Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opening Spring 2010

[ellie]

Universal have announced the opening date for Harry Potter World, although it is still very broad - Spring 2010.

They have released more details, and the major attraction is called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which will be sited within Hogwarts Castle. Paul Daurio, the show producer says it 'couldn't be further from a roller coaster,' which is good news for those of us who are roller coaster wimps!

Apparently there will be a full scale recreation of Hogsmeade, including a joke shop (Zonko's), a shop selling treats like chocolate frogs (Honeydukes), and Three Broomsticks, which will sell British fare.

You can get letters from Owlpost with a Hogsmeade postmark. and you can also buy a wand from Ollivander's, an interactive shop. Apparently the wand chooses you! <:wink

There will apparently be two coasters, but it looks as if Duelling Dragons will become Dragon Challenge, and the Flying Unicorn will become Flight of the Hippogriff.

[Steve]

Universal have announced the opening date for Harry Potter World, although it is still very broad - Spring 2010.

They have released more details, and the major attraction is called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which will be sited within Hogwarts Castle. Paul Daurio, the show producer says it 'couldn't be further from a roller coaster,' which is good news for those of us who are roller coaster wimps!

Apparently there will be a full scale recreation of Hogsmeade, including a joke shop (Zonko's), a shop selling treats like chocolate frogs (Honeydukes), and Three Broomsticks, which will sell British fare.

You can get letters from Owlpost with a Hogsmeade postmark. and you can also buy a wand from Ollivander's, an interactive shop. Apparently the wand chooses you! <:wink

There will apparently be two coasters, but it looks as if Duelling Dragons will become Dragon Challenge, and the Flying Unicorn will become Flight of the Hippogriff.

lol.... ellie, it looks like you subscribe to the same email newsletter that I do. <:wink

[ellie]

I think people are 'champing at the bit' to see this opening. I am glad that it is not going to be all roller coasters, though, as I am a complete wimp. I wonder what he means by it being 'further from a roller coaster.' That is very intriguing. Hope its going to be a simulator ride as I love them (maybe something on the lines of Spiderman where you actually move around?)

I am a bit surprised that they are going to re-use the two original roller coasters - guess they will have to make them much more themed.

I always remember the day my son went on Duelling Dragons. He is a great roller coaster fanatic, goes on anything, often on his own as both his dad and I are wimps. He got off looking like death and walked around green for about an hour. We eventually took him off for something to eat and he gradually recovered, so I will be interested to see if he actually attempts the new version when it opens. <:slaver

[Mary and Colin]

Here is an update i read it is really coming along now. Exciting <:clap

"Yesterday 28th USA Today partnered with Universal Studios was offering what it calls "the first-ever augumnted reality maps" of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The promotion will blend real-life environments with computer animation. Universal sais it uses a web-camm the newspaper and a computer to allow guests to explore the Potter attraction from all sides and angles.
The augmented reality map will allow readers to explore the village of Hogsmeade in 3D and seem the Castle and the Hogwarts Express."

This is going to be really different and fun <:widegrin
Mary

[JAF]

Do wish they would give the opening date as I fear we are just going to miss out as we leave on 29th May. That will then mean having to decide whether to cruise the Panama Canal later this year or go to Hogwarts.

[Mary and Colin]

They say spring 2010, so depending on what spring is i suppose.
We are hoping to go out in May :) so fingers crossed it will be early spring and open when we go <:fingersarex

Lets hope we are both lucky Jaf

Mary

[Mary and Colin]

I just heard from my daughter and she said there is going to be a soft opening on the 26th April. I do hope she has heard right.

Mary

[JAF]

I had also heard they are soft opening in April and think it is grad students or school proms have been invited. Hope this means it will be fully open during May so we can visit.

[Steve]

Yes that's what I heard too, soft opening in April, so should be open properly in May I would have thought.

