The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[Nicole786]

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

I guess different strokes. All i'm gonna say is that I was around this thread when that was offered and the general consensus was that because Universal was offering this the release would have to be before then. I mean it made sense at the time..? I guess I'm just not downplaying reactions to "sense of entitlement" I didn't even buy the package but if I had, I'd feel ripped off and angry. I think you opinion on the matter differs depending on how involved you've been with the process.

 

[Graciesmom77]

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 don't get this? Why should people be happy to have a Harry Potter Package, that they paid full price for, and only able to use for 2 hours? It was a HARRY POTTER PACKAGE!!! I didn't pay for HP package so I could see other things in the parks. Universal sold the same package to people for May 28th and June 18th, all people paid the same, got the same e mails and all that but all the people coming before the 18th don't get the same things as the others. It is bad salesmanship, and is wrong. The people shouldn't be paying the same price. It was very misleading.

I honestly want to cancel my whole trip, and some of my days fall on the Grand Opening but what they are doing is so wrong I really don't want to deal with them.

 

[damo]

I don't get this? Why should people be happy to have a Harry Potter Package, that they paid full price for, and only able to use for 2 hours? It was a HARRY POTTER PACKAGE!!! I didn't pay for HP package so I could see other things in the parks. Universal sold the same package to people for May 28th and June 18th, all people paid the same, got the same e mails and all that but all the people coming before the 18th don't get the same things as the others. It is bad salesmanship, and is wrong. The people shouldn't be paying the same price. It was very misleading.

I honestly want to cancel my whole trip, and some of my days fall on the Grand Opening but what they are doing is so wrong I really don't want to deal with them.

I've got to tell you, that if it was me, I'd be totally pissed. I don't blame any of you one bit. Now perhaps tomorrow will be different but I agree that what you are getting should be exactly the same as what any package purchaser is getting in 3 weeks, etc. I probably wouldn't be cancelling but I sure would be letter my anger be known. Perhaps they will reimburse you in some way.

 

[WebmasterPete]

Okay, first of all here is the text of the letter I was handed at check-in this morning:

Welcome,

We have exciting news for you!

You will be among the first guests to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort!

As on on-site hotel guest, you will be given Early Park Admission for an exclusive preview of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is scheduled to begin at 8:00AM each day during your stay. You must arrive at Islands of Adventure by 8:45AM (clearly that's a typo on their part, it should have read 7:45AM) and proceed directly to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to ensure access to the area.

You will need a valid theme park admission ticket to Islands of Adventure, your hotel room key and photo ID that will be validated for admission. And please remember that operating hours and availability of specific attractions and entertainment are always subject to change without notice.

The water taxis will begin running at 7:45AM each morning to accommodate your departure for the theme parks.

If you have any questions or need to purchase your theme park tickets, please visit the Attraction Ticket Center in the hotel lobby.

Thank you for choosing Universal Orlando Resort for your vacation destination!

We hope you enjoy your stay with us!

​

Nowhere in this letter, or in my package confirmation documents does it say "2 hours" - the first mention of the word "preview" only appears in the letter above, which we only received when we arrived, and after we'd paid for the package. Even still, "preview" doesn't mean "limited time" - if I'm invited to preview of movie, I expect to see the full movie, not just the first 10 minutes. If I had known this was only going to be a 2 hour preview, I would not have booked the package.

When this package was released in March, there were NO stipulations made that this would be a limited opening. They did say that ATTRACTIONS are subject to availability, and I fully expected that FJ might be down as they worked out the bugs. If that was the extent of it, I'd have no problem - but to charge a premium for this, and not communicate that it would be a '2 hour' preview - allowing those who booked the package to think they would get to be there all day is a classic bait and switch. The only reason it stayed open longer than 10am today was because of the number of people who were FUMING about this.

Sorry - this is just plain WRONG on every level.

 

[Don Pacho]

Courtesy of kitfisto92, Orlando United
http://www.orlandounited.com

Proof that even the smallest details had to be approved and corrected...

