The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (the un-official official topic)

[dustindh]

The park seems to be coming along so fast, it's practically the only thing that keeps me sane during these long months till the symposium. I thought it would be nice to just have a topic dedicated to the park and what we are looking forward to most.

So, what's everyone most excited about within the excitement for the park itself?

[ceryswheel]

The butterbeer. I've been wanting to taste butterbeer since I was eleven years old.

[heatherklus]

yes butterbeer.
my friends who can't make it have all told me "drink a butterbeer for me"

[Duck]

Polyjuice Potions brooms and seeing the great hall

[Snitchy]

I agree! Butterbeer all the way, I really hope it measures up to my year long expectation :D Other than that I think it's the feeling I know I'll get as soon as I walk through the entrance. It's my favourite books coming to life! Who wouldn't want that??

[sweets2]

I'm honestly looking forward to the broom racing.

[heatherklus]

For anyone who hasn't seen it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjnmhivaItU
It is a "virtual tour" of the themepark.

[sweets2]

My dad was at Universal the other day and took pics....where can they be uploaded to? I don't have a website...any ideas?

[heatherklus]

My dad was at Universal the other day and took pics....where can they be uploaded to? I don't have a website...any ideas?

You could open a flickr account and upload them there.

[Professor Kronos]

There are plenty of free image hosting sites like Imgur (http://imgur.com/) or Picturewizard (http://www.picturewizard.com/) you can use.

Now I really don't want to burst anyone's bubble... but it's important to remember that "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is not a Theme Park. It's a much smaller area located inside the Islands of Adventure theme park. At IoA they call these smaller, individually-themed areas "Islands"; if anyone here is familiar with the Disney theme parks they're like the smaller "lands" of the Magic Kingdoms (i.e. Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, etc.). Yes, it's exciting... and I'm geeked and stoked about it enough to seriously consider buying a season pass to USF/IoA -- money is tight for me right now, and normally that's a luxury I wouldn't even consider. But I also think some of us should take our expectations down a just a notch or so.

I should also mention, for those of you unfamiliar with that park, that much of the Wizarding World was developed when the park was built as "The Lost Continent", which has a rather generic mythology/fantasy theme. Much of this "Island" (including the roller coasters "Dueling Dragons" and "The Flying Unicorn") is simply being "re-themed" and incorporated into the Wizarding World -- it's much cheaper than building new attractions, and there's also an issue of the available space.

The most recent construction photos I could find are HERE (http://www.westcoaster.net/updates.php?updateCD=120909).

[Duck]

My dad was at Universal the other day and took pics....where can they be uploaded to? I don't have a website...any ideas?

froggypic.com

[Duck]

There are plenty of free image hosting sites like Imgur (http://imgur.com/) or Picturewizard (http://www.picturewizard.com/) you can use.

Now I really don't want to burst anyone's bubble... but it's important to remember that "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is not a Theme Park. It's a much smaller area located inside the Islands of Adventure theme park. At IoA they call these smaller, individually-themed areas "Islands"; if anyone here is familiar with the Disney theme parks they're like the smaller "lands" of the Magic Kingdoms (i.e. Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, etc.). Yes, it's exciting... and I'm geeked and stoked about it enough to seriously consider buying a season pass to USF/IoA -- money is tight for me right now, and normally that's a luxury I wouldn't even consider. But I also think some of us should take our expectations down a just a notch or so.

I should also mention, for those of you unfamiliar with that park, that much of the Wizarding World was developed when the park was built as "The Lost Continent", which has a rather generic mythology/fantasy theme. Much of this "Island" (including the roller coasters "Dueling Dragons" and "The Flying Unicorn") is simply being "re-themed" and incorporated into the Wizarding World -- it's much cheaper than building new attractions, and there's also an issue of the available space.

The most recent construction photos I could find are HERE (http://www.westcoaster.net/updates.php?updateCD=120909).



yes I have! what has happened to Posdien adventure?

yeah but lets hope they do Harry justice

[Wiirenet]

Yea I have been wondering how crowded it will be with a whole convention there at once if HPEF does an event. I know its not a huge theme park in itself. Maybe they will need to split it into different times?

