The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[Planogirl]

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.

I'll keep hoping that maybe things will turn around before you go. Hey, you never know.

By the way, the rest of the Universal park attractions are pretty nice. Don't forget about that!

 

[MadeToLove]

Please, everyone just take a deep breath and calm down.

Yes, I think you all should write Guest Services a polite letter expressing your disappointment. Just remember the person reading the letter didn't create the problem. But I've found that they do actually listen to you if you make your points without anger and frustration.

I suspect this arguement will be mute starting Tuesday. Those in the know say that a lot of the reason for the two hour preview was to control crowds during the busy Memorial Day weekend. Once that ends, they'll be better able to stay open longer, especially if Guest Services comes to the weekly meeting with letters of complaint and concern that two hours is not enough for those who bought packages. I think they'll gradually increase their hours and the numbers they allow inside in order to train the employees, so they can handle the hoards come GO. So don't panic yet.

 

[melly]

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

~Perhaps you should look up "keep" while your at it because Im pretty sure it wont say "to mention once"

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

No, I speculated as to a possible reason of why the picture appeared that way. I think if you actually look back at my post I questioned it as a possibility

 

[muffyn]

I read somewhere that this is part of JK Rowling's initiatives for healthy kids, etc. It seems she had a heavy hand in WWoHP.

um your kidding.
a butterbeer healthy???
(i'd love to see the nutrient list on that one.) < I'd also love to have one *sigh*>

didn't see juices on the choice list.

 

[Planogirl]

um your kidding.
a butterbeer healthy???
(i'd love to see the nutrient list on that one.) < I'd also love to have one *sigh*>

didn't see juices on the choice list.

She apparently has a thing against sodas. I imagine that Universal had to make a lot of concessions to Ms Rowling.

 

[bumbershoot]

I haven't been to Universal yet. We've been planning our trip, including a Universal trip, for nearly 6 months now. I've scoured the boards, I've looked at the website multiple times, I've nearly booked things many many times, I've even phoned them.

I've been ALL over their reservation pages since the HP packages were first announced, and looked thoroughly around even though we were never planning on being there at opening.

It blows my mind that people are saying they can't understand why people are upset with Universal for only letting them in for 2 hours a day! Are you kidding? I keep reading that we should expect it for soft openings. These packages were NOT sold as soft opening, previews or anything else, other than a Harry Potter package, they same sold from May 28th and on.

Universal at NO point said that they would allow limited access, until recently. Nothing on my emails said anything being different between my tickets for the 17th to the 18th.

Those packages started to be sold BEFORE any announcement was made about when it was going to open. Anyone booking them *had to know* that it was all speculative. Book it, and HOPE that things will be open by then.

As *soon* as they figured out when it would/could be open, they stopped selling packages for the time before opening. Stopped it cold, as far as I could tell (and I could, because I went to the site to check out if they were still selling the HP packages *at all*, and saw the new start date for the HP packages).

If you didn't realize that the area wasn't going to be open yet, well, I don't know what to say, because I didn't even have a trip planned, and I knew that it was all up in the air, from the moment they announced when the packages started, and then a different sort of up in the air once they announced when the area of the park would open.



Universal *could have* gone in and totally canceled everyone who had booked HP packages. They *could have* not allowed access to room-only people who had booked hopefully.

Instead, they were kind and gracious and allowed those who booked the HP packages before the announcement to get the perks and keep their packages. And they were extra kind to allow room-only people access as well.

I think those things are *nice*. They didn't have to do it at all; they could have just canceled everyone's plans.

I just wanted to say that HP package people did NOT pay more for their vacations than non package holders.

Agreed.

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

They didn't state exclusive access for the whole day.

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.

Yep. And as far as I can tell, it's the same exact exclusive access that those booking HP packages in December will get. Except that the area will actually be totally OPEN then, so they'll get to be there with the hordes as well.

Merchandisers really don't get it. Snape is number one among female Potter fans over 25 (of which there are more of us than one might think).

Probably very true!

I'm now picturing a Snape character wandering the area being all Snapey...just like Jack Sparrow used to wander New Orleans Square in Disneyland being all piratey...but then 3 years later they'd just send him away b/c (supposedly) women couldn't take the pressure and would keep throwing themselves at him....just got that whole made-up movie in my head!

for those of us who can ONLY drink diet drinks(diabetic),....
sure there is water... but do YOU want water?

DH has the same diagnosis and controls it entirely with diet and exercise. He also doesn't drink artificial sweeteners. So YES, our family does like water, enjoys water, and is quite happy with water.

DH's endocrinologist really likes that DH doesn't use the chemical sweeteners, b/c as someone else mentioned, they *can* mess with your blood sugar, and it's been long known that they mess with the "sensors" in your stomach and brain that tell you that you're full which is a big problem if you're controlling blood sugar with diet...

