The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade (Orlando): Part 2 | Page 481 | Inside Universal Forums
Inside Universal Forums
Inside Universal Forums
  • Home
  • Forums
    New posts Search forums Account Upgrades
  • News
    Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Orlando Universal Studios Japan Universal Studios Singapore Universal Studios Beijing
  • Merchandise
Log in Register
What's new Search

Search

By:
  • New posts
  • Search forums
  • Account Upgrades
Menu
Log in

Register

Install the app
  • Signing up for a Premium Membership is a donation to help Inside Universal maintain costs and offers an ad-free experience on the forum. Learn more about it here.
  • Forums
  • Universal Parks & Resorts
  • Universal Orlando Resort
  • Islands of Adventure
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.

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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Drew
  • Start date Start date Mar 25, 2010
Prev
  • 1
  • …

    Go to page

  • 479
  • 480
  • 481
  • 482
  • 483
  • …

    Go to page

  • 1002
Next
First Prev 481 of 1002

Go to page

Next Last
Jolber

Jolber

Rookie
Joined
Apr 2, 2010
Messages
26
Location
London
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,601
Does anyone know if any other items from the Noble Collection (other than the wands) are for sale at any of the retail outlets? Just been browsing their website and their website, and there is a TON of stuff that's just asking to be new found enemies with my wallet!
 
W

WTRiker

Shark Bait
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
119
Location
Orlando Area
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,602
DisFreakBrent said:
Like I said it will be packed tomorrow because people will think hey they did it today so why wouldn't they do it tomorrow. So people will be there its just is Uni going to let the mob in or wait for a slower day when people are not "expecting" it.
Click to expand...

I can see your point, but based on todays crowd, and it being the middle of the week, and the fact that not everyone has the flexibility to drop everything from their jobs and go, I would err more on the side of the three or 4 TMs I talked to today who, while they all stipulated the decision to open is on a day to day basis, they ALL also said that if you come in the morning at all this week you have a good chance of getting in.

That is SOOOO different from what the TM's have been reported as saying up until now.

Also, lets face it, while theres a lot of folks with APs eager to get in, the amount of folks who have APs, and can drop everything to chance an entry any day this week is small compared to the actual number of AP holders.
And while there is also these boards and a lot of word-of-mouth, the numbers while possibly larger tomorrow or Thursday are small in comparison.

I saw the crowds that @kcardin09 posted in his twitterpic around 820 at the gate, I got to the gate at about 905 and literally walked right in. Uni had set up quite a number of the portable carts and there was no wait at all when I entered. They were ready, and thats after hearing that Memorial Day was not as bad as it has been in some previous years.

I have to believe they could handle a few hundred or so more folks than today with no problem - they need to be able to, cause they are going to have a few THOUSAND more as the weeks go on.

Plus, 3 broomsticks still needs to come up to speed on lunch and dinner and that has to be tested and coortinated long before grand opening....in a lot of respects they are running out of time. FJ has finally cycled for a couple of days without issues and with guests, the crowds this week wont be too heavy, its the perfect time to continue pushing things a little harder. Next week is rougher, and the following week is real close to do-or-die time.

I dont have any inside info, I get most of my 'gossip' right here.
I do have quite a bit of history and experience both working and managing openings like this though: single attractions, areas, and whole parks. So to me, looking at the circumstances and the calendar, It just makes sense. The cork is off the bottle, Im sure they discussed things thouroghly at the afternoon meetings, and in my opinion as a guest, things really were smooth today.
20 min waits max for FJ, 5 minute all morning for Hipogriff, and walk-on for DC. 20 folks if that eating in 3 broomsticks.
Not a bad test environment at all for a first soft, actually almost too light.

The word I keep hearing is right now, is that ALL decisions on softs hang on the status of FJ that particular morning. Makes sense because if there is a problem, they need to try and get those package holders through first - they paid premium so they do owe them that.

Personally,from my experience today, I would be willing to take my chances again tomorrow: of course keeping in mind there is no such thing as a guarantee - Just my $0.02
 
C

crazyidea

Shark Bait
Joined
Feb 15, 2010
Messages
429
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,603
rhino4evr said:
I've been saying from the begining that the "media event" will be before the actual grand opening. The fact the park closes early
is a pretty big hint. They know people are going to be coming on June 18th to visit
the new park, not to sit on the outside of the gate and peer in.