[Mary and Colin]

Latest news going around is the opening day will be 28th May.
We come home on the 23rd May so i do hope they do a soft opening before the official one on May 28th. <:fingersarex

Mary

[pbensur]

It's looking like we'll be there the week of June 19th. The main reason for this trip is this attraction so I pray for no delays!! Or I will have 3 tremendously disappointed Harry Potter fans on my hands!

[ellie]

It seems to have been so long coming, now everyone is anxious to actually see it all. It does look fantastic so far.

[Mary and Colin]

It's looking like we'll be there the week of June 19th. The main reason for this trip is this attraction so I pray for no delays!! Or I will have 3 tremendously disappointed Harry Potter fans on my hands!

If it is not open in May we will wait for your report and photos Patty, it will surely be open properly in June,

Mary

[Steve]

The latest official opening to the public is June 18th. It may of course has some soft opening dates prior to that. I hope so for you Mary :)

[Mary and Colin]

Steve i have just told Colin the news he is not a happy bunny.
If they do soft openings he may be okay. Failing that it could be another one week trip later in the year. <:wink So really that would not be a bad thing if the flight prices were reasonable. :)

Mary

[Steve]

lol... let's hope they do Mary! Anyway here is a link to a walk through with Ellen Degeneras http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/04/video-ellen-degeneres-wacky-walk-through-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+features%2Fthemeparkblog+%28T heme+Park+Rangers%29&mediaKey=38a1da02-2faa-435f-ab3c-2cdd094da4ef&isShareURL=true

[Mary and Colin]

Thanks for the link Steve. Colin has watched it twice so far (i did mention he is my other half and not a child didn't i <:wink) I can see some one throwing his toys out the pram in May <:lol
He is not that bad really just loves the rides and has read all the Harry potter books.

Mary

[pbensur]

They are advertising the heck out of this new attraction on the main TV channels. Are you seeing this in the U.K. also?? I'm really looking forward to being there right as it opens, but am feeling pretty sure that the lines will be ridiculous with all the visibility this is getting!

[Mary and Colin]

I hope you don't wait to long Patty. I expect they will keep the crowds entertained if it is that busy. The atmosphere should be good.
Look forward to hearing what it is like.
We have had a couple of adverts but not loads, but then again i don't watch a lot of telly.

Mary :)

[pbensur]

I watch very little T.V. as well - probably only a couple hours total per week, so for me to notice all the advertising, they have to be pushing it hard! I hope we won't be waiting too long either, Mary!

[Steve]

There has been some advertising for it and also Virgin have one of their aircraft with the HP livery :)

[Mary and Colin]

Our guests staying at the villa said they were letting people in at Harry Potter yesterday, it should have been for certain poeple only but lots got in. The ride was not working when they went but the area was "Awsome" according to her children.

Patty it sounds as if your lot will not be disapointed.

Mary

[ellie]

Wow, Steve, now that is pretty cool! Trust Virgin to turn it to their advantage. It looks really brilliant.

[ellie]

I read that although the people on the special hotel package were getting in they were also opening it up to the general public for a very short time each day - but it wasn't advertised and it lasted only a couple of hours in the morning. So people who hung around early in the morning were lucky, but those who came later were disappointed.

Universal certainly know how to keep interest at fever pitch! :<wink

[pbensur]

Hello all -
Well we've done it! After arriving as soon as the park opened and waiting in line for 2 1/2hours JUST to get in to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we were met with ridiculous lines not just for the rides, but also the shops! I have never seen lines a mile long just to get into a store! Needless to say, we didn't bother with the shops at all and will have to save that for a future trip I guess.

When we first got in line, we held the place in line and sent the kids off to go on rides. We got to a certain point where they were handing out tickets and your entire party had to be present to proceed, so that was the end of that! They allowed you to step aside and wait until everyone was present, so we called them to come back and then we proceeded. The line wove all through the park and the whole ticket thing was to prevent people from cutting the line. There were quite a few irate people who got to the entrance of Harry Potter only to be turned away because they didn't have a ticket! It was a great idea because it certainly kept everyone honest and made it fair for those who followed the rules.

