Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens today

[MercoBear]

What happened once you got to the front of the line at Guest services?

There were some apologetic guest relations employees. I wanted them to refund my parking fee since we basically have an annual pass. I got some Universal fastpast type things for my next visit instead. I think that they were giving out tickets for people who didn't have annual passes though.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Kevin, over on the Universal boards, a number of people who are 6'4" and 6'5" claim to have been on the ride.

We were told that the height restrictions were 6'3".

Maybe that has changed.

 

[dmccarty]

I have not seen negativity on this board regarding WWoHP.

DISAPPOINTMENT and surprise would be better words.

The negativity will be from people who paid their hard earned dollars to see something that was unseeable.

Later,
Dan

 

[Justin Jett]

There are some size restrictions that people just cant make adjustments for.

I'm 6'5" and the limit is 6'3". No matter what I do, I'm not going to lose the 2 extra inches which preclude me from riding.

I'm not a "hater" of Universal, but I've never been told I'm too tall for anything at Disney.

I think the thing that's bothering me (and I'd guess most people) is that this is being touted as a "game changer" and "a new theme park" and "something that's going to have a bigger impact on Orlando than the Magic Kingdom."

My issue is that it's one new ride and a handfull of shops. It might be the best themed area in any theme park, but it's still one new ride and that ride has limitations that might keep almost a quarter of the population from participating.

I think this is going to make a lot of people angry.

Look at some of the reactions on the thread where I posted a link to the photos of the actual size of WWOHP. someone said "it's smaller than the rollercoaster". Even regulars who read these boards all the time are a bit taken back by the fact that it's a rather small area being touted as a "game changing theme park."

I agree with everything you have said.

Personally, I have always been ambivalent about both Universal and the Harry Potter franchise. I love Disney and SeaWorld, but have never really had interest in Universal, due to the number of rides that have health restrictions. I do like CityWalk though. Also, I do admit to not having been Islands of Adventure yet. I do plan to go, using the ticket that I won on the podcast in 2008. Suess Landing might be fun.

As for Harry Potter, I have really never paid attention to the movies and books, but I have been following the area at Universal for my own education and knowledge. In my personal opinion, what is there is fantastic, but there is not enough there to warrant a theme park. Today, I have had a great time poking fun and making jokes about the Harry Potter area. Not because I hate it, but because of the way it has been presented and marketed.

While size does not exclude me, personally.....the other health restrictions, however, do "forbid" from riding. Even if I was allowed to ride by the team members, my extreme sensitivity to motion would make me feel very uncomfortable on the ride....unless I could stay harnessed in my wheelchair. I would really like to see the stuff in the queue, as theme park technology fascinates me. Other than the queue area, I just cant get excited about the ride. I am interested in KOOKA technology, but I'm just not jumping for joy over this ride.

It will be interesting to hear how wheelchair-friendly the Harry Potter area is overall.

I am just not sure what to think of UCF's comments. I truly believe that the Rosen School is a great program, but I am shocked at how the Professor compared Harry Potter to the 1971 Magic Kingdom. Personally, I cannot agree with that conclusion.

Whether you love the new area, or hate it.....a $300 broom is just too funny.

 

[georgemoe]

Anyone who went there today (this week actually) expecting anything other than frustration and tears is not dealing in sanity. And thats my opinion.

 

[MM32830]

I think the thing that's bothering me (and I'd guess most people) is that this is being touted as a "game changer" and "a new theme park" and "something that's going to have a bigger impact on Orlando than the Magic Kingdom."

While Universal's marketing in the past has been lackluster, you have to hand it to them this time that the marketing machine on WWoHP has been phenomenal!

The ad agency they used on this one is a keeper!

Now, the real work is at hand. Universal has to make sure they don't blow it all with stupid management decisions.






____________________
Armand

 

[LMO429]

I have seen alot of pictures today that just scare me. I would never want to be around that many people at once. Here is a twitter picture of crowds at 1:30pm this apparently was just the line to get into Islands of Adventure.

http://twitpic.com/1xtlke

I'm not in a rush to see the WWOHP we will be there in October and we plan on making a day trip out to Universal to see what the fuss is about.

What concerns me is the reports of the massive amounts of people being lined up throughout islands of adventure. From the looks of these pictures how would you even be able to enjoy the rest of the park with all these crowds in the way.

 

[TMcDwyer]

The opening of WWoHP will pass and be a distant memory. Crowds won't be like this forever. The true success of the park will be in it's longevity not just this weekend or even 6 months from now. Just my opinion.

I agree. We are headed down the week after Thanksgiving, and while I know there will be crowds, I think it will be a much better experience.

 

[TMcDwyer]

Anyone who went there today (this week actually) expecting anything other than frustration and tears in not dealing in sanity. And thats my opinion.

I agree.

