The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade (Orlando): Part 2

[violarum]

Thank you so much for that post, Scott, I think everyone here is really fired up now about the queue and not about things that we can't answer, lol.

But Universal, yes you, if you're reading this, I'd like to really point out some things that I'm not finding fit:

1. The show building. I know that there is limited money, but you have to really find a way to fix seeing it from the entrance to the Forbidden Journey. Now, I'm sure you're already doing that, but just saying.
2. The colors of the Dragons. Again, budget is limited, I know, but at least a rusted color overlay must be added. The colors clash with Hogsmeade.
3. The moment right as you're going up Dragons' queue. The left side... I mean, I think this could have been done in a better fashion. This isn't like your usual and amazing standards.
4. The real openness of the Forbidden Journey plaza. The space is really cool and it adds a great feeling of 'WOAH' to the castle, but a couple of intermittent trees could be added to give the place a bit of shade.
5. The released vehicles picture. I feel really embarrassed talking about this because I feel guilty about the picture arising here when it shouldn't have even come up, but I have to say this: The vehicles must be painted. And aged. They're too bright. Again, I'm sure this is already being done, maybe even this second, but I'm adding this as a 'just in case'.
6. The entrances into Hogsmeade. I don't know how much it will cost, but you have to add a sign saying The Wizarding World. Maybe you can even leave out 'of Harry Potter', but I think this is necessary for tourists. It'd really be perfect if it only appears every, like, 5-10 seconds and just out of nowhere, it appears. Like in the Tower of Terror's sign. Fiber optic cables would be amazing.

In the world of picky-ness, I think this post would be really picky. I know. But I have to at least 'bold-face' them in one definite post. And I think most people on this board agree with me on at least one of these topics.

Just for clarification, I LOVE YOU, UNIVERSAL. Don't get me wrong. At all.

 

[YETI PINTRADER]

The great thing about going to the parks often is that I have seen the entire queue show for DD without ever stopping for it. I think that the crowds will be long enough for FJ so that all the scenes can be seen one time through.

 

[Jymmymack]

If it's true that we will not be stopped for the pre-show, then that is DUMB. Why would I want to walk into the middle of H, H, and R's speech only to see them go away and come back again and then repeat what they said? Doesn't make any sense. Someone mentioned ToT. Imagine walking into library and the room is dark and the TV's are on with footage of the elevator and then the stars fill the room, lights up, AND THEN IT STARTS OVER AGAIN. WTF?

 

[Latveria]

If it's true that we will not be stopped for the pre-show, then that is DUMB. Why would I want to walk into the middle of H, H, and R's speech only to see them go away and come back again and then repeat what they said? Doesn't make any sense. Someone mentioned ToT. Imagine walking into library and the room is dark and the TV's are on with footage of the elevator and then the stars fill the room, lights up, AND THEN IT STARTS OVER AGAIN. WTF?

:figment: Yay someone read my post in this cluster....you know what of a thread!

I agree tho man, if they have us just walking through preshows its a huge mistake.

 

[ScottInNY]

See, that is why that was a poor show.... that should have been the LAST thing you saw before entering the final queue and boarding DD. Loved the queue... but I never saw that video... I just wizzed by as the queue is seldom filled past the frozen knight... why would you stop and wait in an empty queue unless there was a big sign that said, "STOP, WAIT FOR VIDEO BEFORE YOU PROCEED"? While I have a lot of beef's with disney, I like the final one room tell the story before entering the final mini queue just prior to boarding.

Example... I have ridden spidey over 100 times... yet it never hit me till today why they called the vehicle the "scoop". That is why a final control room queue works so well. They explain the story on which you are about to embark. It really needed a final preshow that forced you to listen. "OK FOLKS, I KNOW YOU ARE NEW HERE BUT THAT AIN'T MY PROBLEM!!!, THIS PAPER NEEDS THE SCOOP ON THIS SPIDERMAN STORY NOW. I AM GOING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH MY NEWS VEHICLE WHICH I CALL "THE SCOOP" IN ORDER TO GET ME THE STORY FAST... WE GO TO PRINT IN 15 MINUTES! SO GET IN THE SCOOP AND GET ME THE SCOOP!!!" OR YOU'RE FIRED!!!"

