamingo]

LJF ~ Thanks so much for posting the e-mail you received. That is so exciting! We won't be arriving until 6/21, but I can't wait to hear from those who get to see WWoHP sooner.

 

[Preds]

I just posted the text of a letter we received from Universal Vacations today for our stay at the HRH which begins tomorrow. Se post #30 in this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36789424#post36789424

Note, we booked only an onsite room only stay at thr HRH.

The letter indicates exclusive preview access to the WWOHP for each day of our stay from 8:00am-9:00am.