Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[AndThePickles]

Eeeeee, finally, a set time for the park to open! I'm so excited!! :awesome:


Universal reveals details of new Harry Potter park
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/pinkdaydreams/75.jpg

By Travis Reed, Associated Press Writer

MIAMI — It sounds like a new book in the Harry Potter series, but "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" will be a high-tech ride and the marquee attraction at the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter," a new theme park area opening in spring 2010 at Universal Orlando Resort (http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2820585-universal_studios_florida_orlando-i?maple=1).

The "Forbidden Journey" ride was named by author J.K. Rowling and described Tuesday by Universal officials in a Web cast revealing details of what the Potter park will look like.

The ride will takes guests through scenes and rooms from the blockbuster movies inside a richly detailed remake of Hogwarts Castle made to look 700 feet tall. Hogwarts is where Harry attends a boarding school for witches and wizards.

Guests will enter the "Wizarding World" through a station archway named for Hogsmeade, the magical village near Hogwarts. A plume of steam and a train whistle will sound the arrival of the Hogwarts Express. The goal is to make the experience immersive, so nothing outside is visible after guests pass the Hogsmeade station archway.

Rowling, known for carefully guarding the Potter franchise, hasn't yet journeyed to Orlando, but the design team has made several trips to London to consult with her.

Other rides include the "Dragon Challenge," a twin high-speed roller coaster themed after the "Triwizard Tournament" and the family roller coaster "Flight of the Hippogriff," named for a creature with an eagle's head and a horse's body.

"Along those journeys they're going to be swept up into the greatest parts of the movies and the books. We've pushed every technology available to us to give guests a theme park experience unlike any they've had before," said Paul Daurio, producer of the Potter area.

The Harry Potter park will be part of Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Art and set directors from the films, including Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig and art director Alan Gilmore, were hired to translate the movies into the park.

Every shop and eatery is Potter-themed. Honeydukes sells chocolate frogs and "Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans," Ollivander's peddles magic wands, Zonko's joke shop has Sneakoscopes, and the British restaurant Three Broomsticks pours Butterbeer.

At The Owl Post, guests can send letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark. Magical instruments and equipment are available at Dervish and Banges, including everything needed to play Quidditch — a game like soccer played on flying broomsticks.

"The interesting thing about Harry Potter is that the stories are so rich in themselves, so deep," said Universal Creative President Mark Woodbury. "There wasn't so much difficulty of creating the look, it was, 'How do you execute at a level of authenticity that is unquestionable?'"

There could even be new footage of Potter stars shot on actual sets from "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." A Universal spokesman declined comment on the issue, but the company was explicitly granted those privileges in its 2007 licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products Inc., according to the contract filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Potter area will be Universal's third big-ticket addition in three years. SEC filings from the company estimate the combined cost of The Simpsons Ride, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Wizarding World at between $275 million and $310 million.

Simultaneously, the resort owned jointly by NBC Universal and private equity company The Blackstone Group finds itself on shaky financial footing. If it cannot find refinancing, $1 billion in long-term debt may be maturing as soon as April, the company said in SEC filings.

The Potter park is sure to prove popular not just with American fans but also with visitors from the United Kingdom, Potter's home and the largest source of international tourism to Orlando, with about 1 million arrivals a year.

"It couldn't have come at a better time," said Danielle Saba Courtenay, spokeswoman for the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau. "There is such an affinity for the characters, particularly in the United Kingdom, and we do expect that the pent-up demand and having such a strong name will drive traffic to the area.

"It's such a huge worldwide brand, and the only place in the world you're going to be able to experience it is in Orlando," she said.



http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-29692008

[Downhere]

Can't wait for this to open up at Island of Adventure! I saw some of the construction when I went in July and it was moving along nicely. I just wish they would have made 2 new rides along with the 2 refurbed rides, instead of 1 new ride. Also, a show would have been cool too. I'm interested in how the new main attraction will be. It's supposed to use a robocoaster track and supposedly may be 3d (not sure on that one). Should be intense and awesome.

I've been on top of all the attraction forums looking for info...definitely can't wait for this to open up. :up:

[Majic Walrus]

Sequel:

Harry Potter and the big bags of cash.

[Sawyer]

I.... want to live there.

[VenomVsSpidey]

Sequel:

Harry Potter and the big bags of cash.


:hehe:

i cant wait for this! :up:

[bullets]

Orlando attractions are going to be great next year because of this and Disney World doing some revamping.

[StorminNorman]

Just got a job at Universal Studios, so free Harry Potter world for me every day of the week :up:

[SapphirePrima]

*nerdgasm*


Hopefully I'm doing the Disney CP next year and I'll be there.

[knowsbleed]

I.... want to live there.
Me too... I wonder what butterbeer will taste like.


I wonder if I buy a wand there and break it open if there will be a feather or something inside.


I wonder if I'll be able to see a thestral since I've seen someone die.


I wonder if there are going to be any hot looking workers dressed up in Hogwarts outfits... that would just make me feel dirty.


I wonder...

[AndThePickles]

Just got a job at Universal Studios, so free Harry Potter world for me every day of the week :up:

*faints*

[Sawyer]

Just got a job at Universal Studios, so free Harry Potter world for me every day of the week :up:

I hate you.... so much.... :cmad:


:oldrazz:
Give us details when it starts up. :up:

[knowsbleed]

Do you think they'll sell and alcoholic version of butterbeer?[/dreams]

[AndThePickles]

Butterbeer in the stories contains alcohol...it'd be nice if the actual stuff did, too. I always imagined it tasting somewhat like butterscotch schnapps.

[Mike_D202]

I'm not a big Potter fan but I wouldn't mind checking this out.

[knowsbleed]

Butterbeer in the stories contains alcohol...it'd be nice if the actual stuff did, too. I always imagined it tasting somewhat like butterscotch schnapps.

It did? So in essence, JK was promoting underage drinking... or is it legal in magic land?



If the theme park workers do NOT have the proper accent... then I call BOOOoooOOOoo to this whole idea.

[AndThePickles]

It did? So in essence, JK was promoting underage drinking... or is it legal in magic land?


I'm not sure what the drinking laws are in England, and certainly not in the magical world. It wasn't supposed to be very strong...only strong for someone like a house elf, which is why Mr. Crouch's ex-elf became drunk off of it /nerd

[Sawyer]

I want a wand. I'd go waving it around and yelling "Avada Kedavra". :)







I'm such a nerd.

[AndThePickles]

I'd go waving it around and yelling "Avada Kedavra". :)


That's not very nice! :csad:

[SapphirePrima]

Do you think they'll sell and alcoholic version of butterbeer?[/dreams]

I wouldn't doubt it. They sell alcohol in the parks.

If I had the money I'd buy a robe, a broomstick, and a wand. I know all the merchandise is gonna be crazy expensive.

[knowsbleed]

I want a wand. I'd go waving it around and yelling "Avada Kedavra". :)







I'm such a nerd.

I predict mass LARPing in the park.

[Tsunulia]

I want to botha Snape :awesome:

[The Guard]

And there isn't a virtual Quidditch ride because...

[Sawyer]

I predict mass LARPing in the park.

You're probably right. :csad:

[knowsbleed]

So on their original website when they first announced this a year or two ago... they had plans for the forbidden forest. Any news on that? Because I want to see if there are any female Centaurs walking around that joint.

[Sawyer]

That's not very nice! :csad:

I'm going to end up in Azkaban. :csad:

[Colossal Spoons]

Fenrir Greyback better be there!

[SapphirePrima]

So on their original website when they first announced this a year or two ago... they had plans for the forbidden forest. Any news on that? Because I want to see if there are any female Centaurs walking around that joint.

I don't think there are any in the book...

[knowsbleed]

The amount of money that place is going to generate will be so obscene... they might as well declare it it's own small nation.

[Sawyer]

The amount of money that place is going to generate will be so obscene... they might as well declare it it's own small nation.

And I'm going to my damndest to get citizenship there. :up:

[Watson]

It did? So in essence, JK was promoting underage drinking... or is it legal in magic land?

The legal drinking age in England is 18, and their attitude towards youth drinking is way more relaxed than ours is.




And I've already started trying to convince my parents to spend next Xmas in Florida so I can go to this. I will totally buy a wand, even though I'll be 24. I have no shame!

[AndThePickles]

I will totally buy a wand, even though I'll be 24. I have no shame!

Trust me, you won't be alone. When I went to the last book's midnight release, the majority of people waiting were adults!

