The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[MadeToLove]

Hell, maybe I should join then.

The kids will definitely enjoy seeing that many Potter-heads there, especially if they are as "hideous" as you say.

Truth is, although I posted what I did previously to make sure people understand that crowd levels are going to be much higher than they probably suspect, these "hideous monsters" are generally a pretty cool bunch of people. We Potterheads are easy to strike up a conversation with in a long line.

We all speak the same basic language (usually made up of spells, so if you're a bit more of a muggle, you can find a crash course on who's who and what's what here: http://www.hp-lexicon.org/index-2.html

The younger wizards who are pouting about the two hour wait will no doubt happily join in on a chorus of "Mysterious Ticking Noise". Or perhaps they'd like to have a mock wizard duel, (no Unforgivables allowed, and watch where you point that wand!). Ask the couple next to you if they think Ron and Hermione should get together, or if they are totally wrong for each other, (although I warn you not to have that discussion with 30+ year old women who mention the words "ship" or "fanfiction" or you may find yourself in a heated debate about how Hermione would have been better off with Snape.... or ). What position would you play in Quidditch? What would your team's name be? The Disapperating Disers? Ask people what house they belong in, and then tell them you really think they are just Hufflepuffs wishing they were Slytherins. If you could have one magical power, what would it be? What class at Hogwarts would you get an A in (or O for Outstanding at Hogwarts), and which class would you fail (T for Troll)?

Believe me, start talking Potter in line and you'll enhance your enjoyment of the whole trip ten fold!

 

[Howellsy]

Truth is, although I posted what I did previously to make sure people understand that crowd levels are going to be much higher than they probably suspect, these "hideous monsters" are generally a pretty cool bunch of people. We Potterheads are easy to strike up a conversation with in a long line.

We all speak the same basic language (usually made up of spells, so if you're a bit more of a muggle, you can find a crash course on who's who and what's what here: http://www.hp-lexicon.org/index-2.html

The younger wizards who are pouting about the two hour wait will no doubt happily join in on a chorus of "Mysterious Ticking Noise". Or perhaps they'd like to have a mock wizard duel, (no Unforgivables allowed, and watch where you point that wand!). Ask the couple next to you if they think Ron and Hermione should get together, or if they are totally wrong for each other, (although I warn you not to have that discussion with 30+ year old women who mention the words "ship" or "fanfiction" or you may find yourself in a heated debate about how Hermione would have been better off with Snape.... or ). What position would you play in Quidditch? What would your team's name be? The Disapperating Disers? Ask people what house they belong in, and then tell them you really think they are just Hufflepuffs wishing they were Slytherins. If you could have one magical power, what would it be? What class at Hogwarts would you get an A in (or O for Outstanding at Hogwarts), and which class would you fail (T for Troll)?

Believe me, start talking Potter in line and you'll enhance your enjoyment of the whole trip ten fold!

I've loved your posts so far! I totally agree, being one of those Potter fans myself. In my small town, the line at midnight to get the books have always been incredibly long. There's on way to describe it!

I'm actually trying to get a summer job there, but Universal have taken on most of their international university staff at the moment, so I may not be able to. Fingers crossed though

 

[dizcrazee]

To Dizcrazee: You thank me now for the link to Potter Puppet Pals, but you may change your tune after the third week of having the kids singing "The Mysterious Ticking Noise" over and over again.

We're just getting our act together - I'm doing the part of Dumbledore, DH is Snape, and DD is Ron. Now we need the grandmas to be Harry and Hermione. Wait...that might not work out....I don't think they'll be game for that....we better just ad lib those parts.

 

[dizcrazee]

Hey, I just had an idea - maybe if a lot of potterheads are going in July for the convention, that will siphon off some of the grand opening crowd in May/June. Maybe the potterheads will wait till July to go, which will make the grand opening less crowded. What do you think - wishful thinking?

 

[snowbunny]

I would get a big kick out of having the potterites around in all their gear and so would my kids, we will be checking out on July 13 though!

 

[PotteryGal]

We are going to Universal the same week as the Inifinitus convention , but will be staying over on Disney property because we got a really good discount on rooms at the Yacht Club . Investing in the Express Pass sounds like a must now.....do you think if we get to IoA about 45 minutes before opening we'll have a shot at exploring HP before it's wall-to-wall bodies? I also thought we would go to IoA Tues-Wed, and Uni Studios on Thursday, before the convention descends on the parks. This is our family's first visit to Universal, primarily because of HP. I don't want to regret going there.

 

[Claire-Bear]

We're heading over to Florida for 2 weeks from 18th June to 3rd July (from UK). I bought us tickets in advance (we're not staying on-site but at my sisters) and went for the 14 day 2 park bonus ticket, although we'll likely only be able to fit in universal for 3 days (which was still cheaper than going 2 days and getting express ticket for just one of those days). I've been to both parks a few times (although my boyfriend's first time), but it's been a few years since I last went and really excited about going again, especially with the new HP section! I'm obsessed about the trip already and it's not for a few months!

We're going to go likely both Mondays and a Thursday/Friday and hoping by giving IOA 2 days we'll be able to fit in everything we'd like to. We're going to get there 30 mins before opening and hope that the crowds for HP won't be huge by that time.

