The Harry Potter Grand Opening---what to expect?

[saree]

So, a little birdie told me that Universal is allowing people with special tickets (they have an emblem printed out on the ticket)/special vacation packages - to experience the WWoHP attraction beginning May 28. I called Universal and spoke with one of their agents and she confirmed this. However, she also notified me that this special package is sold out until well after the official grand opening. The tickets are only available for those who purchase the package. So while I expect the park to be super busy and really a cluster, hopefully, it will lessen the crowds for grand opening.

I hope this helps!

 

[damo]

So, a little birdie told me that Universal is allowing people with special tickets (they have an emblem printed out on the ticket)/special vacation packages - to experience the WWoHP attraction beginning May 28. I called Universal and spoke with one of their agents and she confirmed this. However, she also notified me that this special package is sold out until well after the official grand opening. The tickets are only available for those who purchase the package. So while I expect the park to be super busy and really a cluster, hopefully, it will lessen the crowds for grand opening.

I hope this helps!

Not sure how this would make the park any less busy for grand opening. You don't have to have purchased a package to get into the Wizarding World once we hit the Grand Opening date. Once it is open, it is open for everyone.

 

[Lucky4me]

Not sure how this would make the park any less busy for grand opening. You don't have to have purchased a package to get into the Wizarding World once we hit the Grand Opening date. Once it is open, it is open for everyone.

Exactly. The only way I would go near Universal during this time would be staying on site and having fotl access. Even then, it may prove to be uncomfortably crowded.

 

[mjohnson96]

If you are staying onsite doo you have to worry about being turned away becuase the park is full? Since we are staying from the 20th thru the 25th I want to make sure we can still take some time when it comes to going over to the park.

 

[MadeToLove]

I paid for tickets, Meal Deal, sipper cups etc. back in February but decided last week to book a room in the park to make sure my children had the Birthday they dreamed of. I didn't have a problem booking the hotel for one night. The night I picked was 17th and staying until the 18th. We will be in the park for the opening and unfortunatly, we do have to use one of our 4 day tickets the day before. The casulaties of planning ahead but I really hope the other three days in the park are awesome for my children. We have just over a week in FL but have to travel back home that Sunday.

Colleen
I know from another thread that you are anxious about making this trip super for your Potterholic kids. So, just in case you haven't seen previous posts in this thread, remember that June 18th is first and foremost a media event for Universal. JKR and most of the actors from Potter movies are slated to be there. I'm sure the Today show and Ellen show as well as many others will be doing live feeds that morning as well. And though I'm sure your kids will love seeing their heroes across the street from them, just go there with realistic expectations that they may not be able to ride the HP rides that morning. I"m sure once the media event is over by afternoon the general public will be let in, but I wouldn't expect they will be let anywhere near the place until the celebs are finished with the press events.



I know everyone has been a bit edgy about the opening of this place. We're three weeks from Memorial Day weekend, and nobody (at least fan wise) has any idea about... well anything. Universal is keeping their cards very close to their chests right now and we're all in a panic about whether we're going to get to see anything or ride anything. I think we all just need to take a deep breath and calm down.

We know that Hogsmeade, Dragons and Hippogryph are ready to go, even if Journey isn't. I'm sure that despite rumors that the whole area must open at once, or not at all, Universal will be letting people experience those things that are ready very soon. Before they can open Journey up to anyone, they have to move the line for Dragons, and since they are unlikely to close their biggest E-ticket ride to all but a few select ticket holders, I suspect by May 28th they'll open up at least the front half of Hogsmeade to everyone so they can go through the Dragon line from it's proper entrance. I'm theorizing that only Journey will require this magical "ticket" the guest relations people are talking about (maybe Hippogryph too since it's back there a bit). I know this is speculation on my part, but it makes logical sense.

I'm sure that the Dept. Heads at Universal are having daily meetings to work things out and make sure they have as few guest relations issues as possible starting May 28th, which is another reason I'm sure they'll probably have Hogsmeade and Dragons open to everyone by then, not just a select few.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that we need to go into our respective vactions with a bit more faith and patience, and a bit less combative. If we go in ready to hate everything, then we'll ruin our own vactions more than any issues we encounter at Universal could. I'm sure that Universal Dept Heads know what we've all been worried about and complaining about these last few months, and I'm sure they are working around the clock to try to lessen our disappointments. Obviously, if they feel Journey isn't safe enough to ride by opening, then it's not safe enough to ride and we should be prepared for that disappointment, and greatful they aren't going to strap us into a flying deathtrap just to satisfy our Potterholic junkie cravings for the ultimate fix. But we can't go in thinking that our vacations are ruined if we can't ride this one ride, or they will be ruined....because we, ourselves, ruined it.