I actually have very little excitement for the actual rides as I just don't care about rides except to see how they will look and what HP specific add ons they will have. I'm not into big rides really, but I saw some of them will have some kind of cool intros I want to see.

Personally I am just going to be excited to walk down the street seeing all the buildings and shops. I'm literally excited to see just the walls and rafters of the shops looking like straight out of the movie, and hopefully they will have lots of HP specific props scattered around. Looking forward to butterbeer of course. Just the experience of sitting down at a table looking like its straight out of hogsmeade is what I'm excited about. And seeing their Hogwarts.. I wonder how grand it will be in person.

[Ramblingnic]

I can't stand the vast majority of amusement rides. They give me migraines. I just want to be there for the experience of walking though Hogsmeade and seeing all the things I remember from the books and movies. Also, where else will you find that many HP geeks all crammed together in one place?!

You can all split my share of the Butterbeer though; sounds pretty gross to me. :p

[sweets2]

yes I have! what has happened to Posdien adventure?

yeah but lets hope they do Harry justice

Posidons Adventure is still there. Not to mention according to what was seen this past week it is huge. It starts or ends depending on which way you are heading....by The Talking Fountain where Sinbad's show is...it goes deep back into the backdrop and ends by Jurrasic...so I'd say it is huge. Comparatively. But remember not all is rides...some is shops as well.

[sweets2]

froggypic.com

Thanks I'll try it...

[Professor Kronos]

Well, there's only going to be six "attractions":
* The Dragon Challenge (formerly "Dueling Dragons"; High-Speed Coaster)
* Flight of the Hippogriff (formerly "Flight of the Unicorn"; Slow Kiddie Coaster)
* Hagrid's Hut (Walk-Through display)
* Hogwarts Express (Walk-Through display)
* Ollivander's Wand Shop (described as "An Interactive Shopping Experience"; I think it's more of a shop than an attraction, but that's how Universal is describing it)
* Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (New Ride of unknown type)

In other words, there's not going to be a whole lot of "rides" here: only three, and two are coasters that have been running since 1998.

I'll admit that I'm more interested in the shops and restaurants:
* The Three Broomsticks (formerly "The Enchanted Oak" restaurant)
* The Hog's Head (formerly "The Alchemy Bar")
* Zonko's Joke Shop
* Honeydukes Candy
* Dervish & Banges
* Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods

And even then, I'm hoping there will be some unique merchandise, and not the same things you can find in your local mall.

[Duck]

Posidons Adventure is still there. Not to mention according to what was seen this past week it is huge. It starts or ends depending on which way you are heading....by The Talking Fountain where Sinbad's show is...it goes deep back into the backdrop and ends by Jurrasic...so I'd say it is huge. Comparatively. But remember not all is rides...some is shops as well.



well will it stay there?

and is the talking fountain going to stay there too?

[Duck]

Well, there's only going to be six "attractions":
* The Dragon Challenge (formerly "Dueling Dragons"; High-Speed Coaster)
* Flight of the Hippogriff (formerly "Flight of the Unicorn"; Slow Kiddie Coaster)
* Hagrid's Hut (Walk-Through display)
* Hogwarts Express (Walk-Through display)
* Ollivander's Wand Shop (described as "An Interactive Shopping Experience"; I think it's more of a shop than an attraction, but that's how Universal is describing it)
* Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (New Ride of unknown type)

In other words, there's not going to be a whole lot of "rides" here: only three, and two are coasters that have been running since 1998.

I'll admit that I'm more interested in the shops and restaurants:
* The Three Broomsticks (formerly "The Enchanted Oak" restaurant)
* The Hog's Head (formerly "The Alchemy Bar")
* Zonko's Joke Shop
* Honeydukes Candy
* Dervish & Banges
* Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods

And even then, I'm hoping there will be some unique merchandise, and not the same things you can find in your local mall.


yeah that will be interesting I hope if they water fountain is still there it becomes like a something like a magical something that has confettie come out of it and I hope Poesiedens adventure stays

[sweets2]

well will it stay there?

and is the talking fountain going to stay there too?

