The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[cressy]

For clarification All I am trying to say is that after the early entry hour package holders will get after GO, the place will be ridiculously crowded. I was there for over three hours and I rode all of the rides. I think I am better off and I am pleased with the whole experience.

Concur.

 

[foreUT]

I've heard it described by some as, about the size of a garden shed...

Still a garden shed I'd like to visit, though.

OUCH! (DL fan here.)

 

[lildamo]

I'm coming back broke from Orlando in Decemeber. Better start saving up...

Some more great pictures of merch from Filch's here: http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c389/Felipe89/WWoHP 05-29-2010/

There's some really neat stuff!

 

[black562]

Yeah I think we're all coming back broke....oh well, I'll make more, that is, if I get the printing press fixed.

 

[foreUT]

I've heard it described by some as, about the size of a garden shed...

Still a garden shed I'd like to visit, though.

OUCH! (DL fan here.) :lol:

 

[lildamo]

Now I wonder if they have the gryffindor tshirt Emma wears in the half-blood prince

The only thing I ever saw online was an extra who sold there's for like 300 pound which I think is even more in dollars. Must have been exclusive

Not identical, but close (they might have something closer at Dervish & Banges):

 

[Momw/aplan]

When you see a preview of a movie you don't see the whole
Thing, just the trailer. I got in today on a room only at Portofino. I was dragging three little ones and I did more in three hours than the general public
Will in a day after GO. The ride was fantastic, the butter beer was delicious and the wand selection was fun. I was in the middle of the pack and everyone seemed well behaved in my area. Universal seemed in control.

I thought I was a little disappointed until I rode FJ. Potter fans will love the ride and the castle. My little ones rode FH over and over with no line and we could have ridden DC repeatedly. I could not be happier. We watched Olivander's and looked in all the shops. It was not a rush and by the time we left there were very few people in the area. The village is smaller than I expected and will quickly become too crowded for comfort after GO.

Back again tomorrow for more butter beer.

Um, not that it really matters, but back in college I often went to see movies hosted by our local radio stations where we got to see the whole movie before it was available to the public and that was called a Preview. I get your point though, people often call movie trailers previews as well. Regardless, I was not sold a preview--I was supposedly sold a full vacation.

I'm glad things worked out well for you and you are happy with the experience you had. I hope I can put my frustration aside and do the same. I just don't enjoy feeling like we may not receive the product we believed we were paying for and that there's no true way for me to predict what the scenario will be like before we get there--or even after we've arrived for that matter. Universal seems to be okay with changing the rules multiple times and without any warning or even apologies to their paying customers. And in my book that's not really okay.

 

[CLPClarinet]

Here's a picture of the Quibblers!!!!!!!

Quibbler here!

haha, found it on a more appropriate titled link ;D

 

[cressy]

Um, not that it really matters, but back in college I often went to see movies hosted by our local radio stations where we got to see the whole movie before it was available to the public and that was called a Preview. I get your point though, people often call movie trailers previews as well. Regardless, I was not sold a preview--I was supposedly sold a full vacation.

I'm glad things worked out well for you and you are happy with the experience you had. I hope I can put my frustration aside and do the same. I just don't enjoy feeling like we may not receive the product we believed we were paying for and that there's no true way for me to predict what the scenario will be like before we get there--or even after we've arrived for that matter. Universal seems to be okay with changing the rules multiple times and without any warning or even apologies to their paying customers. And in my book that's not really okay.

I absolutely understand why you feel as you do. I felt like that and we didnt buy a pkg, just one night at RPR. However, it does seem that WWOHP is just not ready to be fully open. I'm not saying that as any kind of excuse for UO, just that if you want to be able to experience WWOHP before the GO for longer than 1 hr early entry, before crowds are ridiculous (because I feel like it's going to be a nightmare from June 18 on) then this may very well be your only opportunity. If it were me, I think I would insist on a refund, and carefully read the information on this board, and then book room only if and when it sounds like FJ is reliably up and the preview for onsite guests is continuing.And realize that even with that, things could change on a daily basis.Good luck-I really hope it works out for you, I hope you get to go and have an awesome time like we did.

