The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[damo]

I'm sorry but no I don't care if it's a theme park or not if they're going to do something in honour of something ie create a hogsmeade to bring the books to life they do it properly and that means if the shops are small in the books they're small in reality and I think the tourists will just have to deal with that! I wouldn't walk into disney and expect to see a tiny castle in the centre so I'm not going to WOHP and expecting to see wide open spaces in the shops. Also I understand the thing with Ollivanders only picking one person imagine how long it would take if they did that with every single person that walked into the park everyday...
people getting previews should be glad they're getting previews at all even if they are only 2 hours as well because everywhere else I read no previews it was just opening and that was it. These previews seem to have only come this week. Also absolutely loving the videos and pics. Was disappointed that hogwarts wasn't going to be a walk through the whole way as well that it's only for the ride *** I hate most rides and only really go on the kiddie ones but like looking at things so would have loved to see hogwarts inside walking but the vids are good enough

Does anyone know btw the grey jumper Emma Watson had on at the end of the video of the HP Cast visiting the park can that be bought in the park and if so how much? I want to try judge how much money I'll need for IOA day of my hols lol

You can walk through the Hogwarts queue. There are exits before the ride. I think many people will be doing exactly that. When the ride went down today, they still let people do the queue.

 

[Donut23]

And then everyone will complain that the ride is shut down and that spiderman is the only reason why they went to universal... you can never please everyone.

I guess the person complaining about not maintaining rides has forgotten about the Yeti.....and lets not forget the headless dragon at DL last summer. Their entire Nightastic summer theme was based around the new dragon. I WILL say, it IS fantastic - we saw it last fall. However, at rehearsals just before opening night....the head fell off and it was gone for the entire summer Nightastic season.....that would be an oops.

I have also heard that the dino in AK is not functioning as it has in the past.

 

[FINFAN]

I guess the person complaining about not maintaining rides has forgotten about the Yeti.....and lets not forget the headless dragon at DL last summer. Their entire Nightastic summer theme was based around the new dragon. I WILL say, it IS fantastic - we saw it last fall. However, at rehearsals just before opening night....the head fell off and it was gone for the entire summer Nightastic season.....that would be an oops.

I have also heard that the dino in AK is not functioning as it has in the past.

the Dino is out for refurb...a little guy is in his place...he he heee....you know, my mom always said to watch out for the small quiet types...however, the ride is still operational.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

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.

The shopkeeper did all of that when I went. The first wand caused shelves to move; the second caused a thunderstorm.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I'm sorry but no I don't care if it's a theme park or not if they're going to do something in honour of something ie create a hogsmeade to bring the books to life they do it properly and that means if the shops are small in the books they're small in reality and I think the tourists will just have to deal with that! I wouldn't walk into disney and expect to see a tiny castle in the centre so I'm not going to WOHP and expecting to see wide open spaces in the shops. Also I understand the thing with Ollivanders only picking one person imagine how long it would take if they did that with every single person that walked into the park everyday...
people getting previews should be glad they're getting previews at all even if they are only 2 hours as well because everywhere else I read no previews it was just opening and that was it. These previews seem to have only come this week. Also absolutely loving the videos and pics. Was disappointed that hogwarts wasn't going to be a walk through the whole way as well that it's only for the ride *** I hate most rides and only really go on the kiddie ones but like looking at things so would have loved to see hogwarts inside walking but the vids are good enough

I'm sorry, but I have respectfully disagree with the part about the previews. They did not just pop up out of nowhere this week. Universal advertised and sold Harry Potter packages for these dates. I'm sure they didn't think people were booking the package to come and peer over the fence. I thought about booking the HP package as I usually take a week's vacation in May and am a big Potter fan and can't wait to see WWofHP. I wasn't able to take this week off due to a work conflict, but if I had, I would have been pretty upset. I get two weeks vacation and when I plan and pay for a trip, I want to make an informed decision about how to use my precious vacation time. Universal definitely should have been upfront with people at the very least who were buying the HP Package so they could decide if they wanted to make the trip knowing about the 2 open time frame or at another time when the area would be open all day. Had these days just been random soft openings where all of a sudden they allow park guests in and then shut it down in an hour or two, then I would say those people were lucky to get a preview, but I would not felt at all lucky booking an HP package only to find out upon arrival that I would only be allowed in for 2 hours a day to test everything for them.

 

[Disney Padawan]

The shopkeeper did all of that when I went. The first wand caused shelves to move; the second caused a thunderstorm.

I had a feeling that it would do more than ring a bell. Glad to hear that there's more effects.

Off topic but I noticed that you're a BTTF fan. I am a huge fan and love most things BTTF. I was wondering if you knew when the bluray would be out? Hope they remaster the ride sequence found on the DVD to HD!

 

[muffyn]

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. :

totally disagree

for those of us who can ONLY drink diet drinks(diabetic), this is a huge inconvenience. if I want to enjoy lunch with my family in WWOHP I am forced to travel out of that land to find an appropriate beverage & bring it all the way back in. (no I wouldn't bring it in with me, not if i wanted to ride something 1st before eating).
sure there is water... but do YOU want water?

i just feel this is poor planning by the universal team for many of us out here.

 

[Planogirl]

totally disagree

for those of us who can ONLY drink diet drinks(diabetic), this is a huge inconvenience. if I want to enjoy lunch with my family in WWOHP I am forced to travel out of that land to find an appropriate beverage & bring it all the way back in. (no I wouldn't bring it in with me, not if i wanted to ride something 1st before eating).
sure there is water... but do YOU want water?

i just feel this is poor planning by the universal team for many of us out here.

I read elsewhere that this was requested by J K Rowling. Personally I plan to just drink water.