I'm expecting the crowds to be quite bad (maybe up to 2 hours wait once afternoon sets in), although hopefully not horrific as there is still a recession on so a lot of international visitors are avoiding going at the moment.

It's really difficult to predict! But hopefully 2 days will be enough to do my fave rides and the new ones once or twice. At least there's 13 hours each day to fit things in.

What do you guys think??

 

[Purseval]

Yes, getting to IOA that early should put you right at the front. Make sure you know where to go before the place opens so you won't spend precious time trying to figure out how to get to HP.

We have seen every major new attraction Orlando has ever had to offer when they were new, in every park, and we have never been shut out because the place was too crowded when we were there at opening time.

 

[Claire-Bear]

Yeah, I've planned our route as soon as we enter, how sad is that! (knew where DD was but used the HP maps to know which path goes where in Hogsmeade) But yeah, at least the only ones in before us will be the hotel guests.

Got the entrance theme of IOA stuck in my head hehe

 

[kuayoung]

There is a vacation package on the Universal Orlando site: to see the vacation package. It includes breakfast at Three Broomsticks, a grand opening "ticket", early entry to that area of the park, etc.

http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/

It starts on May 28!!!!!

 

[Howellsy]

We're heading over to Florida for 2 weeks from 18th June to 3rd July (from UK). I bought us tickets in advance (we're not staying on-site but at my sisters) and went for the 14 day 2 park bonus ticket, although we'll likely only be able to fit in universal for 3 days (which was still cheaper than going 2 days and getting express ticket for just one of those days). I've been to both parks a few times (although my boyfriend's first time), but it's been a few years since I last went and really excited about going again, especially with the new HP section! I'm obsessed about the trip already and it's not for a few months!

We're going to go likely both Mondays and a Thursday/Friday and hoping by giving IOA 2 days we'll be able to fit in everything we'd like to. We're going to get there 30 mins before opening and hope that the crowds for HP won't be huge by that time.

I'm expecting the crowds to be quite bad (maybe up to 2 hours wait once afternoon sets in), although hopefully not horrific as there is still a recession on so a lot of international visitors are avoiding going at the moment.

It's really difficult to predict! But hopefully 2 days will be enough to do my fave rides and the new ones once or twice. At least there's 13 hours each day to fit things in.

What do you guys think??

I would say well over two or three hours in June/July as all of the Americans will be out of school, and the recession doesn't seem to have affected international travel as much as you would think. Two hour queues are perfectly normal in the summer by about 11am, and I imagine HP is going to surpass all expectations.

 

[kuayoung]

There is a vacation package on the Universal Orlando site: to see the vacation package. It includes breakfast at Three Broomsticks, a grand opening "ticket", early entry to that area of the park, etc.

http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/

It starts on May 28!!!!!

To tone down my own post. . .

Be careful here. I called today and they were very quick to say that this does NOT mean the area will be opened and rides live. I was really excited until they said that. It could just be them being very careful with announcements but I wanted to share.

 

[Thumper_Man]

Truth is, although I posted what I did previously to make sure people understand that crowd levels are going to be much higher than they probably suspect, these "hideous monsters" are generally a pretty cool bunch of people. We Potterheads are easy to strike up a conversation with in a long line.

We all speak the same basic language (usually made up of spells, so if you're a bit more of a muggle, you can find a crash course on who's who and what's what here: http://www.hp-lexicon.org/index-2.html

The younger wizards who are pouting about the two hour wait will no doubt happily join in on a chorus of "Mysterious Ticking Noise". Or perhaps they'd like to have a mock wizard duel, (no Unforgivables allowed, and watch where you point that wand!). Ask the couple next to you if they think Ron and Hermione should get together, or if they are totally wrong for each other, (although I warn you not to have that discussion with 30+ year old women who mention the words "ship" or "fanfiction" or you may find yourself in a heated debate about how Hermione would have been better off with Snape.... or ). What position would you play in Quidditch? What would your team's name be? The Disapperating Disers? Ask people what house they belong in, and then tell them you really think they are just Hufflepuffs wishing they were Slytherins. If you could have one magical power, what would it be? What class at Hogwarts would you get an A in (or O for Outstanding at Hogwarts), and which class would you fail (T for Troll)?

Believe me, start talking Potter in line and you'll enhance your enjoyment of the whole trip ten fold!

The sad part about your post, I understood every thing you were talking about. I must be a Potterhead.

 

[armstrong80]

By Robert Niles
Published: February 18, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Word's breaking that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure theme park on May 28.
I've gotten the word from a couple of sources, and a new vacation package that Universal's promoting for Harry Potter says that the offer is good for stays starting May 28.

That's the Friday that kicks off the Memorial Day weekend in the United States, which is a traditional opening date for theme park attractions in Orlando and Southern California. (Regional theme parks tend to debut their new rides when the park opens for the season.)