 

[cressy]

I don't get this? Why should people be happy to have a Harry Potter Package, that they paid full price for, and only able to use for 2 hours? It was a HARRY POTTER PACKAGE!!! I didn't pay for HP package so I could see other things in the parks. Universal sold the same package to people for May 28th and June 18th, all people paid the same, got the same e mails and all that but all the people coming before the 18th don't get the same things as the others. It is bad salesmanship, and is wrong. The people shouldn't be paying the same price. It was very misleading.

I honestly want to cancel my whole trip, and some of my days fall on the Grand Opening but what they are doing is so wrong I really don't want to deal with them.

I dont know the details and cost of the pkg; can you cancel without penalty? If so, is it cheaper to rebook room and tickets separately? If I were in your position I guess I would consider that and really keep up with what visitors between now and then are reporting. I do strongly feel that once WWOHP is open to the general public it will take WAY longer to experience and it will be packed packed packed , and for me, that is not enjoyable.My sense is also that considering this morning guests could remain in WWOHP til nearly noon you had almost 4 hrs- not for FJ but again, if you carefully pay attention to what is reported you can plan and weigh make a decision. It seems to me that UO should refund pkg purchasers who will not get what they booked. If that were my choice, I would push for it. However, if I could make it work and be ok with it, I would swallow the disappointment and figure out how to get the most I could out of it, because it's awesome and I would prefer 4 hrs -possibly more as things get smoothed out- to the massive general public crowds which seem certain from June 18. Hope this helps.

 

[crmom7054]

FYI - My understanding when we went in today was the universal employee said we are open TODAY until 10 a.m.

There is a chance that with all the complaints that it will stay open a little longer on future days. However, since they basically closed off the whole area that led into WWOHP so people couldn't sneak in or see in, I'm not sure how likely it will be.

Those of you that bought a package did NOT get what you paid for at this point although I do think it is doable to do most things in that time frame. It's still NOT what you paid for.

I do know that some people cancelled or went to complain and the employees at The Three Broomsticks told us that some people didn't show up for breakfast.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

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!

I have no need to watch the wand ceremony/show.

I'll tell you why in a later post.

 

[FINFAN]

I have no need to watch the wand ceremony/show.

I'll tell you why in a later post.

 

[crmom7054]

I have no need to watch the wand ceremony/show.

I'll tell you why in a later post.

Tell us now!!!! Come on!

Ok, let's guess. Do you work there?

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Also, I should add that you should buy the butterbeer mug if you can--discounted refills, folks! And it's a collector's item.

As for the wand thing...

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I have no need to watch the wand ceremony/show.

I'll tell you why in a later post.

Oh, man! Did you get picked for the wand selection during previews?

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Oh, man! Did you get picked for the wand selection during previews?

Phoenix tailfeather core, at that!

 

[FINFAN]

Phoenix tailfeather core, at that!

We're not worthy! Congrat's!
(Ummmm, how much did that set you back if you don't mind me asking?)

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Phoenix tailfeather core, at that!

But of course - I would expect no less!

Congratulations! How cool is that?

 

[the Dark Marauder]

We're not worthy! Congrat's!
(Ummmm, how much did that set you back if you don't mind me asking?)

IT COST MY SOUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IMHOTEP IMHOTEP IMHOTEP!







Most wands were around $25-$30. Remember, APH and AAA discounts are available.

 

[Metro West]

Phoenix tailfeather core, at that!

Congrats Darkie...but I have no idea what that is.

 

[FINFAN]

I need to count out my change jar....I was hoping to hit $100 for "necessary souvee's" gonna be close..better return some Oberweis milk bottles for the deposit $...lol.....and yessshhhhh, we have AAA !

$107 not including pennies..maybe $5 there...yay!

 

[damo]

Phoenix tailfeather core, at that!

Hail oh powerful one!!!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Congrats Darkie...but I have no idea what that is.

It's a good thing - "the Marauder Who Lived", "the Chosen One", etc.