The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[Preds]

FJ went down in 30 minutes today. We made it to the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classrom before they shut everything down and made everyone leave. Pretty sad.

 

[MaleficentandGoons]

Ya know, I guess I figured that Universal would do this right, but I guess I was overestimating them again. I've frequently went to Universal the day before my Disney package began and plan to do so again this September as well. These kinds of things is what Universal doesn't think about...limiting time on a package that was sold as a preview???? I was at Animal Kingdom on the first day of previews and had the entire day and no restrictions of any kind...why would one expect Wizarding World to be any different?

I'm sorry, but this is where Disney consistently kills Universal, its all in the details (and don't get me started on why I can see part of the show building on Hogwarts in the photos I've seen). So its only day one and already we're hearing of terribly narrow streets, tight spaces in shops, limited time for preview packages, etc...I'm not sure what to expect come September. I also was looking forward to getting a wand at Olivanders and now understand that only certain individuals will have their wand choose them. That's a huge personal letdown.

BUT if you are staying true to the story and the books the shops are small. I would think though that they would make some of the window only shops mini museums/shows, like Narnia at HS. Or the greenhouse actually be interactive. There still are two movies to come though. I think expansion will be a possibility. As for Disney, I love it too but when was the last new thing they put in and we have to wait almost 5 years for the Fantasyland expansion.

 

[DumGuestTricks]

Cola products being added to the beverage offerings within two weeks.

After going on our trip there yesterday, I seriously believe NO ONE will care that there are no soda products in the area. It's not like it's that huge of a deal to go to another land for a soda fix.

People will be sucked into this world the only thing they'll want is to try the different Butterbeers, Pumpkin Juice, and WWoHP drinks that are available there only.
If kids are that picky when eating at Three Broomsticks, then there's always water and juice.

 

[Nicole786]

Crowds are inevitable no matter how large the space, look at Animal Kingdom on a hot summer day! I think its gonna be awesome, and for those who share my opinion, start listening to Inside the Magic podcast--its the longest running Disney podcast and Ricky (the host) is so positive and his love for Disney/Orlando is so contagious, and I trust his opinion, and so far he is in love with WWoHP!

 

[lildamo]

I think its gonna be awesome, and for those who share my opinion, start listening to Inside the Magic podcast--its the longest running Disney podcast and Ricky (the host) is so positive and his love for Disney/Orlando is so contagious, and I trust his opinion, and so far he is in love with WWoHP!

I haven't listened to his podcast, but his photo and video coverage of yesterday was amazing - exactly what I needed being so far from the action!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Dark Marauder was chosen today...he would have first wand knowledge of the experience!

I was chosen last week, actually.

Do the wands "do" anything?? There was an unconfirmed rumor awhile ago that the wands would react with things around the park (like the wands at Great Wolf Lodge) ???

It gives you +100,000 points on MIB.

Actually, they don't do anything. Maybe I just haven't mastered my spellcasting yet. Darn being a muggle!

After going on our trip there yesterday, I seriously believe NO ONE will care that there are no soda products in the area. It's not like it's that huge of a deal to go to another land for a soda fix.

People will be sucked into this world the only thing they'll want is to try the different Butterbeers, Pumpkin Juice, and WWoHP drinks that are available there only.
If kids are that picky when eating at Three Broomsticks, then there's always water and juice.

And lemonade and iced teas and ciders.

 

[FINFAN]

I was chosen last week, actually.


It gives you +100,000 points on MIB.

Actually, they don't do anything. Maybe I just haven't mastered my spellcasting yet. Darn being a muggle!


And lemonade and iced teas and ciders.

My bad...HOW did you keep that quiet for a week!?!??!?!? You are TRULY the DARK ONE!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

My bad...HOW did you keep that quiet for a week!?!??!?!? You are TRULY the DARK ONE!

I have my ways.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

BUT if you are staying true to the story and the books the shops are small.

Right, but this is part of a theme park that will have thousands of people visiting every day. Some adjustment was definitely called for.

From the pictures and videos, I'm definitely underwhelmed, especially since hearing FJ isn't that special. I think we'll skip Universal and stay at Disney next trip.

 

[Nicole786]

It's pretty clear that those who have already stated they are underwhelmed by WWoHP are not fans of the series (at least those who have said they aren't) thats fine, but I don't think you were Universals target audience, so I honestly don't think they expected you to be like "Oh Wow!" because the details in the area are very true to the book and are most likely only going to be caught by the fans.

The fans of the series, Universals target audience, are the ones they were afraid would be "underwhelmed." Having soda, making the shops larger, are all things that would have caused them to be "underwhelmed". It was a smart move on Universal's part to stay true, and very "Disney" like.

Think about the people you know that go to Disney that hate it, majority of those who hate it do not like Disney. They don't like Disney movies, Disney channel, disney music, so why would they like Disney World? And some do like it, but they don't have the same appreciation for the details like Hidden Mickeys, overly themed queues...etc

I think the people who have been in this thread since day 1, the people who have followed the construction updates, the interviews, seen all the movies, read some if not all the books are the folks who will absolutely love it. The rest of the world is there for the rides and I'm sure they'll be dissapointed.

 

[Planogirl]

I'm not a Harry Potter fanatic and I have yet to see anything that doesn't look great to me. I might change my mind once I get there but so far it looks fine to me.

