The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade (Orlando): Part 2

[Universalhead]

Rauch, visiting with five family members, ranks Forbidden Journey higher than Islands of Adventure's Spider-Man ride.

"It's so much better. It's the best ride I've ever been on in my life," she said. "It's just so much more real." Passengers estimated the ride to be four minutes long, - Source Orlando Sentinel

 

[FloRida848]

The "castle tour" see very dark. I would like a little more light.

 

[Bryan]

yeah the whole castle shouldn't have been that dark

the rooms were never shown that dark in the films

 

[fleastcoaster]

i agree that people shouldn't be able to just talk their way in. Either let everyone in or stick to your guns.

Trust me, people are not just "talking their way into" this attraction. I have seen numerous people trying to talk their way in, and only those who had legitimate reasons were allowed in, and believe me, they were few and far between. The "guards in yellow" have no say on admitting anyone, and defer any potential problems to a manager for a final deciion. Guest services has even set up a "command post" nearby for those who feel they have been slighted.

 

[Teebin]

Trust me, people are not just "talking their way into" this attraction. I have seen numerous people trying to talk their way in, and only those who had legitimate reasons were allowed in, and believe me, they were few and far between. The "guards in yellow" have no say on admitting anyone, and defer any potential problems to a manager for a final deciion. Guest services has even set up a "command post" nearby for those who feel they have been slighted.

Aaah... I was wondering about the yellow shirts. How did you find out about the GS command post?

Oh wait... "duh". Teebin be slow tonight.

Makes sense to me. Interesting.

 

[crazyidea]

I think the castle will look better lit in person. It's just the fact that the camera isn't picking up the light you see in real life. But also it shouldn't be too bright since a castle is supposed to have "natural light" like candles or the sun through a window, and I think it's supposed to be almost night when we're waiting. It looks amazing, this will probably be the coolest ride ever.

 

[Raylene]

Not sure if this has been shared or not... but I thought I would pass along just in case. There are quite a few videos of different experiences on here.

www.youtube.com/insidethemagic

 

[fleastcoaster]

It must be awkward to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione say the same thing 10 times when the ride brakes down, then. . . .

The "show" does repeat, but not every single time. For instance, Ron does not make it snow every time. I know there at least two "shows" here. I have a feeling that there are more that Universal has not yet shown.

 

[Roll N Fear]

Anyone know how bad Guest Services has been lately? Just wondering if a lot of people have been disappointed with FJ not running and such and if Universal is being accommodating or not.

 

[Bryan]

The "show" does repeat, but not every single time. For instance, Ron does not make it snow every time. I know there at least two "shows" here. I have a feeling that there are more that Universal has not yet shown.

yeah i noticed that

watching inside the magic's vid the effects were different. one was snow and one was something else

 

[Felipe]

I'm back from Universal and WOW I had an amazing time! I'll be posting pics and a full report later today or tomorrow, depending on how much I last because I'm SO exhausted.

But basically this is what my experience boils down to:
I stayed at the Royal Pacific (without a package) and I did get in! :-D All you need is admission and an on-site hotel key/card.
Even though I got to IoA's gates at 7:40 there was already a TON of people waiting. Once we were let in, we had to wait some more in Port of Entry and then we were allowed to go towards the WWoHP.
I RUSHED to ride FJ, but I was not quick enough... I did not get to ride FJ :-( It broke down right when I was about to get on the vehicle. Literally! we were the next group to be seated and BAM! It goes down :'(
I spent SO much money! and I didn't even get everything I wanted! Tip: AAA members, show your AAA card and ID and you get 15% off in the stores!
When I returned to FJ later on to get pics of everything, guess who I met? Alan Guilmore and Mark Woodbury! I was flabbergasted, excited, shocked of my luck, and I totally geeked out.
There's so much to see, and do, and try, and the crowds, and the small spaces, and OH MY! I did not get to experience everything even though the land was open WAY past 10am. I didn't do Hippogriff or Ollivander's.
As I was about to leave the land, around 11:30am, I met Melissa, John and Frak from The Leaky Cauldron and PotterCast! SO COOL!
I CANNOT WAIT TO GO BACK!

OK, I'll be back later/tomorrow with the details and the pics.

 

[jj3352]

did you happen to ask them about AP previews?

 

[Jakemeister]

Aaah... I was wondering about the yellow shirts. How did you find out about the GS command post?

Oh wait... "duh". Teebin be slow tonight.

Makes sense to me. Interesting.

Yellow Shirts are Event Staff. They do a lot of directing people, escorting guest to locations, set up for events, etc.

 

[honeybee8200]

I checked back before going to bed just to see if Felipe had come on to say anything. I'm so excited! I can't wait to see your pics and hear about everything! And how cool you got to meet Woodbury and Gillmore. I'm sorry you didn't get to ride FJ and so darn close too! I had a good feeling that you rode. At least I was close.

I want to see pics of everything you bought!!!!

 

[ChristopherSE]

Warning: Spoilers of the FJ Station Ahead

The RoR is my new background

 

[scasta86]

I'm back from Universal and WOW I had an amazing time! I'll be posting pics and a full report later today or tomorrow, depending on how much I last because I'm SO exhausted.

Even though I got to IoA's gates at 7:40 there was already a TON of people waiting. Once we were let in, we had to wait some more in Port of Entry and then we were allowed to go towards the WWoHP.
I RUSHED to ride FJ, but I was not quick enough... I did not get to ride FJ :-( It broke down right when I was about to get on the vehicle. Literally! we were the next group to be seated and BAM! It goes down :'(

How long would you say FJ was open for?
Once the gates were open, was there a mad rush of people running towards the castle to get on the ride?

I'm just trying to know what to expect when I'm there Thursday morning! :look:

 

[Roll N Fear]

A pretty detailed ride report was posted on the DISBoards recently. Link is in the spoilers thread.

 

[zbob1992]

hairyleo how did u do that as the site I saw that pic on wouldn't let me do anything with them?

 

[Hatetofly]

A pretty detailed ride report was posted on the DISBoards recently. Link is in the spoilers thread.

Without reading spoilers were they impressed?

 

[Roll N Fear]

Without reading spoilers were they impressed?

Said it was like Spiderman x 10...