The areas for WWoHP have already been taken. The fountain will be there. As far as last week Posidens Adventure was still running.

They've created a new street just to the left of the fountain where there was no street there is now a narrow street.

BTW there are NO revampt coasters, they are all new advents. The land extends behind and past dueling dragons as I stated in an earlier post it ends near Jurrasic Park.

If you've ever been to IOA there is a bridge between Jurrasic heading towards Posidons if you look on the bridge you can see Hogwarts behind and off to the left.

Let's not forget Hogwarts itself is either a ride or attraction... I believe it will be like Spiderman.

I am still attempting to upload the pics from last week.

[sweets2]

BTW Professor when was your last trip to IOA?

[sweets2]

Photos posted under heading Photos of WWoHP from last week. Right in this catagory. HOpe you all enjoy.

[Duck]

The areas for WWoHP have already been taken. The fountain will be there. As far as last week Posidens Adventure was still running.

They've created a new street just to the left of the fountain where there was no street there is now a narrow street.

BTW there are NO revampt coasters, they are all new advents. The land extends behind and past dueling dragons as I stated in an earlier post it ends near Jurrasic Park.

If you've ever been to IOA there is a bridge between Jurrasic heading towards Posidons if you look on the bridge you can see Hogwarts behind and off to the left.

Let's not forget Hogwarts itself is either a ride or attraction... I believe it will be like Spiderman.

I am still attempting to upload the pics from last week.


So Posiden isnt being touched wow!


I thought they would change it since remember your in bottom of the ocean and then somehow your transported back to the surface which was so cool

[sweets2]

that is past the fountain heading towards Dr. Seuss land.

[Duck]

that is past the fountain heading towards Dr. Seuss land.



Have they changed anything in Jurrassic Park

[sweets2]

Have they changed anything in Jurrassic Park

No, Jurrasic Park is still the same. The one water ride and the terydactial flyer. I wish they had put in something with the cars being turned upside down...that would have been way cool.

[Professor Kronos]

BTW Professor when was your last trip to IOA?
It's been quite a while.

I really don't want to go there until TWWoHP is finished.

[Professor Kronos]

BTW there are NO revampt coasters, they are all new advents.
"The Dragon Challenge" and "Flight of the Hippogriff" are both rethemed coasters ("Dueling Dragons" and "Flight of the Unicorn").
Let's not forget Hogwarts itself is either a ride or attraction...
It will be called "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey". Universal is keeping the specifics strictly under wraps, but I've heard rumors that it will be based on the Weasley's flying Ford Anglia.

[sweets2]

"The Dragon Challenge" and "Flight of the Hippogriff" are both rethemed coasters ("Dueling Dragons" and "Flight of the Unicorn").

It will be called "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey". Universal is keeping the specifics strictly under wraps, but I've heard rumors that it will be based on the Weasley's flying Ford Anglia.

I know for a fact that Dueling Dragons will not be touched. It is still in normal operation and is outside the lines of HP world. The unicorn was torn down, not revamped.

I agree with you on the flying ford that I've heard as well. Please see the pics I posted last week. It clearly shows that Dueling Dragons is still in operation and is not even part of the closed section. The closed section starts after dueling.

[Duck]

I know for a fact that Dueling Dragons will not be touched. It is still in normal operation and is outside the lines of HP world. The unicorn was torn down, not revamped.

I agree with you on the flying ford that I've heard as well. Please see the pics I posted last week. It clearly shows that Dueling Dragons is still in operation and is not even part of the closed section. The closed section starts after dueling.


OT a tad

I thought Posiedens adventure was part of the Lost Contientant?

Sin bad the stage is gone right?

[sweets2]

OT a tad

I thought Posiedens adventure was part of the Lost Contientant?

Sin bad the stage is gone right?

No, Sinbad is still intact... the pic you saw by the fountain with the new walkway that is next to Sinbad...not replacing it.

Also I will say one more time....because some people think that everything is being torn down or revamped.....the only ride that was torn down was the Unicorn. They didn't even revamp it they tore the sucker down.

