The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[Don Pacho]

Courtesy of Five0Fahey, Orlando United
http://www.orlandounited.com

I just wanted to say that this is a great post with some wonderful pictures. It is actually this post that led me to join the forum. I just want to report on some of the observations I made over the weekend at IOA.

1. The castle itself is quite the site. Upon driving in we first noticed it when coming over the bridge. The site of it sent me back to feeling like I was ten. When we viewed the castle up close when visiting DD I was taken back. While obviously not to scale the designers have done a fantastic job at creating a lifelike feel from all angles.

2. I still can not get over how massive the actual building was. It is my hope that the attraction inside is lengthy. I'd hate to wait many hours over the first year to have it be done and over like that.

3. The queue to DD on Saturday Night was extremely dark due to the lack of lighting. It was actually quite scarry considering how many patrons were passing by all evening. When we rode DD the next day we overheard what we felt were the main operator of DD as well as two female exec types walking threough the queue. Their conversation had consisted of the lack of lighting the night before.

4. While still on the topic of the queue I must say it was nice to ride DD as much as we wanted this weekend. The line was never longer than ten minutes. However it makes you ancy to think you're walking right through the WWOHP and you can't enjoy it yet. The view from the exiting queue offers what I feel is the best view of the castle.

5. After viewing the Sinbad show I took the oppurtunity to get some pictures from Hogsmeade. I took a few pictures from all around. Lot's of construction going on Sunday. I also observied many industrial lights use for nightly roadwork meaning they're obviosuly working nights. This schedule leaves me to believe we will see a mid to early May opening. I would have like to have spent more time taking pictures but my misses wanted to move on which is understandable. Good thing she bought me an annual pass
- Just a sidenote on this. I've actually been involved in the flooring installation business for the past few years ( Tile, Wood). Work would be much more fun if I was the guy installing thoise floors . lol

6. While viewing the backside of Hogsmeade I couldn't help but notice what looked to be structural damage to one of the buidlings. My photo editing is not the greatest so maybe someone can take the pictures I have and try and look into it.

7. Below are some of the pictures I managed to get. I plan to devote more time to going back now that I'm a passholder. It's just a shame I'm 1.5 hours away. I hope to have more pictures when my next visit rolls around early next month.

The damage I was talking about is on the building just to the left of the red support beams. I'm not positive it is damged but it sure does look like it.

I toook many more pictures but nothing else of real relavance that hasn't been seen. I apologize if any of this has been repeated . I'm still getting up to speed with the post and the forums.

.

 

[MadeToLove]

Sorry if this is old news but I just hung up with US modifiying a hotel ressie and she told me a memo came across her desk today regarding the grand opening of potter in March. She didn't say when, nor did I ask, but said definately March.I go in June so I was thrilled with this info...

I'm not trying to say I don't believe you were told that, but there is no way Potterland will be ready for a Grand Opening in March. Those buildings over by the restrooms will take longer than a month to finish. A Grand Opening wouldn't happen until the whole section was ready for the ribbon cutting, etc.

However, it is possible that a reopening of Dragon Challenge may be combined with a soft opening of the front half of Hogsmeade. When Dragons closes, they will not only be revamping the ride, but will also close off the current entry to the ride so they can finish the previously mentioned buildings and paving/landscaping/etc. The new entry to the ride will be closer to the front entrance of Hogsmeade (near the train and owlery) and that part of Hogsmeade is closer to being ready.

Therefore, it's logical to think that they may open a small area up front when they reopen Dragons and that would be like a soft opening of sorts, (although no idea of the interiors of those front shops like Zonkos and Honeydukes would be finished and stocked and ready for guests, but you might still be able to walk around the front area)

 

[wdhinn89]

If visitors who book through a specific tour operator get early entry & onsite guests don't then I'm going to be a bit miffed




Are any US operators offering this freebie?

What dates does this promotional deal begin on?

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

I was on the phone with a very nice Universal woman today asking about hotels and some other random questions. She said the same thing others have been reporting about FOTL, once a day for Forbidden Journey and unlimited for the other two. She also reiterated that even they don't know the dates yet, and that management has been telling them to tell overseas guests not to book before May if they want to see it. She also said early entry for hotel guests during the grand opening (is that standard?)

I am so scared about how fast the hotels will fill up for the grand opening because I really want to go and stay at the Hard Rock.

On a completely unrelated note, I wonder if Universal Studios will be really dead or pretty busy during the grand opening. You'd think everyone would be at WWOHP, but with so many maybe a lot would take breaks by going to the other park. What do you guys think?

