The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[roomthreeseventeen]

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.

My husband is a magician as well. When we DO get to IoA, I'm going to have to stop him from trying to out-maneuver the wizards.

 

[PrincessKara22]

As a big Harry Potter fan I have to say that I'm disappointed in the Ollivander's experience. Not because only one person per group gets to be involved (although I think it could be 2 or 3 depending on wait times) but because the show itself is lacking (from what I've seen on youtube) A ringing bell and some lights/sounds are not what I was expecting. I thought the shopkeeper would be measuring arms, if the wand didn't "fit" that animatronic shelves/boxes would be reacting like in the movie-being blown out of place a little. Obviously the spotlight and the lights for the "Right" wand bc they obviously can't have sparks come out of the wand like in the books but I just thought it would be more over the top & show like.
EDIT: Also, if they do the "well...well...how curious...how very curious..." every time a wand chooses a customer (like in the YT video) that would kinda annoy me. Harry's wand was "curious" because of it's connection to Voldemort's wand--there is no reason for my wand to be a "curious" choice...you know what I mean?

 

[MrBryan]

yeah the 2 wand videos that i saw were extremely bad dumb and laughable

I'm sorry but the whole wand experience doesn't work outside the films, it's just stupid, especially the way the do it.

the pick 2 wands that don't work, then music starts playing and it's obvious the third one is the one

also the actors are horrible, but alas that goes with theme parks, i don't think there is such a thing as a good theme park show, they are all laughable

the beatboxing frog choir was funny bad too

 

[Metro West]

the beatboxing frog choir was funny bad too

Now that I can't wait to see!

 

[MrBryan]

Now that I can't wait to see!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouK5j8B3VpU

 

[melly]

As a big Harry Potter fan I have to say that I'm disappointed in the Ollivander's experience. Not because only one person per group gets to be involved (although I think it could be 2 or 3 depending on wait times) but because the show itself is lacking (from what I've seen on youtube) A ringing bell and some lights/sounds are not what I was expecting. I thought the shopkeeper would be measuring arms, if the wand didn't "fit" that animatronic shelves/boxes would be reacting like in the movie-being blown out of place a little. Obviously the spotlight and the lights for the "Right" wand bc they obviously can't have sparks come out of the wand like in the books but I just thought it would be more over the top & show like.
EDIT: Also, if they do the "well...well...how curious...how very curious..." every time a wand chooses a customer (like in the YT video) that would kinda annoy me. Harry's wand was "curious" because of it's connection to Voldemort's wand--there is no reason for my wand to be a "curious" choice...you know what I mean?

thats as daft as saying Im dissapointed because I dont really get to fly on a real broomstick around the WWoHP

 

[PrincessKara22]

thats as daft as saying Im dissapointed because I dont really get to fly on a real broomstick around the WWoHP

UM no
I'm just saying that if I'm waiting 2 hours to get into this show then I want a real SHOW where animatronics are "reacting" to the situation-if they did that for all of the shop windows (which they did) why is it too much to expect in one of the actual attractions??????

 

[Lucky4me]

ITA about Animal Kingdom. On a busy 90 degree day with high humidity, it's my idea of what he** would be like. That hasn't stopped people from pouring into that park every day.

PrincessKara, maybe they're still getting the bugs out of the Olivander wand choosing show. I'm sure there will be a lot of tweaking until they get it right- for the general masses anyway. Or perhaps it's something where you just have to be there to really get the whole effect.

 

[NormanMaine]

So far, it sounds like an organizational nightmare. "Ollivander's" alone, may prove more popular than the damned rides. How are they gonna manage THAT kind of queue through the cramped streets of Hogsmeade?

 

[MadeToLove]

I'd just like to point out one thing that I noticed in ALL the videos and pictures that came out yesterday.

Did you notice that everyone was smiling? That you didn't hear one person complaining in the background? I've watched those videos a dozen times now and I've not caught one angry person on them. I think that says a lot about how Univ. must have done something right if most people are happy. Sure there were bound to be people who were underwhelmed. You can't please some people, and a Dursley who thought magic was dumb would hate it (for as they say, if you assume you'll hate it going in, then your sure to create some incident yourself that will justify that hatred).

And, another day, another page.....If you have ridden FJ please procede to the FJ Spoiler thread and tell us everything you saw, felt, remember. We're waiting for you there.

 

[bubba's mom]

Also, the prices of all the HP merchandise is CRAZY. I am really going to have to set a limit for my kids way ahead of time, so they know going in to chose wisely. It looks so cool though.

We decided to fly our niece down to meet us in Fla and I told her, the souvenir $$ we were going to spend on her, just bought her r/t airfare. Poor thing is babysitting her heart out to earn $ to buy her own souvys (I'm sure we'll help if she really wants something and is a bit short. OR, I can get it when we go back in Oct and give it to her for her bday in Nov...yeah...slick I am

Also, I've seen a price list from someone who was there, and a few other sites where prices are getting posted. My 3 kids want wands, and we're looking at $75.00 in all, just for the character wands. Might not be high to some people, but that's high for us, just saying.