Just believe in the magic It will all work out. As Geoffry Rush says in Shakespeare in Love - things always work out, we don't know how...it's a mystery

 

[Skuba2]

Well, if this web site is any indication of the frenzy involving "anything Potter" will get, I believe we are in for some major hysterics. Luckily, we are there for 4 full days, so seeing everything won't be an issue. I think it is all insane. A company says BOO and people go insane wanting to be the first one scared.

I am probably very lucky as my kids aren't huge roller coaster fans. Woody woodpecker and the unicorn are about it. They also hate "scary" rides. My then 13 year old was literally crying on the jaws ride. I so tried not to crack up at her which only made her more upset. The 7 year old in front of her was trying to tell her everything was going to be ok.

Our experience at Harry Potter will probably involve a quick walk thru and a gift shop stop.

I just hope they pass out manners and patience when they pass out the FOTL passes. Too many people get the mindset of "I paid for it therefore I own it" mentallity even though the rest of us paid for it too. I also hope the real thing lives up to all the hype.

Ok--coming off my soap box.

DG

 

[melly]

What to expect? Hmm...that's a good question. I think it's going to be an absolute madhouse.

I expect lots of dissapointed people when the dawning realisation comes that its not really a new park and of the 3 rides they have done 2 before.

 

[Colleendoll]

Colleen
I know from another thread that you are anxious about making this trip super for your Potterholic kids. So, just in case you haven't seen previous posts in this thread, remember that June 18th is first and foremost a media event for Universal. JKR and most of the actors from Potter movies are slated to be there. I'm sure the Today show and Ellen show as well as many others will be doing live feeds that morning as well. And though I'm sure your kids will love seeing their heroes across the street from them, just go there with realistic expectations that they may not be able to ride the HP rides that morning. I"m sure once the media event is over by afternoon the general public will be let in, but I wouldn't expect they will be let anywhere near the place until the celebs are finished with the press events.



I know everyone has been a bit edgy about the opening of this place. We're three weeks from Memorial Day weekend, and nobody (at least fan wise) has any idea about... well anything. Universal is keeping their cards very close to their chests right now and we're all in a panic about whether we're going to get to see anything or ride anything. I think we all just need to take a deep breath and calm down.

We know that Hogsmeade, Dragons and Hippogryph are ready to go, even if Journey isn't. I'm sure that despite rumors that the whole area must open at once, or not at all, Universal will be letting people experience those things that are ready very soon. Before they can open Journey up to anyone, they have to move the line for Dragons, and since they are unlikely to close their biggest E-ticket ride to all but a few select ticket holders, I suspect by May 28th they'll open up at least the front half of Hogsmeade to everyone so they can go through the Dragon line from it's proper entrance. I'm theorizing that only Journey will require this magical "ticket" the guest relations people are talking about (maybe Hippogryph too since it's back there a bit). I know this is speculation on my part, but it makes logical sense.

I'm sure that the Dept. Heads at Universal are having daily meetings to work things out and make sure they have as few guest relations issues as possible starting May 28th, which is another reason I'm sure they'll probably have Hogsmeade and Dragons open to everyone by then, not just a select few.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that we need to go into our respective vactions with a bit more faith and patience, and a bit less combative. If we go in ready to hate everything, then we'll ruin our own vactions more than any issues we encounter at Universal could. I'm sure that Universal Dept Heads know what we've all been worried about and complaining about these last few months, and I'm sure they are working around the clock to try to lessen our disappointments. Obviously, if they feel Journey isn't safe enough to ride by opening, then it's not safe enough to ride and we should be prepared for that disappointment, and greatful they aren't going to strap us into a flying deathtrap just to satisfy our Potterholic junkie cravings for the ultimate fix. But we can't go in thinking that our vacations are ruined if we can't ride this one ride, or they will be ruined....because we, ourselves, ruined it.

Just believe in the magic It will all work out. As Geoffry Rush says in Shakespeare in Love - things always work out, we don't know how...it's a mystery

My children are very excited about their Birthday trip. Me, I am a planner and trying to figure out our plans is driving me nuts. I also roll with whatever comes and wont let this worrying ahead of time ruin my time in Florida. When we get to Florida and I have some sort of plan then will be calm.

