The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[universalfan]

9 pm EST

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

We have the image of Hagrid's Hut on our blog too.

http://www.disunplugged.com/2009/09/15/universal-releases-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-details/

 

[MurphyJoe]

What I meant was since the vehicle is attached to the arm, I can't see it going in a complete circle like a roller coaster inversion. Still, if it is going to mimic flying as in the movies then I suspect there will be a LOT of dips, sweeps, and sudden starts and stops. Can't wait!!

The vertical axis can't move 360 degrees, but the horizontal can. Not saying it will, mind you, just that it could.

 

[Cat0727]

I loved Ellen's video! The songs she always plays in her videos are hilarious. I can't wait to see it for myself this year!

 

[universalfan]

Now I see what you mean. I am starting to think that this ride is going to be a lot more thrilling than anyone ever imagined.

 

[tttessa]

Here's the link to Ellen's video ...

WOW...looks fantastic - thanks for the link... we don't get all the US channels over here in UK.

Tessa

 

[FloridaSam]

WOW...looks fantastic - thanks for the link... we don't get all the US channels over here in UK.

Tessa

Hi Tessa

If you've got Sky Ellen is on the Diva channel.

Sam

 

[amacspad]

Heyo, just wondered (very sorry if you have already been asked) but when they have the soft openings do you get any inclings a few days before or is it just a surprise of the day thing? I know they won't want the world and his dog turning up, we are there from 14th - 21st may and would be gutted to miss anything Debs x

 

[Metro West]

Heyo, just wondered (very sorry if you have already been asked) but when they have the soft openings do you get any inclings a few days before or is it just a surprise of the day thing? I know they won't want the world and his dog turning up, we are there from 14th - 21st may and would be gutted to miss anything Debs x

Soft openings happen at the spur of the moment...you never know when it's going to occur. It's all a matter of luck and timing.

 

[Sun Lover]

You mean they won't even announce that there will be a soft opening? I thought they would announce it a day or two ahead. I wish they'd hurry up and give us more details. It's frustrating.

 

[damo]

You mean they won't even announce that there will be a soft opening? I thought they would announce it a day or two ahead. I wish they'd hurry up and give us more details. It's frustrating.

No park announces soft openings simply because they don't always know if everything on the attraction will be working correctly.

 

[Don Pacho]

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

Hey, I know I'm a little late to the "what we thought of Ellen party", but anyways here is what stood out to me the most:



All Images © 2010 WAD Productions, Inc. | In partnership with Warner Bros.

.

 

[Howellsy]

Hi Tessa

If you've got Sky Ellen is on the Diva channel.

Sam

Just wanted to add, Diva only shows old episodes of Ellen. I think they're currently showing the episodes from last August/September time. So the Universal ones won't be aired for another 6 or 7 months I doubt.

 

[Don Pacho]

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

i've make screen caps seems there are an Hogwarts students :

.

 

[Howellsy]

These photos seem to show the Beauxbaton and Durmstrang students which I'm guessing is related to Dragon Challenge.

 

[Don Pacho]

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

This is my first photo update, so bear with me ! I warn you the quality isn't exellent, but I was mostly sticking camera through/over construction walls and kept getting shifty looks Anyway, I did my best to try and find pictures that haven't been posted here yet, probably failed, but here it goes:

More mud application?

Final touches continue all through the Wizarding World

The final steeple is still begging for a paint job

Random one, but if anyone is interested in the flooring used around Hogsmeade...

Make-do tunnel through Hogsmeade to access the last days of Dueling Dragons

Dragon Challenge flags all tied up

I guess banners are going here?

Extend this bland image to form a queue line, and you have the wondrously dull new Dragon Challenge cave are!

From what I could tell, the "Fire Dragon" and "Ice Dragon" signage is just a cover up for whatever names are underneath it...Hungarian Horntail etc?

Safety boards now with Ministry of Magic frames

Are these arch ways new? I think I'm just seeing things now XD

Sneaky picture of the hogs through a hole in the wall

Ok now for the fail greenhouse pics. I have no idea how you guys snap good pictures of this section :S

 

[englishrose47]

You ghuys have convinced me I wanna go to Universal !!! This coming from a DISNEY Fanatic !!!So I will say

 

[Don Pacho]

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

The following is a combination of emails by my source. He has been working on the ride since the beginning and here are some clips of his thoughts and comments on the ride: ENJOY!!

From latest email Mar 31 -

"Hey! Just thought I'd pop in and let you know how the project is coming along. Although we are going through some challenges in cycling multiple vehicles (remember we are shooting for 47) and we don't yet have all the show systems working yet, this ride is shaping up to be exactly as Universal has been hyping it. I know Universal hypes every new project and usually the reality doesn't live up to the hype but in this case I don't think they are going overboard in any way and I doubt anyone will be disappointed. All of you dark ride fans will not want to miss this groundbreaking attraction. Yes we are aiming for a mid-April soft opening but I wouldn't hold my breath. Things change on an hourly basis with this project and we still have quite a bit of work to do."

"And the ride inside is coming along nicely as well. I promise you won't be disappointed. From the entry, queue and load area to the amazing Quidditch match, the dementors suckingg your soul, the spiders, the willow and the dragon encounter. You will finally be able to walk off of a ride in Central Florida and say, "wow that was better than I thought it would be.""

"The Forbidden Journey scenic is being installed and it is absolutely stunning! We are starting to see things put together and it does not disappoint. There are many challenges with just these show elements in that many of them are 30 or 40 feet above ground. many of the major effects have been mocked up and tested and some are even more impressive than we expected. As I've said before I think the ride will be ready by early Spring. For all those who do not plan on experiencing this ride I would say you would be missing out on a major breakthrough in the history of dark rides."

"I can tell you Universal is having major problems with the HP dark ride. But the problems are a result of their own egos and CYA attitude. When I say there are problems I mean they are massive in scope: to the point where they should be re engineering the entire ride system, even after most of it has been fabricated already. Unfortunately they have been burying their heads in the sand and nobody will admit what needs to be done.

That being said, the plans for this ride are far more ambitious than anything Disney has completed in over 13 years here in Florida. I have seen similar problems with some Disney projects..hehehmmmm Test Track. They will open Potter however and it will be a huge success despite its unusually high downtime and low capacity. At least Potter is going to be ten times more entertaining and fun than Test Track could hope to be."

Enjoy and DISCUSS!

 

[Nicole786]

Happy Easter everyone!!

Do we have any information on The Sorting Hat yet? Even if there isn't a genuine way to get sorted, I just can't wait to check out the loot! After all, even in the books its been mentioned that students desires for a particular house override the hats decision. I have always wanted to be in Ravenclaw (I probably belong in Slytherin or elsewhere, but darnit I like Ravenclaw ) So my fun question of the day is:

What colors do you think will be used for Ravenclaw? In the books they are blue and bronze, but in the movies (and the most recognizable) they are blue and silver. What do you think?

And what colors will you be rocking at Hogwarts??

 

[h20jag]

Thanxfor nice pics again Don P!
Altho, reality really hits hard seeing no "Choose Thy Fate" sign @ Dragons.
Just got over the Enchanted Oak being gone!