FL based guy here. I appreciate what they are doing to your show building, but really wish they would either extend the rock work or paint a mural instead of the brick look. Same for UOR version.
Regarding the AP Previews does anyone know why they want people to check in 1 hour early?
So they let regular guests into technical rehearsals at 10:30am, after 1.5 hours of an AP Preview. While I think this is great for regular guests, it's not much added value for an AP holder. Getting the "perk" of an AP Preview certainly has some value--less crowds, lower wait times--but if it's only for a 1.5 hour window, that doesn't seem to be all that great. I know I'm nit-picking here, but I think this is another indicator that Universal isn't really looking to build a large AP base. I'm not sure if I'm making sense, but I was surprised at the short duration for the AP Preview.
Mon 3/21: AP Preview 9am
Tues 3/22: AP Preview 9am
Wed 3/23: AP Preview 9am
Thurs-Mon 3/24-3/28: ??? Anything??
Tues 3/29: AP Preview 9am
Wed 3/30: AP Preview 9am
Thurs-Mon 3/31-4/4...??? Anything???
Tues 4/5 Evening Red Carpet Premiere
Weds 4/6 Media Day?
Thurs 4/7: Grand Opening!
When I spoke to Universal on the phone before trying to ask how long will previews run they wouldn't give me a solid answer. They only kept insisting that everyone would have the chance to go on both rides at least once. The length will probably vary on the crowd size and efficiency. Once they feel everyone has had a chance to experience everything they'll open the doors to park guests. Saturday probably just wrapped faster than Sunday. Maybe more guests picked Sunday as their preview day and that's why it took longer?
Also, it seems like aside from the wall painting, everything's ready? I was chatting with a TM (I love how friendly all these wizards are!) and another TM overheard us discussing Butterbeer and they asked if I had tried the warm Butterbeer yet. I was excited to hear it was finally available! Then I asked her if they had Firewhiskey yet and she said she thought so because everything should be here by now. I didn't actually go to the Hogshead to confirm. Has anyone tried the warm Butterbeer or Firewhiskey yet?
Anyway, I get the vibe that the area is supposed to be completely operational now and I'm guessing tech rehearsals should be more regular. I'm thinking only the final week will have restrictions as they prepare for the last big events to kick-off the Grand Opening. Here's the running list for now. Have we learned anything more?
I want to go to WWoHP March 28 (Monday) and/ or 29th (Tuesday). Is one day better than the other for the technical rehearsal? What are the chances of not being able to get in to WWoHP at all? I'm thinking I would need to buy CA Resident Plus Annual Pass because it sounds like people with annual passes get in early. Any advice?
I went to the preview on Sunday and asked the bartender again (first time was in February) if they had any specialty drinks like the ones they had in the Orlando location. He said no and that each location might have different drinks. I asked if they had any specialty drinks for this location and he only pointed out the specialty brews. Perhaps I should've asked if they specifically had Firewhiskey? He seemed a little annoyed when I inquired in the first place, perhaps he'd been asked plenty of times before I plan to go again on Wednesday after the AP previews and will inquire on warm butterbeer.
Wait times had been listed between 20 and 30 minutes most of the day today each time I checked, until at some point between 4 (my previously check) and 7 PM (my most recent check), it jumped to 180 minutes. What the heck, did everyone just rush there to get one more ride before park closing at 8, or is something else going on?
Sounds like they wanted to scare people off from going in to clear the park faster.
Is this typical? Is it even possible? Can they falsify wait times in order to discourage people from getting in line?