The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[MadeToLove]

Here is video of a walkthrough of Hogsmeade and another of Ollivander's Wand Shop. Enjoy!

Just watched those. Find them here too: http://www.**************.net/2010/...g-world-of-harry-potter-at-universal-orlando/
along with report and al the pics they took today.

I litterally squeed when I saw the olivander show in full, heart a flutter, nearly peed my pants jumping up and down. Every Potterholic must watch it! And loved the sound effects from the shop windows. And the frog choir from another video (just youtube search "wizarding world of harry potter" and set it to show most recent videos and you'll see them all)

And one more thing, if you rode Forbidden Journey today, please go to the spoiler thread and spoil those of us junkies who need a bigger fix. PLEASE!

 

[MadeToLove]

something new:
http://www.parade.com/celebrity/2010/05/video-harry-potter-the-forbidden-journey-ride.html
http://www.parade.com/celebrity/2010/05/bringing-the-world-of-harry-potter-to-life.html

Note the report is nice, but a wee bit spoilery for anyone who wants to be totally in the dark about FJ

 

[Momw/aplan]

You're making an incorrect comparison. These people aren't going to be there after the Grand Opening. They are on vacation. Its not choose A or B. They are here NOW and only now. The people who show up after the GO still have one hour early access, unlimited express on the other two rides, and once per day on FJ. So its only ONE more hour than everyone else will be getting anyway. I don't see how anyone would rather have one extra hour with lower crowds and then zero access rather than being able to walk around it all day, still having express.

Exactly what Lou Holtz said .

If our pkg was after GO we'd still have that one hour of early exclusive access PLUS the whole rest of the day with express pass to explore and hang out. Because our pkg falls a few days too early we may not get that? We may only get two hours period, end of story, and we're supposed to be satisfied with that? We don't even get to see the place at night which is reported to be absolutely breathtaking.
Our pkg cost every bit as much as the post GO pkgs cost and yet it may not be the same access. I could have just as easily booked a post GO pkg if I had been informed of the differences at the time of my purchase, but I was not, and now it's too late.

I even called after the GO announcement to see how that affected the pkg I had purchased--I briefly considered trying to reschedule for after GO even though that would mean making a lot of other cancellations for the rest of our road trip--but I was basically told by Universal not to change our date that we were so lucky--we had the golden ticket! But now, to me, it kind of feels like if I wanted to buy a car and I did all my research, asked all the right questions and then ordered the car--but when the car came in I found out it would only run for two hours every day, yet the salesman and all the other people standing around said, "Hey, at least you have a car, and it's a one-of-a-kind, not many people can say they have a car like that. Doesn't that make you happy?"

I'll go and I will make the most of it--it is our vacation after all--but it is NOT what I thought I was buying, and I'm sorry, but at this moment that does not exactly make me want to sing from the hilltops.

 

[Sphyrna]

I bought the Harry Potter package as soon as it came out. I would be SUPER mad right now if I were only allowed in for 2 hours. It is not my fault that Universal started selling the packages 3 weeks before they planned to actually open the park. These packages were NEVER sold as "previews" or "soft openings". Its crazy that after people spend all this money on tickets and hotel and flights, that Universal is now "allowing" people who paid the money for a Harry Potter trip,to spend 2 hours there. It doesnt matter that they were informed at Check in. By that time, what are you going to do, cancel your vacation? You're already there!

This is a serious screw up and its really not fair to the people who spent the money in good faith, to not get what they paid for. Its kinda sad that something so fun and amazing (to us Potterfans atleast) is being messed up. I am just bummed now.

I agree. My biggest complaint with the 2 hour window is that when the packages were first offered they were not offered as a "preview". People buying the package believed they'd have access to WWOHP for the entire day. I know if it was me, I'd be very upset.

It doesn't look good for there being a general soft opening next week while I'm there. I'll keep tabs on the posts and decide on Monday if I'm going over on Tuesday or just stay at WDW. I really want this to go well for Universal but so far I'm concerned.

 

[FINFAN]

Exactly what Lou Holtz said .