[knowsbleed]

Twilight fans are going to go there in cosplay and harass people. This in turn will incite turf wars between the two factions. A random wand stabbing here... and stray bite mark there... and this new small nation that can print their own money will become dark and desolate...

i predicts... take note.

[Sawyer]

Twilight fans are going to go there in cosplay and harass people. This in turn will incite turf wars between the two factions. A random wand stabbing here... and stray bite mark there... and this new small nation that can print their own money will become dark and desolate...

i predicts... take note.

If they want a war, we'll give em one. :cmad:

[The Original Bamfer]

Eeeeee, finally, a set time for the park to open! I'm so excited!! :awesome:

How did I not know about this?! :wow:

:heart:!!!

[knowsbleed]

Let's all plan a trip there... in COSPLAY!!


I'll go as Neo.

[The Battousai]

Twilight fans are going to go there in cosplay and harass people.

Does it count as cosplay if you're wearing normal clothes?

[ComicChick]

Pickles, Road Trip!

[AndThePickles]

Pickles, Road Trip!

Indeed!!!!

[knowsbleed]

Does it count as cosplay if you're wearing normal clothes?

I dunno. :huh: I don't follow Twilight.

[The Original Bamfer]

Does it count as cosplay if you're wearing normal clothes?

No, but it does if you make your skin all glittery.

[knowsbleed]

Really good (but long) video including a virtual walkthrough of the park: http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/first_look_uo2.html

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/zonkos.jpg

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/owlery.jpg

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/ollivanders.jpg

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/honeydukes.jpg

[knowsbleed]

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/hogsmeade.jpg

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/forbiddenjourney.jpg

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/flightofthehippogriff.jpg

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/filchsconfiscatedgoods.jpg

[AndThePickles]

It's glorious!!!!!

[knowsbleed]

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/dragonchallenge.jpg

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/dervishbanges.jpg

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww61/ricktaps/Harry%20Potter/3broomsticks.jpg

[The Original Bamfer]

This thing is ridiculous. In a great way. It's like a toy that I have to have now. But one I'll probably never get. :csad:

[knowsbleed]

The Dragon Challenge = 2 high speed roller coasters.

[Sawyer]

:wow:












Fap.

[Erzengel]

Eeeeee, finally, a set time for the park to open! I'm so excited!! :awesome:
It's not like Spoons is going to take you. :o

[Downhere]

The Dragon Challenge = 2 high speed roller coasters.

Which is the same ride they had in the Lost Continent section of Islands of Adventure. I'm super excited for HP Island and will most likely buy an annual pass next year to visit frequently, but I am a tad disappointed that they didn't add an additional completely new ride/show. I'm hoping HP and the Forbidden Journey will be so amazing as to forget that disappointment, which I can see happening, but still...would have been nice to have one more new attraction.

One thing is for sure, the theming should be fantastic as Universal puts great attention to detail in all their rides. Especially at Islands of Adventure. The Lost Continent is one of the best themed areas in a theme park. So, I'm sure HP Island will be super fantastical. I definitely want to go to the joke shop and definitely want a wand.

[knowsbleed]

In all honesty, the rides will be nice but I'm looking forward more to the spectacle of walking around the actual park, seeing how they reproduced everything for the commercial aspect. Seeing what kind of products they will make millions of dollars on... pretty much just wanting to be there and experience the closest thing to what we read in the books vs just going for the rides.

[Downhere]

In all honesty, the rides will be nice but I'm looking forward more to the spectacle of walking around the actual park, seeing how they reproduced everything for the commercial aspect. Seeing what kind of products they will make millions of dollars on... pretty much just wanting to be there and experience the closest thing to what we read in the books vs just going for the rides.

I definitely agree with you on the spectacle of walking around HP Island. It will definitely be magnificent and the attention to detail should be astounding. But, rides are cool too...lol. :woot:

[knowsbleed]

Of course, rides are cool... but not as cool as waiting in the line for the rides for about 2 hours. :o

[Downhere]

Of course, rides are cool... but not as cool as waiting in the line for the rides for about 2 hours. :o

lol. That's why they have fast pass. :p Although, you can only use it once per ride. :csad:

[Erzengel]

Also depends on when you go. I remember going through Universal Theme Park in less than 6 hours and I went on all the major rides.

[El_Citrus]

I can only imagine how amazing this section would be around Halloween. Roaming Death Eaters ftw?

[The Lizard]

Which is the same ride they had in the Lost Continent section of Islands of Adventure. I'm super excited for HP Island and will most likely buy an annual pass next year to visit frequently, but I am a tad disappointed that they didn't add an additional completely new ride/show. I'm hoping HP and the Forbidden Journey will be so amazing as to forget that disappointment, which I can see happening, but still...would have been nice to have one more new attraction.

One thing is for sure, the theming should be fantastic as Universal puts great attention to detail in all their rides. Especially at Islands of Adventure. The Lost Continent is one of the best themed areas in a theme park. So, I'm sure HP Island will be super fantastical. I definitely want to go to the joke shop and definitely want a wand.

This is pretty much how I feel.

It's kind of unfortunate that there's not more big ride stuff that's totally new, but I always thought the Lost Continent section of the park was very creative, so it's a strong base to build from.

I'm going to miss those cool giant broken sections of Poseidon's statue and the big hollow tree dining area, however. :csad:

[Colossal Spoons]

It's not like Spoons is going to take you. :o

Haha. So Erz, when do you wanna go?

[Erzengel]

Let's go when the park isn't so busy. Like Feb or early March. :up:

[Raiden]

I might go there and visit, if I ever get the chance to visit Orlando. Too bad our Universal Studio: Hollywood doesn't have cool stuff like this.

[Downhere]

Also depends on when you go. I remember going through Universal Theme Park in less than 6 hours and I went on all the major rides.

Really? Was it not that packed? I mean, I was there like 2 days a couple of months ago and still didn't do everything. On the second day, I even bought the fast pass. I plan to go again soon, and will ride the Mummy for the first time. I just hope it's not that scary...lol. I'm not the roller coaster type of person. Although, I did the Woody Woodpecker one, which was pretty intense for a kids coaster. lol. :p

[amazingfantasy15]

I'm thinking about going there Jan. 2011, there's a marathon around the Disney parks I want to run, so I figured I'd wait until the Harry Potter area opened before running that, go a few days early to hit the parks before the race.

[amazingfantasy15]

Really? Was it not that packed? I mean, I was there like 2 days a couple of months ago and still didn't do everything. On the second day, I even bought the fast pass. I plan to go again soon, and will ride the Mummy for the first time. I just hope it's not that scary...lol. I'm not the roller coaster type of person. Although, I did the Woody Woodpecker one, which was pretty intense for a kids coaster. lol. :p

Three of the four times I've gone to Orlando with my family was around Thanksgiving, that's a pretty good time to go, the crowds have never been bad. Last time, I think 2004, we went to Islands of Adventure the first day and went on all the rides three or four times, without the fast pass, it was just that dead.

[Erzengel]

Really? Was it not that packed? I mean, I was there like 2 days a couple of months ago and still didn't do everything. On the second day, I even bought the fast pass. I plan to go again soon, and will ride the Mummy for the first time. I just hope it's not that scary...lol. I'm not the roller coaster type of person. Although, I did the Woody Woodpecker one, which was pretty intense for a kids coaster. lol. :p
I mean just the Universal Theme part, not the Islands of Adventure. But we went on the Mummy, MIB, Back to the Future, Shrek, Twister, T-2, Jaws, ET, Disaster and think we did the Universal Monster show too.

[Downhere]

This is pretty much how I feel.

It's kind of unfortunate that there's not more big ride stuff that's totally new, but I always thought the Lost Continent section of the park was very creative, so it's a strong base to build from.

I'm going to miss those cool giant broken sections of Poseidon's statue and the big hollow tree dining area, however. :csad:

I was hoping for a show of some type. Maybe like a Defense Against the Dark Arts Dual show or something. I mean, the technology is there for something cool, show wise. Another ride would have been good as well considering two of the rides are roller coaster based, for which I will go on the kiddie one and not the dueling dragons/dragon's challenge one. lol.

[Go Web Go!]

Just got a job at Universal Studios, so free Harry Potter world for me every day of the week :up:

Not if they fire you between now and then. :csad:

[Downhere]

I mean just the Universal Theme part, not the Islands of Adventure. But we went on the Mummy, MIB, Back to the Future, Shrek, Twister, T-2, Jaws, ET, Disaster and think we did the Universal Monster show too.

