You know how you can just go to Epcot's World Showcase and do nothing? You could just browse and sit all day and have a great time? That is how well I feel they have done this island. I would (and will) go there just to get a butterbeer and sit in Hogsmeade. I am not a big HP fan, but the area is just amazing and immersive. It is small, both in overall footprint and the shops... but it makes it feel that much more like exactly what they tried to create. You are visiting a town you have never been to before, not a recreation of a small town in a theme park. Is that really smart for business? I don't know, but it is exactly what they were going for and they did it perfectly.
Well said - That was EXACTLY my experience and impression after 3 mornings out there last week. By the 3rd morning, I rode FJ, wandered for a while, decided to try the breakfast, and then wandered with drinks until they kicked us out and just enjoyed the atmosphere.
I went into work Sunday (my PT job at the competition mentioned here - lol) and your description is exactly the same I told everyone at work - that it was just like wandering World Showcase, and even not being a Potterhead, I was facinated by the level of detail, every corner I turned I found something new that I hadnt seen before to marvel at. Just like wandering the pavillions at WS. And, I told them that I could only imagine if you were a Potterhead - theres no way you could get bored just hanging out and relaxing, and you would certainly have an even deeper appreciation for all of the immersion.
One of my favorite pasttimes wandering the parks, (especially Epcot), spending a day with family or friends and maybe never even getting on a ride, and taking friends around and showing them the "little hidden detais"... so I am just floored by the level that Universal stepped it up for this area.
On another note, just following up with comments a few pages back, lol, yes, I love the heaver Conducter, the thinner guy is ok, but I have to agree he does remind me also a bit of PeeWee Herman now that you all have put that image in my head! LMAO!!!
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I wonder if it still closed down or are things changing this week to longer hours?
hoping for a nightime preview before GO, even if there isn't I suposse showing up at the parks after 6 wont be too crowded post GO
Exactly the word Im waiting to hear....Im trying to save my next trip down to try lunch or dinner and see things lit up in the evening. (with the 7-8PM closings I dont think we will get a real nighttime view of the area until summer hours kick in - too much twilight left that early).