We know nothing about Harry Potter. Will we still enjoy those areas?

[perditax]

Yeah, we're like the only two people in existence who haven't read the books or seen the movies. (I am considering at least possibly watching one of the movies ahead of time, but as it's a surprise trip I can't make the other travel party watch it without giving away the surprise.)

Anyway--will I enjoy the rides and theming even when I'm obviously missing tons of references and Easter eggs?

(If your answer is going to be "why not just read the books?", I'm more of a non-fiction/history buff, and unfortunately I think growing up on Terry Pratchett's Discworld books took up the potential "Harry Potter" slot in my developing brain. I've tried before and they just don't "stick". It's okay, everyone's different.)

Thanks in advance--just deciding how hard I will fight to beat the crowds.

 

[bumbershoot]

Many people enjoy the areas without knowing the stories.

FWIW, I don't see how the series you like should combat with HP. They seem pretty different! Heck, I enjoy both HP and Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series, and that's also about a wizard named Harry LOL.

Seeing a movie or two is good, but the books truly are better.

 

[perditax]

Many people enjoy the areas without knowing the stories.

FWIW, I don't see how the series you like should combat with HP. They seem pretty different! Heck, I enjoy both HP and Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series, and that's also about a wizard named Harry LOL.

Seeing a movie or two is good, but the books truly are better.

Discworld's got a wizarding school called "Unseen University". I read them a lot when I was the ages most people read HP. It's difficult for me not to make comparisons. I guess the same way some people grew up on LOTR and struggle with other "high fantasy". Or people who will argue Star Wars v Star Trek to the death. Again, the key is that I that I absorbed it all so young, so HP feels "off". I've tried, believe me.

(I really, really didn't want this to turn into a referendum on whether I'm "wrong" for not reading the books. I'm still interested in seeing the theming.)

 

[sillyyankee]

The areas are very unique and quite enjoyable on their own. I would say that you may miss alot without the back knowledge of the books, but it shouldn't stop you from wandering through.
I listened (during my commute) to all of the books just before our trip last year. I could not watch more than 4 of the movies.
The rides are fun, but the areas are very interesting.

 

[Patch'sD]

design of the areas are very well done and the rides are great. My wife knew nothing about the HP and enjoyed both areas and rides.

 

[Costumesaremylife]

Pretty much all I know about Harry Potter is from commercials and the names of the four houses from listening to people talk. My Mum knows even less.

Do we get all the stuff going on, nope. Is it still awesome theming and fun to walk around. Yes totally. I liked the main ride, I haven't escaped gringots yet. The effects on the train ride, and indeed just getting on the train ride, fantastic.

You don't have to read the book, I don't know if I ever will, but go check it out anyway. Especially the section that is Diagon Alley, there's a freaking Dragon!

 

[tony67]

Im not a fan of HP but I've seen part of the movies. I really enjoy the areas - they did an amazing job.

Id say watch the movies - or at least the first one and that will at least give you a general idea of what is around you.

 

[bchbetha]

I feel like you should watch the first movie. Im sure you could come up with a non-suspicious way to bring it up as the choice for movie night. I really think it'll add to your experience.
At the very least, take an online sorting hat quiz. It's fun to have an alliegance when you're there.

 

[keishashadow]

OP -

Yeah, we're like the only two people in existence who haven't read the books or seen the movies. (I am considering at least possibly watching one of the movies ahead of time, but as it's a surprise trip I can't make the other travel party watch it without giving away the surprise.

Not quite, many posts over the years here. Perhaps if you search you'll find some helpful hints for Muggles visiting for the first time.

The films seem to always be in heavy rotation on the tube; you could likely 'accidently' turn it on when the other person is nearby or rent the DVD

Even a quick visit to Wikipedia for a cliff notes handle on it will help a bit.

Anyway--will I enjoy the rides and theming even when I'm obviously missing tons of references and Easter eggs?

I am huge fan of the books and enjoyed repeat viewings of the films. I think Universal did an amazing job but admit I don't geek out as to all the obscure details. Each visit I enjoy just poking around and soaking up the ambience. When GD along we do the interactive wand & things get more structured. No right or wrong way to experience it.

As stand-alone attractions, they are great in their own right IMO. Might just be the impetus to dive into the books or films after your trip.

Thanks in advance--just deciding how hard I will fight to beat the crowds.

Not sure what you mean by fighting the crowds unless you are referring to early entry to visit HP? Many who aren't staying onsite say the end of the day is best time to explore the area.

 

[Julie's Haircut]

Wife and I know next to nothing about HP, yet enjoyed the areas in both parks very much. Sure, we don't "get" nor understand many of the details, but both rides are great, and the train ride is too.

 

[Squirlz]

I feel like you should watch the first movie. Im sure you could come up with a non-suspicious way to bring it up as the choice for movie night. I really think it'll add to your experience.
At the very least, take an online sorting hat quiz. It's fun to have an alliegance when you're there.

I took the quiz and was very surprised to get Slytherin! I think it's rigged

 

[PantherPete]

I only saw the 1st HP movie. But I still enjoy both HP sections in the parks. They are so well done that it is hard not to enjoy them.

 

[hdnwaters]

Yeah, we're like the only two people in existence who haven't read the books or seen the movies.

No, there are at least 4 of us! Last year my daughter and I went to US/IOA....and we had no clue! The rides and theming are really awesome. We actually rode Gringotts and Forbidden Journey twice each. So you can enjoy Harry Potter and be clueless! I loved the Transformer's ride and have never seen a Transformer movie either.

Since, my last visit to Orlando, I have watched 5 of the movies and hope to get the others in before the next trip in January. If you search Harry Potter in Wikipedia it will give you a brief look into what Harry is a all about. Here are the 3 things that stuck in my mind after our visit to US/IOA.

Muggle is a person who lacks any sort of magical ability and was not born in a magical family.

Quidditch is a competitive sport in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, featured in the series of novels and movies. Matches are played between two teams of seven players riding flying broomsticks, using four balls: a Quaffle, two Bludgers, and a Golden Snitch.

Dementors are "soulless creatures.. among the foulest beings on Earth": a phantom species who, as their name suggests, gradually deprive human minds of happiness and intelligence.

My daughter and I walked around all week talking about Dementors, not knowing how evil they are! LOL! So, now you know more than I did before I went the first time!