As for Dueling Dragons it was not touched nor will it be. My father rode it the other week...if it was going to be revamped for the new world it would have been closed already. Considering they are opening it this Spring.

[Duck]

No, Sinbad is still intact... the pic you saw by the fountain with the new walkway that is next to Sinbad...not replacing it.

Also I will say one more time....because some people think that everything is being torn down or revamped.....the only ride that was torn down was the Unicorn. They didn't even revamp it they tore the sucker down.

As for Dueling Dragons it was not touched nor will it be. My father rode it the other week...if it was going to be revamped for the new world it would have been closed already. Considering they are opening it this Spring.




then what was in the lost contienant?

Becuase I remember the Duealing dragons the Water Fountain and Sinbad adventure

if there not in the Lost Contentiant what is or was in it?

[Professor Kronos]

As for Dueling Dragons it was not touched nor will it be. My father rode it the other week...if it was going to be revamped for the new world it would have been closed already. Considering they are opening it this Spring.
Er... no.

"Dueling Dragons" will be renamed "The Dragon Challenge" and rethemed. As the ride itself will be untouched, the only changes made will be to the queue and signs. This is something that can be done rather quickly, and will likely happen this January (after the Christmas rush). I'll also add that the "Marauder's" style map Universal has released clearly shows "The Dragon Challenge" exactly where Dueling Dragons currently sits.

Source 1 (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/universal%27s_islands_of_adventure/dragon_challenge/)
Source 2 (http://themeparks.about.com/od/islandsofadventure/p/PotterPreview.htm)

[Professor Kronos]

then what was in the lost contienant?

Becuase I remember the Duealing dragons the Water Fountain and Sinbad adventure

if there not in the Lost Contentiant what is or was in it?
The Lost Continent had three areas:

1) Arabia (The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad, The Mystic Fountain)
2) Mythological Greece (Poseidon's Fury)
3) The Wizard's Woods (Dueling Dragons, Flight of the Unicorn)

The Wizard's Woods is currently being transformed into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are (AFAIK) no changes planned for the Arabia or Mythological Greece areas (including IoA's award-winning restaurant, Mythos). The Enchanted Oak Restaurant and Alchemy Bar (in the Wizard's Woods) have already been torn down, and are being rebuilt as the Three Broomsticks Restaurant and The Hog's Head Bar.

[sweets2]

Er... no.

"Dueling Dragons" will be renamed "The Dragon Challenge" and rethemed. As the ride itself will be untouched, the only changes made will be to the queue and signs. This is something that can be done rather quickly, and will likely happen this January (after the Christmas rush). I'll also add that the "Marauder's" style map Universal has released clearly shows "The Dragon Challenge" exactly where Dueling Dragons currently sits.

Source 1 (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/universal%27s_islands_of_adventure/dragon_challenge/)
Source 2 (http://themeparks.about.com/od/islandsofadventure/p/PotterPreview.htm)

I am only going to say that the map you have seen so far is not to scale. Having just been there it is quite clear that Dueling Dragons are not even inside Potter. It is off the path.

The two sources you listed are not from the horses mouth. In other words not from Universal... about.com anyone can post... as for the other themepark insider unfortuately has been dead wrong before...They were grossly wrong when they stated that Cyclone was being torn down... Since it is a historical monument they have not torn it down and it will still be running, though Coney Island/Astroland park is gone.

However, I say let's hold off on this debate until it opens. We will then see what is what. I still say Dueling Dragons isn't being touched in any way, shape or form...If I am wrong and that's a huge if, than so be it.

I will be going back to IOA in or around Feb. time...by then I can see clearly and I can also do asking around, if it's not painfully clear by then.

[Duck]

I am only going to say that the map you have seen so far is not to scale. Having just been there it is quite clear that Dueling Dragons are not even inside Potter. It is off the path.

The two sources you listed are not from the horses mouth. In other words not from Universal... about.com anyone can post... as for the other themepark insider unfortuately has been dead wrong before...They were grossly wrong when they stated that Cyclone was being torn down... Since it is a historical monument they have not torn it down and it will still be running, though Coney Island/Astroland park is gone.