Okay, so before Spider-man was divided by General and Express Pass, how many people watched all of the queue's videos? I have and did until the queue was split. And, I can tell you, that the natural tendency for the people behind us would be to wait with us. We'd uncomfortably tell people to pass. On several occasions, we could sort of step aside into an area of the queue that isn't being used, but it was a problem.

We wanted to watch the content. People talked and wanted to rush to the ride vehicle.

How is Universal handling this, this time? (I'm asking only because I hope they are reading these very posts and have come up - or will come up with a clever new approach.

 

[Bryan]

It seems to me that there is a 3 part pre show. i dunno why people think it's a continuous flow

in fact the arguing and speculating about something that hasn't been seen just makes my head hurt. just wait for people to experience it before complaining for gosh sakes.

What I read from the website folks deffinetly gave me the impression that the office, dads, and gryffindor common room are basically part of the ride, infact the express line joins the rest in the office, so basically the queue ends in the office, and the main experience starts there.

this is why the greenhouse queue is so large. this is the holding area for the bulk of the people before the head into the castle again and start the experience

 

[ScottInNY]

I just hope they have security cams in the queue, I know other attractions don't have this feature but I hope FJ does indeed have some because, well, I don't want to see this queue end up like Ripsaw's. What I mean by that is the lowlifes that come into the park write on walls and carve out initials on the walls. Hopefully with security cams they could catch these people and put them where they belong, right back out on kirkman road.

EDIT : I remember Rockit had a similar problem with these idiots peeling paint/carving names in the wall or writing with markers on the walls...they put up metal sheets on the walls so no one could peel or write on them. However we all know this is impossible to do in a castle so all the more reason to put those cams up imo.

Another excellent point, vandalism. I am sure Universal is on to this. I hope that more than just cameras, they have many TMs (themed as guides? students? prefects?) along the path enforcing appropriate behavior. Is this possible without provoking some "idiot"? (Am I too harsh?)

 

[Jymmymack]

It seems to me that there is a 3 part pre show. i dunno why people think it's a continuous flow

in fact the arguing and speculating about something that hasn't been seen just makes my head hurt. just wait for people to experience it before complaining for gosh sakes.

What I read from the website folks deffinetly gave me the impression that the office, dads, and gryffindor common room are basically part of the ride, infact the express line joins the rest in the office, so basically the queue ends in the office, and the main experience starts there.

this is why the greenhouse queue is so large. this is the holding area for the bulk of the people before the head into the castle again and start the experience

I agree. Judging from the people who visited, it just seems like there will be pre-show divisions. But we'll never know until it opens!

 

[ScottInNY]

Thank you so much for that post, Scott, I think everyone here is really fired up now about the queue and not about things that we can't answer, lol.

But Universal, yes you, if you're reading this, I'd like to really point out some things that I'm not finding fit:

1. The show building. I know that there is limited money, but you have to really find a way to fix seeing it from the entrance to the Forbidden Journey. Now, I'm sure you're already doing that, but just saying.
2. The colors of the Dragons. Again, budget is limited, I know, but at least a rusted color overlay must be added. The colors clash with Hogsmeade.
3. The moment right as you're going up Dragons' queue. The left side... I mean, I think this could have been done in a better fashion. This isn't like your usual and amazing standards.
4. The real openness of the Forbidden Journey plaza. The space is really cool and it adds a great feeling of 'WOAH' to the castle, but a couple of intermittent trees could be added to give the place a bit of shade.
5. The released vehicles picture. I feel really embarrassed talking about this because I feel guilty about the picture arising here when it shouldn't have even come up, but I have to say this: The vehicles must be painted. And aged. They're too bright. Again, I'm sure this is already being done, maybe even this second, but I'm adding this as a 'just in case'.
6. The entrances into Hogsmeade. I don't know how much it will cost, but you have to add a sign saying The Wizarding World. Maybe you can even leave out 'of Harry Potter', but I think this is necessary for tourists. It'd really be perfect if it only appears every, like, 5-10 seconds and just out of nowhere, it appears. Like in the Tower of Terror's sign. Fiber optic cables would be amazing.