Considering the amount of info Brent and Teebim claim to have, they certainly haven't been right about a lot of things...if correct neither of them have even ridden the ride yet...for people that claim to be in the know, they don't seem to have any special privliges ao far.
Click to expand...

Maybe you should re-read this thread. I don't think DFB has ever claimed insider info and Teebin has been correct on a few things that are important...why do people always want to start confrontations on here?
 
I

Irish08

Rookie
Joined
May 18, 2010
Messages
73
Location
Michigan
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,604
Regarding the morning previews and GP this week... when I was in Hogsmeade today, I walked by right as one of the "official" looking people said to another, "We are doing 4 days of these previews before we soft." By official, I mean the MANY people walking around in business attire taking notes, asking people for opinions, helping out, etc. Not one of the regular TMs. I know he makes it seem like they are going to have it officially "soft" all day on Saturday, on a weekend, but I'm just telling you what I heard. In any case, that bodes well for the same thing that happened this morning, happening tomorrow, etc.
 
W

WTRiker

Shark Bait
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
119
Location
Orlando Area
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,605
DisFreakBrent said:
No it was another assumption that there would not be one it was never confirmed. But the preview could be anytime from now till the end of the world so it could end up being less of a preview & more of just exclusive time in the area depending on how long they wait to have one.
Click to expand...

Im more inclined to lean towards a "passholder weekend" sometime after the area officially opens, where we have an exclusive time probably in the evening.(Like Disney does EMH?)

Again, makes more sense, and takes some of the pressure off having to come up to full speed for another 2-3 hour 'exclusive' this late in the game and this close to opening date.

But, agian, I honestly get most of my "insider info" right from here, so Im just speculating too.
 
Teebin

Teebin

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2009
Messages
20,673
Location
East Central Florida
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,606
Felipe said:
About the Grand Opening, I asked Alan Gilmore about this and what really happens June 18th. Will there be a media event? Will the stars of HP show up? He said that June 18th is the day the gates officially swing open for the general public, any events with stars and VIPs will probably happen before June 18th, but he said he doesn't know when, that they don't tell him this sort of information. I would expect those days where the park closes at 6PM to have events with stars, industry VIPs and probably media. Then beginning June 18th the park operates regularly all day for the general public.
Click to expand...

Well, if they are doing it differently than Disney does a grand opening, that is a wild surprise. Makes me wonder. But I am skeptical that they will do it differently than Disney in this case. But AG has talked funny lately... as if locked in a media relations buzz sales pitch, "it isn't a ride, it is an experience". Not a few of us rolled our eyes at that statement. While I am sure he is a very nice guy... I am not sure he was being completely up front with you Felipe. Good news is: Time Will Tell!

That said, my ideas of what the grand opening will be are only speculation and not insider info at all. They are based on what I would think would be common sense on Universal's part. However, Universal has had a few moments of no common sense in recent years. So, we shall see.
 
Last edited: Jun 1, 2010
honeybee8200

honeybee8200

Shark Bait
Joined
Jan 20, 2010
Messages
399
Age
43
Location
North Carolina
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,607
In the very near future, all will tell.

--- Update ---

Jolber said:
Does anyone know if any other items from the Noble Collection (other than the wands) are for sale at any of the retail outlets? Just been browsing their website and their website, and there is a TON of stuff that's just asking to be new found enemies with my wallet!
Click to expand...

The brooms are there, Moody's staff, the Wizard Chess set. Those are ones that have been mentioned that I know are sold by Nobel Collection. :) Of course, all of those will make any wallet cry. :lol:
 
Shellemonster

Shellemonster

Shark Bait
Joined
Dec 2, 2009
Messages
305
Location
Greenville, SC
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,608
What's up guys! Just got back from the parks and caught up on the thread. I went to the parks today on the rumor that I would get in and boy did I ever! I was in from 9am till almost 12pm before I left of my own accord. Everything except the shops were closed by that point, but security and the TMs were incredibly polite to me and the others remaining and at no point did they have to force anyone out that I saw.

I'm going to shower up before getting started, but I promise a full review of my experience for this thread, and a spoilerific extravaganza for the spoilers thread! In short, I loved the island to a much greater extent than I expected even though I was let down by a few things in the ride. Even so, I think the Forbidden Journey is the best experience I've ever seen or experienced.
 