I read elsewhere that this was requested by J K Rowling. Personally I plan to just drink water.

That's cool if she did that.

Of course, we'll be seeking out the ingredient lists for the various drinks there...if they've just thrown HFCS into the butterbeer etc, then JKR could have saved her breath, as it would end up being no better than soda at all.

Very curious, though!

 

[kbelle8995]

I will be going to Universal later this week and am staying onsite. The most I hope to do is maybe wander through the castle que and shop in the stores.

I would like to ride FJ and go to the Three Broomsticks but I realize that might not happen especially the Three Broomsticks (which is closed for the most part). I think I will just go to Raglan Road one night instead.

Let me state that I did not purchase a HP package but if I did I would feel jipped. So if you're not happy let Universal know in a polite way stating your disappointment. That way it goes straight to the source and maybe they can work to improve the situation. And we have emails now so you can respond fairly quickly.

I love to see the nutritional facts on Butterbeer. It should be quite interesting.

 

[melly]

Those packages started to be sold BEFORE any announcement was made about when it was going to open. Anyone booking them *had to know* that it was all speculative. Book it, and HOPE that things will be open by then.

Not our problem, dont sell stuff that you cant commit to. You wouldnt get away with it anywhere else, its called fraud or deception or something else like that.

If you didn't realize that the area wasn't going to be open yet, well, I don't know what to say, because I didn't even have a trip planned, and I knew that it was all up in the air, from the moment they announced when the packages started, and then a different sort of up in the air once they announced when the area of the park would open.

Well done to you. However for everyone else its not up to them to "project manage" the WWoHP and work out if the thing they have paid for will be ready. Its up to Universal to be upfront and honest and not sell an incomplete deal under false pretences.

Universal *could have* gone in and totally canceled everyone who had booked HP packages. They *could have* not allowed access to room-only people who had booked hopefully.

Instead, they were kind and gracious and allowed those who booked the HP packages before the announcement to get the perks and keep their packages. And they were extra kind to allow room-only people access as well.

I think those things are *nice*. They didn't have to do it at all; they could have just canceled everyone's plans.

No. It isnt nice. They took money for one thing and didnt deliver it. Dont make them out to be heros. Had they cancelled the plans they would have had to refund so its nothing to do with being nice, its to do with cashing in on an incomplete product that people have paid top dollar for.

They didn't state exclusive access for the whole day.

they didnt state 3 hours either did they. The onus is on them to state the terms and conditions not for the customer to have to deduce it through telepathy. The customer is being entirely reasonable to expect a full day when they buy a Harry Potter package.

 

[glocon]

I agree with most of the above, it would be better to have the "whole package" as most thought they would, but I am thrilled that the access the the ww will be limited, and MUCH less crowded. I am thinking that you probably could bet more done in 2-3 hours with limited access, then in 10 hours with access available to the entire public. I for one am thrilled to be there starting June 4 with limited access and less crowds.

 

[Dax]

Wow, is it me or is this thread getting nasty...

I am going to keep my opinions on the whole thing to myself..I am familiar enough with how soft openings work, so I knew this whole things would be a fiasco..

 

[damo]

Wow, is it me or is this thread getting nasty...

I am going to keep my opinions on the whole thing to myself..I am familiar enough with how soft openings work, so I knew this whole things would be a fiasco..

Lol...I've seen Universal threads get nastier. It isn't that bad. There hasn't been any name calling yet, just everyone stating how they see things which is always very differently here.

 

[melly]

Wow, is it me or is this thread getting nasty...

I am going to keep my opinions on the whole thing to myself..I am familiar enough with how soft openings work.

I wouldnt say its nasty, no one is getting personal with each other

As for the soft openings, you can correct me if Im wrong but arent they opportunistic "of your lucks in on the day" you get to have a go of a new ride. If it is, that to me is a little bit different than advertising then selling a whole package. Surely once you commit to doing that and taking money for it you are obliged to provide that service. Its like going to Mac Donalds, them charging you for a meal and only giving you the fries becasue the burgers arent ready then expect you to toddle off happy with just your fries.

 

[damo]

I wouldnt say its nasty, no one is getting personal with each other

As for the soft openings, you can correct me if Im wrong but arent they opportunistic "of your lucks in on the day" you get to have a go of a new ride. If it is, that to me is a little bit different than advertising then selling a whole package. Surely once you commit to doing that and taking money for it you are obliged to provide that service. Its like going to Mac Donalds, them charging you for a meal and only giving you the fries becasue the burgers arent ready then expect you to toddle off happy with just your fries.