In the world of picky-ness, I think this post would be really picky. I know. But I have to at least 'bold-face' them in one definite post. And I think most people on this board agree with me on at least one of these topics.

Just for clarification, I LOVE YOU, UNIVERSAL. Don't get me wrong. At all.

Great post. You may not get your wish, or maybe just some of them, but this is a truly respectful and insightful critique.

More. People post your dreams and wishes. Be totally appreciative of Universal for creating this possibility. But, let them know how excited you are and how much you wish to participate in making The Wizarding World magnificent. Make this the ultimate poll. They are reading. Trust me. They will hear us. AND, they will make decisions based on many factors, most of which we won't necessarily know, but they are doing their best and they want to know what we want.

--- Update ---

If it's true that we will not be stopped for the pre-show, then that is DUMB. Why would I want to walk into the middle of H, H, and R's speech only to see them go away and come back again and then repeat what they said? Doesn't make any sense. Someone mentioned ToT. Imagine walking into library and the room is dark and the TV's are on with footage of the elevator and then the stars fill the room, lights up, AND THEN IT STARTS OVER AGAIN. WTF?

What if it's not like that. What if they come back and say something different and no matter where you enter, you'll get the important information necessary to propel the story?

 

[crazyidea]

I think that when FJ opens the line will be so long you won't have a choice but to wait, so it might build a reputation like the stretching room on Haunted Mansion (even though you have to stop). People might here about it and it will just become one of those things you do when you ride it. Even if i had the option of skipping the stretching room i wouldn't. And the video on DD was in a room connected to the extended queue which i feel was a big mistake because most people did not even no it existed due to its placement. I wouldn't even have noticed i was skipping it if it hadn't suddenly become loud when i was walking into the main queue.

Also some people really do not care about the story as a matter of fact they couldn't care less (i feel they are missing out but whatever) and they just want to ride the "best dark ride ever" and don't really get that everything is connected, so they get off and go " oh there was a bunch o' big talking spiders wtf?" or "those black ghost things were scary" or "that flying football stuff was neat"

 

[ScottInNY]

It seems to me that there is a 3 part pre show. i dunno why people think it's a continuous flow

in fact the arguing and speculating about something that hasn't been seen just makes my head hurt. just wait for people to experience it before complaining for gosh sakes.

What I read from the website folks deffinetly gave me the impression that the office, dads, and gryffindor common room are basically part of the ride, infact the express line joins the rest in the office, so basically the queue ends in the office, and the main experience starts there.

this is why the greenhouse queue is so large. this is the holding area for the bulk of the people before the head into the castle again and start the experience

People have seen and experienced the queue. Perhaps not with a huge crowd, and so they'd haven't seen the line dynamics, but that it is continuous is known. (At least at the moment, Universal might be able to change it. Maybe not. Don't know.)

I'm not complaining - anymore. I'm really curious as to what Universal is doing. I think this could work nicely. I think it's going to be about how wide the paths are and how the tone is set. This might be truly amazing and work brilliantly. I'm hoping so.

 

[Teebin]

So ScottInNY, are you saying that it has been absolutely confirmed to you that there will be row queues in both DD's Office and in the Dark Arts room? Or did it not get down to this detail with your contact?

 

[Jymmymack]

--- Update ---

[/COLOR]

What if it's not like that. What if they come back and say something different and no matter where you enter, you'll get the important information necessary to propel the story?