I have to say that when we finally reached the entrance, we were all pretty awe-struck. The groves of pine trees, the looming castle, the snow covered roofs - it all took our breath away. We immediately got in line for what would be considered the main event - Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. You start out walking through the castle, but then you come out again and the line moves through a green house area before bringing you back into the castle. This part was great with the talking portraits and all! When we finally reached the ride (2 hours later), I wasn't sure what to expect, but I know it far surpassed anything I imagined. You'll have to experience it for yourself - I promise you won't be disappointed!

We got to see the Frog Choir and then we rode the Flight of the Hippogriff which only had a 15 minute wait. I sat out for the Dragon Challenge rollercoaster with my one daughter while the rest of them went - they loved it. My oldest daughter got in line at a cart from Ollivander's and bought a wand. She had quite a wait but was pretty pleased with her purchase.

That was all we accomplished. We hope to go back maybe next year when hopefully it won't be wall to wall people anymore and we'll be able to really experience it all without being hemmed in every step of the way.

[Mary and Colin]

Thanks for the update Patty it sounds really exciting.
I don't do rides very much so not sure i will be going on the Forbidden Journey, but the rest of it sounds just as good.
So glad you got to see it all.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Mary

[pbensur]

You can handle it Mary!! I'm a big wimp and if I can do it so can you! It's really not to be missed so I hope next time you're there, you'll give it a go.
Thanks - I will enjoy the rest of the week!

[Steve]

It sounds great Patty, and we really can't wait to give it a go in September, you know what, it wouldn't surprise me if it was still quite busy then too. I think that every one that visits Orlando for some time, HP will be on the top of their list of must do's

[pbensur]

I agree Steve. One bit of advice I have that I meant to mention was that we found that later in the day, the line to actually enter the Harry Potter park area had disappeared, so save this for last. It was still wall to wall people inside, but we could have saved ourselves that 2 1/2 hour wait first thing in the morning!

[Mary and Colin]

I will get in line then Patty and try not to chicken out. <:embarr
It has taken me until last June to get on Soarin and i had my eyes shut for half of that, but i am looking forward to doing that again, so i reckon i should get stuck in and try straight away. :<wink<:widegrin

Sounds like your having a great time.
Mary

[Steve]

Hmmm... now I am reading that the main ride has size restrictions and as I am 6'3" and around 280 lbs I may not get in the seat restraint!! :( I have read that it is a continual ride and that they have spotters watching the lines for folks that may not fit and advising them to try the seats outside to make sure.

[ellie]

Patty is it a roller coaster - 'cos I hate roller coasters? Went on the Mummy once and was petrified. Was persuaded to go on it again the same day and for some lunatic reason I did - and was equally petrified. But would like to try the HP ride if it is not too scary.

[Mary and Colin]

Hmmm... now I am reading that the main ride has size restrictions and as I am 6'3" and around 280 lbs I may not get in the seat restraint!! :( I have read that it is a continual ride and that they have spotters watching the lines for folks that may not fit and advising them to try the seats outside to make sure.

Steve one of the girls at work has just come back and she said they were pulling people out the line and asking them to try a seat. She said after waiting 3 hours one guy was not impressed at all, so i would try the seats at the entrance first in case your height is a problem.

How mad is that not to have seats for taller and larger people:(

Mary

[pbensur]

Hmmm... now I am reading that the main ride has size restrictions and as I am 6'3" and around 280 lbs I may not get in the seat restraint!! :( I have read that it is a continual ride and that they have spotters watching the lines for folks that may not fit and advising them to try the seats outside to make sure.

Steve, my husband is 6'2" and about 240 pounds and he had no problem at all so maybe there's hope for you! They do have those seats out front for people to try before they get in line, so highly recommend that you do that. Honestly, I didn't feel the seats were that small really.