We only have enough time to spend Friday (Grand Opening), Satuday and Sunday in the WWOHP. Saturday and Sunday we will be off site just over an hour away.

Thanks for the advise, it is good advise.

 

[Colleendoll]

I expect lots of dissapointed people when the dawning realisation comes that its not really a new park and of the 3 rides they have done 2 before.

It will be new to my children and I as we have never been to Universal before. I think there will be many people who have never been to Universal make a trip now due to the WWOHP. My children had no desire to even go to the Hollywood Studios of Disney during any of our trips. We repeat MK over and over again, with one day spent at AK and Epcot each. I think they will now opt to go to Universal over Disney from now on due to the WWOHP. It will be to them what Disney has always been to me. At least I am hoping their first experience with Universal will make that great of an impact on them. Maybe after our trip they will make sure their Florida trips always include WWOHP and MK with on site stays.

However, if their trip doesn't go well it might give them the effect of ...See why we don't do Universal. Doesn't go well meaning they wait all morning to get in to the WWOHP and then we waist a day of staying on site, tickets and vacation and their birthday passes unfulfilled. Yeah, that would leave a terrible taste in their mouth.

Ugh! I didn't want to get negative. I am just wishing for the best birthday ever for them but worried it wont be so nice.

 

[melly]

It will be new to my children and I as we have never been to Universal before. I think there will be many people who have never been to Universal make a trip now due to the WWOHP. My children had no desire to even go to the Hollywood Studios of Disney during any of our trips. We repeat MK over and over again, with one day spent at AK and Epcot each. I think they will now opt to go to Universal over Disney from now on due to the WWOHP. It will be to them what Disney has always been to me. At least I am hoping their first experience with Universal will make that great of an impact on them. Maybe after our trip they will make sure their Florida trips always include WWOHP and MK with on site stays.

However, if their trip doesn't go well it might give them the effect of ...See why we don't do Universal. Doesn't go well meaning they wait all morning to get in to the WWOHP and then we waist a day of staying on site, tickets and vacation and their birthday passes unfulfilled. Yeah, that would leave a terrible taste in their mouth.

Ugh! I didn't want to get negative. I am just wishing for the best birthday ever for them but worried it wont be so nice.

Even though we prefer Disney due to the ages of our kids Universal is fantastic. If you go with the attitude of taking it for what it is and that its not Disney you will have a great time and you will be suprised at how well its themed. My issues regarding the WWoHP arent about that, its about the hype and I think those that are not as well researched as us sad individuals who spend all our time on here may think they are going to something that they're not.

 

[TaylorsDad]

Even though we prefer Disney due to the ages of our kids Universal is fantastic. If you go with the attitude of taking it for what it is and that its not Disney you will have a great time and you will be suprised at how well its themed. My issues regarding the WWoHP arent about that, its about the hype and I think those that are not as well researched as us sad individuals who spend all our time on here may think they are going to something that they're not.

But the hype thing goes for any theme park. My first trip to Orlando I visited both WDW and Universal. I had always heard how great WDW was so was very excited for the trip. When we got there I was disappointed in everything, because nothing lived up to my expectations. After giving the place a chance on future visits I learned to appreciate it for what it was. Universal, on the other hand I loved from the start. The reason was perhaps due to going to Universal without any preconceived notions about what to expect but regardless I fell in love with the place. With WWOHP I think the only thing that will disappoint is the huge unbelievable crowds the place will draw making wait times excruciating. Also no way will I be getting the meal deal this year in advance because when the park has been crowded in the past the meal deal places had too long a wait.

 

[Metro West]

With WWOHP I think the only thing that will disappoint is the huge unbelievable crowds the place will draw making wait times excruciating.

I'm having second thoughts about going on 6/18 mainly because of the crowds. I thing you will see back ups on I-4 and surrounding roads which will make getting into the garage next to impossible. That's really the only thing that bothers me...getting into the garage.

I'm still off work that day so I might just give it a try.

 

[Claire-Bear]

18th is the day my DS is picking us up from the airport (around 5pm) and taking us to Mt Dora. Hope the traffic won't be too awful! We could stop in at IOA on our way down, but think we'll be too tired and it'll probably be closed off by that time anyway due to capacity
Still, we'll be there on the Monday!!

 

[Metro West]

18th is the day my DS is picking us up from the airport (around 5pm) and taking us to Mt Dora. Hope the traffic won't be too awful! We could stop in at IOA on our way down, but think we'll be too tired and it'll probably be closed off by that time anyway due to capacity
Still, we'll be there on the Monday!!

