The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[Planogirl]

Actually "a glorified Spiderman" sounds pretty good to me since Spiderman is such an excellent ride.

OK, the two hour preview period might be disappointing. I can understand that. However everything else just gets me more and more excited!

 

[*LittleMermaid*]

Okay, first of all here is the text of the letter I was handed at check-in this morning:

Welcome,

We have exciting news for you!

You will be among the first guests to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort!

As on on-site hotel guest, you will be given Early Park Admission for an exclusive preview of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is scheduled to begin at 8:00AM each day during your stay. You must arrive at Islands of Adventure by 8:45AM (clearly that's a typo on their part, it should have read 7:45AM) and proceed directly to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to ensure access to the area.



.​

It is not a typo because if you are not in by 9:00 AM you are not guaranteed access even if you are a package holder.​

 

[inkkognito]

Yes, my guess is a glorified Spiderman too and that's not a bad thing. Imagine how great Spidey would be with a robot arm instead of old style ride vehicles.

We've got two shots at FJ, tomorrow and Mon. morning. Rest assured I will be posted a very detailed trip report (I have to because it's my job so I will definitely follow through). I don't think we're going to bring the video camera tho' because I don't want to mess with lockers. We'll just stow everything in our cargo pants and maybe bring the camcorder the second day if we get to ride FJ the first.

 

[*LittleMermaid*]

It's pretty clear that those who have already stated they are underwhelmed by WWoHP are not fans of the series (at least those who have said they aren't) thats fine, but I don't think you were Universals target audience, so I honestly don't think they expected you to be like "Oh Wow!" because the details in the area are very true to the book and are most likely only going to be caught by the fans.

The fans of the series, Universals target audience, are the ones they were afraid would be "underwhelmed." Having soda, making the shops larger, are all things that would have caused them to be "underwhelmed". It was a smart move on Universal's part to stay true, and very "Disney" like.

Think about the people you know that go to Disney that hate it, majority of those who hate it do not like Disney. They don't like Disney movies, Disney channel, disney music, so why would they like Disney World? And some do like it, but they don't have the same appreciation for the details like Hidden Mickeys, overly themed queues...etc

I think the people who have been in this thread since day 1, the people who have followed the construction updates, the interviews, seen all the movies, read some if not all the books are the folks who will absolutely love it. The rest of the world is there for the rides and I'm sure they'll be dissapointed.

Very well said! But I gotta say that I have not read any of the books or seen any of the movies and I was in love with the area when I saw it.

 

[damo]

Yes, my guess is a glorified Spiderman too and that's not a bad thing. Imagine how great Spidey would be with a robot arm instead of old style ride vehicles.

Imagine IOA having the two best theme park rides in the world. How great is that?!!!

 

[inkkognito]

They need to start maintaining poor Spidey tho'. DH rides it a lot and says there is almost always something major not functioning properly. Sad to see such a great ride not at its peak.

 

[donaldduck352]

They need to start maintaining poor Spidey tho'. DH rides it a lot and says there is almost always something major not functioning properly. Sad to see such a great ride not at its peak.

I agree.Think alot got to do with the glasses.The 3-D effect just dont seem the same as it was just afew years ago.

But it still is the best ride in Orlando,for now until FJ opens to the public.

 

[*LittleMermaid*]

They need to start maintaining poor Spidey tho'. DH rides it a lot and says there is almost always something major not functioning properly. Sad to see such a great ride not at its peak.

And then everyone will complain that the ride is shut down and that spiderman is the only reason why they went to universal... you can never please everyone.

 

[MadeToLove]

Thought someone might find this little video interesting:

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2010/5/29/leaky-in-the-potter-park-part-1

Leaky is one of the top Potter fan news sites, and Pottercast is the top Potter podcast. These guys are uber fans and this is just a video of their reactions today. I thought the little "interview" with the TM was nice. More to come from them.

 

[Tiffany]

Not sure what your definition of preview is. To ME, as a consumer, it would mean I got to go into an area that was not ready for the general public yet. Unrestricted.

I agree with you. If I had paid I would be a little upset about only getting 2hrs a day.

 

[black562]

I agree with you. If I had paid I would be a little upset about only getting 2hrs a day.

I think Pete said it best when he said getting to preview a movie doesn't mean just the first ten minutes.

Oh, have a look at this video from a few months ago...love how it says "everyone is going to get to try different wands...."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmG0K3eEfgE

 

[rjvose17]

I got in AGAIN this morning and was able to actually get in with the early morning people and got to ride FJ!!! I was one of the first dozen through and took lots more pics today. I rode the ride about 8:10 am and by the time I was out ( I was able to walk on, no line) the line was all the way out of the castle and into the streets of Hogsmead. One team member told me from the gates at Hogwarts to the seats of the ride it's a six hour que! I can't imagine. However it is continual like haunted mansion, so it should move fairly fast. I will say it exceeded my expectations and a glorified spiderman is a good analogy. I will post more under the FJ spoiler post! So in the past two days I have spent a total of about 5 hours in WWOHP, and it was def. enough time. It's very small and once you have done the rides there are only a few shops and things to do other wise. I hope they expand it and elaborate on it in the future. Overall I am very satisfied, im a huge HP fan and cried upon entry I even hugged the TM that let me in.

 

[Momw/aplan]

I agree with you. If I had paid I would be a little upset about only getting 2hrs a day.