As for small areas that get over crowded, I'll see your Harry Potter land and raise you one Animal Kingdom. If this area gets as jammed as Animal Kingdom then I might agree.

 

[Priorityonecb]

I agree. Our family has been "invested" in JK Rowling's fantasy world of Harry Potter for *years...my children's entire childhoods almost! We've devoured the books loving that a book could ignite so much passion for reading in my children, we've attended midnight releases of books as a family, we've seen every movie on opening day.

We have tickets and reservations for October and are looking forward to soaking in US and JK's vision of Harry's World. We are excited to sample butterbeer and pumpkin juice. I am not underwhelmed, as in anything in life I will take what is available to me and enjoy it for what it is.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I'm not a Harry Potter fanatic and I have yet to see anything that doesn't look great to me. I might change my mind once I get there but so far it looks fine to me.

As for small areas that get over crowded, I'll see your Harry Potter land and raise you one Animal Kingdom. If this area gets as jammed as Animal Kingdom then I might agree.

I've never once felt crowded at Animal Kingdom. The place is HUGE.

That being said, I'm not a HP fanatic, but I've read all the books at least twice, so I'd definitely consider myself a fan. But not enough of one to wait hours to get into Ollivander's when only one person per group gets the wand experience.

 

[SmallWorld71]

It's pretty clear that those who have already stated they are underwhelmed by WWoHP are not fans of the series (at least those who have said they aren't) thats fine, but I don't think you were Universals target audience, so I honestly don't think they expected you to be like "Oh Wow!" because the details in the area are very true to the book and are most likely only going to be caught by the fans.

The fans of the series, Universals target audience, are the ones they were afraid would be "underwhelmed." Having soda, making the shops larger, are all things that would have caused them to be "underwhelmed". It was a smart move on Universal's part to stay true, and very "Disney" like.

Think about the people you know that go to Disney that hate it, majority of those who hate it do not like Disney. They don't like Disney movies, Disney channel, disney music, so why would they like Disney World? And some do like it, but they don't have the same appreciation for the details like Hidden Mickeys, overly themed queues...etc

I think the people who have been in this thread since day 1, the people who have followed the construction updates, the interviews, seen all the movies, read some if not all the books are the folks who will absolutely love it. The rest of the world is there for the rides and I'm sure they'll be dissapointed.

I agree! I was able to see the tour of the movie props and I was so excited with every little detail. I am sure this will be the same.
Think of all the people who complain about the decor/design of Dinoland in AK, or that Harambe looks run down or think that WS at Epcot is boring because there aren't a bunch of rides. They're completely missing the point.
While I'm looking forward to trying FJ, I could care less about the 2 coasters or the fact that there are only 3 rides etc... I want to feel like I am in Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade etc...just like I feel like I am part of the books every time I read them.

As far as this whole wand thing goes, I liken it to things like Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial, World Showcase Players etc... It's a show for everyone and a few lucky people will get chosen to participate. Would I love to be chosen? Absolutely! But there doesn't seem to be any way to logistically handle that and still put on the show.

 

[Planogirl]

I've never once felt crowded at Animal Kingdom. The place is HUGE.

That being said, I'm not a HP fanatic, but I've read all the books at least twice, so I'd definitely consider myself a fan. But not enough of one to wait hours to get into Ollivander's when only one person per group gets the wand experience.

I can understand why people don't like this policy BUT I don't see how else they could have done it. Unless they go to a reservation system of some kind, a long wait is inevitable and it would be a really endless wait if everyone got to do the wand thing.

I have felt VERY crowded at AK and that on a 95 degree day in June with nowhere to escape to. We were hot and miserable and now I use that experience as my misery barometer.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I can understand why people don't like this policy BUT I don't see how else they could have done it. Unless they go to a reservation system of some kind, a long wait is inevitable and it would be a really endless wait if everyone got to do the wand thing.

I have felt VERY crowded at AK and that on a 95 degree day in June with nowhere to escape to. We were hot and miserable and now I use that experience as my misery barometer.

Well, yes, it could have been done by reservation, like BBB or Pirate's League. That's actually a neat idea.

Sorry about the misery at AK. I think it might have a lot to do with the heat and lack of shading there.

 

[Planogirl]

Well, yes, it could have been done by reservation, like BBB or Pirate's League. That's actually a neat idea.

Sorry about the misery at AK. I think it might have a lot to do with the heat and lack of shading there.

I think that you're right about the AK shading not to mention all of that thick vegetation seems to block breezes in most areas. For some reason AK had wall to wall people that day and all benches and even curbs were inundated with sitting, complaining people. Needless to say, we fled!!!

Maybe Universal will still create some kind of system for the wand experience. They might have thought that people in groups being surprised with the opportunity might work but maybe they're wrong. It is still in previews after all with plenty of bugs to work out. If it's not all fixed and going smoothly by August then I'll be on here ranting myself.

 

[mikeandkarla]

Any word on WWOHP park hours today?

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Any word on WWOHP park hours today?

Pete Werner posted "Still only a two hour preview today." on FB.

 

[black562]

I was chosen last week, actually.


It gives you +100,000 points on MIB.

Actually, they don't do anything. Maybe I just haven't mastered my spellcasting yet. Darn being a muggle!

That had me thinking, I am a magician and had talked with my friends about the possibility of "setting myself up" beforehand. Then, when I got the wand, start making things levitate around me. The guy would have to remain in character, but I could only imagine what he'd be thinking.