I don't know, I tried doing everything in one day at Universal and it didn't work...had to finish up, minus the mummy, the next day and then head over to Islands of Adventure. But, I usually kind of don't rush things so maybe that's why. I like to savor everything.

[Erzengel]

There were really no lines. Besides I'm partial to the Mouse so I've been to Disney twice since the last time I was at Universal. :o

[Downhere]

There were really no lines. Besides I'm partial to the Mouse so I've been to Disney twice since the last time I was at Universal. :o

I enjoy both equally. Both are different and great at the same time. It had been like 10 years since I went to US and IOA and it's been longer since I've been at Disney. lol. It's sad, cause I live in Florida and am probably an hour drive away. But, I hope to hit up Disney soon and of course go back to US/IOA.

[The Lizard]

There were really no lines. Besides I'm partial to the Mouse so I've been to Disney twice since the last time I was at Universal. :o

A really good time to go to any Orlando theme park is during the first 2 weeks of December (preferably on a weekday), after the Thanksgiving crowds are gone and before the Christmas crowds kick in. Lines are short to non-existent.

[Go Web Go!]

I went last year right before Thanksgiving. The parks looked like a ghost town. We were there for a good 4 or 5 days and never waited more than 10 minutes in any line.

[Erzengel]

I like the way the parks are done up for Christmas. I'd like to go during Halloween or when you have beers from different countries there. :up:

[Go Web Go!]

I just came back from Disneyland. They were already putting up Christmas decorations along the Main Street USA section of the park. :confused:

[danoyse]

I just came back from Disneyland. They were already putting up Christmas decorations along the Main Street USA section of the park. :confused:

They do that at Disney World too. They usually do it at the same time they put up the Halloween decorations/lights so they don't have bring in the construction crews twice. No one likes an ugly construction crane hovering over the castle in their vacation photos.

I haven't been to Universal since my friend's backpack was stolen out of a locker, but I will go back for this. It looks amazing!!

[The Original Bamfer]

Not if they fire you between now and then. :csad:

Which is likely. :o

[danoyse]

A really good time to go to any Orlando theme park is during the first 2 weeks of December (preferably on a weekday), after the Thanksgiving crowds are gone and before the Christmas crowds kick in. Lines are short to non-existent.

That's when I went to WDW last time and it was great - it's not nearly as crowded and hot as it is in the summer. We actually went on Expedition Everest 11 times in a row one day. :up:

[Go Web Go!]

They do that at Disney World too. They usually do it at the same time they put up the Halloween decorations/lights so they don't have bring in the construction crews twice. No one likes an ugly construction crane hovering over the castle in their vacation photos.


At the same time as Halloween/Thanksgiving decorations go up? I don't know about that. I usually go to DW in the fall and have never seen Christmas decorations up that early. That's why I thought it was so strange to see them up at DL.

[Downhere]

That's when I went to WDW last time and it was great - it's not nearly as crowded and hot as it is in the summer. We actually went on Expedition Everest 11 times in a row one day. :up:

:wow: Geez, that's a crazy amount of times. lol. I haven't been on that one yet, looks scary...well, at least in the pictures. lol.

[danoyse]

At the same time as Halloween/Thanksgiving decorations go up? I don't know about that. I usually go to DW in the fall and have never seen Christmas decorations up that early. That's why I thought it was so strange to see them up at DL.

Well the lights do, I think they wait on the decorations. Now that they have that 'ice-covered Castle' effect at the parks at Christmas (which looks amazing!), they've been putting them up around the same time as the Halloween lights.

I saw a special on the Travel Channel and they said that the lights used in the Osborne Family Lights display in Disney Hollywood Studios start going up in August because it takes so long to set up.

[Downhere]

I saw a special on the Travel Channel and they said that the lights used in the Osborne Family Lights display in Disney Hollywood Studios start going up in August because it takes so long to set up.

Yeah, I read about them pushing up the date they start the display. I think it will not start on Nov. 10th. Probably why they start in August now.

[chaseter]

YAY! I am totally going to nerd out and go:up:

[danoyse]

:wow: Geez, that's a crazy amount of times. lol. I haven't been on that one yet, looks scary...well, at least in the pictures. lol.

It's a great ride, it's like the Matterhorn on steroids. There was no line, so we just kept running back on it. My friend kept asking the guy working the line "Is this ride scary??" every time we went back on it because he noticed we kept coming back. :oldrazz:

[Downhere]

It's a great ride, it's like the Matterhorn on steroids. There was no line, so we just kept running back on it. My friend kept asking the guy working the line "Is this ride scary??" every time we went back on it because he noticed we kept coming back. :oldrazz:

What's the Matterhorn? lol. And isn't this like high? I mean, are there any big drops? lol. I haven't been to Animal Kingdom in forever, so I haven't seen it in person, but I saw a youtube video of it and it looked really high. lol.

[danoyse]

Yeah, I read about them pushing up the date they start the display. I think it will not start on Nov. 10th. Probably why they start in August now.

It's so intricate - the lights all go in sequence with the music at times, I can imagine it's very difficult to set up so everything runs correctly.

I wonder if they'll do Christmas stuff at the HP park? That would be cool!

[Go Web Go!]

Well the lights do, I think they wait on the decorations. Now that they have that 'ice-covered Castle' effect at the parks at Christmas (which looks amazing!), they've been putting them up around the same time as the Halloween lights.

I saw a special on the Travel Channel and they said that the lights used in the Osborne Family Lights display in Disney Hollywood Studios start going up in August because it takes so long to set up.

Yeah, the castle does look great around the holidays. The Osborne display is also very cool, especially when they sync the lights to music.

[danoyse]

What's the Matterhorn? lol. And isn't this like high? I mean, are there any big drops? lol. I haven't been to Animal Kingdom in forever, so I haven't seen it in person, but I saw a youtube video of it and it looked really high. lol.

The Matterhorn is the 'mountain' roller coaster at Disneyland. It's their first rollercoaster and it's been there since the 1950s, so it's a classic out there. I finally got to go on it last year, it was fun.

But Expedition Everest is about twice as tall (you can see Cinderella's Castle and Spaceship Earth from the top), with a much smoother track, an 80-foot drop...and it goes backwards in the dark. It's brilliant! :up:

[danoyse]

Yeah, the castle does look great around the holidays. The Osborne display is also very cool, especially when they sync the lights to music.

When the lights go with the Manheim Steamroller music, it's incredible!

[Go Web Go!]

The Matterhorn caused me much pain.

[Downhere]

But Expedition Everest is about twice as tall (you can see Cinderella's Castle and Spaceship Earth from the top), with a much smoother track, an 80-foot drop...and it goes backwards in the dark. It's brilliant! :up:

:wow: Dang, don't know if I could handle that one...heights freak me out sometimes. lol.

[danoyse]

The Matterhorn caused me much pain.

Especially after Space Mountain, which is much smoother!!

[Go Web Go!]

Especially after Space Mountain, which is much smoother!!

It's ridiculous how much better Space Mountain in DL is than the one in DW. I was blown away. I had a huge grin on my face for the entirety of the ride. I was bummed that they were shutting it down after my first day at the parks, but I did ride it 3 times so I made the most of it. I really hope the current rennovation of the ride at DW makes it at least half as good as it's counterpart.

[Downhere]

I really hope the current rennovation of the ride at DW makes it at least half as good as it's counterpart.

Yeah, supposedly, it's supposed to make it pretty close to the one in DL. Two people per row, new tracks, and all that jazz.

[danoyse]

It's ridiculous how much better Space Mountain in DL is than the one in DW. I was blown away. I had a huge grin on my face for the entirety of the ride. I was bummed that they were shutting it down after my first day at the parks, but I did ride it 3 times so I made the most of it. I really hope the current rennovation of the ride at DW makes it at least half as good as it's counterpart.

Last time I was at WDW, everyone I was with had been on the DL version and kept telling me how much better it was, to point where I was sick of hearing it. Then I went to DL a few months later for the first time, and within 30 seconds of the DL version, I decided I never wanted to go on the WDW version of Space Mountain again. :wow: :woot:

I rode it 7 times over 2 days. Between that, Indiana Jones, and California Screamin' I left really torn over which Disney park I liked better...

Can't wait to see the new version at WDW, although I'm not sure when my next trip will be.

[the_ultimate_evil]

We actually went on Expedition Everest 11 times in a row one day. :up:


my record is 20 stright times on the kumba in bush gardens.

[danoyse]

my record is 20 stright times on the kumba in bush gardens.

