I do feel bad for people who purchased HP travel packages in February with the assumption that the entire island would be open, including the hyped featured attraction, that is not yet ready for the package customers. There will be plenty of dissapointed people who spent a great deal more than the cost of an annual pass, but won't be getting what they thought they were purchasing. The average Orlando vaction for an out-of-state middle class family costs around three to four grand. Few of those people will have the time or finances to return later this year once the full land is fully functional.
So while Universal's legal jargon covers thier own liabilities, the packages in February were promoting a full land with 3 themed rides and other immersive attractions to to be open this spring. Which again, Universal is deceptively avoiding liability with a later announced Grand Opening 3 days before the summer solstice. I doubt Universal intended to falsely advertise the previews, and fully intended for things to be completely ready by Memorial Day weekend, but that didn't keep them from having a good team of lawyers retained to work with the marketing department, just in case things didn't go as planned. If you are still angry that these preview package people get to walk through Hogsmeade before you, ask yourself if it's really that important that you have the experience before anyone else, why didn't you just buy a package yourself? Living in Florida is not an excuse for special treatment. There were no restrictions preventing local residents from being package customers as well. Just be glad that you weren't hoodwinked into a lesser package than what the preview guests paid out the nose for.
Guests are getting what they purchased. On Feb 18 at 10am, Universal started selling packages for arrival on May 28. This is part of the press release and was on their website booking engine.
To best enjoy all Universal Orlando offers, guests may consider the four-night package featured below. Guests can add additional nights and also upgrade their theme park tickets to include park-to-park access, allowing them to go to both Universal theme parks each day. Additional packages are available with prices starting at $285 per-adult ($829 for a family of four) for four nights at a hotel near Universal. All packages and prices are available at UniversalOrlando.com. All travel begins May 28.*
“There has been worldwide anticipation for this one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, and we are thrilled to be offering families a way to experience the magic and excitement of Harry Potter’s world,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president of marketing and sales for Universal Orlando Resort.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package – Four Nights
On-site package starts at $645 per-adult ($1,548 for a family of four)
On-Site Package Benefits
• Four-night accommodations at one of Universal’s three on-site AAA Four Diamond hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Three days admission to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks (park-to-park not included)
• Complimentary Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at select theme park rides and attractions (a $70 value per person, per day)
• Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks
• Commemorative ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Good for travel beginning May 28, 2010
(more)
THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER VACATION PACKAGE – 2
Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience complete with multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant.
* Editors Note: The May 28 travel date was set to help consumers with vacation planning and does not represent the opening date for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal has announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in Spring 2010. Specific opening information will come as soon as it is available.
This package was also available at their partner hotels for a lesser price.
They give access to the Wizarding World and Breakfast, no commitment to the attractions. No one was hoodwinked or deceived.
On March 25th they announced the opening date of the entire attraction as June 18. If anyone needs, I can post that press release as well.
If anyone booked a packaged in February for arrival in May and expecting to ride FJ, they have set themselves up for disappointment. Universal was very specific that May 28 was not the opening date in their media. It was assumption and internet rumors that may have made them believe it would be open at that time. They are getting what they paid for. Even without the FJ attraction, the area is beyond belief. You could spend hours just walking around Hogsmeade and taking in another world.
Universal has done a wonderful job with this addition and I really feel all will enjoy it in their own way. It is a great time to be in Orlando.
Not trying to be confrontational, just stating facts.