However, I say let's hold off on this debate until it opens. We will then see what is what. I still say Dueling Dragons isn't being touched in any way, shape or form...If I am wrong and that's a huge if, than so be it.

I will be going back to IOA in or around Feb. time...by then I can see clearly and I can also do asking around, if it's not painfully clear by then.




Can you scan in the new map? I have an old one

[Professor Kronos]

AFAIK, this is the most recent map:

http://imgur.com/P9ZAw.jpg

[Professor Kronos]

...and this is a map of the "Lost Continent" area in the IoA theme park.

http://imgur.com/NGGn8.png

21: Jurassic Park Discovery Center
22: Flight of the Unicorn
23: Dueling Dragons
24: Enchanted Oak Restaurant & Alchemy Bar
25: Mystic Fountain
26: Eighth Voyage of Sindbad
27: Mythos Restaurant
28: Poseidon's Fury

Note the placement of the bridge over the "finger" of the lagoon (the red circle) and how it lines up on the maps.

[Professor Kronos]

New photos of TWWoHP construction have been posted at the website of the Orlando Sentinel newspaper:

Click here to see them. (http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/01/islands-of-adventure-fresh-pictures-of-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-construction.html)

[Duck]

...and this is a map of the "Lost Continent" area in the IoA theme park.

http://imgur.com/NGGn8.png

21: Jurassic Park Discovery Center
22: Flight of the Unicorn
23: Dueling Dragons
24: Enchanted Oak Restaurant & Alchemy Bar
25: Mystic Fountain
26: Eighth Voyage of Sindbad
27: Mythos Restaurant
28: Poseidon's Fury

Note the placement of the bridge over the "finger" of the lagoon (the red circle) and how it lines up on the maps.

and the mystic fountain is the one where the water spouts out right

[Professor Kronos]

and the mystic fountain is the one where the water spouts out right
As I understand it, yes... it talks to Guests and can spray water at them.

[Duck]

As I understand it, yes... it talks to Guests and can spray water at them.


So Harry Potter is going to be pretty small?

[sweets2]

So Harry Potter is going to be pretty small?

Not at all...in fact it's one of the biggest ones in IOA. Don't let the map fool you. It goes behind Sinbad and the talking/spouting fountain. It goes deep behind and ends by Jurrasic Park.

Don't worry Duck..I'll be going there in the next 2 months or so...hopefully I can get more detailed pics.

[sweets2]

and the mystic fountain is the one where the water spouts out right

Yes and he talks.:)

[Duck]

Not at all...in fact it's one of the biggest ones in IOA. Don't let the map fool you. It goes behind Sinbad and the talking/spouting fountain. It goes deep behind and ends by Jurrasic Park.

Don't worry Duck..I'll be going there in the next 2 months or so...hopefully I can get more detailed pics.


Okay but it wont be open will it?

[Professor Kronos]

Not at all...in fact it's one of the biggest ones in IOA. Don't let the map fool you. It goes behind Sinbad and the talking/spouting fountain. It goes deep behind and ends by Jurrasic Park.
From what I can see it's actually going to be about half the size "The Lost Continent" originally was... and it doesn't look to me like it's extending behind Sindbad (although IoA could always expand it out that way if they wanted to).

The exact size isn't that important -- although I've always maintained that some folks need to remember that it's NOT a "Harry Potter Theme Park" - it's a small area inside a much larger park. The important thing is that it's going to be highly detailed and very immersive. But I think most guests will be able to see just about everything there is to see there in half a day.

New photos are HERE (http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/20/photosvideo-details-emerging-onsite-at-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/).

[Professor Kronos]

New Hi-res Photo of Hogwarts Castle... and I must say, it looks freakin' amazing.

http://imgur.com/o1FqEl.jpg

Link to High-Res Version HERE (http://imgur.com/o1FqE.jpg)... although I want to see it at night or in the rain.