Nice! :up:

My friend's 6-year-old went on Space Mountain in DW so many times during their trip that during he made he sure he said goodbye to everyone working there during his last ride.

The best is when you're there when it's not very crowded and they let you ride again. That happened to us on Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain a few times.

[Poetic Chaos]

I've only been to DL 3 or 4 times but I love that place and Space Mountain is definitely THE highlight at the park. Tower of Terror at California Adventure is an awesome experience. California Adventure is very underrated actually. Flying Over California is also a terrific ride over there.

Never been to DW though as I've never been to the east coast. Glad to know we've got something better than it over here since that's the park everyone knows.

[Nirvana]

I've never read/seen a single Harry Potter book/movie. However, I look forward to this. it'll definitely be a sight to see. Plus, my passes will still be valid by then. :up:

[danoyse]

I've only been to DL 3 or 4 times but I love that place and Space Mountain is definitely THE highlight at the park. Tower of Terror at California Adventure is an awesome experience. California Adventure is very underrated actually. Flying Over California is also a terrific ride over there.

Never been to DW though as I've never been to the east coast. Glad to know we've got something better than it over here since that's the park everyone knows.

Tower of Terror in Florida is even better - the haunted house stuff is much creepier, although I love the mirror effects in the CA version. California Adventure was much closer to what the WDW parks are like. I liked it (especially California Screamin'), but I can't wait to see it again once all the renovation is done there.

Disneyland is great because it's the original Disney park, so if you're any kind of Disney fan you have to visit it. Plus it has the Indiana Jones ride, their Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean is better than the Florida version, and their Fantasmic has that cool pirate ship scene.

[AndThePickles]

I've never read/seen a single Harry Potter book/movie. However, I look forward to this. it'll definitely be a sight to see. Plus, my passes will still be valid by then. :up:

Do yourself a huge favor and read the books. They're wonderful :heart:

[Sawyer]

Do yourself a huge favor and read the books. They're wonderful :heart:

seconded

[Go Web Go!]

Tower of Terror in Florida is even better - the haunted house stuff is much creepier, although I love the mirror effects in the CA version. California Adventure was much closer to what the WDW parks are like. I liked it (especially California Screamin'), but I can't wait to see it again once all the renovation is done there.

Disneyland is great because it's the original Disney park, so if you're any kind of Disney fan you have to visit it. Plus it has the Indiana Jones ride, their Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean is better than the Florida version, and their Fantasmic has that cool pirate ship scene.

I thought the effects on the Tower in DL were better than DW's, though the drops don't seem randomized like they are in Florida. I'm totally with you on DL's Pirates and Space Mountain being way better than their DW counterparts though. California has the edge on those rides, but it's pretty difficult to choose which park is better overall. They both have many rides the other doesn't have, but I think DW ultimately takes the cake because the resort is much more spread out and has so much room to build on.

DL: Indiana Jones, Matterhorn, California Screamin'

DW: Expedition Everest, Rock 'n' Rollercoaster, Mission: Space, Dinosaur, Test Track

[Maximum Carnage]

Disney World is a giant Meh'... GIANT Meh'.

ANYWAY, I really do hope that this brings in the cash for Universal. I've been a year-passholder with them for awhile now. They need facelifts!!

[Go Web Go!]

Disney World is a giant Meh'... GIANT Meh'.

ANYWAY, I really do hope that this brings in the cash for Universal. I've been a year-passholder with them for awhile now. They need facelifts!!

If Disney's a 'Giant Meh' what does that make Universal and their outdated attractions? Sure, they're adding on NOW with The Simpsons, the RRR, and Harry Potter, (took them long enough) but what about everything else? ET? Jaws? That old Earthquake ride which goes by I different name now I believe? It's not a great park outside of a few rides.

[chaseter]

Disney World sucked when I went. Lines were long, it was friggin hot, and you couldn't even find a seat in any of the restaurants in the park. You had to find a table and stand there while the other family ate so that you could get their table:dry:

[The Battousai]

There were times where it sucked like being in line for the Everest ride, but it wasn't that bad when I went (which was a couple years ago). We only had two days to go through every park (except the Magic Kingdom one), and still managed to do almost everything - even went to one of the water parks one afternoon.

[Go Web Go!]

Disney World sucked when I went. Lines were long, it was friggin hot, and you couldn't even find a seat in any of the restaurants in the park. You had to find a table and stand there while the other family ate so that you could get their table:dry:

Was it Summer time by any chance? I stay away during the Summer months for those reasons.

[Maximum Carnage]

If Disney's a 'Giant Meh' what does that make Universal and their outdated attractions? Sure, they're adding on NOW with The Simpsons, the RRR, and Harry Potter, (took them long enough) but what about everything else? ET? Jaws? That old Earthquake ride which goes by I different name now I believe? It's not a great park outside of a few rides.


I'm sorry, but Disney is full of annoying ass kids. And. They. Are. Everywhere. That, and how the entire place is centered around kids, is what makes it meh'. :doh:

Universal - WIN.

[Nirvana]

Disney is meh? Disney is so incredibly funny, I actually want to go back sometime soon. Funny, I've never paid to get into Disney in my life (always knew employees who got me in) so maybe that's why it's been worth it to me.

[Go Web Go!]

I'm sorry, but Disney is full of annoying ass kids. And. They. Are. Everywhere. That, and how the entire place is centered around kids, is what makes it meh'. :doh:

Universal - WIN.

Oh no, not kids. So what? How does that take away from the experience, unless those annoying ass kids are in YOUR party? Lame excuse. As if there aren't kids in every other theme park in the world.

[Maximum Carnage]

.. The Park is centered around them. 100%. I had a great time when I was 8. Now it doesn't interest me at all. Not for how much Disney wants to charge. :/

[Downhere]

If Disney's a 'Giant Meh' what does that make Universal and their outdated attractions? Sure, they're adding on NOW with The Simpsons, the RRR, and Harry Potter, (took them long enough) but what about everything else? ET? Jaws? That old Earthquake ride which goes by I different name now I believe? It's not a great park outside of a few rides.

Hey! I love Universal! All their rides are awesome. ET is a classic, Jaws is pretty sweet, Disaster is hilarious, Shrek 4-d is fun, T:2 3-d is still the best 3-d show ever, Twister is a cool show, The Mummy is supposedly awesome (haven't went on that yet), The Simpson's is awesome, MIB is fun. There's plenty of fun stuff at Universal! Then you got Island of Adventure which practically has the best ride in the world known as Spider-Man.

[Go Web Go!]

Hey! I love Universal! All their rides are awesome. ET is a classic, Jaws is pretty sweet, Disaster is hilarious, Shrek 4-d is fun, T:2 3-d is still the best 3-d show ever, Twister is a cool show, The Mummy is supposedly awesome (haven't went on that yet), The Simpson's is awesome, MIB is fun. There's plenty of fun stuff at Universal! Then you got Island of Adventure which practically has the best ride in the world known as Spider-Man.

There are a few good things about Universal. Spider-Man and The Mummy being a couple of them, but yeah, I'm not buying Jaws or ET. Those rides need to be done away with.

[Downhere]

There are a few good things at Universal. Spider-Man and The Mummy being a couple of them, but yeah, I'm not buying Jaws or ET. Those rides need to be done away with.

:wow::cmad: No way! Those rides are awesome and ET is a classic, heck USF is the only one to have it still. It's a great dark ride...and the queue area is great. I love the smell of the forest area. lol.

[Maximum Carnage]

hey! I love universal! All their rides are awesome. Et is a classic, jaws is pretty sweet, disaster is hilarious, shrek 4-d is fun, t:2 3-d is still the best 3-d show ever, twister is a cool show, the mummy is supposedly awesome (haven't went on that yet), the simpson's is awesome, mib is fun. There's plenty of fun stuff at universal! Then you got island of adventure which practically has the best ride in the world known as spider-man.

amen! :)

[Maximum Carnage]

And yeah.. especially after an EXTREMELY hot day, that forest area is HEAVEN.. lol!

[Go Web Go!]

:wow::cmad: No way! Those rides are awesome and ET is a classic, heck USF is the only one to have it still. It's a great dark ride...and the queue area is great. I love the smell of the forest area. lol.

Ok, maybe not done away with entirely, but at least need to be revamped. Hell, even Disney's classic rides are heavily rennovated. Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, etc. Universal needs to consider doing the same. I last went in '06 and couldn't believe what bad shape some of their rides were in.