If our pkg were after GO we'd still have that one hour of early exclusive access PLUS the whole rest of the day with express pass to explore and hang out. Because our pkg falls a few days too early we may not get that? We may only get two hours period, end of story, and we're supposed to be satisfied with that? We don't even get to see the place at night which is reported to be absolutely breathtaking.
Our pkg cost every bit as much as the post GO pkgs cost and yet it may not be the same access. I could have just as easily booked a post GO pkg if I had been informed of the differences at the time of my purchase, but I was not, and now it's too late.

I even called after the GO announcement to see how that affected the pkg I had purchased--I briefly considered trying to reschedule for after GO even though that would mean making a lot of other cancellations for the rest of our road trip--but I was basically told by Universal not to change our date that we were so lucky--we had the golden ticket! But now, to me, it kind of feels like if I wanted to buy a car and I did all my research, asked all the right questions and then ordered the car--but when the car came in I found out it would only run for two hours every day, yet the salesman and all the other people standing around said, "Hey, at least you have a car, and it's a one-of-a-kind, not many people can say they have a car like that. Doesn't that make you happy?"

I'll go and I will make the most of it--it is our vacation after all--but it is NOT what I thought I was buying, and I'm sorry, but at this moment that does not exactly make me want to sing from the hilltops.

Very good summarization, we are not package holders(on site room, booked in Feb) but I agreewith you and would feel EXACTLY the same way. A manager called me a bout 2 weeks ago after numerous emails etc. He sounded so excited for us, while saying limited access, he also said full HP experience and how fortunate we are to be enjoying WWOHP in small crowds, also suggested that we are better off keeping current ressies ( however we also have a sweet rate of 125 p night so I do have to take that into account) We are a night owl family, like to sleep in and hit the parks till closing. I WISH I had thought to ask about time/day/evening specific access, honestly, I know it is a 50-50 and we are more the minority of wanting to see the park at night vs day...but still frustrated a bit. We have until tomorrow night to cancel, no noe is 100% on board with still ging and using up our $99 tix...to be honest, we would like to have longer access as well in the price...to be continued.....

 

[crmom7054]

Hi everyone! Ok, I was there this morning for the preview as a hotel guest that registered in advance of the announcement -- so I'm not a package holder so I can't respond to the frustration of those that thought they were paying for all day access, BUT I will say we did A LOT and almost everything in our two hour preview.

The wait for Flight of the Hippogriff was 5 minutes, Dragon Challenge also 5 minutes. The Ollivander line and obviously Forbidden Journey were the longest lines, but even with that, not a problem to do it. Just keep the looking around the outside area and stores to later. They were still open at nearly noon and not kicking anyone out. They just shut down the rides and possibly the show portion of Ollivander's. But you could still buy a wand, buy butterbeer, experience Honeydukes and Zonkos, etc.

The queue for FJ could take a while if you chose to stand there and listen to everything Dumbledore says or Harry/Hermoine/Ron, etc. But we were easily through it in probably 30 minutes. Our problem was we were a few cars away from getting on when it shut down for technical difficulties. We waiting a while for it to be fixed and finally left. We'll try again tomorrow.

I wrote a little more in my trip report and I'll post some pics there later tonight.

 

[Disney_Lover06]

The queue for FJ could take a while if you chose to stand there and listen to everything Dumbledore says or Harry/Hermoine/Ron, etc. But we were easily through it in probably 30 minutes. Our problem was we were a few cars away from getting on when it shut down for technical difficulties. We waiting a while for it to be fixed and finally left. We'll try again tomorrow.

I wrote a little more in my trip report and I'll post some pics there later tonight.

It sounds like you had a nice experience so far. Sorry FJ broke down right before you were going to ride it. I'm looking forward to the report! Thanks!

 

[Poly-Anna]

Yay!!
Well then, you should be very satisfied with what you were promised if you got to tour through the area and ride all three rides including FJ.
I need to ask-was FJ a lot more rough than Spiderman? Were you upside down and spinning around a lot? Any dizziness or nausea when you were done?
Thanks!

I get a little queasy with Spiderman. This does swing you around a bit more because the ride cars are small (fits 4 in a line). Not completely around, but you do lie on your back and side to side. Just as if you are riding a broomstick if you can imagine that!

 

[Poly-Anna]

The people who bought the package would have been informed, in writing, that they would have an early preview. In fact, some of the people here on the board posted just that. They would also have been given that info when they checked into their hotel, as all packages included hotel accommodation.