C

crazyidea

Shark Bait
Joined
Feb 15, 2010
Messages
429
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,609
I just missed out on the opportunity to go next week UGH. I changed my mind at the last second because it seemed softs were likely but the plane ticket is now almost 1000$ round trip :/ Oh well going in July should be fine, just WAY more crowded.
 
Felipe

Felipe

Dragon Trainer
V.I.P. Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2009
Messages
6,534
Location
The Forbidden Forest
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,610
Teebin said:
Well, if they are doing it differently than Disney does a grand opening, that is a wild surprise. Makes me wonder. But I am skeptical that they will do it differently than Disney in this case. But AG has talked funny lately... as if locked in a media relations buzz sales pitch, "it isn't a ride, it is an experience". Not a few of us rolled our eyes at that statement. While I am sure he is a very nice guy... I am not sure he was being completely up front with you Felipe. Good news is: Time Will Tell!

That said, my ideas of what the grand opening will be are only speculation and not insider info at all. They are based on what I would think would be common sense on Universal's part. However, Universal has had a few moments of no common sense in recent years. So, we shall see.
Click to expand...

Well, I believe him in part, but also telling me he doesn't know when it will happen... I think that is a lie he has to tell. He obviously knows when any events take place because he's obviously invited to them. I didn't try to drill him for information. I was kind of stunned I was getting to talk to Alan Gilmore! And that he had come up to me and we were talking again! The entire day was surreal from beginning to end and I was just so overwhelmed with everything... I really must go for a second time to really absorb everything. I felt like I was being pulled in all directions, I was so anxious, and excited, and disoriented, and I was sleep deprived to make things even more interesting!
 
DisFreakBrent

DisFreakBrent

Minion
Joined
Oct 2, 2009
Messages
629
Location
FL
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,611
Felipe Alan was being completely up front & honest with you so yes Uni is doing the opposite of what is usually done. It really doesn't matter who wants to believe me at this point because i really don't care lol Oh & BTW Felipe the reason he didn't say he knows when things are is even though he may be invited he really doesn't care about them per say.
 
Last edited: Jun 1, 2010
T

tribbleorlfl

Shark Bait
Joined
Mar 16, 2010
Messages
273
Location
Winter Park
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,612
rinacee said:
I am definitely getting a Pygmy Puff :) How adorable!
If anyone gets the chance (if they get in, that is) can you check and see how much the jersey-style t-shirts are? Also, do they only sell Gryffindor? As much as I love certain Gryffindors and the House colors, I feel more affinity towards Ravenclaw. Here's a pic of the shirt, thanks to Felipe :)
P5280172.jpg
Click to expand...

Does anyone have a theory as to why the "Potter" merchandise has "07" on it? Usually when merchandise has a number, it corresponds to the date somethign came out (ie, IOA 99) or a date significant to the merchandise. I'm assumign "07" refers to 7 books, but wouldn't 98 be a better fit (since he was c/o 98 in the books?).
 
Bryan

Bryan

Minion
Joined
Mar 18, 2010
Messages
950
Location
Orlando
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,613
http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/7

it's a magical number
 
Felipe

Felipe

Dragon Trainer
V.I.P. Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2009
Messages
6,534
Location
The Forbidden Forest
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,614
tribbleorlfl said:
Does anyone have a theory as to why the "Potter" merchandise has "07" on it? Usually when merchandise has a number, it corresponds to the date somethign came out (ie, IOA 99) or a date significant to the merchandise. I'm assumign "07" refers to 7 books, but wouldn't 98 be a better fit (since he was c/o 98 in the books?).
Click to expand...

7 is a very special number in HP. It's the magical number! Google it and you'll find loads of stuff about how it's relevant to the series in so many ways ;)

EDIT: Bryan beat me to it! :P
 
mebweb

mebweb

Shark Bait
V.I.P. Member
Joined
Mar 9, 2010
Messages
212
Location
Seffner, FL
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,615
Irish08 said:
Regarding the morning previews and GP this week... when I was in Hogsmeade today, I walked by right as one of the "official" looking people said to another, "We are doing 4 days of these previews before we soft." By official, I mean the MANY people walking around in business attire taking notes, asking people for opinions, helping out, etc. Not one of the regular TMs. I know he makes it seem like they are going to have it officially "soft" all day on Saturday, on a weekend, but I'm just telling you what I heard. In any case, that bodes well for the same thing that happened this morning, happening tomorrow, etc.
Click to expand...