[Steel Thunder]

New pic of park attendant

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/2839/img0170cd.jpg

[Nirvana]

There are a few good things about Universal. Spider-Man and The Mummy being a couple of them, but yeah, I'm not buying Jaws or ET. Those rides need to be done away with.

:dry:

[Go Web Go!]

What? I thought they were incredibly lame and outdated. Anyway, I followed that up by saying maybe they shouldn't be completely scrapped, but at least given an update. Those were 2 of the rides that were in bad shape when I lasst visited Universal.

[chaseter]

Was it Summer time by any chance? I stay away during the Summer months for those reasons.
Yeah it was Summer.

[Go Web Go!]

There you have it. That's by far the worst time to go.

[chaseter]

I was a kid, not my choice. Every kid wants to go to DW, so did I. I went and I was completely let down. It was just bleh.

If Disney World gets some Marvel stuff up and going, that is the only way I would go back.

[Sawyer]

You know what I'd want as a theme park attraction?

Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. :up:

[kane9321]

Yeah it was Summer.

yep bad time

[chaseter]

That would be cool.

[Sawyer]

I just want a Scrumdibblyumptious bar, dammit! :cmad:

Those so-called Wonka Bars they've been coming out with just arent enough.

[knowsbleed]

You know what I'd want as a theme park attraction?

Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. :up:

I could only imagine all the ghastly accidents in the chocolate river... :barf:

[Sawyer]

I could only imagine all the ghastly accidents in the chocolate river... :barf:

So long as no fat Austrian kids go snooping where they dont belong, it should be fine.

[Majik1387]

So far the construction looks really amazing.:up:

[Go Web Go!]

You know what I'd want as a theme park attraction?

Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. :up:

That would actually be pretty cool.



If Disney World gets some Marvel stuff up and going, that is the only way I would go back.

I think it'll be a while before any Marvel projects get off the ground. It seems that Disney's priority is the expansion of Fantasyland that was just announced. Sucks. :csad:

[Majik1387]

Disney won't be putting any Marvel stuff in their parks seeing as Universal's contract was for an indefinite amount of time; Pretty much Universal has them until they decide they don't want to use them anymore.:up:

[SapphirePrima]

Oh course you're not going to enjoy a theme park/amusement park during it's peak season.


But Disney there is soooooooo much to do you have to at least spend 3 days there to see at least half of the stuff. But Universal can be done in 2 days easily. I heard this Harry Potter Park is going to take all day to see everything which should be good for Universial

[Go Web Go!]

Pretty much Universal has them until they decide they don't want to use them anymore.:up:

If that were the case Disney wouldn't have dropped $4B. There has to be some sort of out, even if Disney has to buy the rights from Universal.

[chaseter]

Disney won't be putting any Marvel stuff in their parks seeing as Universal's contract was for an indefinite amount of time; Pretty much Universal has them until they decide they don't want to use them anymore.:up:
Why is that a :up:?

[Steel Thunder]

Actually universals deal is only in place east of the miss river, so Disney could put marvel attactions in their California park.

[Go Web Go!]

Which they have ZERO room for.

[Spider-Vader]

Disney won't be putting any Marvel stuff in their parks seeing as Universal's contract was for an indefinite amount of time; Pretty much Universal has them until they decide they don't want to use them anymore.:up:

Maybe, they won't need their Marvel attractions now that they have Harry Potter? They can keep the Hulk ride & just rename it. That Hulk ride is awesome, too awesome to be torn down.

[Majik1387]

If that were the case Disney wouldn't have dropped $4B. There has to be some sort of out, even if Disney has to buy the rights from Universal.
Actually universals deal is only in place east of the miss river, so Disney could put marvel attactions in their California park.
Which they have ZERO room for.
This is why.:up:
Why is that a :up:?
Cuz I work at Universal, and I'd rather work there in the Marvel area than in a Disney Marvel area.
Maybe, they won't need their Marvel attractions now that they have Harry Potter? They can keep the Hulk ride & just rename it. That Hulk ride is awesome, too awesome to be torn down.
Nah, Universal won't let go of something that makes them money, that'd be a bad business decision.

[Go Web Go!]

Maybe, they won't need their Marvel attractions now that they have Harry Potter? They can keep the Hulk ride & just rename it. That Hulk ride is awesome, too awesome to be torn down.

Ultimately, Harry Potter doesn't have the staying power that Marvel does. You can't give one up in favor of the other.

[chaseter]

How dare you talk down about Potter. I will slap a *****.

[Downhere]

If that were the case Disney wouldn't have dropped $4B. There has to be some sort of out, even if Disney has to buy the rights from Universal.

While Universal has the rights east of the Mississippi, if Disney wanted to play hardball all they would have to do is change the name of Marvel to Disney Marvel or some variant. This would force Universal to drop the Marvel themed stuff at their parks because they would not want to have to rename it Disney Marvel Island considering that's their competition.

There are rumor's that Universal is working on a Transformers ride (for US Hollywood) similar to the Spider-Man ride at IOA, so if, and that is a big if, Universal were to drop the Marvel theme, they could easily do a Transformers themed Island.

[Go Web Go!]

Spidey and friends top Potter all day every day, son. :o

[Maximum Carnage]

This is why.:up:

Cuz I work at Universal, and I'd rather work there in the Marvel area than in a Disney Marvel area.

Nah, Universal won't let go of something that makes them money, that'd be a bad business decision.

That's.. pretty much badass! :up:

What do you do at the Marvel section?

[Majik1387]

Nothing at the moment, just a seasonal employee at the moment, but in a few months, I should be the body type for their Spiderman face character.:up:

[Steel Thunder]

Which they have ZERO room for.

They can easily replace an older ride or attraction with a marvel themed one.

[Go Web Go!]

They can easily replace an older ride or attraction with a marvel themed one.

Like what

[Maximum Carnage]

Nothing at the moment, just a seasonal employee at the moment, but in a few months, I should be the body type for their Spiderman face character.:up:

If I lived remotely close to Orlando.. I would TOTALLY work the Halloween Horror Nights shift. I talked to an older black lady last year while I was waiting in line for the magic act show, she was lining people up, and she absolutely loved her job. She didn't even care about the CRAZY hours, which I wouldn't either.

I dunno.. maybe it's sick of me? But the thought of terrorizing folks for a living = Win.

[Go Web Go!]

That would be fun. I know some kid who worked HHN 2 years ago and he said the same thing.

[Drizzle]

How dare you talk down about Potter. I will slap a *****.
He's right, though. Once the last movie comes out, the interest in Harry Potter will wane.

[Majik1387]

If I lived remotely close to Orlando.. I would TOTALLY work the Halloween Horror Nights shift. I talked to an older black lady last year while I was waiting in line for the magic act show, she was lining people up, and she absolutely loved her job. She didn't even care about the CRAZY hours, which I wouldn't either.

I dunno.. maybe it's sick of me? But the thought of terrorizing folks for a living = Win.

That would be fun. I know some kid who worked HHN 2 years ago and he said the same thing.
It's totally fun. Employee preview night is next week, and I'll be claiming my scares.:awesome:
He's right, though. Once the last movie comes out, the interest in Harry Potter will wane.
True. And Marvel Studios only keep green-lighting movies, so no reason for them to want to close down a popular section of their park that's only gonna get more popular.:up:

[Steel Thunder]

The Potter films aren't exactly cinema classics either...they're 'good' movies.

[Maximum Carnage]

I still think Harry Potter will be popular for a LONG time. The fans are out there! And just like the article said, you have a TON of fans living in other countries that will all try to visit, perhaps even multiple times.

[danoyse]

He's right, though. Once the last movie comes out, the interest in Harry Potter will wane.

I doubt that. My friends' kids are just getting into the books now, and they love them - some of them weren't even born yet when the first book was published.

And if the park is as good as it looks, it will be popular regardless of what it's themed after. I've been to Universal with plenty of people who don't care a bit about Marvel properties but love those rides.

[Doctor Jones]

The park could even spawn more potential fans to read the books. Who knows? There are still fans of Batman, Star Wars, and Spider-Man aren't they?

[SapphirePrima]

I think Harry Potter is classic children's literature. It's up there with Narnia.

[Downhere]

I think Harry Potter is classic children's literature. It's up there with Narnia.

I wouldn't say that just yet, but it will become classic. I also think it won't wane but continue to be popular as time goes on. It may not end up being as popular once all the movies are out, but it should still be quite popular.

