If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.
You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida will officially open its doors to the public on June 18th.
Earlier today SnitchSeeker took part in a guided tour around the inside of Hogwarts castle, where exciting new information about Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was revealed. Note: the following contains intricate details about the ride, plus new photos and is therefore in a spoiler tag in case some readers would rather wait and see for themselves;
SPOILER!!: ”Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”
To cater to fans everywhere, who will be dying to get on this ride, Universal have re-thought the entire queuing system, to make it totally immersive and seamless with the narrative of the ride.
- The entrance is heralded by statues of winged boars on pillars. The pathway then leads to dimly lit dungeons, which are lined with items from the books/movies, such as the Mirror of Erised and the one-eyed witch statue.
- The line then goes outside to the Greenhouses, which are covered in vines and have potted mandrakes on display.
- Back inside there are more props including a statue of the Hogwarts architect (featured in the entrance hall in the films/video games), the House Points counter, a statue of the first headmaster of Hogwarts and the massive Griffin which guards the entrance to Dumbledore’s Office.
- Next is a corridor lined with tapestries and portraits, featuring a professor and some Quidditch spectators. The portraits also include the four founders; Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin, who were specially cast for the theme park. Some of the portraits, including these, come to life, with the founders bickering about house rivalry. For example; “Hagrid’s lost a dragon again.” (Helga) “Another breach of the Warlock’s Convention of 709.” (Salazar)
[Helga bottom centre, Godric far right]
- This leads into Albus Dumbledore’s Office, where the Headmaster himself greets visitors, warning of elves, giants and dragons. He also cautions, in regards to the decision of whether to get on the ride or not (as you can walk through Hogwarts, up to a point, without getting on), “You must choose between what is right and what is easy.” The technology used to bring characters such as Dumbledore to life, creates an authentic experience and truly makes you feel as if the character is there, talking to you.
- Harry, Ron and Hermione greet you in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, warning you to skip the lesson which Professor Binns is about to teach, as it will no doubt be a lecture on the history of magic. (“We’ve got to help those who’re scared of Binns’ lecture!” – Hermione). Hermione does, however, recommend that you read Hogwarts, A History, as it’s a fascinating read. Ron and Hermione bicker and Ron lifts his wand, accidentally causing snow to fall in the room. They leave under the invisibility cloak but not before Hermione casts a spell, telling you to meet them on the Quidditch Pitch.
- The Fat Lady, played by Dawn French, sits in her portrait in a corridor, bemoaning, “Am I supposed to let you all in without a password.”
- A notice board with a copy of the Daily Prophet displays moving footage of Harry playing Quidditch from past films.
- This leads into the main Gryffindor Common Room area, with more portraits and tapestries. The portraits give instructional details about the ride, talking at length about the enchanted benches, on which you ride, and give precautionary messages about health reasons for not continuing.
- Finally the Sorting Hat gives another message prior to entry into the Room of Requirement, where the journey begins…
During the ride many experiences from the Harry Potter world are brought to life including; the Whomping Willow, a Quidditch match (which Harry, Ron and Draco play in), Dementors and the Forbidden Forest.
There will also be a slightly shortened Express Entrance, which takes a route through an extra portrait room, lined with stairs (this is also the way out if you decide not to ride). This entry method avoids the dungeon and the greenhouses.
The ride itself encompasses the “most spectacular new innovative robotic technology” enthused Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. It allows for a 360 degree groundbreaking experience. Speaking of the reveal of the release date, Mark said, “This is a great moment to share powerful stories.”
It features a mixture of physical and visual effects, merging new ideas and technologies, to create a filmic experience which amounts to Universal’s biggest use of special effects in an attraction, ever. There’s water, fire, wind and more, to make it totally immersive, going above and beyond anything they’ve ever done before.
A shop will be at the exit where photographs from the ride can be purchased.
Woodbury added, ominously, “You’ll have difficulty distinguishing reality, whether the ride actually takes you beyond the castle, or not. It will create family memories that will last forever.”
Well, I got the special HP package. It's advertised as starting at $285 for adults and $130 for kids. Be sure you understand that is ONLY for a minimum of 2 adults and then the extras. They don't actually say that in the advertisement. However, you get to go into the HP area before the opening and regular guests can not. You get some really cool stuff, too. Let me know privately if anyone wants more info about this package we got. Thanks and hope to see some of you there!
