The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[DisneyGerry]

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 somewhere that this is part of JK Rowling's initiatives for healthy kids, etc. It seems she had a heavy hand in WWoHP.

 

[DisneyGerry]

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

There is a corner in Mr Filch's for the 'villians'

 

[MaleficentandGoons]

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??????

...and i want a million dollars. You're basing your thoughts on someones youtube video. I'm sure the experience is a lot more fulfilling and enjoyable.

This is why I'm refusing to look at ANY videos. No matter what it's not going to be the same as being there.

As for the complaints about beverages.. all i can say is really? You can buy a beverage outside of WW and bring it with you. I can't get a great beer at Magic Kingdom but it doesn't stop me from enjoying the Hall of Presidents.

 

[Lucky4me]

This video may make you happier.

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

Seems there are different effects used for different guests.

Very very cool. The look on the kids face is priceless.

 

[DisneyGerry]

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.

yeah no shortage of possible drink locations/ portables right outside either gate

 

[Metro West]

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

If you can get away with just the fanny pack, do it. Otherwise you're going to end lugging the rucksack around with you.

 

[DisneyGerry]

Portofino Resort tonight WWoHP tomorrow am? Told kids need a game plan--see how many we can do in 2hr period?

 

[Claire-Bear]

If you can get away with just the fanny pack, do it. Otherwise you're going to end lugging the rucksack around with you.

That part I don't mind since it'll be DBF but worried about leaving our water fan behind due to the heat

 

[inkkognito]

I don't knoe why they said it wouldn't open as it did after 9. People waited since 8, us included. We got on by 915. We had been right at the rope but rude people were shoving to the front and even challenging the TMs. My husband is not as assertive so peopel got in front of him, but a taste of my elbow, coupled with, "I waited an hour and you are NOT passing me" worked for me. Of course all hell broke loose when the rope weent down, but another elbow fest won me my rightful place in line. It took forver to actually start, but we were inside in the castle so it was nice and cool.

Eventually we boardedj they asked if we would split and each sit separatel with a group of three, which was fine with us. The ride is Spidey on steriods and so good - am currently risking a 90 min. Line (and probablr breakdown) to try to get one more, even tho it will cost me seeing anything else.

The castle is breathtaking but gets a little old when you hear the same speech for the millionth time. The ride is so amazingly enhanced by the robot arm and post Spidey screens and holograms in addition to real effects. The spiders are not overly scary unless you you are a mega aracnophobe. The dragon heat isn't overly intense. I thought the dementrors would be more cold and freaky. But I'm not sayying I didnLt love it. Most things are not intense to me because I am a coaster fanatic and visir Hallowwen Horror Nights ever peak night.

I wouldn't say it's particularly rough, nor did it get me motion sick like Back to the Fututre used to. I thought it was going to br claustrophobic but you forget you're tightly secured I a small vehicle one you get going. You really feel like you're flying.

Morew later and meanwhile please wish me luck for a second ridew. We've been waitinf 30 mns. And are still moving steadily.

 

[jenn-n-okla]

Does anyone have a map to post. I remember seeing one not long ago with the fast way marked in red but now I can't find it. Also for those of you there have they said that after this weekend it will close up again or is it going to be open throughout the summer?

 

[damo]

Yay inkkognito!!! Hope you get on again so we get another great review!!!


jenn-n-okla, what are you referencing when you said "it" will close up again? The whole area should be open for the summer.

 

[rjvose17]

I don't knoe why they said it wouldn't open as it did after 9. People waited since 8, us included. We got on by 915. We had been right at the rope but rude people were shoving to the front and even challenging the TMs. My husband is not as assertive so peopel got in front of him, but a taste of my elbow, coupled with, "I waited an hour and you are NOT passing me" worked for me. Of course all hell broke loose when the rope weent down, but another elbow fest won me my rightful place in line. It took forver to actually start, but we were inside in the castle so it was nice and cool.

Eventually we boardedj they asked if we would split and each sit separatel with a group of three, which was fine with us. The ride is Spidey on steriods and so good - am currently risking a 90 min. Line (and probablr breakdown) to try to get one more, even tho it will cost me seeing anything else.

The castle is breathtaking but gets a little old when you hear the same speech for the millionth time. The ride is so amazingly enhanced by the robot arm and post Spidey screens and holograms in addition to real effects. The spiders are not overly scary unless you you are a mega aracnophobe. The dragon heat isn't overly intense. I thought the dementrors would be more cold and freaky. But I'm not sayying I didnLt love it. Most things are not intense to me because I am a coaster fanatic and visir Hallowwen Horror Nights ever peak night.

