WWoHP West Opening Day

[lilmissfoodie]

I'm bringing my daughter (for her birthday) to Universal Studios Hollywood on April 7th for the grand opening of Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We've already been to WWoHP in Orlando (and will be bringing our interactive wands).

Two questions:
1) What time do you suggest getting to the park (I was thinking of prior to 5am)?
2) Will the interactive wand map (only) be available for purchase (or do you need to buy a wand in Hollywood as well to get it)?

TIA

 

[aaarcher86]

 

[rwdavis2]

You do know this is the Disney World forum? There is a Universal forum farther down the main forum page. Given that, I would get there as early as they will let you near it. Personally I would avoid the grand opening at all costs.

 

[Robo]

You do know this is the Disney World forum?

Yup.

But, I've always thought that it was very confusing to call this forum "Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies" with no mention of WHICH theme parks.

(You'd have to be very observant and look at the headings farther up the hierarchy to notice the "Disney.")

 

[strat68]

Yup.

But, I've always thought that it was very confusing to call this forum "Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies" with no mention of WHICH theme parks.

Good point.

 

[lilmissfoodie]

But that forum said it was only Orlando, I'll try there

 

[Kivara]

Most people recommend 30-45 mins prior to the entrance time...seeing as it''s new and Harry Potter, I'd say at least an hour early (with HeadsUp app downloaded...there is a Harry Potter section, like playing headbandz, to pass the time)

As for the map, I am not sure...they come free with the purchase of an interactive wand (I'm sure you knew that since your daughter already has one ) I would think you could buy one in the wand shop, but hopefully someone who has been there can answer your question (unless you want to email the park's Guest Services and ask)

Then again, we barely glanced at our map...they were pretty easy to spot on the ground (but that would depend on crowdlevel too, I'm sure!)

Have a great trip & don't let the Muggles get you down!

 

[lilmissfoodie]

TYVM Kivara. I'll also try looking at the Universal Hollywood online store to see if it's available. Thanks for the HeadsUp note. She has that on her iPad and it's definitely coming w/ us.

 

[atricks]

Orlando had people lining up 4-5 hours before the park opened for the grand opening, and it reached capacity before the official opening time (They let people in early to wait and just hold them.)

 

[lilmissfoodie]

I'm not sure how early admission is going to affect that. Tickets for the day have already sold out (I purchased mine prior to the latest increase in prices). Not sure whether my prepurchased ticket includes early admission since I believe that was added after I got my tickets.

 

[macraven]

I was really taken back at how postings were made on this thread when you asked a basic question

It was good a mod transferred you to the great forum who treats all with kindness
(Talking about the UO forums you are now in)

Well maybe I should not go that far as we do cut up and do tease each other at times...... Lol

A few told you about crowds when parry hotter opened in Orlando
Lines started early and it took hours to enter the potter area

You might see a repeat in Hollywood when potter opens there.

Be prepared for long waits to get in the potter park section
Take whatever you need to entertain yourself and child for the wait

Our info is limited on the Hollywood hp set up
Wish we could help you more
Only thing I can suggest is check out Twitter and other sites that know more about opening day set up

 

[lilmissfoodie]

Don't worry about what a couple said. As a moderator on another board, I've seen it happen all too often. I'm old, so I grew up in the "sticks and stones" era, what they said doesn't bother me in the least. I'm just hoping that all of the APs have already got their fill w/ the many soft opening days and it won't be too bad (although the event is sold out so the park will be at capacity). If I can get in early enough, ride the updated Forbidden Journey, then go to the Hyppogriff ride, do some wand playing, eat at Three Broomsticks, then finally look for opening day pins, I'll be satisfied. Dinner at Universal City Walk. Long day ahead.

 

[atricks]

Hope you made it in, I saw some photos of sizable queues already (they are leading people into the park to wait like they did in Orlando)... and it's 4AM there.

 

[schumigirl]

yes, hope lilmissfoodie comes back and tells us all about it........ would love to hear her experiences of the day.......

 

[lilmissfoodie]

It's 5am, we're here. Only about 200 people in front of us. No maps without buying a wand . News crews, helicopters. About half a dressed up

 

[schumigirl]

It's 5am, we're here. Only about 200 people in front of us. No maps without buying a wand . News crews, helicopters. About half a dressed up

200 isn't too bad I suppose.......hope you have a wonderful day!!!

 

[Kivara]

Yay! Thanks for checking in...have a great day! (BTW, if you must have a map...keep your eyes peeled for families with multiple kids. We bought 3 wands and never even opened 2 of the maps...maybe someone will help you out!)

 

[macraven]

Yay
She's there !

 

[Forum Jumper]

I was watching it on the Today show. It was dark and hard to see how many people were there. I hope we get to hear more....!

 

[lilmissfoodie]

So Hollywood was nothing like Orlando. We first got on Forbidden Journey in under 10-15 mins. It's better than Orlandos IMO, not cuz of 3D but cuz of better lighting and more screen resolution ( even the interactive pictures are clearer). Then on to FotH. Again 15 min wait. At 3:22pm FJ wait is 110 min and FotH is 50. FotH seems faster and since its on a hill you get a nice view on initial drop. 3 broomsticks has a bigger menu. I got ribs which were real good. Feet are already killing me and we're staying for dinner (since it's my daughters bd).