Cristal
wait- the $285 is for 2 adults? but the thing says it's per adult?
so i'm confused.
and how can i reach you privately? because i would need to talk to you within the next two days because that's how much time i'm being given to arrange this by my parents.
(not to mention if i probably wait more i probably won't be able to get tickets at all)
wait- the $285 is for 2 adults? but the thing says it's per adult?
so i'm confused.
and how can i reach you privately? because i would need to talk to you within the next two days because that's how much time i'm being given to arrange this by my parents.
(not to mention if i probably wait more i probably won't be able to get tickets at all)
so please, answer ASAP[/SIZE][/I]
HI- Well, the package is for $285 PER ADULT with a minimum of 2 adults to achieve that price. I actually went through a lot with Universal's guest services because I read the promo the same way- PER ADULT is exactly what it says and no where does it note that the price is ONLY for buying 2 adults or more. I wanted (1) adult and (1) child. The person I spoke to that originally sold me the vacation also never mentioned that the price would change without 2 adults. She agreed with my pricing but sent me a quote for MUCH more. I did end up getting the price as written, but only because they marked down the package (they said it was because the sales person never told me about the requirements).
If you are going with your parents, it wouldn't be a big deal. You'd get (2) adult packages plus you (child or adult depending on age). Then you get the other stuff- grand opening special ticket, breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, early entry every day you are there and travel to and from the hotel (although no one could tell me if the hotel's travel program would leave in the am early enough to get there before the normal opening time of 9am -you can go in at 8am). So, I rented a car to be on the safe side. It also stops the problem of getting to and from the airport (which they charge extra for, if you need a ride). They have a meal package that is about $20 a day for adults but you can eat as much as you want all day (at 3 designated locations within each park- NOT in HP area, though, but close). So, there are some pretty neat programs about the vacation. We can't wait- 77 days and a wake up till we go!
Good luck!
Heart of a Lion Cedric is my homeboy Tonks' Xpressions
Billywig
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: WWoHP♥
Posts: 3,095
♥ AaronTveit ♥ GryffindorGeek ♥
There is a chance I may plan a trip to
Florida just to attend the Grand Opening of
"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter"
Can't wait and looking forward to my trip that I will make,
in order for my dreams to come true . . .
*Wait . . . they already have!*
Cheers to everyone who created AND made the world of Harry Potter come to life!
But most of all cheers to J.K. Rowling who brought Harry Potter into our lives!
Sorry I'm just a tad bit confused So June 18th is going to be like the official grand opening? I mean like with Bonnie, Tom, James, and Oliver? If so are the tickets for that just available to everyone until they're sold out or something?
I'm really glad it's opening June 18th though. This way I won't have to skip school to attend and can actually take my exams I don't want to look at the pictures though! But you guys are so lucky to be the first to have been able to take a tour around the park. Were you allowed to ride any of the rides?
Per Universal, the rides will be available to those purchasing the vacation package starting the last weekend in May. If you buy the package you can enter the area prior to the grand opening. It is to be fully operational for those buying the package from the first day it's available. Until then, though, it is closed off. Hope this helps!
Atypical Ravenclaw Bookworm // Hair Flipper Pro / / the edgy starbuckian // Hot Messie
I thought Dragons was running through. I know they haven't changed the name over yet, but I did ride it last weekend. I know that Journey and Hippogriff aren't open to anyone yet. Team member previews are rumored to be happening soon and those with annual passes might get previews as well, but all details are yet to be released.
we live in florida and are planning to be there opening week, will defenitly let everyone know how it is :-)
Us too! We are actually getting to Fl. 2 days before opening so we can enjoy that section before the really big crowds hit! Can't wait to see who from the cast ends up being there! I know some have confirmed but haven't heard anything new lately. Also- Universal will not give out any details about the opening or who will attend. I spoke with them yesterday and they were as tight lipped as they come! Seemed like I knew more about it than those selling the package! LOL. Anyway- can't wait to go! It would be kinda cool if all of us from this group could meet up some where for a butterbeer! LOL