Yep. I did. And I am.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

How much extra money actually was it?

 

[Disney_Lover06]

I got in AGAIN this morning and was able to actually get in with the early morning people and got to ride FJ!!! I was one of the first dozen through and took lots more pics today. I rode the ride about 8:10 am and by the time I was out ( I was able to walk on, no line) the line was all the way out of the castle and into the streets of Hogsmead. One team member told me from the gates at Hogwarts to the seats of the ride it's a six hour que! I can't imagine. However it is continual like haunted mansion, so it should move fairly fast. I will say it exceeded my expectations and a glorified spiderman is a good analogy. I will post more under the FJ spoiler post! So in the past two days I have spent a total of about 5 hours in WWOHP, and it was def. enough time. It's very small and once you have done the rides there are only a few shops and things to do other wise. I hope they expand it and elaborate on it in the future. Overall I am very satisfied, im a huge HP fan and cried upon entry I even hugged the TM that let me in.

Can't wait to hear more about FJ! It sounds like you had a great time!

 

[damo]

I got in AGAIN this morning and was able to actually get in with the early morning people and got to ride FJ!!! I was one of the first dozen through and took lots more pics today. I rode the ride about 8:10 am and by the time I was out ( I was able to walk on, no line) the line was all the way out of the castle and into the streets of Hogsmead. One team member told me from the gates at Hogwarts to the seats of the ride it's a six hour que! I can't imagine. However it is continual like haunted mansion, so it should move fairly fast. I will say it exceeded my expectations and a glorified spiderman is a good analogy. I will post more under the FJ spoiler post! So in the past two days I have spent a total of about 5 hours in WWOHP, and it was def. enough time. It's very small and once you have done the rides there are only a few shops and things to do other wise. I hope they expand it and elaborate on it in the future. Overall I am very satisfied, im a huge HP fan and cried upon entry I even hugged the TM that let me in.

Thanks for heading over to the spoiler thread. As of yet, not one person has given us any details.

 

[CLPClarinet]

This might have a few photos people haven't seen of the queue for FJ. I haven't really scoured the net for photos. Oh and keep in mind...this site is a gossip site and many of the comments can be on the *not suited for children* side. They show a few pics of the holograms and stuff. Pretty neat!

http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/47364692.html

 

[petals]

Right, but this is part of a theme park that will have thousands of people visiting every day. Some adjustment was definitely called for.

From the pictures and videos, I'm definitely underwhelmed, especially since hearing FJ isn't that special. I think we'll skip Universal and stay at Disney next trip.

I'm sorry but no I don't care if it's a theme park or not if they're going to do something in honour of something ie create a hogsmeade to bring the books to life they do it properly and that means if the shops are small in the books they're small in reality and I think the tourists will just have to deal with that! I wouldn't walk into disney and expect to see a tiny castle in the centre so I'm not going to WOHP and expecting to see wide open spaces in the shops. Also I understand the thing with Ollivanders only picking one person imagine how long it would take if they did that with every single person that walked into the park everyday...
people getting previews should be glad they're getting previews at all even if they are only 2 hours as well because everywhere else I read no previews it was just opening and that was it. These previews seem to have only come this week. Also absolutely loving the videos and pics. Was disappointed that hogwarts wasn't going to be a walk through the whole way as well that it's only for the ride *** I hate most rides and only really go on the kiddie ones but like looking at things so would have loved to see hogwarts inside walking but the vids are good enough

Does anyone know btw the grey jumper Emma Watson had on at the end of the video of the HP Cast visiting the park can that be bought in the park and if so how much? I want to try judge how much money I'll need for IOA day of my hols lol

 

[black562]

A bit off topic here, but concerning the lockers in Hogsmead as well as the rest of the park. I know they're free for three hours or so, but how much are they for the day and how do you pay? Do you just put money in when you're ready and, if so, is there a place to get change, etc..

It sounds like I'm going to have to be at the gate in September about 30 minutes before they open it so I can get on FJ right off in the morning....I know that resort guests get in an hour early, but the line should be minimal at rope drop in any event. From the sounds of things, I may have to do all my shopping at that time before the crowds get crazy...that means a locker would be needed before riding the other rides. I guess I could get a free locker before riding each ride where needed (hulk, dueling dragons, etc...) and that may be better than paying for one. Then I guess I would take the bags to the car before heading over to the studios (I'm doing both parks in one day).

Thoughts?

 

[damo]

A bit off topic here, but concerning the lockers in Hogsmead as well as the rest of the park. I know they're free for three hours or so, but how much are they for the day and how do you pay? Do you just put money in when you're ready and, if so, is there a place to get change, etc..

It sounds like I'm going to have to be at the gate in September about 30 minutes before they open it so I can get on FJ right off in the morning....I know that resort guests get in an hour early, but the line should be minimal at rope drop in any event. From the sounds of things, I may have to do all my shopping at that time before the crowds get crazy...that means a locker would be needed before riding the other rides. I guess I could get a free locker before riding each ride where needed (hulk, dueling dragons, etc...) and that may be better than paying for one. Then I guess I would take the bags to the car before heading over to the studios (I'm doing both parks in one day).

Thoughts?

I would just watch the boards for the next couple of months. So many things are going to change between now and then. There are all day lockers at the front of the parks that you can use and return to during the day. They are under $10 and you reuse them for the day.