From what I've read of the descriptions, the HH&R scene in the DADA has specific timing and special effects. ****SPOILERS******



I would hate to walk in see HH&R talking then disappear under the invisibility cloak, have the door shut, then have the door open and have them reappear from under cloak.

 

[Bryan]

From what I've read of the descriptions, the HH&R scene in the DADA has specific timing and special effects. ****SPOILERS******



I would hate to walk in see HH&R talking then disappear under the invisibility cloak, have the door shut, then have the door open and have them reappear from under cloak.

of course there's timings and a story, it's a show room

god i gotta find something else to put my mind on now cause this thread is making me crazy gaaaaaaaaaaaa

 

[ScottInNY]

So ScottInNY, are you saying that it has been absolutely confirmed to you that there will be row queues in both DD's Office and in the Dark Arts room? Or did it not get down to this detail with your contact?

No detail. Here's what I know and not just from my friend...

The queue is continuous.

Everything else is speculation. I do not know how many or if there are any parallel railings. I do not know if the railings open up to the room, or remain "single/double" file and people just keep walking.

 

[Jymmymack]

of course there's timings and a story, it's a show room

god i gotta find something else to put my mind on now cause this thread is making me crazy gaaaaaaaaaaaa

Dude, I know what a show room is. I was trying to make a point. Scott said that maybe it didn't matter when we entered the room, and I was saying that based on what we heard, it absolutely mattered.

 

[ScottInNY]

From what I've read of the descriptions, the HH&R scene in the DADA has specific timing and special effects. ****SPOILERS******



I would hate to walk in see HH&R talking then disappear under the invisibility cloak, have the door shut, then have the door open and have them reappear from under cloak.

I've thought about this a lot and this was the reason for my initial objection. However, why? Why can't they appear and disappear and the dialogue be clever enough to cover both their comings and goings AND what ever part of the story they're telling. If the loop is long enough, and they return a few times before it repeats, why doesn't this work? I think it can.

Really think about it. If they get the line to move through the castle in such a way that it respects each group's personal viewing style and it's understood and easy to pass, why won't this work? I think it can. I think it might even be amazing and totally cool.

The trick is getting people to be quiet and take it seriously. Even those who are moving through more quickly.

 

[Teebin]

No detail. Here's what I know and not just from my friend...

The queue is continuous.

Everything else is speculation. I do not know how many or if there are any parallel railings. I do not know if the railings open up to the room, or remain "single/double" file and people just keep walking.

Good... glad that you do not know precisely. Let us hope these are cutoffs and preshow rooms. It will be such a pump to people to be held for a short time... much like a student gets held in a class or before the principal. This would be brilliant.

 

[Jymmymack]

I've thought about this a lot and this was the reason for my initial objection. However, why? Why can't they appear and disappear and the dialogue be clever enough to cover both their comings and goings AND what ever part of the story they're telling. If the loop is long enough, and they return a few times before it repeats, why doesn't this work. I think it can.

Really think about it. If they get the line to move through the castle in such a way that it respects each group's personal viewing style and it's understood and easy to pass, why won't this work? I think it can. I think it might even be amazing and totally cool.

The trick is getting people to be quiet and take it seriously. Even those who are moving through more quickly.

I would agree, but the reason they can't appear and disappear is because there were specific elements to how the "show" worked. According to what we read


****SPOILERS*******



A door opens in the DADA room. There is nothing behind it. Suddenly, the cloak is thrown off, and it's our heroes. They argue about whether we should listen to a lecture or go to the Quidditch match. In the middle of the argument, Ron makes it snow in the DADA room. They decide we should go to Quidditch, tell us to meet them in the RoR, then disappear under the cloak and the door shuts.

That just seems like a pretty specific order of events that would look odd if you saw repeated.

 

[zbob1992]

I think the continuous queue may be a major problem with this project but we'll see. I'm most worried about crowding in Hogsmeade shops.