So Jealous!

[Feralpeg]

Tonight was the red carpet event for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. I have a couple of friends who were invited to attend. I am so jealous. Unfortunately, getting tickets to the event was not easy. They got them through a couple of the execs who work for Universal. I know these people, as well, but I wasn't gutsy enough to ask for tickets. Oh, well! My loss.

I did watch the live feed. It was incredible. The fireworks were amazing over the castle. During the fireworks, the Orlando philharmonic played Harry Potter music directed by John Williams. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Oliver and James Phelps, Bonnie Wright and Matthew Lewis were there.

It opens officially tomorrow, but I won't be trying to get in for a couple of weeks. They are predicting 150,000 people tomorrow. They were telling people to arrive by 5 am if they want a chance at getting into the parking structures at Universal. They think there will be terrible traffic jams on I-4. I'll wait for the crowd to die down a bit!

 

[sorcerormickey]

We watched the live feed as well.

We'll be waiting until probably October or November to go - when the crowds die down a bit. (And it is not so hot! lol) We already have our tickets in hand!

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

We watched it on our local news. I agree, it looked spectacular! We're already booked for a short trip August 2-4 to check it out.

 

[Disneyland1084]

If it makes you feel any better, I'm really depressed that I won't be going there for a few years. My kids are too young to travel that far. We live in NV.

 

[Disneyland1084]

I did watch the live feed. It was incredible. The fireworks were amazing over the castle. During the fireworks, the Orlando philharmonic played Harry Potter music directed by John Williams. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Oliver and James Phelps, Bonnie Wright and Matthew Lewis were there.

What about JK Rowling?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

That is cool. Sadly, I do not know when I will be able to get there. One day I suppose.

People, you need to report back to this thread so we can live thru you.

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

I have a few friends were going to that!! Also a CM reunion this week!

 

[MsDisney23]

Peg, You will get there, I have a business trip to Orlando in a few weeks and am thinking of going for one night, not sure thou as it will still be packed. I might just wait til Sept. and go over for the day. I can't wait.

 

[Dax]

What about JK Rowling?

Rowling was THERE, appeared on the red carpet, but DID NOT make a showing on the live feed, and I am also hearing she will not be there on Friday either...

 

[Dax]

Color me crazy, I am going tomorrow...but DH is now saying he does not want to get there super early like we had planned, so I may end up outta luck...UGH..

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

My DH wanted to fly down with DD. My DSD lives in Florida and is a HUGE fan. I told him it would be crazy and definitely not worth the money for a 1 or 2 day trip into the park. Considering we're going in November, it will be worth the wait for the lighter crowd.

 

[safetymom]

I have been to WWOHP several times now. The theming is great but the area is so small. Forbidden Journey was intense. I don't recommend having a full stomach when riding.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have been to WWOHP several times now. The theming is great but the area is so small. Forbidden Journey was intense. I don't recommend having a full stomach when riding.

Did they just rename the "Dueling Dragons"? I am curious....very curious.

I guess what I am asking you is, did they actually put in new rides or did they just change stuff?

 

[safetymom]

The only new ride is Forbidden Journey. They rethemed two coasters.

 

[palmtreegirl]

I'm really excited to go! Hopefully we're getting AP's again in August, we waited to buy them till the new Harry Potter section was open.

 

[tlmdisney]

We went this past weekend, They were having a soft opening of WWoHP and it is amazing!!!!! We had no idea that they would be having the opening so it was a very pleasant surprise. The parks were pretty empty though pretty much everything was a walk-on. I guess everyone was waiting for Harry Potter to open.

 

[ckay87]

We'll be there Monday . Fortunately we're staying onsite which is a massive bargain because it will get us into Harry Potter an hour before park opening, as well as Express Passes for everything else. I would NEVER do this otherwise.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

One of my friends and her family are actually checking into Universal today. It is their first trip and is only being taken due to HP. I hope they don't find the crowds too crazy.

 

[Robinrs]

I'm planning a trip in January for my son's 18th birthday. Can't wait!

We went to the opening of IOA in 1999 when he was 6, I can't BELIEVE it's been that long!!

 

[agnes!]

I think it's interesting that in all the all the TV ads, the surroundings looked pretty-much CGI'ed and I expect a lot more immersive than the probably actually is.

But I still want to go someday...

agnes!