Everything is "high" when you have 3 kids! It's just x3 for EVERYTHING!! Good luck saving...and don't forget to check under the sofa cushions

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.

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 will admit...the only reason we have watched every movie (don't even own a book) is BECAUSE Universal was building wwohp. I thought we could appreciate it better if we had a clue as to what Harry was all about. That said, our niece that is coming is a HUGE HP fan. I already know Universal won't disappoint, but just to see HER excited and the look on HER face...totally worth it to me right there. I think that's how some parents will be...maybe they aren't so much a fan (and may complain about the prices and crowds), but the 'priceless' look on their kids' faces is what it's all about.

 

[melly]

UM no
I'm just saying that if I'm waiting 2 hours to get into this show then I want a real SHOW where animatronics are "reacting" to the situation-if they did that for all of the shop windows (which they did) why is it too much to expect in one of the actual attractions??????

I know I know....I was only kidding

 

[melly]

Also, I've seen a price list from someone who was there, and a few other sites where prices are getting posted. My 3 kids want wands, and we're looking at $75.00 in all, just for the character wands. Might not be high to some people, but that's high for us, just saying.

Just pick your favourite kid and they get a wand.

 

[inkkognito]

I don't think HP itself is dissapointing people as much as the way Universal is handling the preview. If I had popped big bucks for the package I would not be happy with only two hours. I would also be displeased that everyone at the hotels is being let in now when I was told I had to book early (although as a local I am certainly taking advantage of that with a hotel room just booked today for tomorrow night). Most people took "preview" and "full HP experience" to mean being able to hang out in the area all day, even if the rides were sporadically down.

I think WW itself will be very cool and can't wait to see all the detail and taste Butterbeer and get a souvenir mug to add to my collection. I forsee a separate Ollivanders line just for people who want the wand to pick them tho'. It's what happened at Disney's Jedi training and their Japanese candy lady doesn't give out candy at all anymore because of the, "My kid didn't get picked, you evil people scarred him for life" brigade. They'll descend on Uni in full force this summer and force a change, and you'll see 'em waiting for two hours just like they do for Jedi now.

 

[damo]

video of walk-through of the ... pretty amazing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvG4MKnp9zw

 

[tink1957]

We finally got in today and it was great....except when we were in line for FJ and stopped to put our stuff in the lockers it delayed us just long enough for the ride to go down We got to the Sorting Hat and actually were one of the first ones in line this morning but the blasted locker thing got us. Next time I'll be like my son and not wait for anyone...he got to ride.

On a brighter note, the Butterbeer is tasty as are the Cauldron Cakes and Pumpkin tarts and I spent a load of $ on t-shirts...I just wish I didn't have to get up at 6:00 am to enjoy it.

 

[damo]

We finally got in today and it was great....except when we were in line for FJ and stopped to put our stuff in the lockers it delayed us just long enough for the ride to go down We got to the Sorting Hat and actually were one of the first ones in line this morning but the blasted locker thing got us. Next time I'll be like my son and not wait for anyone...he got to ride.

On a brighter note, the Butterbeer is tasty as are the Cauldron Cakes and Pumpkin tarts and I spent a load of $ on t-shirts...I just wish I didn't have to get up at 6:00 am to enjoy it.

What did your son say about the ride?

 

[tink1957]

He said it was a glorified Spiderman but he is notorious for his understatements. I wish my daughter had ridden it instead then I could get a true picture. He's also not as big of a fan as DD & I so I would take it with a grain of salt. It's also like pulling teeth to get info out of him, he says he doesn't want to ruin it for us.

 

[black562]

Speaking of Olivander's, does anyone know if you HAVE to wait in line for the experience, or can you just go in the store and buy a wand without waiting? I'm trying to decide how this is going to work when I go in September. I would prefer to ride FJ first thing after rope drop, then ride everything else in the park, saving the Harry Potter shopping for last. However, if there are giant lines just to buy a wand, I may have to buy everything in the morning and rent a locker for the day.

So, anyone know? Do you have to do the wand experience before entering the store, or is that optional?

 

[damo]

Speaking of Olivander's, does anyone know if you HAVE to wait in line for the experience, or can you just go in the store and buy a wand without waiting? I'm trying to decide how this is going to work when I go in September. I would prefer to ride FJ first thing after rope drop, then ride everything else in the park, saving the Harry Potter shopping for last. However, if there are giant lines just to buy a wand, I may have to buy everything in the morning and rent a locker for the day.

So, anyone know? Do you have to do the wand experience before entering the store, or is that optional?

The wands are actually sold at the building attached to Ollivander's. So you don't need to wait.