FJ went down at 2:30 and we were told that it would not open for the rest of the day. (of course the word NOT seems to be thrown around lighly at IOA these days so it could very well go back up.) I heard about the softs so I came by for a couple hourse to check it out. finally saw olivanders. it is cute but I would not wait to do it, if you have seen the youtube clip,, then you have seen it. The streets were busy. I arrived at 2:20 ish and it was 90 min FJ, 10 min FOTH, and 10 min (though really a walk on) for DC.
The hogs head was back and I saw it come to life when I was buying my frozen butter beer. It didn't seem more "dynamic" then when i saw it before so I am guessing it was another reason it was taken down. Also I don't know if this has been talked about but the "magic writing quill" in the window is no working anymore, the unit is turned backwards in the window.
The other shops were busy but not really that crowded accept for owl post/ dervish and bangs. I really dont mind, in fact I love, the size of the other stores. but here really should have been a bit bigger. every 2 min another 20 people or so are forced into the store. just the traffic of people trying to get in and out takes up the aisle space, let alone shoppers. all and all people seemed really happy and blown away by what they were seeing. I talked to a couple dads in line for olivanders and gave them tips. they had no idea what was here but they were loving it anyway! the real magic of the place. people were crowded, hot, and the main ride wasnt running and they were still treating each otehr better then people do at... that other magical place...you know... the old, dusty, antique, out of date kind of magic place...
p.s. don't know if anyone has posted this either but two of my favorite signs posted in TWWOHP are "pram parking" and "do not feed the birds, or other winged creatures"