In this case it was clearly stated in the package description about the early morning access that if the ride wasn't working, others would be made available. With a ride, nobody can guarantee that it will be working all the time. When this package came out, we discussed it quite thoroughly on this thread. All the details are still here if you look back.

 

[yaytezIOA]

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.

I'm with you on that one....but unfortunately if you look around this area you'll see that's just not the case with most people.

 

[Dax]

In this case it was clearly stated in the package description about the early morning access that if the ride wasn't working, others would be made available. With a ride, nobody can guarantee that it will be working all the time. When this package came out, we discussed it quite thoroughly on this thread. All the details are still here if you look back.

Was the package sold as a "soft opening preview"...if so, then that tells me right there that I should expect issues with things...I would just be happy to be there...If I wanted to make sure I saw EVERYTHING..I would book for when it was supposed to be fully open..IE after June 18.

 

[MaleficentandGoons]

Wow, is it me or is this thread getting nasty...

I am going to keep my opinions on the whole thing to myself..I am familiar enough with how soft openings work, so I knew this whole things would be a fiasco..

It really is.

 

[melly]

In this case it was clearly stated in the package description about the early morning access.

Rubbish

If it was CLEARLY stated then you wouldnt have loads of ****** off people complaining that they thought they were getting a full day.

that if the ride wasn't working, others would be made available. With a ride, nobody can guarantee that it will be working all the time. .

Its not about the ride, is it. Almost every negative post ive read is about the time they are getting there rather than what is working or not working.

When this package came out, we discussed it quite thoroughly on this thread. All the details are still here if you look back.

Not everone comes on here do they. Its not for people to find out off an internet forum that is full of speculation anyway. The onus is on Universal to have been upfront about what they were selling from the start.

 

[melly]

Was the package sold as a "soft opening preview"...if so, then that tells me right there that I should expect issues with things...I would just be happy to be there...If I wanted to make sure I saw EVERYTHING..I would book for when it was supposed to be fully open..IE after June 18.

Again, more misdirection from Universal. Feel free to prove me wrong with a link and I will accept that I am wrong but if I do recall correctly the 18th of June is a recent thing put out by Universal. The original packages were sold on the basis of "revealed in spring 2010". Now I understand that technically summer starts on 20th of June hence spring ends then but opening something 2 days before the end of spring is and calling it "open in spring" is taking the **** especially to all those that have booked for April and May time. A cynic would suggest that it is a deliberate act to extend the "peak period" for the park by a month or so.

 

[scottmel]

Rubbish

If it was CLEARLY stated then you would have loads of ****** off people complaining that they thought they were getting a full day.



Its not about the ride, is it. Almost every negative post ive read is about the time they are getting there rather than what is working or not working.




Not everone comes on here do they. Its not for people to find out off an internet forum that is full of speculation anyway. The onus is on Universal to have been upfront about what they were selling from the start.

that is an excellent point. those that visit these forums are in the minority of those that visit. they touted these deals beginning May 29th or whatever the date was and anyone with a pulse would be led to assume this was opening weekend. US then turns around and says June 18th but they backpedal and allow those booking the packages earlier (of course assuming WWOHP is open it is a harry potter package after all!!!) to still enjoy the HP stuff. It was never billed as a soft opening weekend, etc. Someone net savvy and on these boards understands but imagine the soul that booked it for this weekend and made the arrangements and never thought twice after that. yes these people do exist....And show up and get 2 hours....we would be prepared for 2 hours but they would not be and it could be a huge let down. This was never advertised on super bowl sunday as soft preview....

 

[damo]

Rubbish

If it was CLEARLY stated then you would have loads of ****** off people complaining that they thought they were getting a full day.



Its not about the ride, is it. Almost every negative post ive read is about the time they are getting there rather than what is working or not working.




Not everone comes on here do they. Its not for people to find out off an internet forum that is full of speculation anyway. The onus is on Universal to have been upfront about what they were selling from the start.

Lol, people shouldn't have to come on a message board to get them to read what their package info says. I agree it may have been misleading because it was called the Wizarding World Package, but they actually are giving everyone what they promised and then some.

Here is what they were promised, taken directly from the original wording.



* Free Parking at Universal Orlando Resort for a full day
* Complimentary breakfast refreshments at the Three Broomsticks within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
* Complimentary keepsake from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
* A head start on rides and attractions at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Early Park Admission begins one (1) hour prior to Universal's Islands of Adventure regular scheduled park opening for Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations guests who purchase a vacation package including hotel and theme park tickets. Current offer valid 7 days a week for travel 5/28/10 - 12/31/10; valid only at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Flight of the Hippogriff™, Dragon Challenge™ and The Cat in the Hat™. If technical problems arise or the opening of an attraction is delayed another Universal's Islands of Adventure attraction will open for Early Park Admission.