The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[damo]

Food looks great !! Quick ??? Isn't it counter service for lunch and dinner ???

It is except for the "Big Feast" which they bring to your table.

 

[Maves Wife]

i cant sleep at night with the excitment of the whole thing and I only read all the Harry Potter books a few weeks ago, so god knows how you "true" potter fans are feeling! Bring on the butterbeer....mmmmmmmm

 

[Don Pacho]

Courtesy of HPotterWizard, Orlando United
http://www.orlandounited.com

I got in trouble for this one yesterday

 

[disney-super-mom]

Just to be clear (as I'm a complete US/IOA greenhorn) the Forbidden Journey will have no FOTL for quite some time, correct?

 

[TraceyL]

Here is a link to a review of the Three Broomsticks Restaurant:
http://upost-article.com/eukucus/three-broomsticks-restaurant-food-review/

My anti-virus just threw a hissy fit at this link

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

I really hope its mainly about the theming and experience of being immersed in the Harry Potter world, fantasy, etc. NOT just big roller coaster type rides. They do have the dueling dragon one for those that like big rides. I have ridden the smaller one that was remade and even that one isn't for small kids, that's somewhat intense kiddy roller coaster. . I don't like The Mummy for instance, I know others do but u go so fast on it anyway u don't see anything. I miss rides like Kong, BTTF, etc.

 

[shl1108]

Just to be clear (as I'm a complete US/IOA greenhorn) the Forbidden Journey will have no FOTL for quite some time, correct?

I heard that intially, on site guests will have one time express line to forbidden Journey per day, per person.

 

[Don Pacho]

My anti-virus just threw a hissy fit at this link

mmmh, I think you're right. I use two computers (I use just one most of the time, with vista, and the one I use most). I tried that link with my Vista computer that has McAfee anti-virus and did not notice or say anything.
The other computer is my old XP with with Norton 360 and went wild.

I recommend to people that when they see something dangerous or some warning, turn your computer immediately! Using the "panic" bottom. Don't worry about the typical windows warning of "you did not turn me off... etc."
before it's too late.

 

[Don Pacho]

Courtesy of HPotterWizard, Orlando United
http://www.orlandounited.com

This looked really nice all lit up inside too.

(I took this like 10 minutes before closing) When I was leaving the park I heard Potter music too. It was awesome.

EDIT: The song I heard was "Harry's Wondrous World"

 

[csmommy]

My anti-virus just threw a hissy fit at this link

Mine too!

 

[disney-super-mom]

I heard that intially, on site guests will have one time express line to forbidden Journey per day, per person.

Has this been confirmed?

The reason why I ask is because I'm trying to decide if staying onsite for FOTL is worth it versus just buying the Express Pass add-on. We'll be there during a slower time, so the Express Pass add-on is only 19.99 per person/per day. So for $160, my family of 4 could get one-time express line access two days in a row. To stay onsite for one night would be about $100 more (around $260 for one night) However, if we could get one-time-per-day FOTL access to Forbidden Journey, it may be worth it to splurge on a room for a night. Hope that makes sense.

 

[yaytezIOA]

Auditions are being held for Durmstrang students, and former Universal Creative member J. Michael Roddy (you know him from HHN) talks about Potter...>here
Is it June yet? Come on soft openings!

 

[shl1108]

Has this been confirmed?

The reason why I ask is because I'm trying to decide if staying onsite for FOTL is worth it versus just buying the Express Pass add-on. We'll be there during a slower time, so the Express Pass add-on is only 19.99 per person/per day. So for $160, my family of 4 could get one-time express line access two days in a row. To stay onsite for one night would be about $100 more (around $260 for one night) However, if we could get one-time-per-day FOTL access to Forbidden Journey, it may be worth it to splurge on a room for a night. Hope that makes sense.

When we booked our room way back in January 2010 for early June 2010 onsite, part of the "spiel" when confirming our reservation was a speech about the new HP ride and how hotel guest would be allowed one express pass for that ride per day (not unlimited like the other express pass rides). They wanted that to be understood when booking.
You can call their reservation line and they should be able to tell you that too.

 

[yaytezIOA]

Has this been confirmed?

The reason why I ask is because I'm trying to decide if staying onsite for FOTL is worth it versus just buying the Express Pass add-on. We'll be there during a slower time, so the Express Pass add-on is only 19.99 per person/per day. So for $160, my family of 4 could get one-time express line access two days in a row. To stay onsite for one night would be about $100 more (around $260 for one night) However, if we could get one-time-per-day FOTL access to Forbidden Journey, it may be worth it to splurge on a room for a night. Hope that makes sense.