I wouldn't say it's particularly rough, nor did it get me motion sick like Back to the Fututre used to. I thought it was going to br claustrophobic but you forget you're tightly secured I a small vehicle one you get going. You really feel like you're flying.

Morew later and meanwhile please wish me luck for a second ridew. We've been waitinf 30 mns. And are still moving steadily.

YAYYY!! Im glad you got on. I don't think anything was overly scary BUT very close. I think it would scare younger children. My daughter would be terrified if she were tall enough to ride, she's 43 inches so maybe next year? I have never been to Horror nights, but am a coaster junkie myself, and thought that once I allowed myself to truly experience it, it was intense. It's a good ride, I was surprised. HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[Momw/aplan]

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 do drink water quite often. But I understand those who might not want to. Maybe you can bring some of those Crystal Lite packets with you to add to your water (or something else like that diabetic approved)? They'd take up practically no space in a bag or could even fit in your pocket. If I were diabetic and didn't like water I'd probably keep some of those with me all the time anyway just in case I ever wanted a drink and couldn't get a diet soda.

 

[jenn-n-okla]

Yay inkkognito!!! Hope you get on again so we get another great review!!!


jenn-n-okla, what are you referencing when you said "it" will close up again? The whole area should be open for the summer.

Just wondering it the entire land WWOHP will close up to the general public after this weekend in order to wait for the GO of June 18th.

 

[MrBryan]

Just wondering it the entire land WWOHP will close up to the general public after this weekend in order to wait for the GO of June 18th.

it hasn't opened to the GP yet

it has been opening from 8-10 each morning for hotel guests

that part at least will continue through june 18

 

[Momw/aplan]

Just wondering it the entire land WWOHP will close up to the general public after this weekend in order to wait for the GO of June 18th.

It's not technically open to the general public right now. It's open for the people who purchased Harry Potter Vacation Packages months ago before the GO was announced. (As well, it seems, for anyone else who walks into one of the three on-site hotels and books a room at the moment.) But it's not open for anyone else. These package people will continue to arrive from now right up until GO day.

Edit: Mr Bryan beat me to it .

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Inkkognito! So excited you got to ride. It sounds awesome. Crossing my fingers for your second ride and then I want details on how it all went down this morning.

 

[derekburgan]

I've been trying to take in as much of this weekend as possible through various Twitter/Facebook/Message boards. It's really an amazing time we live in where we can pretty much get "real time" reporting and pictures of everything within minutes.

What stands out to me the most though is the huge difference of opinion between Pete's updates and everything else I've been reading. Everyone has the right to their opinion, and I can't WAIT to listen to the Universal podcast tomorrow, but to-a-person everything I've read/watched about this past weekend has been extrememly positive. Other boards have people desperately trying to book a hotel room hoping to get a chance to experience the few hours they are letting people in. I understand all of Pete's frustrations (at least the one's he has made public so far), but SO many other people are just raving about the WWOHP and outside of Pete the only negative remarks I have seen are from people who haven't gone.

Everyone should look at both the pros and cons on WWOHP before spending the money to go, but it's interesting to see the reactions of The Dis compared to Inside the Magic, Attractions Magazine or even Harry Potter sites like Pottercast. We're talking 180 degrees apart.

 

[shrtswt2thpt]

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.

Having lived with three people who have diabetes (one with a pump) the best strategey I can recommend is to talk with your doctor. It is important to manage the disease but not let the disease manage you. There are options, you just have to be willing to use them.

 

[yaytezIOA]

Only hotel guests have been getting in, and it's been crazy watching them walk out with tons of Potter stuff...but the rest of us will most likely have to wait. It's very funny hearing those who are impressed with it argue with those who aren't. It's very much the same old dividing line it always was...or it's breaking down to be. Disney vs. Universal.
The ones that love it, are not really into Disney as much as the ones who don't love it.
Pete's reaction, honestly, was expected. It can't live up to the hype that everyone has. Seriously. Mostly because it's not a whole new theme park, just a new land. Personally I am just waiting to try butterbeer and ride FJ. I think its going to be great, but it's not going to be the coming of theme park jesus that so many hoped it would be. It's going to be the world of Harry Potter, without having Harry Potter crammed down your throat.
We havent been lucky enough to catch the previews, but there are a lot of pictures to be seen.
I seriously think Universal is trying to bite off too much by trying to sell to Disney fans as the next big thing, those who are mouse loyal are just that. They can't be bought!