 

[TMcDwyer]

I have seen alot of pictures today that just scare me. I would never want to be around that many people at once. Here is a twitter picture of crowds at 1:30pm this apparently was just the line to get into Islands of Adventure.

http://twitpic.com/1xtlke

I can't believe that they are waiting in a line that long and honestly still believe that they will get in...

 

[LMO429]

I can't believe that they are waiting in a line that long and honestly still believe that they will get in...

A bunch of the pics taken today were from the sky of the crowds..that picture i posted I felt really showed how bad it was there today. I got claustrophobic just looking at it sitting in my air conditioned home I cant even imagine being in that mass of people in 90 plus degree heat!

 

[TMcDwyer]

A bunch of the pics taken today were from the sky of the crowds..that picture i posted I felt really showed how bad it was there today. I got claustrophobic just looking at it sitting in my air conditioned home I cant even imagine being in that mass of people in 90 plus degree heat!

Me either...I get claustrophobic in a parking garage so those crowds would have pushed me over the edge.

 

[JimFitz]

the theming looks great and the crowds will eventually die down. I am excited to see this new piece of Orlando.

 

[PeterPan09]

Anyone who went there today (this week actually) expecting anything other than frustration and tears in not dealing in sanity. And thats my opinion.

I'd even go further and say that anyone planning on visiting HP anytime this year during high season better pack plenty of patience.

We're all aware that many, many people do not do the proper homework and then expect Universal or Disney to do something to fix their problems. Universal will be dealing with a LOT of that this summer and I'm very glad I'm not working as a team member in Guest Relations over there.

I love the Harry Potter world and can't wait to see this land-the theming is top notch and I'm sure I'm going to love it. However, I know myself well enough to stay far, far away until things slow down quite a bit.

 

[SrisonS]

I have seen alot of pictures today that just scare me. I would never want to be around that many people at once. Here is a twitter picture of crowds at 1:30pm this apparently was just the line to get into Islands of Adventure.

http://twitpic.com/1xtlke

I'm not in a rush to see the WWOHP we will be there in October and we plan on making a day trip out to Universal to see what the fuss is about.

What concerns me is the reports of the massive amounts of people being lined up throughout islands of adventure. From the looks of these pictures how would you even be able to enjoy the rest of the park with all these crowds in the way.

I don't see a "line".

 

[kbelle8995]

I took one look at the pictures of Universal and thought that it would be a good day to go to the Magic Kingdom cause everyone is at Universal.

 

[Blumonkeyboy]

There are some size restrictions that people just cant make adjustments for.

I'm 6'5" and the limit is 6'3". No matter what I do, I'm not going to lose the 2 extra inches which preclude me from riding.

I'm not a "hater" of Universal, but I've never been told I'm too tall for anything at Disney.

I think the thing that's bothering me (and I'd guess most people) is that this is being touted as a "game changer" and "a new theme park" and "something that's going to have a bigger impact on Orlando than the Magic Kingdom."

My issue is that it's one new ride and a handfull of shops. It might be the best themed area in any theme park, but it's still one new ride and that ride has limitations that might keep almost a quarter of the population from participating.

I think this is going to make a lot of people angry.

Look at some of the reactions on the thread where I posted a link to the photos of the actual size of WWOHP. someone said "it's smaller than the rollercoaster". Even regulars who read these boards all the time are a bit taken back by the fact that it's a rather small area being touted as a "game changing theme park."

Kevin, try slouching. If it was enough to keep me off Splash mountain a few years back, it might be enough to get you on HP.

 

[Tink rules]

If I was Disney I'd be pushing advertizing $$$ to these disgruntled people big time. Come see a REAL magical theme park, without the 7 hour lines or disappointments.

You think the skywriter who does "Jesus Loves You" could be hired by Disney???

Orlando Sentinel is putting out pictures of the line now. They are crazy! Unreal! I can't imagine standing in that crowd, in that heat, for that size of an attraction.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/orl-universalharrypotter-pg,0,2369550.photogallery

Best line photos are #1, 20, 21, 23, 25... you get the idea after that

Aren't you glad you made it in before the crowds?

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Aren't you glad you made it in before the crowds?

Yup, but I didn't get to ride FJ or do the Ollivander's wand experience. AND, my girls are HUGE HP fans, and I told them we would go back in August. Maybe everyone will go this weekend, and it won't be soooo bad in August? Please?

 

[Jessica14]

Not that we have plans to go here any time soon even though we are headed down in Dec., but I get the impression that its shops, restaurants, and a couple of rides. It looks absolutely beautiful and just like the movie, but I can't see battling crowds for a roller coaster (we are not roller coaster people). It almost seems more like a visual thing. I can see that if you want to do a lot of shopping and get lots of HP stuff, then its great (I think it would be really cool to see eventually). I haven't read this whole thread, but I imagine that crowds will significantly die down as long as Daniel Radcliffe doesn't make a daily appearance! Not anti-Universal by the way. I was there many years ago and had fun, just kind of curious about this new attraction's appeal long term.
Jessica