[Spider-Vader]

While Universal has the rights east of the Mississippi, if Disney wanted to play hardball all they would have to do is change the name of Marvel to Disney Marvel or some variant. This would force Universal to drop the Marvel themed stuff at their parks because they would not want to have to rename it Disney Marvel Island considering that's their competition.

There are rumor's that Universal is working on a Transformers ride (for US Hollywood) similar to the Spider-Man ride at IOA, so if, and that is a big if, Universal were to drop the Marvel theme, they could easily do a Transformers themed Island.

A Transformers themed island would be so kick ass, but they'd have to throw some GI Joe parts in there too.


I definitely think HP will stay popular for a long time, it has a bigger/more wide spread fanbase than that piece of s*** series Twilight (which is all stupid teen girls who don't have taste & old woman with the same problem). I like Harry Potter & will probably continue too. That HP Island WILL be profitable. I wonder why WB didn't put it in Six Flags though. Isn't that where they go to for theme parks?

[Downhere]

That HP Island WILL be profitable. I wonder why WB didn't put it in Six Flags though. Isn't that where they go to for theme parks?

Probably too expensive for them, plus I doubt the theming would have been as nice. Universal is exceptionally good with theming and all. I'm actually shocked Disney didn't cough of the dough for the rights to do HP themed rides and things. But I guess the money being put into their California theme parks and now Magic Kingdom didn't allow them to go for HP.

[Majik1387]

And them buying Marvel i'm sure played a role as well.:oldrazz:

[Downhere]

And them buying Marvel i'm sure played a role as well.:oldrazz:

Well, I mean, I don't know if they were planning on buying Marvel a few years back when the HP license was up for grabs...but if it was, then yeah, 4 billion is a lot of money to spend.

[Maximum Carnage]

Universal needs to update Jurassic Park. The place only has ONE interesting ride. The Kiddie ride doesn't count.

[Majik1387]

Their JP section is fine the way it is.:huh:

[Maximum Carnage]

You think so? I dunno..

[TheDreamMaster]

You think so? I dunno..
I think yes and no. I love that section a sis, but they do need another ride or so. They dont even have the Tricertops trail anymore, the kiddie ride is just that, and the playground is, well, for kids. So a Jeep ride like the real movie ro soemthign would be nice. Even a simulator. But the section istelf is just great to look at, and the main ride is fun as hell.

[Maximum Carnage]

Yeah, that's very true. If the Harry Potter section pays the bills, I hope they throw in the Jeep Adventure.

I have my Hard Rock Hotel booked for the 30th. I'm excited! I'm gonna be ****in' schwasted all birthday weekend long up there! w000000! Sorry. :l

[Double Down]

Explore ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ (http://itsjustmovies.com/6344)(Includes pics from the new themepark attraction) (http://itsjustmovies.com/6344)

[The Original Bamfer]

I was going to update the thread with that earlier, but the damn search function didn't feel much like working.

Either way, Hogwarts looks amazing. :up:

[VenomVsSpidey]

<3 it!

[Majik1387]

Maybe sometime this weekend I'll get you guys some more pics of what's there so far. :cwink:

[Downhere]

If you guys want to see lots of pictures of the progress of WWOHP then I suggest checking out the thread over at Orlando United...they have ton of pics and usually are good with news updates.

http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?9-The-Wizarding-World-Of-Harry-Potter/page262


Central Florida is getting some nice upgrades to the theme park department...even getting a Legoland.

[Mike_D202]

You know, I'm not a HUGE Harry Potter fan, but that looks pretty cool. Might need to check it out.

[Colossal Spoons]

Gonna be sick!

[katie_girl09]

I think HP will have a place in popular culture, but I don't think it is ever going to be considered a classic in the way that, say LOTR or Narnia is. Yes they are entertaining books, but as far as literary conventions go, they are quite generic. They're just a mish-mash of many different tropes and overused metaphor. It doesn't do anything new or original. No offense.

[AndThePickles]

Spoons and I will officially be taking our vacation here for a week at the end of the summer :heart:

[VenomVsSpidey]

I am SO going here after graduation :up:

[Majik1387]

Spoons and I will officially be taking our vacation here for a week at the end of the summer :heart:
:wow:

[AndThePickles]

The package we purchased includes express line tickets so we won't have to wait as long, early admission to Harry Potter world, and reservations at The Three Broomsticks. Hot damn!

[Majik1387]

ATP coming to my destination of work!:eek:

[AndThePickles]

Haha, really? We can all meet up if you want :oldrazz:

[Erzengel]

Spoons and I will officially be taking our vacation here for a week at the end of the summer :heart:

And Disney? :wow:

[Raiden]

The package we purchased includes express line tickets so we won't have to wait as long, early admission to Harry Potter world, and reservations at The Three Broomsticks. Hot damn!

Wow, that's awesome. I envy you. :awesome:

[AndThePickles]

And Disney? :wow:

Haha, the package we got was exclusively for the Universal parks, but I wouldn't be opposed to visiting Disney for a day :oldrazz: If it wasn't for my Harry Potter love, I definitely would've booked a Disney trip instead. I've heard you can get better service and accommodations for the same price. We're staying at an on-site resort at Universal, so I'm hoping that the 80-something percentage of people who loved it there is the sort of experience that we have. I saw very few horrible reviews, but of course those few always make me nervous.

[the_ultimate_evil]

i'm heading over in september, hopefully everything will be up and running then

[AndThePickles]

It opens this spring.

[Majik1387]

Yep, it's supposed to be opening mid to late Mardi Gras

[Downhere]

Opening date and information on the new ride will be available this Thursday. I definitely can't wait, but I'll be waiting till later in the year to go. Even though, I live like an hour away, I wouldn't want to go during the opening or the summer...yikes!

[AndThePickles]

By the time we're going, the kids will have just started going back to school, so I'm hoping that it won't be too crazy there.

[chaseter]

I am going, don't know when!?

I would love to meet ATP and Spoons. We should dress up:o

[Erzengel]

Erzette and I might be doing Universal in May. :up:

[Go Web Go!]

I haven't been since '06, so if all goes well I'll be dropping in later this year.

[Downhere]

By the time we're going, the kids will have just started going back to school, so I'm hoping that it won't be too crazy there.

If you go during the end of August into September you should be good, although, I would expect there to be more foot traffic than past years because of the new addition of WWOHP. I know my sister went at the end of September last year and it was pretty slow, but I wouldn't expect it to be that slow this year with the new additions and all.

[AndThePickles]

I hope so. We're going August 22-28. So far the response I've gotten from the two people I've told is "it's going to be unbearably hot" and "what are you even going to do there for a whole week?" Debbie downers :cmad: I'M excited.

[Downhere]

I hope so. We're going August 22-28. So far the response I've gotten from the two people I've told is "it's going to be unbearably hot" and "what are you even going to do there for a whole week?" Debbie downers :cmad: I'M excited.

Well, it will be unbearably hot, be prepared to sweat like you've never sweated. lol. So, drink lots of water. If you don't rush anything, you should be able to do lots for a whole week. I'd say 3-4 days can be spent on the parks to try everything they have and then there is city walk. City walk has a boat load of great places to eat, a huge theater, etc. You can also go to other theme parks if you like, Disney, Sea World, etc. Lot's to do in Orlando. Plus, there are some great malls and outlet shops you could check out.

Don't let anyone be a Debbie Downer, you'll have lots of fun in Orlando. :woot:

[danoyse]

I hope so. We're going August 22-28. So far the response I've gotten from the two people I've told is "it's going to be unbearably hot" and "what are you even going to do there for a whole week?" Debbie downers :cmad: I'M excited.

I went to Disney/Universal that same week in 2005...it's unbearably hot (and I was there with two 6-year-olds, one of which yelled "I NEED A FREAKIN' BREAK! in the middle of Epcot during one of the really bad days) and it rained a lot, but the good part was the parks weren't crowded at all.

And regardless of the heat - we had a great time! You should be fine.

Totally jealous you get to go, looks like my next trip won't be until December 2011.

[Colossal Spoons]

I am going, don't know when!?

I would love to meet ATP and Spoons. We should dress up:o

Bring that beef brisket we talked about months ago and I'll buy you a wand :heart:

[Downhere]

Already got some information up on the new Potter Island and Forbidden Journey ride:

Some highlights:

Today Universal Studios announced that the highly anticipated amusement park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/), will have its grand opening on June 18th. (This is the grand opening date, not the first time it will be open to the public: those who have purchased one of the advertised packages for May 28 are still promised a "Harry Potter experience.") Leaky was at the park this week for a preview of some of the attractions - many, many details on the "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" below! Stay tuned also for discussion of this and more at a special LIVE video PotterCast Monday evening at our Livestream channel (http://www.livestream.com/pottercast). See you then!

