Diagon Alley Soft Opening Watch

[Brian G.]

We better see some photos tonight!!

 

[Vyrus]

HTF already left work early

Can't wait for some awesome shots!

 

[Disneyhead]

Damn, I'm stuck doing a live shot at 5p in Sanford.

 

[UNIrd]

From what I'm gathering though is that Gringotts is NOT open? Can anyone confirm?

"We are now inviting guests to experience the atmosphere, shops, food and entertainment that Diagon Alley has to offer. Dine in the Leaky Cauldron. Grab your favorite Hogwarts house apparel at Quality Quidditch Supplies. And get that first taste of Butterbeer ice cream.

It brings us all one step closer to the Grand Opening on July 8, when guests will get to ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and enjoy all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley."

Is the quote from Universal's blog post... Someone let us know! Thanks.

That pretty much confirms that Gringotts is not open for this soft opening.

 

[Disneyhead]

Now Universal is calling it a "phased preview".

https://blog.universalorlando.com/visiting-us/diagon-alley-phased-preview/

So much for "That'll never happen."

 

[Brian G.]

Now Universal is calling it a "phased preview"

https://blog.universalorlando.com/visiting-us/diagon-alley-phased-preview/

Yup.

Apparently the decision to do the Phased Preview was made on Monday night.

 

[Anariaca]

I knew this would start happening when I couldn't make it. Le sigh.

 

[ChrisM]

Gringotts is NOT open. There is a sign declaring its opening on July 8th. Pictures to come when I have a chance.

 

[Rtboh]

Gringotts is NOT open. There is a sign declaring its opening on July 8th. Pictures to come when I have a chance.

I have the pic! They were closing the shutters as I took it:

 

[rhino4evr]

wow...I bet they will be working day/night to get this up and running in time.

 

[Rtboh]

Indeed. It was really bad today. The park was practically empty and it was still having problems. It opened up once again, rode it, hopped off, got ice cream and in that five minutes, it was down again. I've a feeling many will be disappointed on July 8th and the people currently waiting in the soft are wasting their time. I can imagine how it'd break down. There was so much going on, lots of fast movements, screens, effects, audio etc.

 

[Trinitys Ghost]

Despite Gringott's being down, I personally had a great time in Diagon Alley. Ate dinner in the Leaky Cauldron, bought a wand (and used it successfully), bought other stuff, and got ice cream (earl grey and lavender is wonderful). And I gaped at the dragon when she (She is a she, right?) did her thing. Will post some pics when I can tomorrow.
The area itself blew me away. Talk about your immersive experience!

 

[rinacee]

Despite Gringott's being down, I personally had a great time in Diagon Alley. Ate dinner in the Leaky Cauldron, bought a wand (and used it successfully), bought other stuff, and got ice cream (earl grey and lavender is wonderful). And I gaped at the dragon when she (She is a she, right?) did her thing. Will post some pics when I can tomorrow.
The area itself blew me away. Talk about your immersive experience!

Glad you enjoyed it! That is very encouraging. If I may ask, how much was the ice cream?

 

[Rtboh]

Glad you enjoyed it! That is very encouraging. If I may ask, how much was the ice cream?

4.99 in a cup
Around 5.80 in a waffle cone
Around 12-13 in a souvenir cup
Toppings cost extra can't remember how much.

 

[rinacee]

4.99 in a cup
Around 5.80 in a waffle cone
Around 12-13 in a souvenir cup
Toppings cost extra can't remember how much.

I appreciate it!

 

[Shadow Carelli]

4.99 in a cup
Around 5.80 in a waffle cone
Around 12-13 in a souvenir cup
Toppings cost extra can't remember how much.

Souvenir cup? I'll probably be suckered into buying one of those one of these days... What do they look like?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Now Universal is calling it a "phased preview".

https://blog.universalorlando.com/visiting-us/diagon-alley-phased-preview/

So much for "That'll never happen."

That changed. VERY recently.

 

[freediverdude]

Yes, color me surprised. I didn't think a general soft would happen. Especially without Gringotts. There must have been some serious discussion with WB, haha.

 

[April]

4.99 in a cup
Around 5.80 in a waffle cone
Around 12-13 in a souvenir cup
Toppings cost extra can't remember how much.

I took a photo of the sign the other day but haven't uploaded it yet, so for now I'll just look and type:

4.99 in a cup
5.99 in a waffle cone
10.99 in a souvenir glass

They had a sundae which is 6.99.

Toppings included hundreds and thousands, shortbread crumbles, meringue pieces, crystals, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts for 0.79 each.

 

[ChrisM]

A sample of some pictures I took today from the softs. I'll post more when I'm at my computer.

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Mike Aiello watching the soft opening




I broke down and bought an interactive wand.
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