The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[inkkognito]

I went in mostly as a skeptic altho' Spidey gave me some hope. But I'm not an HP fanatic so I knew it would take a lot to impress me. I have to say FJ really did. Granted, not as a thrill ride (ie scary or intense) but as a techological marvel that left me wondering what would be next after each scene.Most simulators can't match up to the real thing for me because of the lack o real motion, but the robot arms takes care of that.

Sadly it broke down after an hour wait so no second ride. Oh well, butter beer is YUMMY!

 

[WaltD4Me]

I've been trying to take in as much of this weekend as possible through various Twitter/Facebook/Message boards. It's really an amazing time we live in where we can pretty much get "real time" reporting and pictures of everything within minutes.

What stands out to me the most though is the huge difference of opinion between Pete's updates and everything else I've been reading. Everyone has the right to their opinion, and I can't WAIT to listen to the Universal podcast tomorrow, but to-a-person everything I've read/watched about this past weekend has been extrememly positive. Other boards have people desperately trying to book a hotel room hoping to get a chance to experience the few hours they are letting people in. I understand all of Pete's frustrations (at least the one's he has made public so far), but SO many other people are just raving about the WWOHP and outside of Pete the only negative remarks I have seen are from people who haven't gone.

Everyone should look at both the pros and cons on WWOHP before spending the money to go, but it's interesting to see the reactions of The Dis compared to Inside the Magic, Attractions Magazine or even Harry Potter sites like Pottercast. We're talking 180 degrees apart.

I don't know, I've read some reports from people who were "underwhelmed" they didn't bash it, by any means, but they didn't rave either and expressed some disappointments. Yes, alot of reports have been very positive, but not all. Seems almost everyone is commenting how small the area is.

I'm really curious to hear what Pete says too. So far, really he has just commented on the only 2 hour open time and I have read other complaints about that. Universal should have told people about it before they arrived.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Very very cool. The look on the kids face is priceless.

Yeah, I thought this video was MUCH better than the first one, until I saw the crowd in the store part of Ollivander's. Yikes.

 

[jenn-n-okla]

Oh ok so GP will not be allowed into any of the area until June 18th? Sorry but I am still totally confused. We didn't purchase the HP package because we had already booked Disney back in December which is when I bought our Universal tickets at $99/each/both parks/7days. So I guess this is meaning a no go for DC or the shops. We would LOVE to be on FJ but really were not expecting that at all. All the more reason to come back another year.

 

[Caribbeanprincess]

Only hotel guests have been getting in, and it's been crazy watching them walk out with tons of Potter stuff...but the rest of us will most likely have to wait. It's very funny hearing those who are impressed with it argue with those who aren't. It's very much the same old dividing line it always was...or it's breaking down to be. Disney vs. Universal.
The ones that love it, are not really into Disney as much as the ones who don't love it.
Pete's reaction, honestly, was expected. It can't live up to the hype that everyone has. Seriously. Mostly because it's not a whole new theme park, just a new land. Personally I am just waiting to try butterbeer and ride FJ. I think its going to be great, but it's not going to be the coming of theme park jesus that so many hoped it would be. It's going to be the world of Harry Potter, without having Harry Potter crammed down your throat.
We havent been lucky enough to catch the previews, but there are a lot of pictures to be seen.
I seriously think Universal is trying to bite off too much by trying to sell to Disney fans as the next big thing, those who are mouse loyal are just that. They can't be bought!

I don't think that's fair though. I LOVE WDW, but I LOVE US also and I'm absoultey sure I will adore WWoHP. I just don't see why people can't be allowed to love both and there must be a dividing line.

 

[ChrisFL]

I wouldn't walk into disney and expect to see a tiny castle in the centre...

Never been to Disneyland huh?

 

[damo]

Oh ok so GP will not be allowed into any of the area until June 18th? Sorry but I am still totally confused. We didn't purchase the HP package because we had already booked Disney back in December which is when I bought our Universal tickets at $99/each/both parks/7days. So I guess this is meaning a no go for DC or the shops. We would LOVE to be on FJ but really were not expecting that at all. All the more reason to come back another year.

Nobody knows what the situation will be from day to day. There could be GP softs tomorrow for all anyone knows.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Nobody knows what the situation will be from day to day. There could be GP softs tomorrow for all anyone knows.

I think that's almost impossibly unlikely, considering that package people paid extra for exclusive access.

