Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

[Frank Drackman]

One thing I really like with this ride is the whole experience (not using single rider). I thought Forbiden Journey was great at this with everything in the castle, but for some reason, this ride's queue impressed me with the ways it seems to make the wait go quickly (we only went through the queue once, used single rider twice).

The bank lobby with all the goblins and such is just stunning and has plenty to take in. I could do without the blinding light from when they take your picture...but then the newspapers and such lying around in that hallway are really cool/well done.

Then you have the pre-show...then the elevator...and finally the ride....I just think if you judge the whole experience, they have really done a lot here.

I did enjoy the ride, but some if that might be just that I am a bit of a geek and I am really impressed with a lot of the things they have done with this ride.

 

[grizzlybarely]

Finally got to experience EFG on Sunday. I will say that I was slightly disappointed at first (read to the end). I've thought about it a lot over the last few days and I'm learning why:

1. Hype. EFG may have been oversold. With so much chatter about how the ride combines a roller coaster and sophisticated dark ride, there were high expectations. Transformers + Mummy; how could that not be the perfect attraction? But I heard reports from those who rode it, and learned to expect more of a dark ride experience, which is right on.
2. Spoilers. This one is my fault. I never watched POVs before going, but the webcasts and Making Of special gave away nearly all of the visuals. So the experience was not very surprising. There were still a few surprises, but I feel like I missed out on what should have been more.
3. Sensory overload. Now this is the biggest reason Gringotts was a disappointment for me. The "problem" is that so much is happening that it takes a while to process. When I first saw Inception, it confused me, but later it became one of my favorite movies. Originally, I did not like Transformers, but now it's one of my favorite attractions in Orlando.

When I stepped off EFG, I just kept muttering "huh...", trying to process what had just happened. Now that I've had time to think about it and watch some YouTube videos, I now realize what an amazing experience it is. First of all, that queue is amazing. As a whole, it wallops FJ's queue and I think I'd even say it's better than Everest's queue. The fact that the queue includes the elevator, which is fantastic, and the most convincing use of Musion ever, just puts it over the top.

And what a ride system. Yes, it has issues, but all one-of-a-kind rides did at one point. I can see Universal reusing this technology easily.

I noticed that none of the on-screen effects get too close, for example, Nagini. I presume this is so the 3D effect works from the very varied perspectives in the whole train. I got two rides in, one in Row 2 and one in Row 5, and was surprised how good the screen looked so far apart.

The biggest critique I have is that, yes, I wish there was more coaster to it. Now, not because I think there is too much dark ride, or that I was expecting more of a coaster. But the climax of the ride is far too short. The foreboding music builds, Voldemort and Bellatrix prepare for the kill, Harry narrowly saves us, Hermione tells us to hang on, we blast off into a turn and...done. I looked at the ride layout and adding one little helix under the caverns scene would have made this about perfect.

 

[shiekra38]

Finally got to experience EFG on Sunday. I will say that I was slightly disappointed at first (read to the end). I've thought about it a lot over the last few days and I'm learning why:

1. Hype. EFG may have been oversold. With so much chatter about how the ride combines a roller coaster and sophisticated dark ride, there were high expectations. Transformers + Mummy; how could that not be the perfect attraction? But I heard reports from those who rode it, and learned to expect more of a dark ride experience, which is right on.
2. Spoilers. This one is my fault. I never watched POVs before going, but the webcasts and Making Of special gave away nearly all of the visuals. So the experience was not very surprising. There were still a few surprises, but I feel like I missed out on what should have been more.
3. Sensory overload. Now this is the biggest reason Gringotts was a disappointment for me. The "problem" is that so much is happening that it takes a while to process. When I first saw Inception, it confused me, but later it became one of my favorite movies. Originally, I did not like Transformers, but now it's one of my favorite attractions in Orlando.