I'll take any tidbits that I can get. I'm planning to be there at 7 am Thursday morning.
 
daniellelorean

daniellelorean

Shark Bait
Joined
May 27, 2010
Messages
123
Location
Orlando, FL
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,616
tribbleorlfl said:
Does anyone have a theory as to why the "Potter" merchandise has "07" on it? Usually when merchandise has a number, it corresponds to the date somethign came out (ie, IOA 99) or a date significant to the merchandise. I'm assumign "07" refers to 7 books, but wouldn't 98 be a better fit (since he was c/o 98 in the books?).
Click to expand...

I actually bought that Gryffindor Potter shirt. It's 07 because that's Harry Quidditch payer number. And I payed $27.74 with a 10% discount from my AP. I didn't see any other House jersey shirts.
 
rinacee

rinacee

Minion
V.I.P. Member
Joined
May 30, 2010
Messages
671
Location
Florida
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,617
daniellelorean said:
I actually bought that Gryffindor Potter shirt. It's 07 because that's Harry Quidditch payer number. And I payed $27.74 with a 10% discount from my AP. I didn't see any other House jersey shirts.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I was wondering if there was a Ravenclaw one. It's cheaper than I thought. I expected $40. I'll probably buy it even though they don't have Ravenclaw. Have you worn it yet? I'm curious how it fits compared to standard t-shirts.
 
C

crazyidea

Shark Bait
Joined
Feb 15, 2010
Messages
429
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,618
This merch seems expensive...but that makes me want it even more. Looking forward to spending some $$$
 
rinacee

rinacee

Minion
V.I.P. Member
Joined
May 30, 2010
Messages
671
Location
Florida
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,619
I expected it to be expensive...it's a theme park AND Harry Potter. Deadly combination for a wallet. But a lot of the stuff looks great. So far my list looks like this:
Butterbeer w/ mug
Pygmy Puff
Gryffindor Jersey
Sugar Quill
Bottle of Pumpkin Juice
Quibbler

And I'm sure I'll find a ton more once I go.
 
S

soyouthinkyouknow

Shark Bait
Joined
Mar 27, 2010
Messages
285
Location
in a theater near yo
  • Jun 1, 2010
  • #9,620
DisFreakBrent said:
Felipe Alan was being completely up front & honest with you so yes Uni is doing the opposite of what is usually done. It really doesn't matter who wants to believe me at this point because i really don't care lol Oh & BTW Felipe the reason he didn't say he knows when things are is even though he may be invited he really doesn't care about them per say.
Click to expand...

Actually, if anyone cares about everything WWoHP, it's Alan Gilmore. Alan cares more than any #1 fan out there. For you to say that he doesn't care is completely misrepresenting him and I kindly ask you take back that statement out of respect for him. If Alan says he doesn't know, he doesn't know.
 
Prev
  • 1
  • …

    Go to page

  • 479
  • 480
  • 481
  • 482
  • 483
  • …

    Go to page

  • 1002
Next
First Prev 481 of 1002

Go to page

Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.
Share:
Facebook X Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link

Book with our Travel Partners

MEI Travel

Latest posts

  • Jerroddragon
    Hi from Germany :)
    • Latest: Jerroddragon
    • 1 minute ago
    Welcome
  • RFRees
    Universal's Epic Universe Construction Thread
    • Latest: RFRees
    • 10 minutes ago
    Universal Epic Universe
  • Blysthon
    The Icons and Lore Thread
    • Latest: Blysthon
    • 24 minutes ago
    General Horror Nights Discussion
  • Scott W.
    Epic Universe Expansion Speculation
    • Latest: Scott W.
    • 24 minutes ago
    Universal Epic Universe
  • Disneyhead
    Universal's Epic Universe General News & Discussion
    • Latest: Disneyhead
    • Today at 11:38 AM
    Universal Epic Universe

Share this page

Facebook X Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link
  • Forums
  • Universal Parks & Resorts
  • Universal Orlando Resort
  • Islands of Adventure
  • Style variation
    System Light Dark
  • Contact us
  • Terms and rules
  • Privacy policy
  • Help
  • Home
  • RSS
Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2025 XenForo Ltd.
  • This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn more…
Back
Top