Keep in mind that this is the date when Universal's taking reservations for travel packages. I wouldn't be surprised to see the new land open before that date, at least on a "soft opening" basis. Universal previously announced that the new Harry Potter land would be open to at least walk through during Grad Nights in late April

found on themeparkinsider.com

 

[TraceyL]

The sad part about your post, I understood every thing you were talking about. I must be a Potterhead.

Me too We're at RPR July 21st, thinking of changing my ressie my girls would get such a kick out of this (even made a princess makeover into a Hermione one for Hallowe'en, the photographer loved having a wizard with a want rather than a princess with a tiara to pose ). We drove 250 mile round trip to see the set of Shell Cottage last year as a 'treat' for the kids

 

[MadeToLove]

I was just looking through the new vacation deal for HP, and with the exception of the tickets, which are the more expensive base ones, (which you don't have to select by the way), the price is only slightly more than what you'd pay for the room itself (basically just enough to cover the expense of the Breakfast)

Totally worth it for what you are getting:
Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks for each person
An Early Admission Ticket just for WWoHP one morning for each person
A commemorative Ticket for each person
plus all the regular benefits for resort guests if you choose to stay onsite (early IOA admission and Express pass)

I'm going to have to call to double check that you don't have to take the park tickets (I already have the $99 Unlimiteds), but the online reservations let you take them off, so I'd say you don't have to buy them.

Those of you who already reserved for after May 28th may want to price it out to see if it'd be cost effective to change your ressies so you can get the HP extras!

 

[TraceyL]

You can get a night in the cheapest hotel for 4 people (2 ad, 2ch) for less than $120 total - with early entry, the souvenir ticket, citywalk pass & breakfast included it's a no-brainer! Just take off the insurance & the tickets. I bet lots will pay that just for early entry & breakfast (forget staying at the hotel!)

 

[MadeToLove]

I saw something very interesting in the fine print on this HP package deal: http://www.universalorlando.com/Florida_Vacation_Packages/bf/harrypotter.aspx#

Early Park Admission begins one (1) hour prior to Universal's Islands of Adventure regular scheduled park opening for Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations guests who purchase a vacation package including hotel and theme park tickets. Current offer valid 7 days a week for travel 5/28/10 - 12/31/10; valid only at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Flight of the Hippogriff™, Dragon Challenge™ and The Cat in the Hat™. If technical problems arise or the opening of an attraction is delayed another Universal's Islands of Adventure attraction will open for Early Park Admission.

In bold you'll note the rides offered for these special HP early admission pass holders. This special pass is available for any who book the package regardless of where you stay. (probably also for those who book Virgin or other companies' HP packages). But on site hotel guests also get in one hour early. I bet there will be two rope lines. The hotel guests may head Left to ride things like Hulk and Doom early, and the special pass holders will go Right to head to WWoHP, and they will have a rope at Jurassic to keep the Hotel guests out of Potterland unitl park opening.

Also interesting, though noted by someone before, there will be no food or merchandise discounts in WWoHP for AP or AAA etc.

 

[maggieb9975]

I was just looking through the new vacation deal for HP, and with the exception of the tickets, which are the more expensive base ones, (which you don't have to select by the way), the price is only slightly more than what you'd pay for the room itself (basically just enough to cover the expense of the Breakfast)

Totally worth it for what you are getting:
Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks for each person
An Early Admission Ticket just for WWoHP one morning for each person
A commemorative Ticket for each person
plus all the regular benefits for resort guests if you choose to stay onsite (early IOA admission and Express pass)

I'm going to have to call to double check that you don't have to take the park tickets (I already have the $99 Unlimiteds), but the online reservations let you take them off, so I'd say you don't have to buy them.

Those of you who already reserved for after May 28th may want to price it out to see if it'd be cost effective to change your ressies so you can get the HP extras!

I agree if you are not entitled to any discounts such as AAA or stay more save more...

However in my case 2 adults staying club level for 6 nights WITH a AAA discount the difference was $400 more with the package (without tickets)!!! I will buy my own breakfast for that!

I called them too and they confirmed if you are staying on-site after Harry Potter opens you automatically get the early opening ;-)

 

[ADP]

I was just looking through the new vacation deal for HP, and with the exception of the tickets, which are the more expensive base ones, (which you don't have to select by the way), the price is only slightly more than what you'd pay for the room itself (basically just enough to cover the expense of the Breakfast)

Totally worth it for what you are getting:
Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks for each person
An Early Admission Ticket just for WWoHP one morning for each person
A commemorative Ticket for each person
plus all the regular benefits for resort guests if you choose to stay onsite (early IOA admission and Express pass)

I'm going to have to call to double check that you don't have to take the park tickets (I already have the $99 Unlimiteds), but the online reservations let you take them off, so I'd say you don't have to buy them.

Those of you who already reserved for after May 28th may want to price it out to see if it'd be cost effective to change your ressies so you can get the HP extras!

I just went through this today. I made the mistake of calling UO package deal line and boy did I send them for a loop. They were so confused on what I was trying to explain to them I basically gave up and figured it out on my own. Basically, my room only reservation is $50 less than what the price of the package would be. We already have park tickets. So, for $50 more I'd be getting:
The commerative tickets
Breakfast at the three broomsticks
Early park admission - however, that's still up in the air at this point.