When I stepped off EFG, I just kept muttering "huh...", trying to process what had just happened. Now that I've had time to think about it and watch some YouTube videos, I now realize what an amazing experience it is. First of all, that queue is amazing. As a whole, it wallops FJ's queue and I think I'd even say it's better than Everest's queue. The fact that the queue includes the elevator, which is fantastic, and the most convincing use of Musion ever, just puts it over the top.

And what a ride system. Yes, it has issues, but all one-of-a-kind rides did at one point. I can see Universal reusing this technology easily.

I noticed that none of the on-screen effects get too close, for example, Nagini. I presume this is so the 3D effect works from the very varied perspectives in the whole train. I got two rides in, one in Row 2 and one in Row 5, and was surprised how good the screen looked so far apart.

The biggest critique I have is that, yes, I wish there was more coaster to it. Now, not because I think there is too much dark ride, or that I was expecting more of a coaster. But the climax of the ride is far too short. The foreboding music builds, Voldemort and Bellatrix prepare for the kill, Harry narrowly saves us, Hermione tells us to hang on, we blast off into a turn and...done. I looked at the ride layout and adding one little helix under the caverns scene would have made this about perfect.

Agree with everything here...an extension of the coaster portion would have been good...

The problem is, most people will only ride the ride once, so really the ride has one chance to make an impact...I just wish the pacing was better with the ride..the go stop so stop design is kind of jarring...I still ind Spiderman, Mummy and Transformers better

 

[mainejeff]

Finally got to experience EFG on Sunday. I will say that I was slightly disappointed at first (read to the end). I've thought about it a lot over the last few days and I'm learning why:

1. Hype. EFG may have been oversold. With so much chatter about how the ride combines a roller coaster and sophisticated dark ride, there were high expectations. Transformers + Mummy; how could that not be the perfect attraction? But I heard reports from those who rode it, and learned to expect more of a dark ride experience, which is right on.
2. Spoilers. This one is my fault. I never watched POVs before going, but the webcasts and Making Of special gave away nearly all of the visuals. So the experience was not very surprising. There were still a few surprises, but I feel like I missed out on what should have been more.
3. Sensory overload. Now this is the biggest reason Gringotts was a disappointment for me. The "problem" is that so much is happening that it takes a while to process. When I first saw Inception, it confused me, but later it became one of my favorite movies. Originally, I did not like Transformers, but now it's one of my favorite attractions in Orlando.

When I stepped off EFG, I just kept muttering "huh...", trying to process what had just happened. Now that I've had time to think about it and watch some YouTube videos, I now realize what an amazing experience it is. First of all, that queue is amazing. As a whole, it wallops FJ's queue and I think I'd even say it's better than Everest's queue. The fact that the queue includes the elevator, which is fantastic, and the most convincing use of Musion ever, just puts it over the top.

And what a ride system. Yes, it has issues, but all one-of-a-kind rides did at one point. I can see Universal reusing this technology easily.

I noticed that none of the on-screen effects get too close, for example, Nagini. I presume this is so the 3D effect works from the very varied perspectives in the whole train. I got two rides in, one in Row 2 and one in Row 5, and was surprised how good the screen looked so far apart.

The biggest critique I have is that, yes, I wish there was more coaster to it. Now, not because I think there is too much dark ride, or that I was expecting more of a coaster. But the climax of the ride is far too short. The foreboding music builds, Voldemort and Bellatrix prepare for the kill, Harry narrowly saves us, Hermione tells us to hang on, we blast off into a turn and...done. I looked at the ride layout and adding one little helix under the caverns scene would have made this about perfect.

I agree with much of what you said as well. Went on Gringotts yesterday for the first time......it really is a ride that gets better AFTER the first ride. I too wish that there was a bit more coaster after the climax. A scene with an animatronic Voldemort with projected face would have been great as the character shape lends itself to that particular design. In summation......GREAT technology.......a bit too short........not quite enough coaster........gets better the more that you ride it.

