The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[disneygal55]

So sorry that Universal employees treated you with such disrespect. Why did they design the seats so poorly? There are so many of us who are not cookie cutter types and if they told me that I couldn't ride I'd scream! I thought that I read somewhere that they have several benches for larger individuals though?

 

[Planogirl]

It could be the ride technology itself that limits sizes. I've been asking around about the seat sizes for the Sum of All Thrills at WDW but it's hard to get an answer.

 

[Dax]

It could be the ride technology itself that limits sizes. I've been asking around about the seat sizes for the Sum of All Thrills at WDW but it's hard to get an answer.

I am by no means thin, but I was able to fit into Sum of all Thrills and its the same basic ride...so I better not have issues

 

[damo]

The ride technology itself is going to limit a lot of things. Not only are people who don't fit in the restraints not going to be able to ride but also those with motion sickness, heart problems, claustraphobia, back problems, those who are pregnant, etc. If they make the ride suitable for all riders we are back to It's a Small World. Weight is only one of many restrictions here but it seems to be the only one that people are having an issue with.

I understand Pred's issue completely. Being able to ride one day and not the next is just wrong. However, lots of people of being denied access because of other factors.

 

[WaltD4Me]

It could be the ride technology itself that limits sizes. I've been asking around about the seat sizes for the Sum of All Thrills at WDW but it's hard to get an answer.

I'm very sure the ride technology is limiting the size of people being able to ride, but if someone has already ridden the ride and fit okay, how does he not fit the next day? If they have a test vehicle outside it should be the same size and work the same way as the actual vehicle inside.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I'm very sure the ride technology is limiting the size of people being able to ride, but if someone has already ridden the ride and fit okay, how does he not fit the next day? If they have a test vehicle outside it should be the same size and work the same way as the actual vehicle inside.

Apparently there are three different versions of the ride vehicle.

 

[Darkestsong]

absolutely. You should not have to scour a theme park discussion board to know what is going on.

If it makes you feel any better, I do envy the extra exclusive time it seems that package holders and on site guests are getting now. Sure, we'll presumably have access to the HP section all day and evening when we go in October, but honestly, I bet we won't stay in it much past 2 or 3 hours that the people who are going now are getting. Once it's open to the general public it will be SO MOBBED in all those little streets and shops I can't imagine it would be pleasant to be there. NOT saying you weren't misled by Universal and you are completely entitled to feel upset. Just a silver lining to getting to be there now---much more exclusive and uncrowded.

^^^^

What she said. I get why some are upset, especially those who could not cancel without a penalty after buying the packages but before knowing it would be only two hours. We are going this coming Saturday, and to be honest are very happy even if it is only two hours. As on0site only we could have cancelled, in fact we had no clue (and still do not 100%) if we would even get in. But we usually like going in the mornings anyways, and then leaving by the time the heat gets stiffling, and to have WWoHP basically crowd free for a couple hours, see everything and be out of the park by noon, maybe to return later toward evening sounds like heaven to me. Especially compared to how absolutely nuts it will be only a week later. I realize others will have different opinions, but for me it is about perfect. And that is the point there is bad to this, but there is a good side as well. It is not all of one side or the other.

 

[damo]

I'm very sure the ride technology is limiting the size of people being able to ride, but if someone has already ridden the ride and fit okay, how does he not fit the next day? If they have a test vehicle outside it should be the same size and work the same way as the actual vehicle inside.

What could be happening is that they are trying to figure out what is triggering the system to shut down. Weight distribution may be a factor that they are trying to determine.

 

[FINFAN]

I am by no means thin, but I was able to fit into Sum of all Thrills and its the same basic ride...so I better not have issues

Dax...do you recall if there is a height maximum for Sum of all Thrills? I read that since the seat is not designed by Disney it is smaller than some of their attraction seats. I am specifically looking for 6'3"....DH's height.

 

[DisneyGerry]

previewed WWoHP and really enjoyed the Hogs Head Ale. Especially relaxing on the back porch of Hogsmeade. Nearby a guy proposed to his gal--something you dont see everyday.

DS got a wand. Other DS got a Chinese Fireball stuffed animal. My DS (fan of Harry Potter) even said he felt like he was really in the Wizarding World.

First time through FJ--wait was 60 min but went quick and dont think it took us hour. Went back later and only 10 minutes so basically walk on.

Hippogriff ride as well.

Honeydukes and Zonkos

3 Broomsticks closed for package deal peeps.

DS refill on a Butterbeer from stand--but it seemed the Butterbeers served inside the pub looked frothier/ better?

Id think majority of Universal resort guests would have had no idea about 'preview?' We asked to confirm, but saw no notification, etc.

I witnessed no pushing / shoving.

 

[Graciesmom77]

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.



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 think thats crazy. Universal is "nice" to take my money for something that they are not offering? How is that nice? Here, why don't you give me 1,000 bucks for this car I have. Then I will give you a Matchbox car and see if you are cool with that.

