The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[damo]

Some stuff going on there today. Looks like costumed employees are preparing for an influx of executives.

New gates have gone up.

http://twitpic.com/photos/DisFreakBrent

 

[MadeToLove]

Some stuff going on there today. Looks like costumed employees are preparing for an influx of executives.

New gates have gone up.

That looks promising.

I've suspected that those tents behind the Three Broomsticks were more than likely temporary, and set up for press or for an outdoor cocktail thing.

Since the back part of Hogsmead and the Hogwarts gate areas are not ready to open, I suspect that DD/DC will be entering from the front of Hogsmead this weekend. It makes sense. The front has been ready for a couple of weeks now. It's paved and painted and all the details are in place. You could tell from the NBC video that at the very least, the window fronts of Honeydukes and Zonkos are ready, (although I'm not sure they are ready to open on the inside. Take it from someone who knows, there is a lot of HP merchandise out there, and some of the manufacturers are faster at getting the stuff out than others).

Also, the new/future entrance to DD/DC is from a courtyard behind the train station. I think some of you are going to get very close to a certain train this weekend thru the Easter break , (before they have to close DD/DC back down to finish the refit, because I don't think the final plan was to have those tracks red and blue, seems like an old mock up had them looking more golden, can't remember for sure).

So, I expect to see lots of pictures of Wizards and Witches waiting to board the Hogwarts express this weekend!!!!!


On a different note: SPOILERS!!!!!

Ok, so I am a self proclaimed Slytherin and rather sneaky and unethical at times. So, when this person I know, who has something to do with Potterland, (and that's all I'll give away for their protection ), was having a private conversation about Forbidden Journey, I of course eavesdropped in on it. (Really, they should know better than to talk about these things in earshot of a die hard HP geek and Slytherin to boot ).

This person was talking about the pre viz they had seen of the new ride,(which lots of people have seen, Universal, so stop trying to figure out who it was! ) I overheard that we will NOT be going upside down, but we will feel as though we are flying at a 90 degree angle..... while trying to avoid being eaten! Also, at least once, we will link up to a large screen which will make us feel as though we are right there in the middle of the action during a Quidditch match!!!!! There was more, but I better keep that to myself until I know it's not going to give away anyone's identity.

 

[damo]

I don't think the tents are temporary. They were in the models art. I think they will be needed for extra seating just like at Enchanted Oak.

 

[honeybee8200]

The tents are permanent as there are now tables and chairs there. Just some extra seating for the Three Broomsticks.

Is anyone else having issues with OU coming up? It figures, the day the execs are there and I can't get on!

 

[damo]

The tents are permanent as there are now tables and chairs there. Just some extra seating for the Three Broomsticks.

Is anyone else having issues with OU coming up? It figures, the day the execs are there and I can't get on!

I can't get OU to load either.


edited: now I can!

 

[ms_flo]

New gates have gone up.

http://twitpic.com/photos/DisFreakBrent

I don't understand. Can you elaborate?

And what is OU?

I can't get OU to load either.

Sorry I don't have time to figure it out myself. DD & I are working on packing her suitcase as we speak!
Thanks!

 

[damo]

I don't understand. Can you elaborate?

And what is OU?


Sorry I don't have time to figure it out myself. DD & I are working on packing her suitcase as we speak!
Thanks!

There are new gates between the new Hogsmeade area and the old Lost Continent as you can see in the twitpics posted.

OU is Orlando United. It is the board with all the info. www.orlandounited.com

 

[ms_flo]

There are new gates between the new Hogsmeade area and the old Lost Continent as you can see in the twitpics posted.

OU is Orlando United. It is the board with all the info. www.orlandounited.com

You mean there are other boards besides the DISboards?!


I'm still confused about the gates. Sorry. Are you talking about the "Gates & hogs set" picture? I'm not sure what I'm looking at there. Unfortunately the Hogsmeade/Lost Continent reference doesn't help me. (Is there a dunce cap smiley?) It's been over 10 years since we were at US/IoA, so...