Mt. Dora huh? Have you spent a day at Renninger's while there? If you like flea markets you have GOT to go! It's great!

 

[Claire-Bear]

No I haven't actually, try to check it out if we have time! I love the board walk and little shops around there, along with the lakes. We're hoping to do a little boat trip whilst we're there.

 

[Colleendoll]

18th is the day my DS is picking us up from the airport (around 5pm) and taking us to Mt Dora. Hope the traffic won't be too awful! We could stop in at IOA on our way down, but think we'll be too tired and it'll probably be closed off by that time anyway due to capacity
Still, we'll be there on the Monday!!

Oh my goodness, it never occurred to me that we might not get in on 6/19 & 6/20 due to capacity. My children and I are staying at New Smyrna beach for a full week. We are checking in to HRH on the 17th with check out on the 18th to make sure we were on site for the opening. The other two days of our tickets will be the 19th and 20th but driving from NSB which is an hour away. Guess we better get up at 4 am and start driving to make sure we get in the garage? I thought the grand opening would have happened before our trip but looks like we are smack dab in the middle of it. My girls are so excited about being there on opening day. My son, on the other hand, is dreading the crowds and possibility of waiting half a day to get in the WWOHP.

 

[TaylorsDad]

I'm having second thoughts about going on 6/18 mainly because of the crowds. I thing you will see back ups on I-4 and surrounding roads which will make getting into the garage next to impossible. That's really the only thing that bothers me...getting into the garage.

I'm still off work that day so I might just give it a try.

We will be there first weekend in Oct to try HHN for the first time and wanted to check in early for HRH and go to the park for WWOHP at opening. Didn't take into consideration traffic being crazy near Universal due to WWOHP. Hopefully things will have calmed down a bit by then, may just have to plan on being there at the crack of dawn. I really think people are way underestimating the crowd level for the next year.

 

[Claire-Bear]

Oh my goodness, it never occurred to me that we might not get in on 6/19 & 6/20 due to capacity. My children and I are staying at New Smyrna beach for a full week. We are checking in to HRH on the 17th with check out on the 18th to make sure we were on site for the opening. The other two days of our tickets will be the 19th and 20th but driving from NSB which is an hour away. Guess we better get up at 4 am and start driving to make sure we get in the garage? I thought the grand opening would have happened before our trip but looks like we are smack dab in the middle of it. My girls are so excited about being there on opening day. My son, on the other hand, is dreading the crowds and possibility of waiting half a day to get in the WWOHP.

I'd think you'll be fine getting in for the morning of those dates. I only said we wouldn't bother trying to get in during the late afternoon of 18th which is the actual grand opening day (media, actors, crowds wanting to be there for grand opening etc etc). Not saying it won't reach capacity on other days, just it won't be such a rush to get in at rope drop.

 

[Metro West]

We will be there first weekend in Oct to try HHN for the first time and wanted to check in early for HRH and go to the park for WWOHP at opening. Didn't take into consideration traffic being crazy near Universal due to WWOHP. Hopefully things will have calmed down a bit by then, may just have to plan on being there at the crack of dawn. I really think people are way underestimating the crowd level for the next year.

I hope so too.

Oh my goodness, it never occurred to me that we might not get in on 6/19 & 6/20 due to capacity. My children and I are staying at New Smyrna beach for a full week. We are checking in to HRH on the 17th with check out on the 18th to make sure we were on site for the opening. The other two days of our tickets will be the 19th and 20th but driving from NSB which is an hour away. Guess we better get up at 4 am and start driving to make sure we get in the garage? I thought the grand opening would have happened before our trip but looks like we are smack dab in the middle of it. My girls are so excited about being there on opening day. My son, on the other hand, is dreading the crowds and possibility of waiting half a day to get in the WWOHP.

If you are heading to Orlando during the week, leaving NSB at 4am will put you on I-4 just in time for rush hour...and it's NOT pretty. Just be prepared to wait a long time if there is an accident or delay.

 

[Colleendoll]

I hope so too.

If you are heading to Orlando during the week, leaving NSB at 4am will put you on I-4 just in time for rush hour...and it's NOT pretty. Just be prepared to wait a long time if there is an accident or delay.

I decided to get a room the night of the 19th so we will arrive the 17th find our bearings around IOA, do the Grand Opening on the 18th, go back to NSB that night then come back early in the morning on the 19th and do it all again until the evening of the 20th. Our room key will get us in early and wont have to worry about parking.