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2010/3/25/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-to-open-june-18-details-about-hogwarts-emerge


The main purpose of our trip to Orlando was to receive a thorough run-through and definitive explanation regarding the park's biggest attraction (and, up until now, it's biggest mystery): Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

The fan-site heads met with Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative (and grand overseer of the project). He took our questions and described very enthusiastically what the long-awaited ride would be like, as well as what the park experience was going to be. Speaking of Universal's history, Mr. Woodbury noted that when it comes to rides, Universal likes to do things that nobody's ever done before. They pioneer groundbreaking and before-nonexistant special and technical effects to an ever-expanding on-screen experience and utilize the absolute latest in ride technology, combined, to give park-goers a completely new experience.... and that's just with their rides in general. When it comes to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, he says, everyone involved has really taken it to the next level. According to Mr. Woodbury, the Wizarding World and its main attraction (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey) is going to "transform the theme park experience as you know it."

Mr. Woodbury then spoke at length about the Forbidden Journey itself, and here is what he had to say. The Forbidden Journey ride is going to be an excursion into the world of Harry Potter - bringing with it "all of the chaos of his world". It's a new story, a new adventure where the guests, as Muggles, are invited to witness the goings-on of Harry, Ron and Hermione as they experience an adventure that takes them through many of the vast locations across Harry's world. Although the fan-site heads had heard several times by this point that the ride experience was going to be "nothing like before" - we at this point asked for further clarification, and got it. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will be a "360 degree filmatic experience" with the biggest in special effects by which he means physical effects of all. Other rides at Universal, such as Twister or The Mummy which utilize real flames or wind that you can feel the heat of, wouldn't begin to describe the sorts of physical effects Mr. Woodbury hints at. Signs in the queue for the ride itself warn riders that they will be pushed, pulled, dropped, lifted, stopped, turned around and all but thrown (although I'm reciting from memory; I don't recall them promising that we wouldn't be thrown). We asked Mr. Woodbury about fire, smoke, steam, as examples of physical effects, and he very seriously stated that there would be "all those, more, more, and more on top of that."

While interviewing Mr. Woodbury, he gave us a run-down of the locations that we would get to see on the Forbidden Journey ride itself, and its story. Once you step inside the castle where the ride itself is housed, you are welcomed by Dumbledore and soon acquainted with Harry, Ron and Hermione, who scheme to escape a particularly boring lecture of Professor Binns' and ask you to meet them in the Room of Requirement. The ride begins in the Room of Requirement, and takes you to a Quidditch match, which features Ron, Harry and Draco (presumably all playing Quidditch at the same time). You witness Quidditch first-hand, from next to Harry, once again while the ride is utilizing never-before-existant technology to make the environment real.

At one point, Mr. Woodbury was asked if the Forbidden Journey ride would actually travel outside of Hogwarts Castle (in the park). He very seriously replied, that when guests are on the ride, they will have a "very hard time distinguishing between what is actually outside and what is not." I wouldn't believe him if he wasn't so serious about it. But he was. Reiteration. This ride is gonna do all new things.

Also mentioned about the ride journey itself is an encounter with Dementors, the Whomping Willow, and a ride on the Floo Network thanks to Hermione. The press release issued by Universal later today will no doubt include a more concise ordering of these locations.

http://www.mugglenet.com/erichpfjreview.shtml



Also some articles from MTV and the Orlando Sentinel:
http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2010/03/25/the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-an-inside-look/

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-wizarding-world-opening-and-dark-ride-20100324,0,205532.story?

[Double Down]

Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Set for June 18 (http://itsjustmovies.com/9119)

(Includes video)

[Go Web Go!]

Isn't that area of the park damn near complete? Why hold off an additional 3 months to open it up?

[Mike_D202]

^^^ probably testing the waters and fixing potential bugs. We'll be reading about AndThePickles being run over by a rouge griffin coaster pretty soon ;)

[AndThePickles]

No way, I won't be there til end of August :o

[Downhere]

Isn't that area of the park damn near complete? Why hold off an additional 3 months to open it up?

It will be open before then as a soft opening, but the actual grand opening isn't until June. They need to test the ride system for Forbidden Journey and make sure it's top notch, Universal can't afford having any problems with the ride, which contains things that haven't been done before, so the more testing the better.

[Watson]

I'm trying to covince my parents to take the fam to Florida (IE Orlando) for Xmas this year. Not going well so far, but I have 8 months to go. :up:

[danoyse]

Looks like I might be going in September! :woot:

[Colossal Spoons]

All us Hypesters should etch our names in a desk at Hogwarts or something nerdy like that :p

[Erzengel]

ATP, take a picture of Spoons with a sorting hat on please. :up:

[AndThePickles]

He hates having his picture taken :csad:

[Erzengel]

I've seen Spoons dressed as Potter before. :huh:

[AndThePickles]

Yeah, that was years ago, before he was such a grouch about pictures :o No worries, I will be taking a ton of pics.

[Metamorpho1977]

CBS news in Atlanta did a story today on the massive potholes around town and they callled the reporter Harry Potholes.

[danoyse]

I saw American Idiot on Broadway tonight and the guy behind me was ranting about how he hates Harry Potter...so I didn't mind that I was slightly blocking his view of the stage. :oldrazz:

Definitely going to Universal in September. Can't wait! :awesome:

[Maximum Carnage]

I'm going this summer when it opens! SOOOOOOO friggin' excited! Finally! Something new at Islands of Adventure!!!

[Colossal Spoons]

Yeah, that was years ago, before he was such a grouch about pictures :o No worries, I will be taking a ton of pics.

While you're taking pics, I'll be off enjoying the theme park :up:

[Catman]

I hope so. We're going August 22-28. So far the response I've gotten from the two people I've told is "it's going to be unbearably hot"

Now that I think about it...I don't think I've ever been to a theme park in August and that's probably why. lol. And, yes, it's gonna be extremely hot. You'll be walking around in a tank top. Trust me. Spoons will love it though.

[the_ultimate_evil]

hopefully it'll be all up and working by september

[danoyse]

Ellen DeGeneres took some kids around the Harry Potter park on her show last week - some great shots of Hogwarts and some of the Hogsmeade village:

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2010/04/ellen_experiences_the_wizarding_world_of_harry_pot ter_vod_402.php

[Colossal Spoons]

I really hope there's a version of butterbeer that has alcohol in it

[danoyse]

I really hope there's a version of butterbeer that has alcohol in it

The butterbeer is going to be non-alcoholic, but there's apparently going to be "Hog's Brew" served at the Hog's Head pub that will be unique to the park, according to a review I read on another forum.

They're also going to have pumpkin juice, cauldron cakes, and strawberry-peanut butter ice cream. Apparently it's all really good.

I wonder if I should bring my refill-able Marvel Superhero Island mug, or break down and get a new one for this (I always forget to bring my Marvel cup whenever I go back!).

[Colossal Spoons]

Hog's Brew eh? It's goin down!

[danoyse]

I'm intrigued by the strawberry-peanut butter ice cream.

[Downhere]

The strawberry-peanut butter ice cream will be interesting, hopefully it's got a good blend of both flavors.

[Maximum Carnage]

I'm excited to see what they've done with the Dueling Dragons cue line. It should be epiiiic!

[danoyse]

The strawberry-peanut butter ice cream will be interesting, hopefully it's got a good blend of both flavors.

I hope so - between this and the Disney World Halloween party I'm going to that same week, I'm glad there's a lot of walking involved in these places so I can try and walk off all of the junk food I'm going to have during this vacation!

The butterbeer is getting good reviews so far - the person who tried it said it tasted like butterscotch and shortbread. There's even going to be a frozen version. Butterbeer slurpee, anyone?

[Cmill216]

Ugh. I live, like, 15 minutes from this thing. NOT looking forward to the traffic. :down

[Raiden]

Ugh. I live, like, 15 minutes from this thing. NOT looking forward to the traffic. :down

Lucky you! :awesome:

[Downhere]

I hope so - between this and the Disney World Halloween party I'm going to that same week, I'm glad there's a lot of walking involved in these places so I can try and walk off all of the junk food I'm going to have during this vacation!

The butterbeer is getting good reviews so far - the person who tried it said it tasted like butterscotch and shortbread. There's even going to be a frozen version. Butterbeer slurpee, anyone?