 

[donaldduck352]

A muffynn,stay at the mouse then.You think Universal will not fill youre needs.Then Disney is is the place for you.

Better yet,have you even tried Universal????

They are more then happy to fullfill your health problems.You will never know till you go...

 

[CLPClarinet]

Can anyone tell me about any Snape merchandise that's available? Please and thank you!

 

[muffyn]

A muffynn,stay at the mouse then.You think Universal will not fill youre needs.Then Disney is is the place for you.

Better yet,have you even tried Universal????

They are more then happy to fullfill your health problems.You will never know till you go...

*sigh*

been to universal NUMEROUS times
love universal

but think its inconsiderate on JKR part ( from what was mentioned her request) for this not to have options like in the rest of the park.

 

[MadeToLove]

Can anyone tell me about any Snape merchandise that's available? Please and thank you!

YOu know, when I first saw the Inside the Magic video with all the product in it, I could have sworn that there was a Snape pin on this pin rack, so I enlarged it, still couldn't tell, then I looked and there was a Harry pin on one side, and a Ron pin on the other, so it must have been Hermione.

I'm curious about Snape as well. We know from one report that someone bought his wand (Nobel Collection replica I assume). I suspect he may be on a frog card or on a pin as well. But I've found in the past that there's not a whole lot of Snape products out there (just one style of T-shirt for the last three movies, I have them all - and will be wearing them when I go) and a few posters, etc. (never sexy snape poses) or merch that features the badies/death eaters that he gets lumped into. Merchandisers really don't get it. Snape is number one among female Potter fans over 25 (of which there are more of us than one might think).

 

[inkkognito]

Am at front of rope for hp, tms saying fj to be down all day,we will see.

 

[mom2aandj]

Am at front of rope for hp, tms saying fj to be down all day,we will see.

oh no! I'm so sorry.

 

[mymouse]

A bit off topic here, but concerning the lockers in Hogsmead as well as the rest of the park. I know they're free for three hours or so, but how much are they for the day and how do you pay? Do you just put money in when you're ready and, if so, is there a place to get change, etc..

It sounds like I'm going to have to be at the gate in September about 30 minutes before they open it so I can get on FJ right off in the morning....I know that resort guests get in an hour early, but the line should be minimal at rope drop in any event. From the sounds of things, I may have to do all my shopping at that time before the crowds get crazy...that means a locker would be needed before riding the other rides. I guess I could get a free locker before riding each ride where needed (hulk, dueling dragons, etc...) and that may be better than paying for one. Then I guess I would take the bags to the car before heading over to the studios (I'm doing both parks in one day).

Thoughts?

Send your purchases to package pickup. They will be ready for you at the end of the day at the Trading Company store as you exit the park. Normal turn around time given is 3 hours from time of purchase until they arrive at the Trading Company for pickup.

When you head to Studios you could take the packages to your car or check them in at the Studios store It's a Wrap package pickup area. You can then pick them up when you leave Studios.

Package pickup is a free service so you don"t have to hassle with the lockers.

 

[damo]

totally disagree

for those of us who can ONLY drink diet drinks(diabetic), this is a huge inconvenience. if I want to enjoy lunch with my family in WWOHP I am forced to travel out of that land to find an appropriate beverage & bring it all the way back in. (no I wouldn't bring it in with me, not if i wanted to ride something 1st before eating).
sure there is water... but do YOU want water?

i just feel this is poor planning by the universal team for many of us out here.

If you are eating at Three Broomsticks it will take you under 1 minute to walk into Lost Continent and get yourself a diet drink.

 

[Magpie]

totally disagree

for those of us who can ONLY drink diet drinks(diabetic), this is a huge inconvenience. if I want to enjoy lunch with my family in WWOHP I am forced to travel out of that land to find an appropriate beverage & bring it all the way back in. (no I wouldn't bring it in with me, not if i wanted to ride something 1st before eating).
sure there is water... but do YOU want water?

i just feel this is poor planning by the universal team for many of us out here.

My son is hypoglycemic. And you know what? Diet drinks can also muck up your blood sugar, depending on which sweetener is used. Sorbital is just as bad as sugar! Pop is expensive, too. That five dollar drink can quickly add up to 20 dollars or more in a day - 80 dollars easy, for a family of four. And that's money we could have spent on souvenirs, or nice meals.

We love water! It's free, and thirst-quenching. And as I tell my kids, "If you don't want water, then you're obviously not thirsty!"

 

[Caribbeanprincess]

My son is hypoglycemic. And you know what? Diet drinks can also muck up your blood sugar, depending on which sweetener is used. Sorbital is just as bad as sugar! Pop is expensive, too. That five dollar drink can quickly add up to 20 dollars or more in a day - 80 dollars easy, for a family of four. And that's money we could have spent on souvenirs, or nice meals.

We love water! It's free, and thirst-quenching. And as I tell my kids, "If you don't want water, then you're obviously not thirsty!"

Well I have to disagree on that. I am also Hypoglycemic and let me say, I don't like water. It may sound weird, but it's the truth. I'd rather have a diet soda and only drink water because I have to, not because I want to.

 

[damo]

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?

This video may make you happier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPJKPE0yKGM

Seems there are different effects used for different guests.

 

[Claire-Bear]

Hmm do you think its still worth bringing a rucksack? I was going to bring a rucksack for a towel (water rides, or maybe not worth it?), maybe snacks, maybe a water bottle..along with a waist bag for carrying cameras on the rides..or should I just forget all that and only bring the waist bag for sake of not having to stop at lockers? hmm..

Edit: Actually I'll stick with bringing the rucksack too since I wanted to bring a water fan too