Am I right to assume that the "Om" & "No baracade!" pictures are of the same spot in the park? ...I'm thinking the outer wall in the "Om" picture was a temporary wall that was taken down while you were there, and you took "before" & "after" pictures. And I'm assuming that the walls in the "Chefs", "Security..." & "Kilts..." pictures are also temporary...

Thanks for your time. Your pics are creating a great deal of excitement at my house!
...even if we're not completely sure just exactly what it is that we're looking at!!

 

[damo]

You mean there are other boards besides the DISboards?!


I'm still confused about the gates. Sorry. Are you talking about the "Gates & hogs set" picture? I'm not sure what I'm looking at there. Unfortunately the Hogsmeade/Lost Continent reference doesn't help me. (Is there a dunce cap smiley?) It's been over 10 years since we were at US/IoA, so...

Am I right to assume that the "Om" & "No baracade!" pictures are of the same spot in the park? ...I'm thinking the outer wall in the "Om" picture was a temporary wall that was taken down while you were there, and you took "before" & "after" pictures. And I'm assuming that the walls in the "Chefs", "Security..." & "Kilts..." pictures are also temporary...

Thanks for your time. Your pics are creating a great deal of excitement at my house!
...even if we're not completely sure just exactly what it is that we're looking at!!

Those aren't my pictures (just someone on twitter) so I'll just try my best to describe what I see. However, if you go here http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?9-The-Wizarding-World-Of-Harry-Potter/page610

you will see similar pictures but just larger and in much better definition and description. I recommend looking in detail through that very long thread. You will soon be very familiar with the area.

There used to be a rough wall up at the entrance to Hogsmeade. It has been replaced today by a new wall with a nice new gate. It looks like it is made to open and close for soft openings but will come down completely when the area opens.

The costumes you see are the new outfits for the employees who will be working in that area.

 

[ms_flo]

Those aren't my pictures (just someone on twitter) so I'll just try my best to describe what I see.

That's very kind of you.

if you go here http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?9-The-Wizarding-World-Of-Harry-Potter/page610

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I could stay up ALL night looking through that!!
The recent stuff is very exciting. Thanks for the link!

There used to be a rough wall up at the entrance to Hogsmeade. It has been replaced today by a new wall with a nice new gate.

So both of the twitter pictures are of the new wall & gate, not before & after shots?

The costumes you see are the new outfits for the employees who will be working in that area.

Just the fact that there are workers showing up in their new outfits makes me hopeful! Just getting to walk through & look at the staging would tickle me pink!

Thanks again!!

 

[Howellsy]

On a different note: SPOILERS!!!!!

Ok, so I am a self proclaimed Slytherin and rather sneaky and unethical at times. So, when this person I know, who has something to do with Potterland, (and that's all I'll give away for their protection ), was having a private conversation about Forbidden Journey, I of course eavesdropped in on it. (Really, they should know better than to talk about these things in earshot of a die hard HP geek and Slytherin to boot ).

This person was talking about the pre viz they had seen of the new ride,(which lots of people have seen, Universal, so stop trying to figure out who it was! ) I overheard that we will NOT be going upside down, but we will feel as though we are flying at a 90 degree angle..... while trying to avoid being eaten! Also, at least once, we will link up to a large screen which will make us feel as though we are right there in the middle of the action during a Quidditch match!!!!! There was more, but I better keep that to myself until I know it's not going to give away anyone's identity.

That sounds SOO amazing!! Thanks for the underhanded eavesdropping I really wish I could go this year now

 

[atricks]

We went for a walkaround last night right before close and overheard a few mentions of Warner Brothers Executives and JK Rowling herself were going to show up an hour or so after the park closed yesterday. For a big walk-through and one more big chance for JK to comment and suggest anything else. Actor rehearsals are starting to bleed into the area itself too. It's getting really close.

They had effects going (including an owl we could see going in and out of one of the building towers) and an event setting up on the lower half of the Jurassic Park discovery center and outside it overlooking the lagoon. A new temporary gate has been put at the entrance to Hogsmeade from Lost Continent.

