Wizarding World - Diagon Alley Discussion - Part 3

[Parkscope Joe]

Although this isn't really the thread for it, there are at least a few Diagon references, so I am placing here instead of creating a new thread. ITEC Corp has a super compelling video of their vast client list and works and it is relatively new. It is large and part of the homepage so just be patient, and turn up the volume. If you like world parks and theming, you'll love this.

http://www.itec.com/

*edit*

Never mind it's Mummy at Singapore.

 

[MrRoamer]

I was really disappointed that there were no Ciders to be found in Diagon Alley. Those are some of my favorite drinks in IOA. Although I will say that the vanilla lemonade was a nice substitution. Next time you guys go try the lemonade you'll be happy you did

They have strongbow at all of the bar areas in diagon

 

[P@n!K_Sw1tC#]

I understand that, but I can find Strongbow at Publix, World of Beer, Cricketer's etc etc.

 

[mainejeff]

I was really disappointed that there were no Ciders to be found in Diagon Alley. Those are some of my favorite drinks in IOA. Although I will say that the vanilla lemonade was a nice substitution. Next time you guys go try the lemonade you'll be happy you did

Agreed on the ciders (love the Pear Cider!)........tried Fishy Green Ale. It was fun (kids will love it) but I probably won't get it again. The vanilla lemonade sounds tasty. Loved all of the stores except Weasleys......which was smaller than I thought it would be with mostly disappointing merchandise.

 

[Hockeyman55]

Yeah, something's still off on the writing. Three Brothers did so well because they pretty much took the writing and pacing from the movie. Interesting they also removed a prop that was shown in the Making of Special:

*edit*

I think a major issue is the choice to include dialogue in addition to narration. Because of that choice, and way more characters to set up, it's harder to follow.

Am I the only one who is bothered by those meter box lids smack dab in the middle of the stage? Is the stage supposed to be a street or sidewalk thematically? If so they would sort of fit in but if not then they are such an eye sore to me.

 

[Teebin]

Am I the only one who is bothered by those meter box lids smack dab in the middle of the stage? Is the stage supposed to be a street or sidewalk thematically? If so they would sort of fit in but if not then they are such an eye sore to me.

I have assumed they are there because some sort electrical effect was planned for that area, or they are keeping their options open for future shows and effects.

 

[s8film40]

I just heard some interesting news. Diagon Alley will be open during HHN. It will not be part of HHN though. Once USH closes for the official day, guests will only be able to enter via HE. Guests can either exit through HE or exit into HHN so long as they have a HHN ticket. The HE ticket upgrade windows will be available to upgrade to HHN. My understanding is this is being done as a test so is probably subject to change.

 

[awhen]

I just heard some interesting news. Diagon Alley will be open during HHN. It will not be part of HHN though. Once USH closes for the official day, guests will only be able to enter via HE. Guests can either exit through HE or exit into HHN so long as they have a HHN ticket. The HE ticket upgrade windows will be available to upgrade to HHN. My understanding is this is being done as a test so is probably subject to change.

Not sure I understand "enter via HE." Does that mean you have to travel from Hogsmeade to enter Diagon Alley, or somehow use the HE entrance in London?

 

[s8film40]

Yes you have to ride the train from Hogsmeade to enter DA. You will not be able to enter from HHN.

 

[SeventyOne]

Yes you have to ride the train from Hogsmeade to enter DA. You will not be able to enter from HHN.

Thanks for the tip. Hope they sell a lot of tickets (or at least a lot of beer) to justify continuing this--assume Stay & Scream location.

 

[shiekra38]

Yes you have to ride the train from Hogsmeade to enter DA. You will not be able to enter from HHN.

Makes sense seeing as they have the two separate walkways..and from the other end it makes sense oporationally

 

[momto3girls]

Hope this works out. Our family will be there 10/9-12, so every night USH will be closing at 5. Was sad to miss the chance to see Diagon at night so this would work perfectly for us.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

RE: HE Diagon during HHN. This is what I was hinting at.

RE: Teebs, check this better version of the fountain of fair fortune out...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4YB-mQHErc

 

[Mad Dog]

I've been told that the Fountain of Fair Fortune show will be making it's debut today in Diagon Alley!

We finally caught the show at the end of our vacation. Acting & dialogue were excellent. We enjoyed the show very much.

 

[OrlandoSeparated]

I just heard some interesting news. Diagon Alley will be open during HHN. It will not be part of HHN though. Once USH closes for the official day, guests will only be able to enter via HE. Guests can either exit through HE or exit into HHN so long as they have a HHN ticket. The HE ticket upgrade windows will be available to upgrade to HHN. My understanding is this is being done as a test so is probably subject to change.

So if I understand this correctly, people who hold a park to park ticket but do not hold a HHN ticket can ride the Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade to London even after Universal Studios is closed to the regular park visitors and they can enjoy then the experience of Diagon Alley.

1. Are all the experiences of Diagon Alley available? Escape from Gringotts? Shops? Outdoor shows?
2. What hours does this experience follow? The hours of IOA or the hours of HHN?

 

[neoshinok]

So if I understand this correctly, people who hold a park to park ticket but do not hold a HHN ticket can ride the Hogwarts Express from Hogsmeade to London even after Universal Studios is closed to the regular park visitors and they can enjoy then the experience of Diagon Alley.

1. Are all the experiences of Diagon Alley available? Escape from Gringotts? Shops? Outdoor shows?
2. What hours does this experience follow? The hours of IOA or the hours of HHN?

I asked Gringott's staff yesterday afternoon, they said Gringott's is open during IOA hours. They sweep everyone back to IOA or into HHN (if you have a ticket) by IOA's closing time. Not sure about the shows and shops, but I would expect the shops to be open $$$.

Has anyone heard about crowds and wait times? I'm tempted to spend a HHN evening at IOA/Diagon if it's dead empty.

 

[Eckert]

Has anyone heard about crowds and wait times? I'm tempted to spend a HHN evening at IOA/Diagon if it's dead empty.

It's absolutely empty. You could have a whole train for just you in the last hour of the day.

 

[Teebin]

Is it interesting that we haven't seen any major ad campaigns for UOR on tv recently? Does this mean that business is just fine or that it just isn't the season for such advertising? Perhaps it is late winter and early spring that big advertising appears.

 

[shiekra38]

Is it interesting that we haven't seen any major ad campaigns for UOR on tv recently? Does this mean that business is just fine or that it just isn't the season for such advertising? Perhaps it is late winter and early spring that big advertising appears.

Well the HHN adds are running quite a bit right now...and then Christmas..then probably generic UO adds will return

 

[Mad Dog]

Is it interesting that we haven't seen any major ad campaigns for UOR on tv recently? Does this mean that business is just fine or that it just isn't the season for such advertising? Perhaps it is late winter and early spring that big advertising appears.

One thing I noticed during my vacation is that it appears that Diagon Alley is helping to retain crowds later in the day at the Studios. On our past vacations, and we generally go during the off seasons, there were usually only a smattering of people in the park for the nighttime lagoon show. It was pretty easy to get a spot on the railing up to the start of the show. But this fall there were still a ton of people in the park. Most of the railing areas were 5 to 10 deep in people and the London area was completely full. And there were always a lot of people in Diagon. So that has to be an indicator of sorts. The Studios just seems to have a really huge capacity now and the park seems so much larger with Diagon. Just my perception though. I don't think historic ride times are a good indicator now since capacity has increased by so much, all at one time.