Here is a good review with a few spoilers

http://www.orlandounited.com/forums...ld-of-Harry-Potter-Part-2&p=114365#post114365

Damo's right. We were given letters after we checked in that specifically told us what to do and at what time, so I don't understand how someone could have misunderstood or expected to just walk in whenever.

 

[MadeToLove]

I get a little queasy with Spiderman. This does swing you around a bit more because the ride cars are small (fits 4 in a line). Not completely around, but you do lie on your back and side to side. Just as if you are riding a broomstick if you can imagine that!

Would you PLEASE go on the spoiler thread for FJ and tell us everything you saw, felt, etc.? Nobody's who been on the ride is talking and some of us actually do like being completely and totally spoiled. I promise it won't take away from our enjoyment. You can tell us everything in the spoiler thread.

PWEASE ?????

 

[MaleficentandGoons]

Sorry, but I really don't feel bad for the people who booked before the Grand Opening announcement. If anything I think those who did should be happy that US is allowing them in for a preview right now. Where does the sense of entitlement end? It's really not their fault you booked for when you thought they should have WW and FJ up and running. We are going for at the end of July and I'm planning 2 days for strictly WW only. I'm expecting to wait in a line for 2 hours for a 10 minute ride.

That being said
Here is my question: When/how often does US get filled to capacity and do on-site guest get better chances of getting in because they are on-site?

 

[Momw/aplan]

Hi everyone! Ok, I was there this morning for the preview as a hotel guest that registered in advance of the announcement -- so I'm not a package holder so I can't respond to the frustration of those that thought they were paying for all day access, BUT I will say we did A LOT and almost everything in our two hour preview.

The wait for Flight of the Hippogriff was 5 minutes, Dragon Challenge also 5 minutes. The Ollivander line and obviously Forbidden Journey were the longest lines, but even with that, not a problem to do it. Just keep the looking around the outside area and stores to later. They were still open at nearly noon and not kicking anyone out. They just shut down the rides and possibly the show portion of Ollivander's. But you could still buy a wand, buy butterbeer, experience Honeydukes and Zonkos, etc.

The queue for FJ could take a while if you chose to stand there and listen to everything Dumbledore says or Harry/Hermoine/Ron, etc. But we were easily through it in probably 30 minutes. Our problem was we were a few cars away from getting on when it shut down for technical difficulties. We waiting a while for it to be fixed and finally left. We'll try again tomorrow.

I wrote a little more in my trip report and I'll post some pics there later tonight.

So they didn't kick everyone out at 10:00? That's great! Not the impression I'd gotten from other reports so far. That does make it quite a bit better--not perfect if still kicked out around noon-ish--but definitely better than only two hours.

Sorry FJ broke down on you. I hope you get to experience it tomorrow!

 

[cressy]

I booked a room at RPR last night at 11pm. Upon reading a post that onsite guests would likely be offered admission this am, I called UO and was told that onsite guests would be admitted beginning at 8am and would enjoy the area "at your leisure,"if at the WWOHP gates by 8:45.We awoke at 3:30 and made the trip to US, arriving at 7:30. Fortunately, our room was ready, as we had to bring our dog, and we never would have made the deadline if we'd had to take her to the kennel, which opens at 8.We got into the park at 8:30 after checking in and picking up our passes.On the way in, cast members were announcing the WWOHP would only be open til 10 am. We were crushed, but determined to make the most of our $600.00 one night trip.It was hard to stay disappointed. We were overcome with emotion at the attention to detail in decor and the breathtaking sight of Hogwart's in the distance. After taking it all in, we headed to FJ, which was not open yet. I told the girls to take a look around and I'd phone when the line began moving.Those of us in the queue were cool with people doing that, we were all in the same boat and there was a nice sense of camaraderie to the morning.In 5-10 minutes the line began to be admitted, and we were in in no time.We were sort of sorry that the queue line went so quickly; it was absolutely stunning. We were gasping, and again, overcome with emotion.In all of our opinions,Disney has been out Disney'd in attention to detail.The ride itself, also spectacular in our opinion. Yes, you do go nearly upside down at several points, and yes, I was a bit queasy about 1/2 way through.
The other rides were walkons, also.At DD, the queue included hagrids hut, the the flying car from the 2nd book,and the goblet of fire. Queue no comparison to that of FJ.
We saw bits of the frog choir, the Beau Baton and Durmstrang show, both charming.We were allowed into the Three Broomsticks after the pkg guests were finished with breakfast.Absolutely wonderful detail and several cool special effects. We loved it.
Went back to FJ again to spend more time taking in the castle interior, but it was down. We then were able to shop, inspect the details of the shops and windows til almost noon, so we felt very satisfied, and uplifted. All the cast members were beyond friendly and obviously very pleased to be working there, several specifically stating how lucky they felt.A few spent quite a bit of time with us, pointing out items of interest.
We are sill on cloud nine, even though we didnt get the time that we were told we would.If i had bought a pkg, I would feel that I did not receive what I paid for. However, I would still go by all means, and expect to arrive as early as possible and stay until the last possible moment.