It seems Dueling Dragons will reopen during the peak of spring break, and may close down again briefly just after Easter to finally change to the Challenge, but that could get altered.

 

[RedSox68]

I love these boards. I can't believe y'all have 95+ pages for a park that isn't even open yet

Lots of terrific pictures, comments and speculation and I've enjoyed trying to catch up.

We too are very excited about this park. We're not going until next year though, but will most definitely look forward to everyone's reports. Good luck to those going on opening day! Hope you get to see some famous faces!

 

[Claire-Bear]

Vid link that's been posted on OU: http://www.clickorlando.com/video/22872873/index.html

So glad to see that Hipp ride is operational and that FJ has a wait time board now!!

 

[tttessa]

I love these boards. I can't believe y'all have 95+ pages for a park that isn't even open yet

Lots of terrific pictures, comments and speculation and I've enjoyed trying to catch up.

We too are very excited about this park. We're not going until next year though, but will most definitely look forward to everyone's reports. Good luck to those going on opening day! Hope you get to see some famous faces!

you remember the "Itsnatazoo" with Animal Kingdom - I'm starting to feel that way with the WWoHP - "Itsnatapark" its "only" an additional island of IOA.

OK it's a significant addition for those who are nuts about HP, but hey ho - it's 3 rides - only one of which can be ridden by little ones and a few shops and restaurants with a load of theming and (probably) animatronics in between... Attractions to include "your" wand picking you -mmm great marketing strategy....., possibly the sorting hat - how to get folks to buy stuff from all the houses ... especially red/gold scarves in Florida at the height of summer

Don't get me wrong - I'm excited and am a big fan of HP, BUT people keep hyping this up as if it's a whole new holiday destination, and I'm sure it will lead to disappointment....

Tessa

 

[Thumper_Man]

Anyone else notice that all the buildings in Hogsmeade have snow on the roofs, but Hogwarts doesn't. How does that happen?

Thanks everyone for all the great updates. Now I'm really getting excited. October isn't coming fast enough.

 

[damo]

you remember the "Itsnatazoo" with Animal Kingdom - I'm starting to feel that way with the WWoHP - "Itsnatapark" its "only" an additional island of IOA.

OK it's a significant addition for those who are nuts about HP, but hey ho - it's 3 rides - only one of which can be ridden by little ones and a few shops and restaurants with a load of theming and (probably) animatronics in between... Attractions to include "your" wand picking you -mmm great marketing strategy....., possibly the sorting hat - how to get folks to buy stuff from all the houses ... especially red/gold scarves in Florida at the height of summer

Don't get me wrong - I'm excited and am a big fan of HP, BUT people keep hyping this up as if it's a whole new holiday destination, and I'm sure it will lead to disappointment....

Tessa

It sounds like a lot of websites are throwing out a bunch of misinformation. I read one the other day that said the Flying Hippogriff lets you soar above Hogwarts and that you can ride the train to Hogsmeade.

Mugglenet itself has put a bunch of info out there that isn't true. That is one huge downside to the internet. Anyone can put out there whatever they want. There is no way Universal can control this misinformation.

 

[Metro West]

With the opening of WWoHP right around the corner, I imagine rumours are going to run rampant all over the internet quoting "official" sources as to what you can expect. I doubt 99.999% of this information will be true so take what you read with a grain of salt.

 

[Claire-Bear]

I read one the other day that said the Flying Hippogriff lets you soar above Hogwarts and that you can ride the train to Hogsmeade.
QUOTE]

Yeah, and that was from a News broadcast! Bad really

 

[bubba's mom]

imo, if you are a "Potterhead", you won't be disappointed.

That said, we are NOT Potterheads, but did watch our niece's Potter movies just so we could appreciate what Universal is building. I'm not going in with any heightened expectations...therefore, I can't be dissappointed.

Universal hasn't disappointed us yet...they do things VERY good