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about burning off all that junk food because you will be walking a great deal and sweating a great deal. When I went in July I must have lost like 10 pounds while eating crap along the way. lol.

I can't wait to try out some butterbeer in both normal and frozen form. Also that pumpkin juice sounds good. Of course, I'll be waiting till the fall to go, hopefully I can save up enough money...gotta hate bills. lol. At least I can just drive over there...save on air fare. :awesome:

[kane9321]

I'll be going on the 1st week of july...cant wait

[danoyse]

Ugh. I live, like, 15 minutes from this thing. NOT looking forward to the traffic. :down

I work a block away from the Empire State Building...you have my sympathies. :csad:


Yeah, I wouldn't worry about burning off all that junk food because you will be walking a great deal and sweating a great deal. When I went in July I must have lost like 10 pounds while eating crap along the way. lol.

I can't wait to try out some butterbeer in both normal and frozen form. Also that pumpkin juice sounds good. Of course, I'll be waiting till the fall to go, hopefully I can save up enough money...gotta hate bills. lol. At least I can just drive over there...save on air fare. :awesome:

Last time I went to Universal was in August 2005, and it was about 1000 degrees outside. I think we spent half the day on the Dudley Do-Right Ripshaw Falls and the Popeye rapids ride to just to stay cool!

When I went to Disneyland everyone told me the weather there was so much better because it doesn't get as hot as Florida. We ended up going during a major heatwave in Southern California and Disneyland was actually hotter than Disney World in July. :wow:

I'm going to Universal/Disney at the end of September/early October, hopefully it will be a little better!

[AndThePickles]

I'm too excited to even worry about the heat!

[Downhere]

I'm going to Universal/Disney at the end of September/early October, hopefully it will be a little better!

Even if it's hot you'll still have a great time and won't have to worry if you eat a lot of junk since you will most likely burn it all off. :awesome: So you'll be able to eat as much of that strawberry/peanut butter ice cream your heart desires. :woot:

[Bunker]

I'd probably go insane at Universal studios. All of those annoying fat people with little kids...ugh.

[knowsbleed]

AndTheSpoons, are you two going in standard wizarding garb or will you be muggle-ized?

[AndThePickles]

AndTheSpoons, are you two going in standard wizarding garb or will you be muggle-ized?


Man, it'll be way too hot for wizard robes, I'll be in shorts and sundresses.

[Majik1387]

I'd probably go insane at Universal studios. All of those annoying fat people with little kids...ugh.
No different than any other day

[Colossal Spoons]

AndTheSpoons, are you two going in standard wizarding garb or will you be muggle-ized?

Not sure yet :ninja:

[Maximum Carnage]

I will take pictures of the tourists dressed as wizards.......... and will judge harshly.

[danoyse]

Even if it's hot you'll still have a great time and won't have to worry if you eat a lot of junk since you will most likely burn it all off. :awesome: So you'll be able to eat as much of that strawberry/peanut butter ice cream your heart desires. :woot:

And loving every second of it! :woot:

Universal's website has a new virtual 'flying tour' of the park. It looks amazing.

http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/

[zanos]

Holy crap, $109 for a one day ticket with only two park access. What is this world coming to? I went to universal studios in LA and I didn't pay anywhere near that much 10 years ago.

[danoyse]

Holy crap, $109 for a one day ticket with only two park access. What is this world coming to? I went to universal studios in LA and I didn't pay anywhere near that much 10 years ago.

My 3-day pass was $145. :wow:

But I get into Disney World for free, so Universal's the only theme park I'm paying to get into during this trip. :up:

[Maximum Carnage]

I have the $99 one-year/2-park pass. You can't beat it!

[the_ultimate_evil]

the main problem with this, is along with suess and marvel we'll never see halloween horror nights at islands again

seriously marvel were morons

[Maximum Carnage]

Wait.. what happened?

[the_ultimate_evil]

the first HHN that was hosted at islands have the marvel island become Maximum Carnage, where carnage broke free, took over the island and let everyone run rampent

you had characters dressed up as carnage, cross bones and over comic bad guys

marvel stepped in and said they didn't like the way it portrayed they're characters :doh:

[VenomVsSpidey]

the first HHN that was hosted at islands have the marvel island become Maximum Carnage, where carnage broke free, took over the island and let everyone run rampent

you had characters dressed up as carnage, cross bones and other comic bad guys

marvel stepped in and said they didn't like the way it portrayed they're characters :doh:

Really? :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:

[danoyse]

They're starting to have press nights for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, although the Forbidden Journey ride is still closed off until opening. Some good early reviews are starting to show up on travel sites!

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/05/more-harry-potter-details-emerge-as-universal-welcomes-pow-wow-crowd.html

What they saw: the high level of detail throughout the area, inside and out, which is designed to reflect the vision of the Harry Potter filmmakers. What they didn’t see: the mobile portion of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the new dark ride still shrouded in a bit of secrecy. Folks did get a gander at the extensive queue of Forbidden Journey, which is housed in the signature piece of WWHP architecture, Hogwarts castle.

And they were able to swig butterbeer, pumpkin juice or Hog’s Head Brew, all made especially for Universal Orlando.

More new details of the attraction were on display. Visitors could explore Ollivanders and purchase a wand or buy candy from Honeydukes or any number of souvenirs from the Potterverse. (I’m told that 700 items have been licensed for Wizarding World.)

New observations to share:

+ It’s tight quarters inside Ollivanders. We had 25 adults in our grouping; I would not have wanted to be in there with 30 grown-ups. We experienced some special effects that demonstrated how a wand chooses its master, including magically rattling drawers. It’s part one-person show, part retail opportunity. Guests will exit through Owl Post, where more wands are for sale.

+ I was pleasantly surprised by the pricing on the items. It was in the usual theme park range. Sure, you could beat it at a retail outlet, but you’re not going to see this merch at your local Target. You’ll be able to pick up a Golden Snitch for $14.95, a Ravenclaw (baseball) hat for $21.95, striped school ties for $9.95, a Hedwig plush/puppet for $28.95 and a nice selection of Potter-based trading pins for between $9.95 and $12.99. Wands were marked as $24.95 but I heard there were some that are more expensive. The biggest ticket I noticed were Hogwarts robes for $99.95.

+ If the menu board at Three Broomsticks is to be believed, the pleasant pricing extends to butterbeer, available for $2.99 ($3.99 for frozen version). Remember, a Coke runs $2.75 at Universal — although there are no sodas sold in Wizarding World.

+ The revamped versions of Flying Unicorn and Dueling Dragons coasters — to be called Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge once Harry moves in — were up and running with new queues. Hippogriff’s refurb is a bit more dramatic with a nice view of Hagrid’s Hut in the queue. The trains are now wicker-fronted and riders are told to bow before the Hippogriff, which is cleverly hidden from the queue but impressively obvious once the ride begins. Dragon Challenge sports theming from the Triwizard Tournament, including the Triwizard Cup. Most of the Dueling Dragons look is gone inside. It’s a little lighter and even less curvy than before. The loading area is more open as well. Outside is one of the flying cars actually used in the Potter films.

+ We experienced a few animatronic moments, including a croaking chocolate frog in the window of Honeydukes (oversized, of course. No little ones were in stock), the grunting hog’s head in the Hog’s Head Tavern and a monsters book (caged) in Dervish & Banges.

+ No photos were allowed during the event. One man near me, listening to the Frog Choir, tried to take a shot of Hogsmeade Village with his iPhone and was politely asked to stop by security.

+ The view of Hogwarts was very striking during twilight, but then I’m a sucker for theme parks at night. Plus the evening had a bonus of no strollers, or at least very few. I worry about congestion when the crowds come, but that will be a good thing, right?

I also read that they will have "I Served Time in Azkaban" t-shirts. :funny:

The wand-choosing part sounds awesome!

[Maximum Carnage]

woahhh!!!

[danoyse]

Warning sign outside the Forbidden Journey ride:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/JenM512/forbidden-journey-ride-warning-sign.jpg

[Maximum Carnage]

.. That's it. I'm ****ing excited. I didn't think it could get much better than the Spider-Man ride.. but I think I might be wrong!

[AndThePickles]

Eeeeeee!

[Angel_Faerie]

I want to go there this summer SOOOO bad!!!

[Raiden]

Sigh, this is one time I wish I'd live in Orlando instead of Los Angeles.

[Maximum Carnage]

After hitting up three Disney parks in the last three weeks.. I can officially say Disney doesn't have **** on Universal/IOA. I can't wait to go back to these parks!