 

[damo]

I think that's almost impossibly unlikely, considering that package people paid extra for exclusive access.

The onsite people didn't pay extra and they have had the same exclusive access as the package holders.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

The onsite people didn't pay extra and they have had the same exclusive access as the package holders.

True, but I think Universal is trying to compensate for the contradictory statements they made regarding who would get access.

 

[lildamo]

True, but I think Universal is trying to compensate for the contradictory statements they made regarding who would get access.

There's also no reason why they couldn't open the area up to the general public after the package people have had their exclusive access -- they were only promised an hour early entry before the crowds came in initially when the area was set to be open already.

 

[Planogirl]

I wish that people would give this a chance. I see so much impatience here and a lot of it from people who haven't been there.

I can understand those who bought the HP package feeling a bit let down. It's a shame that the ride keeps breaking down too. Otherwise, I don't understand all the fuss. If you think it might be too small, OK maybe it is too small...in your opinion. The same with not having sodas available, the format used for the wands and all of the other things some people don't like. Universal can't please everyone and they may not even please me but I'm not going to criticize until I see it for myself.

Lecture over. I'm looking forward to further reviews even though I'm avoiding the details.

 

[damo]

I wish that people would give this a chance. I see so much impatience here and a lot of it from people who haven't been there.

I can understand those who bought the HP package feeling a bit let down. It's a shame that the ride keeps breaking down too. Otherwise, I don't understand all the fuss. If you think it might be too small, OK maybe it is too small...in your opinion. The same with not having sodas available, the format used for the wands and all of the other things some people don't like. Universal can't please everyone and they may not even please me but I'm not going to criticize until I see it for myself.

Lecture over. I'm looking forward to further reviews even though I'm avoiding the details.

I TOTALLY agree! Also, these are soft openings!

However, this is just par for the course here on the Uni boards.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I am all for giving it a chance. I am also all for good customer service. Universal/IoA is a business, and should govern using good sense, not good wishes.

 

[Planogirl]

I am all for giving it a chance. I am also all for good customer service. Universal/IoA is a business, and should govern using good sense, not good wishes.

They COULD be a bit more precise about the hours and plans for this area, that I will give you. Customer Service has otherwise always been excellent in our dealings with Universal but they seem to be rather sloppy with their information so far.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

They COULD be a bit more precise about the hours and plans for this area, that I will give you. Customer Service has otherwise always been excellent in our dealings with Universal but they seem to be rather sloppy with their information so far.

Yep, that's what I meant. Also, the reports of people stampeding each other to get to FJ first, etc. It's not going to help anyone if someone gets seriously hurt in their park.

 

[Planogirl]

Yep, that's what I meant. Also, the reports of people stampeding each other to get to FJ first, etc. It's not going to help anyone if someone gets seriously hurt in their park.

I wouldn't blame Universal for that. They are in a learning curve too and it sounds like they might need security in place. It's a shame that people act so stupid.

 

[damo]

I wouldn't blame Universal for that. They are in a learning curve too and it sounds like they might need security in place. It's a shame that people act so stupid.

This running of the bulls is nothing new. At Cedar Point when there was early admission for resort guests there was always a huge stampede to Millenium Force and any new coaster that would have a huge line in such a short period of time.

 

[Magpie]

I agree about keeping in mind it's a soft opening and everything won't be perfect.

We were lucky enough to get into a soft opening for Spaceship Earth a few years back. The audio wasn't very well synched and there were wires hanging down from the ceiling, but I still felt like the luckiest person on Earth to get to ride it during our vacation.

I do understand the annoyance of some folks who thought the whole thing would be up and running by the 28th. But I think that's the risk you take whether you're building a house or a roller coaster. Nothing ever gets done on time, when you're dealing with big construction projects.

 

[CornishPixie]

I agree with Magpie and the other previous posts. Everyone needs to chill! We all seem to be pretty experienced with theme parks and how they have soft openings. I was there for Spaceship Earth soft opening and for the Mummy's soft opening.
The Mummy stopped while we were in the section with fire over our heads for like 10 minutes before it started up again. We realized that they were working the kinks out and we rolled with it. What if we nit picked every single part of the ride, complained about it stopping and decided Universal sucked because we weren't completely thrilled during a soft opening?
The Mummy was (and is) one of our family's favorite rides at the parks. We were thankful to preview it and we have continued to ride it for years after. I am sure FJ will be the same!!