 

[black562]

Curious, has anyone seen a crest for the House of Black or any other related items?

 

[Momw/aplan]

I absolutely understand why you feel as you do. I felt like that and we didnt buy a pkg, just one night at RPR. However, it does seem that WWOHP is just not ready to be fully open. I'm not saying that as any kind of excuse for UO, just that if you want to be able to experience WWOHP before the GO for longer than 1 hr early entry, before crowds are ridiculous (because I feel like it's going to be a nightmare from June 18 on) then this may very well be your only opportunity. If it were me, I think I would insist on a refund, and carefully read the information on this board, and then book room only if and when it sounds like FJ is reliably up and the preview for onsite guests is continuing.And realize that even with that, things could change on a daily basis.Good luck-I really hope it works out for you, I hope you get to go and have an awesome time like we did.

Thanks Cressy. Unfortunately it's too late for us to change plans now. We've got hotels booked all along the way of our trip, time off work scheduled that can't be changed, family & friends along the way who have made plans/work arrangements to meet up with us, etc. It is what it is.

I don't understand why they can't keep Hogsmead open all day. FJ sure, they obviously still need downtime to work out the kinks--if it goes down it goes down, fine, but why not keep everything else running past 11 or 12 just like they've done when it breaks down at 8:30 or 9? Why not serve lunch and dinner at the Three Broomsticks? Are they not going to get practice at that before GO? And why can't we stick around to see the castle and Hogsmead after dark? It was so beautiful in all the pics from TM previews etc. I want to see that with my own eyes. I expected it to be part of my trip, and so now I'm feeling disappointed when all I really want to feel is excitement.

Oh well. I need to stop feeling sad now. It's just so dang frustrating.

 

[cdepauli]

They didnt choose to expect this. They expected it because Universal hinted at something then didnt deliver.




As described earlier, no they are not. Or not at least unless you are changing the dictionary definition of preview. You can dance around this all you want but it is an inescapable fact.

A preview is a full viewing before regular attendees get to view it. Had Universal stated that they would getv "limited viewing" then this would have been different. By stating preview they are hinting at a full viewing before everyone else, they have not delivered that hence the anger of many people.

Since you keep referencing this elusive dictionary definition without actually producing one, I'll do it for you:


NOUN:

1. An advance showing, as of a movie or art exhibition, to which a selected audience is invited before public presentation begins.
2. An advance viewing or exhibition, especially the presentation of several scenes advertising a forthcoming movie; a trailer.
3. An introductory or preliminary message, sample, or overview; a foretaste.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
pre·viewed, also pre·vued pre·view·ing, pre·vu·ing pre·views, pre·vues

1. To view or exhibit in advance.
2. To provide a preliminary sample or overview of: The professor previewed the course for us.


The Universal preview fits definition 2 for sure and also fits definition one and three. No where in the definition does it say it has to be "full" (whatever that means anyway - people seem to be able to get a lot if not all of the land done in these two hours).

Then again, you didn't even know how a camera worked...


ETA: I agree that Universal totally messed this up, because, when booking back in February or so, they did not say this would only be a preview. Only after announcing the GO for June 18th, did they say it would be a preview. I just hated that people kept giving their own definition of what a preview is (without ever actually reading said definition), when clearly a preview can be as limited as a movie trailer (which I still call "previews") to as all access as an unlimited screening before the public. By calling it a preview they really gave themselves leeway on what they had to deliver. It just wasn't what people had initially booked.

 

[Momw/aplan]

Since you keep referencing this elusive dictionary definition without actually producing one, I'll do it for you:


NOUN:

1. An advance showing, as of a movie or art exhibition, to which a selected audience is invited before public presentation begins.
2. An advance viewing or exhibition, especially the presentation of several scenes advertising a forthcoming movie; a trailer.
3. An introductory or preliminary message, sample, or overview; a foretaste.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
pre·viewed, also pre·vued pre·view·ing, pre·vu·ing pre·views, pre·vues

1. To view or exhibit in advance.
2. To provide a preliminary sample or overview of: The professor previewed the course for us.