 

[Nicole786]

Sorry, but I really don't feel bad for the people who booked before the Grand Opening announcement. If anything I think those who did should be happy that US is allowing them in for a preview right now. Where does the sense of entitlement end? It's really not their fault you booked for when you thought they should have WW and FJ up and running. We are going for at the end of July and I'm planning 2 days for strictly WW only. I'm expecting to wait in a line for 2 hours for a 10 minute ride.

That being said
Here is my question: When/how often does US get filled to capacity and do on-site guest get better chances of getting in because they are on-site?

I'm not sure you realize that packages were being sold by Universal Studios strictly for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offering full access to the area

 

[cressy]

Some of my post got deleted:
Butterbeer was really really good; 6.50 in a special mug, 3.25 in a plastic cup. Ollivanders show was charming; the guy who played him was wonderful Not many guests fit into that cozy space, so i can see long lines in the future.
One of the cast members we were talking with told us "be sure to come back tomorrow; you'll get a brochure at your hotel with the details about what's happening tomorrow." I called the front desk this evening, and the agent said he didnt know anything about it; that pkg guests got an "invitation"when they checked in detailing a preview and after i explained what we were told, he told me to come down and he would see that we got a letter.Of course i went right down, and interestingly, he apologized that i hadnt gotten the letter when we checked in.Also interestingly, the letter stated that as onsite guests we would have early admission to WWOHP for every day of our stay.
I know this is sort of a mini trip report; sorry if it's in the wrong place. We did take tons of pics, and I hope to be able to post them.

 

[MadeToLove]

Some of my post got deleted:
Butterbeer was really really good; 6.50 in a special mug, 3.25 in a plastic cup. Ollivanders show was charming; the guy who played him was wonderful Not many guests fit into that cozy space, so i can see long lines in the future.
I know this is sort of a mini trip report; sorry if it's in the wrong place. We did take tons of pics, and I hope to be able to post them.

totally the right place to post. but while you're at it....will you please go to the FJ spoiler thread and tell us all about the ride? All you remember seeing and doing, and feel free to HOLD NOTHING BACK there.

Please?

 

[diskids2]

Here is video of a walkthrough of Hogsmeade and another of Ollivander's Wand Shop. Enjoy!

I know this sounds stupid...but I almost cried when I saw that video...I think I probably will cry when I get there in July. My kids are going to run away from their embarrassing Mom.

 

[cressy]

totally the right place to post. but while you're at it....will you please go to the FJ spoiler thread and tell us all about the ride? All you remember seeing and doing, and feel free to HOLD NOTHING BACK there.

Please?

Sure, I'll do my best when we get back from dinner!

 

[MadeToLove]

Sure, I'll do my best when we get back from dinner!

Thank you, you will be my hero. My poor junkie heart has been in a flutter for the last six hours waiting (not so patiently hehe) for a full FJ ride report. Now I can breathe.

I know this sounds stupid...but I almost cried when I saw that video...I think I probably will cry when I get there in July. My kids are going to run away from their embarrassing Mom.

diskids2: that Olivander's video was amazing, I was bouncing up and down clapping my hands. good thing I'm "working" from home today and no one saw me (working, yeah right )

 

[MaleficentandGoons]

I'm not sure you realize that packages were being sold by Universal Studios strictly for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offering full access to the area

I do understand that but commonsense would be not to buy just because its offered unless you have an opening day.