[Duck]

New Hi-res Photo of Hogwarts Castle... and I must say, it looks freakin' amazing.

http://imgur.com/o1FqEl.jpg

Link to High-Res Version HERE (http://imgur.com/o1FqE.jpg)... although I want to see it at night or in the rain.


yeah looks cool I hope we can go in and relax as well as having the ride

[Professor Kronos]

yeah looks cool I hope we can go in and relax as well as having the ride
Probably not. As I understand it, the queue for the ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" will lead guests through several of the more famous rooms in Hogwarts (I heard the DADA classroom mentioned), but it's likely there won't be a lounge or restaurant inside.

I'm told The Hogsmeade Owlery was intended by the designers to be used as a shaded resting place.

[Duck]

Probably not. As I understand it, the queue for the ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" will lead guests through several of the more famous rooms in Hogwarts (I heard the DADA classroom mentioned), but it's likely there won't be a lounge or restaurant inside.

I'm told The Hogsmeade Owlery was intended by the designers to be used as a shaded resting place.


can you take some pictures so we can see?

another view of the Castle

Has Jurrassic Park changed much?

[Professor Kronos]

can you take some pictures so we can see?

another view of the Castle

Has Jurrassic Park changed much?
I rarely go to IoA... but there are plenty of photos on the web already.

AFAIK, Jurassic Park hasn't changed much since 1999. They took out the Triceratops Encounter attraction (which was renamed Triceratops Discovery Trail) in 2005.

[sweets2]

I rarely go to IoA... but there are plenty of photos on the web already.

AFAIK, Jurassic Park hasn't changed much since 1999. They took out the Triceratops Encounter attraction (which was renamed Triceratops Discovery Trail) in 2005.

Name change is really all it went through I agree. Again photos are available. I am getting my passes within the next few weeks. Depending on finances.

I am a ride nut and rode everything except for the kidddie ride in Jurrasic which was the flight of the teredactyl and yes I spelled it frenetically because I am too lasy to look up the right spelling. :)

And the Unicorn flight which looks like a big nothing. Just go around on a little track kind of like a kiddie train.

Dueling Dragons as long as it doesn't get stuck is a good ride...great if they actually have both fire and ice sides operating at once. Even Suessland is cute. But to date (Prior obviously to WWoHP) is the Hulk...nothing in the park holds a candle to that one.

Over in regular Universal the best ride would have to be MIB because they actually spin you like crazy....but if we are talking coasters I can only say that I haven't been on the new one yet so I have to go with the Mummy as best ride currently

[Professor Kronos]

One of the local news channels had their helicopter fly over TWWoHP.

The 58 second video clip can be found here (http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=8c3fcf43-26c4-4c3b-86c8-812939369b9b).

[Wiirenet]

Hey if you haven't seen this forum, check it out http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?9-The-Wizarding-World-Of-Harry-Potter/page369

its amazing for wwohp news, pics and speculation. I've been going on The Leaky Cauldron and Mugglenet for news and noticed they sometimes link to this forum. And its pretty active and people are constantly commenting/guessing/figuring things out, its a great read.. I suggest just starting on page 350 or so for the "newer" news and then just check it for new replies..

[Professor Kronos]

Alas, my friends, I have good news and bad news.

First, the Good News: Earlier today I was offered a position of employment at Universal Studios Florida. I was extremely pleased and immediately accepted it. While I will not be working at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I'm absolutely thrilled to be a part of the team that's bringing Hogsmeade -- and our beloved Hogwarts -- to life.

Now for the Bad News: Unfortunately, my new employment agreement also means that I am prohibited from discussing future plans or attractions at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure (specifically The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) in any Internet or online forums.

Enjoy the thread and I'll see you all at Infinitus!

-Professor Kronos
International Order of Temporalmancers

[hermionesmom]

Wow! Very excited for Professor Kronos. (:p So jealous.) Can't wait to see Great Hall and how they do Ollivander's.

[Hedwig]

First, the Good News: Earlier today I was offered a position of employment at Universal Studios Florida. I was extremely pleased and immediately accepted it. While I will not be working at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I'm absolutely thrilled to be a part of the team that's bringing Hogsmeade -- and our beloved Hogwarts -- to life.



Congratulations! (If you're still around!) :)

[Professor Kronos]

Congratulations! (If you're still around!) :)
I am; thanks!