 

[Milla4Prez66]

I went on it for the 3rd time today, and first time in about two months. This time I brought my mom to experience it for the first time, the posted wait time was 60 minutes but we did the single rider line and literally walked on with no wait. After riding, she had a similar opinion that it missed something and didn't just quite live up to the hype. Still a good ride and welcome addition to the Universal Orlando lineup, but the hype was just too much for it.

 

[mainejeff]

I went on it for the 3rd time today, and first time in about two months. This time I brought my mom to experience it for the first time, the posted wait time was 60 minutes but we did the single rider line and literally walked on with no wait. After riding, she had a similar opinion that it missed something and didn't just quite live up to the hype. Still a good ride and welcome addition to the Universal Orlando lineup, but the hype was just too much for it.

It's definitely "the escape" part after the climatic scene with Bellatrix and Voldemort that puts a bit of a damper on the overall ride experience. A longer "thrill" section of coaster followed by a "wrap-up" scene with Bill would have made it a bit more satisfying.

But after a day at Disney parks today......I'm almost embarrassed to complain about anything at Universal.

 

[Skubersky]

Rode yesterday with some very smart tweens who had been to WDW, DL, & DLP but never Uni before. They ranked it below Spidey & FJ but ahead of TF. Liked the effects but wanted more coaster action. Like I said, smart kids! ;-)

 

[shiekra38]

Rode yesterday with some very smart tweens who had been to WDW, DL, & DLP but never Uni before. They ranked it below Spidey & FJ but ahead of TF. Liked the effects but wanted more coaster action. Like I said, smart kids! ;-)

That seems to be the general consensus...Gringotts is still in the top rung of rides at Uni though..just not #1

 

[Frogki]

I honestly can't wait to ride this again. I only rode once and my opinion may have been overly positive due to the massive build up I had to getting on the ride, we almost didn't get to and the line really blew me away. But for me the ride just blew it out of the water, and I immediately thought of it as my new favorite. Reading here, it seems that everyone's got a really good opinion of it but it didn't knock them off their feet.
Regardless, I'm excited to go and have a wait that doesn't revolve around me moving a few feet every half hour outside. I still can't believe there was such a big debate about the outdoor queue. Yes it was a wait, yes it was annoying, and no, it wasn't elaborately themed. However, the signs and the mine cart really helped build it up and keep you in the experience. Reading the signs left a grin on my face because they were clever, and then we were in soooo... Meeting an old friend from Kentucky, he hasn't been since before Transformers opened so he's pretty massively excited. Can't wait to see his reactions to Diagon Alley, he's spoiled himself silly on EVERYTHING but I figure it'll still be awesome. Honestly Diagon Alley dropped my jaw in spite of watching videos and seeing pictures, nothing really does justice to the reveal you get once you're through the wall...

 

[Milla4Prez66]

Rode yesterday with some very smart tweens who had been to WDW, DL, & DLP but never Uni before. They ranked it below Spidey & FJ but ahead of TF. Liked the effects but wanted more coaster action. Like I said, smart kids! ;-)

I like Transformers more honestly, same with Mummy which is odd because all we heard in the early stages is that it would be Transformers meets Mummy.

 

[Disneyhead]

The best comment I have heard about HPatEG is that while all the hype was accurate, it still feels more evolutionary than revolutionary. It feels very much like a Universal E Ticket in much the same way that the Haunted Mansion feels like a Disney E Ticket.

 

[Shadow Carelli]

I tried to ride it 3 times today, and every single time it broke down and the guards were turning people away...