The Universal preview fits definition 2 for sure and also fits definition one and three. No where in the definition does it say it has to be "full" (whatever that means anyway - people seem to be able to get a lot if not all of the land done in these two hours).

Then again, you didn't even know how a camera worked...

The whole point here is that I did NOT purchase a PREVIEW. I purchased a full vacation package to the WWoHP and then only later did I find out (through an online forum mind you, not even from Universal themselves) that what I had purchased has since been turned into a preview with no apologies, upgrades, or forthcoming refunds at that. That is what I'm having trouble with. If they had advertised the package as a preview and then made sure those purchasing the package knew it would be a preview then there would be no problem here, but that's not what happened.

I will go and I will enjoy my "preview" by whatever definition it may come, but I can promise I will never again trust that I can book a vacation through Universal with any sense of confidence that what they say they're selling me is what I'd actually get. And a vacation package to Universal is a heck of a lot more money than I care to spend with a company I can't trust.

 

[Planogirl]

Thanks Cressy. Unfortunately it's too late for us to change plans now. We've got hotels booked all along the way of our trip, time off work scheduled that can't be changed, family & friends along the way who have made plans/work arrangements to meet up with us, etc. It is what it is.

I don't understand why they can't keep Hogsmead open all day. FJ sure, they obviously still need downtime to work out the kinks--if it goes down it goes down, fine, but why not keep everything else running past 11 or 12 just like they've done when it breaks down at 8:30 or 9? Why not serve lunch and dinner at the Three Broomsticks? Are they not going to get practice at that before GO? And why can't we stick around to see the castle and Hogsmead after dark? It was so beautiful in all the pics from TM previews etc. I want to see that with my own eyes. I expected it to be part of my trip, and so now I'm feeling disappointed when all I really want to feel is excitement.

Oh well. I need to stop feeling sad now. It's just so dang frustrating.

I would suggest contacting Universal and expressing your disappointment. I understand that your expectations were different and you certainly should let Universal know. As a Universal fan, I honestly believe that they have no intention of causing such frustration.

I'm a little surprised by an earlier comment that someone thought that HP would have its own separate park. Now THAT surprises me. I never got that impression and that even if I hadn't known that there simply wasn't room for such a thing.

I also keep mulling over people getting 3-4 hours of relatively quiet time this morning compared to the possibility of us waiting for 6 hours in August. If only they could keep that ride going, that 3-4 hours sounds kind of good to me right now.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Thanks Cressy. Unfortunately it's too late for us to change plans now. We've got hotels booked all along the way of our trip, time off work scheduled that can't be changed, family & friends along the way who have made plans/work arrangements to meet up with us, etc. It is what it is.

I don't understand why they can't keep Hogsmead open all day. FJ sure, they obviously still need downtime to work out the kinks--if it goes down it goes down, fine, but why not keep everything else running past 11 or 12 just like they've done when it breaks down at 8:30 or 9? Why not serve lunch and dinner at the Three Broomsticks? Are they not going to get practice at that before GO? And why can't we stick around to see the castle and Hogsmead after dark? It was so beautiful in all the pics from TM previews etc. I want to see that with my own eyes. I expected it to be part of my trip, and so now I'm feeling disappointed when all I really want to feel is excitement.

Oh well. I need to stop feeling sad now. It's just so dang frustrating.

I don't understand why they can't keep Hogsmede open either. It's weird, maybe they don't have the staffing yet to keep it open all day?

I honestly feel bad for you. I understand the people saying you are lucky to be there, but I also totally understand your disappointment. This is your trip and it isn't what you planned. Yes, you are getting to see it all before the crowds invade, but it still should have been given the information to make a choice whether you wanted to come for the limited opening or not.

 

[Momw/aplan]

I would suggest contacting Universal and expressing your disappointment. I understand that your expectations were different and you certainly should let Universal know. As a Universal fan, I honestly believe that they have no intention of causing such frustration.