If you bought a HARRY POTTER PACKAGE, you should get into the Harry Potter themed place. Common sense. Not for 1 hour, or 2 hours, the full time that you were told. If you bought tickets to any theme park for the day and were told at 10 am to get out, you would be mad. No one wants to pay a bunch of money and not get what they were told they we going to get.

By the way, about the previews people were talking about a few pages ago and were saying that the "trailer" of the movie is a preview and thats what you should expect from a preview is wrong. No one PAYS to see a preview of a movie. They pay to see a whole movie and the "previews" are shown as an advertisement before the movie you paid for.

 

[melly]

I think thats crazy. Universal is "nice" to take my money for something that they are not offering? How is that nice? Here, why don't you give me 1,000 bucks for this car I have. Then I will give you a Matchbox car and see if you are cool with that.
.

Ludicrous isnt it. Just defending the indefensible. Some of the comments on here regarding how people should be thankfull to Universal for this is mind boggling to say the least.

 

[Planogirl]

OK, we all get that a few of you feel ripped off and unhappy at what you've gotten. PLEASE take it up with Universal. Going on and on about it here just isn't making anything change.

I always had the idea that the preview would feature limited hours. I have no idea why but that's what I thought.

By the way, it's already been confirmed that the HP package cost extra only the amount of the breakfast. I can see feeling misled if you went during this time expecting a full day though. But please again, contact Universal!

 

[cressy]

So, can anyone tell me if there are Marauders Maps available for sale? Price, if you know/can remember?

Thanks so much!!!

Yes, Marauders Maps were available in the gift shop exiting FJ. Really nice, frame that opens up and the map unfolds and opens out. My oldest daughter really wanted one, but we had already well exceeded our limit!!!hopefully next time! PS- they were in a rack on top of a merchandise rack.

 

[Planogirl]

previewed WWoHP and really enjoyed the Hogs Head Ale. Especially relaxing on the back porch of Hogsmeade. Nearby a guy proposed to his gal--something you dont see everyday.

DS got a wand. Other DS got a Chinese Fireball stuffed animal. My DS (fan of Harry Potter) even said he felt like he was really in the Wizarding World.

First time through FJ--wait was 60 min but went quick and dont think it took us hour. Went back later and only 10 minutes so basically walk on.

Hippogriff ride as well.

Honeydukes and Zonkos

3 Broomsticks closed for package deal peeps.

DS refill on a Butterbeer from stand--but it seemed the Butterbeers served inside the pub looked frothier/ better?

Id think majority of Universal resort guests would have had no idea about 'preview?' We asked to confirm, but saw no notification, etc.

I witnessed no pushing / shoving.

Thanks for the review. Luckily I see way more of your type of report.

 

[Graciesmom77]

previewed WWoHP and really enjoyed the Hogs Head Ale. Especially relaxing on the back porch of Hogsmeade. Nearby a guy proposed to his gal--something you dont see everyday.

I have been married for almost 10 years, but you think I could convince my hubby to re propose?!?!? How cool to get proposed to at Hogwarts!

 

[Graciesmom77]

Ludicrous isnt it. Just defending the indefensible. Some of the comments on here regarding how people should be thankfull to Universal for this is mind boggling to say the least.

I know I sound really angry, but I am! lol

Some people will argue a point for arguements sake I guess!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

OK, we all get that a few of you feel ripped off and unhappy at what you've gotten. PLEASE take it up with Universal. Going on and on about it here just isn't making anything change.

I always had the idea that the preview would feature limited hours. I have no idea why but that's what I thought.

By the way, it's already been confirmed that the HP package cost extra only the amount of the breakfast. I can see feeling misled if you went during this time expecting a full day though. But please again, contact Universal!

To be honest, people complaining here is more effective than contacting Universal. Universal is highly unlikely to respond in a meaningful way, but the bad reports plus pictures and pretty mediocre video footage has already convinced me to stay far away from IoA for the next year or so. Wouldn't be surprised if that's the case for plenty of other posters/lurkers.

 

[Planogirl]

To be honest, people complaining here is more effective than contacting Universal. Universal is highly unlikely to respond in a meaningful way, but the bad reports plus pictures and pretty mediocre video footage has already convinced me to stay far away from IoA for the next year or so. Wouldn't be surprised if that's the case for plenty of other posters/lurkers.

I feel just the opposite so you never know. I also continue to point out that it's really just a few people who have negative things to say which is about the normal amount here.

I also question whether they wouldn't respond. You never know unless you try.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I feel just the opposite so you never know. I also continue to point out that it's really just a few people who have negative things to say which is about the normal amount here.

I also question whether they wouldn't respond. You never know unless you try.

It's not just a few people who are complaining about something. The vast majority of posters have complained about either the package, the weight/height restriction, the small shops, lack of "showiness" at Ollivander's, etc. Most posters have said FJ is either underwhelming, or on par with the Simpsons/Spiderman. To me, there's nothing extraordinary about that. Rides at Six Flags are better than that.