[pbensur]

Patty is it a roller coaster - 'cos I hate roller coasters? Went on the Mummy once and was petrified. Was persuaded to go on it again the same day and for some lunatic reason I did - and was equally petrified. But would like to try the HP ride if it is not too scary.

I do NOT do roller coasters!! Thankfully, it's not a roller coaster. It's very fast moving but it's more like Soarin' in that you're suspended in the air and the virtual reality bits make you feel like you're moving faster than you actually are.

[ellie]

Oh wow, Patty! I LOVE Soarin! So maybe I will be able to try it next time we go. Couldn't have stood in the heat for hours, so will wait till the novelty wears off a little. (if it ever does!) I have a feeling that it will be very popular for quite some time to come.

[Mary and Colin]

I think you have convinced us both to have a go Patty.
As soon as i get a countdown i will look forward to a trip to Universal. :)

Steve looks like you will be the next to try this one, will Dawn go on as well?

Mary

[Steve]

I think you have convinced us both to have a go Patty.
As soon as i get a countdown i will look forward to a trip to Universal. :)

Steve looks like you will be the next to try this one, will Dawn go on as well?

Mary

lol.... that's a good question Mary. I will try it if I fit the seat that is. Hopefully it will be ok. Dawn is not sure as she doesn't like the motion and spinning at Spiderman so we will have to see.

[Steve]

Steve, my husband is 6'2" and about 240 pounds and he had no problem at all so maybe there's hope for you! They do have those seats out front for people to try before they get in line, so highly recommend that you do that. Honestly, I didn't feel the seats were that small really.

Thanks Patty, Hopefully it will fit!! :) I will be a bit cheesed off if it doesn't.

I am trying to shed a few pounds for the holiday anyway and up to now I have lost 16 lbs. :)

[Mary and Colin]

Fingers crossed for you then Steve, <:fingersarex sounds as if you will be okay though.
Well done on losing weight so far, keep going you still have time for a few more pounds <:cheer

Mary

[pbensur]

Wow - well done Steve!

[Steve]

Thanks all :) I could lose another 20lbs if I carry on as I am. So with luck I will be ok. We are doing a diet based on the slimming world one and I have to say it is quite easy to stick with. All this so I can pig out on holiday :) <:scoff <:hungry

[pbensur]

It will be worth it! Pigging out on holiday is half the fun!!<:widegrin

[Tans4USA]

Haha, we have just returned from our fantastic holiday to Orlando and we have even lost weight <:clap
We had a healthy breakfast (or brunch) at our villa and went out for dinners a couple of times, so we were doing alright there. It is probably from all the walking we have been doing in the theme parks.
Have a great holiday Steve.
Harry Potter is well worth a visit.
We were lucky and only had to wait 30 minutes last week.

[Steve]

Haha, we have just returned from our fantastic holiday to Orlando and we have even lost weight <:clap
We had a healthy breakfast (or brunch) at our villa and went out for dinners a couple of times, so we were doing alright there. It is probably from all the walking we have been doing in the theme parks.
Have a great holiday Steve.
Harry Potter is well worth a visit.
We were lucky and only had to wait 30 minutes last week.

Thanks Anita, we will but can't guarantee that we will come back lighter than when we went!! :)

[JAF]

Haha, we have just returned from our fantastic holiday to Orlando and we have even lost weight <:clap
We had a healthy breakfast (or brunch) at our villa and went out for dinners a couple of times, so we were doing alright there. It is probably from all the walking we have been doing in the theme parks.
Have a great holiday Steve.
Harry Potter is well worth a visit.
We were lucky and only had to wait 30 minutes last week.

I always manage to lose a few pounds when in Florida but always worry about putting on weight after visitng places like the ice cream shop for a big sundae, the Cheesecake Factory for cheesecake - makes me wish it could be a regular diet.

[ellie]

Well done, Steve on all that weight loss. Let us know if you get on the ride, won't you?