I will say that, AFAIK, everything I've already posted in this thread is true and accurate information. I just can't make any comments on the things I've learned will be in TWWoHP that have not been reported in the mainstream press (and trust me: some of what's coming is really cool).

[Duck]

I am; thanks!

I will say that, AFAIK, everything I've already posted in this thread is true and accurate information. I just can't make any comments on the things I've learned will be in TWWoHP that have not been reported in the mainstream press (and trust me: some of what's coming is really cool).


God I hope so and I hope we get more of the actors that are supposed to be in the films at the park like Tom Felton Dan Radcliffe

Alan Rickman
the phelp Twins

Matt Lewis

Devon Murray

[Miss Freewind]

God I hope so and I hope we get more of the actors that are supposed to be in the films at the park like Tom Felton Dan Radcliffe

Alan Rickman
the phelp Twins

Matt Lewis

Devon Murray

James & Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, and Tom Felton have already confirmed that they are attending the WWoHP opening. A Rupert Grint fansite allegedly received confirmation from Grint's reps, but it was later reported that there was a "misunderstanding" and his confirmation was retracted.

Personally, I think that most of the younger members of the main cast, including the trio, will be at the opening. I think there is a pretty good chance that JKR will be there too. But I don't think they will confirm until it gets much closer to opening, if they confirm at all. However, I don't really see that many of the older actors (especially Alan Rickman) attending because they don't attend many events like this and this just does not seem like their type of event, but this is all just my opinion.

[sweets2]

Congrats. So can you tell us which park you are working in? IOA or Universal?

[Professor Kronos]

Congrats. So can you tell us which park you are working in? IOA or Universal?
I was offered a position of employment at Universal Studios Florida. This is actually ideal for me as a HP fan; I'll have access to TWWoHP, but by not working there I won't get burned out on it.

[sweets2]

I was offered a position of employment at Universal Studios Florida. This is actually ideal for me as a HP fan; I'll have access to TWWoHP, but by not working there I won't get burned out on it.

That's awsome. I'll be going in the next few weeks. I'll pm you when I know. Mabye I'll just say hi, not bother you though :) I know how that is working at Disney. They didn't mind you getting a moment from people you know but they frowned on speaking for 3 or more minutes...

[Professor Kronos]

That's awsome. I'll be going in the next few weeks. I'll pm you when I know. Mabye I'll just say hi, not bother you though :) I know how that is working at Disney. They didn't mind you getting a moment from people you know but they frowned on speaking for 3 or more minutes...
No problem... we can hang out after work in the parks.

[sweets2]

No problem... we can hang out after work in the parks.

Sounds awsome.. I'll let you know.

[divinemutiny]

Personally, I think that most of the younger members of the main cast, including the trio, will be at the opening. I think there is a pretty good chance that JKR will be there too. But I don't think they will confirm until it gets much closer to opening, if they confirm at all. However, I don't really see that many of the older actors (especially Alan Rickman) attending because they don't attend many events like this and this just does not seem like their type of event, but this is all just my opinion.

Alan Rickman does like roller coasters...so maybe theres a chance??? lol I know highly doubtful, but I'll let my Rickmaniac filled heart hope.

[vampireanneke]

Oh I'm squeeing so much, I totally forgot that the cast members would be at the theme park openning. It's currently guessed that the openning date will be May 28th, and that's the day I'm going. I'm doing a special/seperate trip to Florida for Memorial Weekend just to go to the themepark openning. I'll go through the rest of this thread, but anyone else going to the openning and want to meet up?

-Anneke

[Professor Kronos]

It's currently guessed that the openning date will be May 28th, and that's the day I'm going. I'm doing a special/seperate trip to Florida for Memorial Weekend just to go to the themepark openning.
Just a few points to remind you (and others):

The opening date has NOT been officially announced. At this point in time, any dates are pure speculation.
"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is NOT a Theme Park. It is a SMALL themed area (or "Island") inside the Islands Of Adventure Theme Park at the Universal Studios Florida Resort.
Judging by previously released information, Guests will likely be able to see and do EVERYTHING in TWWoHP in half a day.
The team opening TWWoHP is well aware of Infinitus.