You check in on say Friday, you get FOTL access that day with your room key. You check out Saturday, you still get FOTL access that day. Its worth it. Because no matter how much you think you're going to spend in potter, its going to be so dang busy you're going to want to get out of there and explore the rest of the parks. Trust me, no matter how much you tell yourself "I'm a disney fanatic" you'll like Universal too....Then your journey to the darkside will be complete.

 

[Sun Lover]

Preds,

Regarding your email:

I emailed Management at the Hard Rock a couple weeks ago and got the following response within 24 hours (in writing):


Quote:
I have been forwarded your email, as the reservations Manager for the onsite hotels here at Universal Orlando, in regards to your upcoming stay at the end of May at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando.

I do thank you for taking the time to contact us so that we may clarify your access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal Orlando was looking forward to opening the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction this spring. You are correct, for guests trying to make travel plans we did announce earlier this year a suggested travel date of after May 28. Due to unforeseen circumstances we are not able to open the new area to the general public in Islands of Adventure at the expected date. However, we would like to offer you a special advanced preview.

I do see that you made your reservation well in advance of our Official Grand Opening date announcement. Because of which, you will be included on our guest list to be one of the few guests to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in its entirety at a special preview. When you check in on the 28th of May at the Hard Rock Hotel you will be provided with the details on how you and your family will enter the preview. Universal Vacations likely will provide additional communication to you prior to your arrival but at this time we do not now when exactly that will be sent out. I do want you to feel confident that you will enjoy the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter for your length of stay along with the many other attractions we offer in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Not to mention the great pools, restaurants and activities for your family at the rockin’ Hard Rock Hotel.

It is our hope that your experience at this exclusive preview will be a memorable one!

Enjoy your upcoming stay with us.

Can you tell me who you sent that to in management? I would really like to have something in writing as well.

 

[Disneyhappy]

Has this been confirmed?

The reason why I ask is because I'm trying to decide if staying onsite for FOTL is worth it versus just buying the Express Pass add-on. We'll be there during a slower time, so the Express Pass add-on is only 19.99 per person/per day. So for $160, my family of 4 could get one-time express line access two days in a row. To stay onsite for one night would be about $100 more (around $260 for one night) However, if we could get one-time-per-day FOTL access to Forbidden Journey, it may be worth it to splurge on a room for a night. Hope that makes sense.

This is what guests were being told initially when I booked our July trip about 6 weeks ago. However, when I booked our October trip about 2 weeks ago, I was advised that on-site guests will only be allowed early entry to HP. I was told it will be awhile before the express lane wil be set up. I called back and spoke to another TM who told me the same thing so I would say they are no longer confirming one express per day for FJ.

 

[msminniemouse]

My anti-virus just threw a hissy fit at this link

Wow, I'm sorry for posting the link. I didn't have any problems with the link when I clicked on it though. I was just searching for more info about WWOHP and thought it was interesting info about the food review of Three Broomsticks.

 

[tws731]

Can I just say EEEE!!!! SO EXCITED for this!!!

 

[Preds]

Preds,

Regarding your email:

I emailed Management at the Hard Rock a couple weeks ago and got the following response within 24 hours (in writing):


Quote:
I have been forwarded your email, as the reservations Manager for the onsite hotels here at Universal Orlando, in regards to your upcoming stay at the end of May at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando.

I do thank you for taking the time to contact us so that we may clarify your access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal Orlando was looking forward to opening the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction this spring. You are correct, for guests trying to make travel plans we did announce earlier this year a suggested travel date of after May 28. Due to unforeseen circumstances we are not able to open the new area to the general public in Islands of Adventure at the expected date. However, we would like to offer you a special advanced preview.

I do see that you made your reservation well in advance of our Official Grand Opening date announcement. Because of which, you will be included on our guest list to be one of the few guests to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in its entirety at a special preview. When you check in on the 28th of May at the Hard Rock Hotel you will be provided with the details on how you and your family will enter the preview. Universal Vacations likely will provide additional communication to you prior to your arrival but at this time we do not now when exactly that will be sent out. I do want you to feel confident that you will enjoy the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter for your length of stay along with the many other attractions we offer in Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Not to mention the great pools, restaurants and activities for your family at the rockin’ Hard Rock Hotel.

It is our hope that your experience at this exclusive preview will be a memorable one!

Enjoy your upcoming stay with us.

Can you tell me who you sent that to in management? I would really like to have something in writing as well.

I emailed the manager of the Hard Rock. I'm not sure if I can post his email address publically but I''ll send it to you via PM.

 

[KimRaye]

Trust me, no matter how much you tell yourself "I'm a disney fanatic" you'll like Universal too....Then your journey to the darkside will be complete.

I laughed at this! And, I know what you mean! I'm the fanatic that HAS visited the Dark Side! WWOHP is just drawing me back -----------------