I'm a little surprised by an earlier comment that someone thought that HP would have its own separate park. Now THAT surprises me. I never got that impression and that even if I hadn't known that there simply wasn't room for such a thing.

I also keep mulling over people getting 3-4 hours of relatively quiet time this morning compared to the possibility of us waiting for 6 hours in August. If only they could keep that ride going, that 3-4 hours sounds kind of good to me right now.

Thanks Planogirl. I will be contacting them.

And maybe you're right. Maybe I'll be completely happy with the 2-4 hours. Maybe we'll even get supremely lucky and have the 2-4 hour "preview" followed by general softs in the afternoon/evening too by the time we're there. Who knows--I'm guessing not even Universal at this point.

I need to quit posting now. I just keep getting so exasperated by all the people who don't seem to understand what the real issue is with the pre-GO packages. It's not like we bought a preview and then decided a preview wasn't good enough.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Thanks Cressy. Unfortunately it's too late for us to change plans now. We've got hotels booked all along the way of our trip, time off work scheduled that can't be changed, family & friends along the way who have made plans/work arrangements to meet up with us, etc. It is what it is.

I don't understand why they can't keep Hogsmead open all day. FJ sure, they obviously still need downtime to work out the kinks--if it goes down it goes down, fine, but why not keep everything else running past 11 or 12 just like they've done when it breaks down at 8:30 or 9? Why not serve lunch and dinner at the Three Broomsticks? Are they not going to get practice at that before GO? And why can't we stick around to see the castle and Hogsmead after dark? It was so beautiful in all the pics from TM previews etc. I want to see that with my own eyes. I expected it to be part of my trip, and so now I'm feeling disappointed when all I really want to feel is excitement.

Oh well. I need to stop feeling sad now. It's just so dang frustrating.

I don't understand why they can't keep Hogsmede open either. It's weird, maybe they don't have the staffing yet to keep it open all day?

I honestly feel bad for you. I understand the people saying you are lucky to be there, but I also totally understand your disappointment. This is your trip and it isn't what you planned. Yes, you are getting to see it all before the crowds invade, but you should have been given the information to make a choice whether you wanted to come for a limited opening or not.

 

[Momw/aplan]

I don't understand why they can't keep Hogsmede open either. It's weird, maybe they don't have the staffing yet to keep it open all day?

I honestly feel bad for you. I understand the people saying you are lucky to be there, but I also totally understand your disappointment. This is your trip and it isn't what you planned. Yes, you are getting to see it all before the crowds invade, but it still should have been given the information to make a choice whether you wanted to come for the limited opening or not.

Thanks. At this point it really does help just to have a little understanding.

 

[Planogirl]

Thanks. At this point it really does help just to have a little understanding.

I do understand too. It's possible to be a little jealous while recognizing that Universal is being frustrating. I think that the lack of consistency and information is the worst part and they need to called to task for that.

Still, try to have fun. That's what it's all about even when park management acts stupid.

 

[Momw/aplan]

I do understand too. It's possible to be a little jealous while recognizing that Universal is being frustrating. I think that the lack of consistency and information is the worst part and they need to called to task for that.

Still, try to have fun. That's what it's all about even when park management acts stupid.

Thanks. And I will.

I can understand too who someone who's not getting to go at all yet would be exasperated at anyone whining about how much or how little they'll get to experience it when they'd happily trade places. I just want them to try to understand that this isn't some free trip I won and now I'm spitting on it. We didn't just luck into being at the right place at the right time and then get an unexpected treat of a preview. This was a major purchase for my family. We agonized over it before we booked. And so now it is very stressful to find out it most likely won't turn out to be what we expected. We don't want to feel like we made a mistake and that we would have been better off saving our money and waiting until some time in the future to try to go.

I've decided to lower my expectations for the trip now so that maybe I won't be disappointed when we get there, (and I'm trying to do the same for my kids, too) and hey, maybe we'll even be pleasantly surprised. It just makes me sad to lower our expectations though before what was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime.