The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[rjvose17]

Ok, so I am in Orlando for our vaca now. I have been looking at the threads in hopes to see some glimmer of hope to get into WWOHP. What and Where are all these pics and people coming from? I am a little confused, has there been a preview? Soft opening? Ugg, it's frustrating.

Also, with the no pics at the preview thing, we went to Harry Potter the Exhibit at the Boston Science Museum and they wouldn't allow us to take pics there either. When I asked why, they said it was because Universal held the rights and asked for no pics, also because they sold a picture book of the costumes and the items that were on display at the exhibit just so they could make money. I was really upset I drove 6 hours ONE way to get to Boston, spent two nights and more just to see the exhibit and take pics! That was really frustrating. It never seems to amaze me the things they will do for a extra buck!

 

[Magpie]

Ok, so I am in Orlando for our vaca now. I have been looking at the threads in hopes to see some glimmer of hope to get into WWOHP. What and Where are all these pics and people coming from? I am a little confused, has there been a preview? Soft opening? Ugg, it's frustrating.

Also, with the no pics at the preview thing, we went to Harry Potter the Exhibit at the Boston Science Museum and they wouldn't allow us to take pics there either. When I asked why, they said it was because Universal held the rights and asked for no pics, also because they sold a picture book of the costumes and the items that were on display at the exhibit just so they could make money. I was really upset I drove 6 hours ONE way to get to Boston, spent two nights and more just to see the exhibit and take pics! That was really frustrating. It never seems to amaze me the things they will do for a extra buck!

But hey - the exhibit was pretty cool, wasn't it? And you've still got the memories, even if you opted not to buy the book.

I tend to forget to pull out my camera anyway, even when pictures ARE allowed. I usually enjoy things more when I'm not staring down at my digital camera all the time.

We saw the HP exhibit last weekend at the Ontario Science Center. It's a five and a half hour drive for us, but we made it a weekend and visited the zoo, too. The exhibit's really got us pumped for our trip in December. My husband's comment as we were walking out of the show? "That was... almost a religious experience."

 

[Claire-Bear]

It was the Pow Wow event (travel agents etc.) so there were selective travel workers allowed in who received an invite. It wasn't a soft opening for the public or anything. Still a shame that they have a media-style-invite event with no pictures allowed.

 

[Don Pacho]

Courtesy of FloRida848, Disneyhead, Orlando United
http://www.orlandounited.com

See the buckbeak in the back left sitting in the nest.

Some seem to have missed this from the last helicopter update. Here is a shot of the Buckbeak AA. It is beside the lift hill on FOTH.

 

[Colleendoll]

Ok, so I am in Orlando for our vaca now. I have been looking at the threads in hopes to see some glimmer of hope to get into WWOHP. What and Where are all these pics and people coming from? I am a little confused, has there been a preview? Soft opening? Ugg, it's frustrating.

Also, with the no pics at the preview thing, we went to Harry Potter the Exhibit at the Boston Science Museum and they wouldn't allow us to take pics there either. When I asked why, they said it was because Universal held the rights and asked for no pics, also because they sold a picture book of the costumes and the items that were on display at the exhibit just so they could make money. I was really upset I drove 6 hours ONE way to get to Boston, spent two nights and more just to see the exhibit and take pics! That was really frustrating. It never seems to amaze me the things they will do for a extra buck!

Are you staying on site at one of the three hotels? Did you book your room before March 25, 2010? The reason I am asking is that I was told and judging by other posts so were other people, that if you booked the onsite hotel before that date you would be intitled to a preview. They also said there was no quarantee everything would be up and running.

Waiting on pins and needles for the answer...hopeful!

 

[Victoria3]

Here's a review.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/fe...d:+features/themeparkblog+(Theme+Park+Rangers

 

[mjohnson96]

I loved this part of the article...

"+ I was pleasantly surprised by the pricing on the items. It was in the usual theme park range. Sure, you could beat it at a retail outlet, but you’re not going to see this merch at your local Target. You’ll be able to pick up a Golden Snitch for $14.95, a Ravenclaw (baseball) hat for $21.95, striped school ties for $9.95, a Hedwig plush/puppet for $28.95 and a nice selection of Potter-based trading pins for between $9.95 and $12.99. Wands were marked as $24.95 but I heard there were some that are more expensive. The biggest ticket I noticed were Hogwarts robes for $99.95."

The prices seem pretty good to me and both me and Grandma are ready to spoil some kiddos....and adults. My Dad will be a sucker for some of these items!

 

[DisneyGerry]

Dont know how long they will enforce no photography but what is next no tweeting/ texting?

 

[Metro West]

Dont know how long they will enforce no photography but what is next no tweeting/ texting?

That does seem rather strange to not allow photography at a preview. I can't imagine they could enforce it after 6/18 though.

 

[acesnjacks06]

I will be at IOA this Sat and Mon. Any chance of a soft opening for HP? If so, where will be the best place to check?

If I'm there and it is a soft opening I'll be sure to post here first!

Keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[bubba's mom]

That does seem rather strange to not allow photography at a preview. I can't imagine they could enforce it after 6/18 though.

I don't think they will. I think it's all part of the big secret until GO.

That's my thot anyway...

 

[Metro West]

I will be at IOA this Sat and Mon. Any chance of a soft opening for HP? If so, where will be the best place to check?

If I'm there and it is a soft opening I'll be sure to post here first!

Keeping my fingers crossed!

Who knows...soft openings just happen w/o notice. You just have to be in the right place at the right time.

 

[damo]

I don't think they will. I think it's all part of the big secret until GO.

That's my thot anyway...

It sure seems that way. I wonder if this is all JK Rowling's plan. It is very annoying.

 

[Metro West]

It sure seems that way. I wonder if this is all JK Rowling's plan. It is very annoying.

I was wondering the same thing...if Rowling had something to do with this.

 

[motofox4]

Hi Everyone ~ we're not staying onsite (at Universal)... we'll be visiting for either 1 or 2 days to Universal and are most likely going to purchase the Express Plus Pass. Does anyone know if the attractions/rides in Harry Potter World will be a part of the Express Plus Pass??

 

[damo]

Hi Everyone ~ we're not staying onsite (at Universal)... we'll be visiting for either 1 or 2 days to Universal and are most likely going to purchase the Express Plus Pass. Does anyone know if the attractions/rides in Harry Potter World will be a part of the Express Plus Pass??

No one knows yet. We don't know if the hotel express will help either. As soon as we find out someone will post it in the FAQ section for Wizarding World.

 

[Metro West]

Hi Everyone ~ we're not staying onsite (at Universal)... we'll be visiting for either 1 or 2 days to Universal and are most likely going to purchase the Express Plus Pass. Does anyone know if the attractions/rides in Harry Potter World will be a part of the Express Plus Pass??

Depending on when you're going...I would wait until you arrive to purchase the EPs because they are non-refundable and date specific. You can purchase the EPs throughout both parks.

 

[Colleendoll]

I am so excited about the information on prices and what is available to purchase. This was a big anxiety for myself. I want to make sure we have enough money to buy what we really want and it sounds like we will be able to purchase suveniers for our family members.

I haven't been passing on the spoiler info to my children. I want them Excited and unsuspecting of the magical elements. If I couldn't chat here I might have spilled it all to them.

The kids want to dress up but I cannot find the Beautaux (not spelled right) costume anywhere for my youngest. My son wants to dress up as a death eatter but I explained it is usually against the "Law" at most amusement parks to wear a mask. He isn't a toddler. My eldest daughter just wants to wear a robe with the tie, white shirt and some shorts.

Then the discussion gets funny...they want ME to dress up! HA! I am fine in my regular summer attire and much to old to play dress up. I would feel funny about it. So I tell the children wearing all black or green velvet like McGonagall would wipe me out and we would have to retire much to early. They suggest I dress up in pretty pink like Umbridge!! I laugh and say all the kids in line will hate me or throw fireworks at me. Then my son says - You have dark hair like Bellatrix! You could Be Her! Me? One of the Evil bad guys?! Then I say that's just what we need, Mum getting beat to a pulp by hundreds of little Potter fans yelling "You KILLED Sirius Black!!" So Not going to happen.

 

[Metro West]

That's a good point...are costumes going to be allowed? I saw this on another board and no one knew the official answer.

I'm going to say no...Universal doesn't allow costumes but they MAY make exceptions for WWoHP.

Has anyone heard what the official answer is?

 

[Hummingbird]

Hi Everyone ~ we're not staying onsite (at Universal)... we'll be visiting for either 1 or 2 days to Universal and are most likely going to purchase the Express Plus Pass. Does anyone know if the attractions/rides in Harry Potter World will be a part of the Express Plus Pass??

If your staying onsite, you already have unlimited express plus, sthere is no need for you to buy seperate EP's.

No one knows exactly yet how EP will work with FJ or if it will even be accepted on FJ.