 

[Mad Hattered]

On a completely unrelated note, I wonder if Universal Studios will be really dead or pretty busy during the grand opening. You'd think everyone would be at WWOHP, but with so many maybe a lot would take breaks by going to the other park. What do you guys think?

I believe it will be extremely crowded at both parks for quite awhile after the HP opening.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

I believe it will be extremely crowded at both parks for quite awhile after the HP opening.

ah well, hopefully it will be manageable with FOTL. My friends and I are used to the lines at Cedar Point during the high point of the summer (1-2 hour waits in the scorching sun for most of the coasters) so I think this won't be too bad for us.

We just need to go during the Grand Opening because I am sure it will be quite the experience (good or bad, I am not sure yet).

 

[donaldduck352]

I believe it will be extremely crowded at both parks for quite awhile after the HP opening.

Oh Yeah,it will be!!!!

 

[PegIra]

I was hoping that they would try and have it open for Easter break. We will be there from April 23 to 30th, sure hope it is open by then,

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

subbing in

can't wait to find out official details as they come! We'll be at IOA June 16 and 17 WWOHP better be open

 

[TraceyL]

I have this vision of a call centre full of reservation staff, each feeding callers with different dates/stories then monitoring the forums to see which rumours circulate fastest

 

[TraceyL]

What dates does this promotional deal begin on?

... from 28th May

 

[wdhinn89]

I have this vision of a call centre full of reservation staff, each feeding callers with different dates/stories then monitoring the forums to see which rumours circulate fastest

Laughing away at us, taking bets

... from 28th May

Thanks! Good to know.

I would think it should be open by then. Could be before, but definitely by then.

 

[ready4mouse]

I went to my AAA office today to pay off my Universal vacation and heard a few intersting things I thought I'd pass on:
- My TA has a mandatory Harry Potter training on Thursday afternoon. She said this wasn't just her office, but nationwide. She is expecting to hear an opening date during this meeting.
-She confirmed the 1 time/express for HP; she also stated that HP would not be open early for those with eay entrance- she said that will be reserved for special HP packages.
-Not sure if this had been answered before but the height requirement for Forbidden Journey is going to be 48"

Nothing earth shattering, but thought I'd pass it on....

 

[MadeToLove]

Would anyone be willing to share links to these WWoHP specific vacation packages, (the ones that promise early entry and include HP themed gifts)?

Edited to add:
One, the 48" although a bummer for younger wizards, may confirm my friends hints that we will be feel as if we are about 90 degrees vertical at one point in the ride, although he did say we would not be upside down at any point.

Two, I know we've speculated about what The Three Broomsticks would be, and the general consensus was Counter Service. Well the newest Universal brochure confirms this: http://www.univacations.com/pdf/2010_UNI_brochure.PDF Page 9

 

[TraceyL]

Would anyone be willing to share links to these WWoHP specific vacation packages, (the ones that promise early entry and include HP themed gifts)?

Virgin Holidays in the UK - for complete packages booked with with Universal tickets. Early entry (7:30am), escorted to a "welcome" meeting in Mythos (to sell more tickets/excursions etc) then early entry to WWHP

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

-Not sure if this had been answered before but the height requirement for Forbidden Journey is going to be 48"

Nothing earth shattering, but thought I'd pass it on....

That will break my 5 year old DD's heart! She is only about 44" and is OBSESSED with HP. She has seen all the movies over and over and claims she wants to marry harry. lol. She is also a huge thrill seeker. Bummer about that. I'm hoping if it is the 48" req. that we can at least go through the castle to look around? I'll be really dispointed if not.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

That will break my 5 year old DD's heart! She is only about 44" and is OBSESSED with HP. She has seen all the movies over and over and claims she wants to marry harry. lol. She is also a huge thrill seeker. Bummer about that. I'm hoping if it is the 48" req. that we can at least go through the castle to look around? I'll be really dispointed if not.

I'm sure they'll have child swap similar to other attractions in the park so you can either do that or exit when it comes time to board.

 

[leslie@dvcstore]

Great pics! looking forward as well to see the finishing product!

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

I'm sure they'll have child swap similar to other attractions in the park so you can either do that or exit when it comes time to board.

Child swap would be great if I were traveling with another adult. Its just me and the kiddos I worry about even getting in the queue though. Time will tell!

 

[Oh2binFL]

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for all the pics and information. We are heading down in May and this thread is getting us very excited for the trip. Keep up the good work!!