That said: speaking as a Harry Potter fan, I'm anxiously looking forward to visiting TWWoHP. I think it's going to be amazing, especially for the fans... but I also think everyone should lower their expectations from the suborbital and be just a bit realistic.

[vampireanneke]

The opening date has NOT been officially announced. At this point in time, any dates are pure speculation.


I know this, HOWEVER when they first released the vacation packages, when/if you booked your vacation package for May 28th, the 'Commemorative Ticket' that comes with the package stated 'Openning Day Commemorative Ticket', which has since/quickly been changed to say just 'Commemorative Ticket' now. So I have a rather good idea that it will be openning on May 28th (if nothing else, I know it will atleast be open by then.).


"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is NOT a Theme Park. It is a SMALL themed area (or "Island") inside the Islands Of Adventure Theme Park at the Universal Studios Florida Resort.
Judging by previously released information, Guests will likely be able to see and do EVERYTHING in TWWoHP in half a day.


I also am quite aware that it's part of IoA, but really does the rest of the part matter to an HP fan? As for being able to do the entire area in half a day... while generally true, I expect the first day/openning day may be more diffecult to complete everything. I expect a 4hr line for the forbidden journey, and atleast a 2 hr line for the other two rides, on the first day. I also just don't plan on leaving the area at all that day, I'm going to do shopping and exploring and loading my camera with so many pictures.

-Anneke

[Duck]

Alan Rickman does like roller coasters...so maybe theres a chance??? lol I know highly doubtful, but I'll let my Rickmaniac filled heart hope.




we have to have Severus THERE!

[Duck]

Alan Rickman does like roller coasters...so maybe theres a chance??? lol I know highly doubtful, but I'll let my Rickmaniac filled heart hope.

do you know how much madness there will be if Rickman shows up?

[Professor Kronos]

I also am quite aware that it's part of IoA, but really does the rest of the part matter to an HP fan?
I think so, yes. It's all about Expectations... specifically, keeping them realistic.

When one says TWWoHP is a "Theme Park", it leads others to think of an entire park with dozens of rides, shows, shops and restaurants. My point -- the only one I was trying to make (and really, if you read the entire thread you'll see it's about my only point here) is that TWWoHP is a smaller area inside a larger, existing theme park -- it's not a separate, giant theme park by itself.

My biggest worry is that people will travel thousands of miles and spend thousands of dollars/pounds/euros/yen, only to be say, "Gee, I thought there was more to it than that."

[divinemutiny]

do you know how much madness there will be if Rickman shows up?

it would be epicly insane.

[Duck]

it would be epicly insane.




I know and Rickman wouldnt enjoy himself I know when I dressed up I could finally see how the actors felt when pictures were taken of them.

Not that I didnt enjoy it but it takes so much time for pictures and I wanted to get to the Decades of Enchantment ball

[HogwartsTardis]

Did you guys see the video on Ellen?? It shows a lot!! Here (http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2010/04/ellen_experiences_the_wizarding_world_of_harry_pot ter_vod_402.php?mediaKey=38a1da02-2faa-435f-ab3c-2cdd094da4ef&isShareURL=true) it is if you want to take a look!

[veggie_potter]

I'm excited about EVERYTHING to do with the park. The rides, the goodies, the shops, the people, EVERYTHING!

[HogwartsTardis]

I'm excited about EVERYTHING to do with the park. The rides, the goodies, the shops, the people, EVERYTHING!

Me too, veggie_potter!!! I can't even describe how psyched I am. I read this review on food in the part from lucky people who got a preview, and it sounds AMAZING. And the thing on Ellen made me even more excited!!!!

[rob1007]

Guys, I heard the Ollivanders thing is a show, and only 1 OUT OF EVERY 25 people in the show get chosen to have their a wand choose them :(.

It's not suprising, but it certainly is disappointing to us hardcore HP fans who'll be so sad when little kids are always chosen for the wand.

[TSSD]

Thats the plus of NOATW. And being the youngest age attending Infinitus.