 

[Mad Dog]

Just back from two weeks at Royal Pacific & Cabana Bay. I have a ton of comments but I'll keep it to the Gringotts topic on this one. We spent apx. 40 hours in Diagon Alley (Diagon Alley is "FANTASTIC") and we rode Escape From Gringott's 11 times. My opinion on Gringott's basically mirrors Seth Kubersky's comments from early July. The first time we rode it I would have given it 4 1/2 stars. But, with subsequent rides, my opinion escalated to a 5 star status. It just continually gets better the more you ride it. I had the same initial opinion with Revenge of the Mummy. There is so much going on that you need repeat rides to fully appreciate it. And the seat placement makes more of a difference than any other attraction I've ever been on. Depending on what car and what row and side you are on, you often get a totally different view of the screens. The best total ride seat I experienced was second car, first row far left. As an example, in the scenes with Bellatrix, she loomed directly in front of me larger than life, while the previous views of her from the first car was smaller in the distance. I would imagine that since the cars separate, they sit in very different screen positions, unlike Spider Man or Transformers. And the car drops and movements are also different due to the unique car separation, as is the experience going through the hole in the screen. And the effect of the passage through the hole in the screen had big differences due to the intensity of the fog which varied greatly. The water splash for the hocrux scene didn't work any of the times through the two weeks, so I guess their having problems with it. Our wait times were good. Diagon Alley was always crowded, even during the somewhat frequent rains, but the longest wait we had for Gringotts was 1 hour. Most of the times were 20 to thirty minutes. We also did single rider 5 times, and all but one were just about walk ons. The queue is fantastic. The goblins, the Weasley scene, the newspapers, & elevator are excellent. I would rate the queue as second to only Forbidden Journey. The load platform is also excellent. Great cavern scene for that. The ride sets are really huge and well done. They are so seamless with the screens that you really only notice them after many repeat rides. The second week we were there, the team members were pitting each side against each other with screams and clapping. That created a lot of excitement & kinetic energy. They should definitely continue that. So where do I rate Escape From Gringotts? I rate it a notch below Forbidden Journey and basically equal with Spider Man, Mummy & Transformers. It's a great E Ticket "Family" Dark Ride. Not really a coaster experience, but it does have two quick scenes with a subdued Mummy type feel. The bottom line is we enjoyed it greatly. And, as I said earlier, I think you need to ride this many times in different seats to fully rate the ride. It's a different concept and certainly a different animal due to the separation of the ride vehicles and their placement at the screen.

 

[Mad Dog]

One quick add on for those worried about the restraints. I'm only 5'8" and twice I was placed in the special large sized seats. My feet did not touch the floor. So, for those that are real tall, request the special seats for comfort.

 

[mainejeff]

The second week we were there, the team members were pitting each side against each other with screams and clapping. That created a lot of excitement & kinetic energy.

I think that the team members clapping at the end of many Universal rides is a bit hokey and forced. A very minion-like thing that I would expect at a Six Flags park. That being said, it was nice to see guest involvement and smiles on employee faces.......something that is severely lacking at Disney parks where many cast members completely ignore guests and could care less about their ride experience.

 

[anihilnation]

I am 5'11; front row feels a little cramped but it is not that bad really.

 

[ThemeParks4Life]

Row 6 is hands down the most fun to ride in. The drop is pretty intense and it's awesome seeing how the track works.

 

[lordmaul]

I agree I rode it three times last week. And row six was my favorite

 

[jarmor]

I got to experience the ride this past week. I have to say its a very technologically advance ride. how they make each car seem like the action is in front of them is beyond me. I love how the actual track has the motion base moments vs the trains and from what I here, the ride is not running at full potential! this is a PERFECT ride for the audience it caters to...remember the height restriction is 42. overall I say the park has a solid winner on their hands. Sure, we can always say it should have been bigger, faster, longer but who wants to pay more in admission to cover the charges!

 

[mainejeff]

Row 6 is definitely the best for the drop and screen elements. The 1st vehicle (Rows 1-3) seems to have a bit more motion on the track.

The ride was working well today for the most part.......45 minute waits were common. On a side note.......what a cluster-f coming out of the elevator to get the glasses! They need to change that.......or better manage the crowd flow. It had improved near the end of the day. Does anyone know why glasses were not put on both sides?