Universal Orlando Resort (USF, IOA, Epic) Discussion Thread

[jedimaster1227]

[coastertube]http://www.themeparkreview.com/coastertube/play.php?vid=10133V6_1nn4[/coastertube]

[krazekiddd]

So I'm talking to my friend that lives in Brazil. Apparently, the tour groups there are advertising WWOHP as it's own theme park that's opening.

 

They have the Day 1 itinerary as WWOHP and Day 2 is Islands of Adventure. He even asked me if it was two parks since that's hot se groups are advertising it.

 

Either they are highly confused or really just trying to get people to travel with their group.

[kidcoaster 2]

They have the Day 1 itinerary as WWOHP and Day 2 is Islands of Adventure.

 

Oh my gosh...

[SharkTums]

Before this turns into a debate bashing the Brazilian Tour Groups, I'd just like to say that LOTS AND LOTS of pages ago I posted that I felt this would be a big problem based on the advertising of the new area. It's not being advertised as a new ride or new area, it's being marketed as a new park. Whether that's somewhat intentional, probably, malicious? I doubt it.

[ginzo]

Admission prices are almost identical.

 

They weren't before stupid Harry Potter.

[coasterfreak101]

Before this turns into a debate bashing the Brazilian Tour Groups, I'd just like to say that LOTS AND LOTS of pages ago I posted that I felt this would be a big problem based on the advertising of the new area. It's not being advertised as a new ride or new area, it's being marketed as a new park. Whether that's somewhat intentional, probably, malicious? I doubt it.

 

Almost all of my friends are under the impression that "Harry Potter World" is this huge new place down in Orlando. Not to sound impatient, but it's just super annoying hearing it over and over again from everyone who doesn't know what they're talking about! Not like it's their fault though; Universal's definitely making it sound like something completely separate from them, or at least another gate next door.

[WFChris]

To be fair, I have asked most of my friends what their impression is from the commercials, and they all just think its a ride. There, I said it.

 

Chris.

[Henrick]

Hello guys.

 

I'm from Brazil and krazekiddd is right. Universal and travel agencies are advertising as a whole new theme park. Actually, I´m a huge fan of the saga so since the beggining I knew it was going to be a new land in IoA.

[Jew]

Before this turns into a debate bashing the Brazilian Tour Groups, I'd just like to say that LOTS AND LOTS of pages ago I posted that I felt this would be a big problem based on the advertising of the new area. It's not being advertised as a new ride or new area, it's being marketed as a new park. Whether that's somewhat intentional, probably, malicious? I doubt it.

 

They're just following the new trend with theme park resorts: the branding is the resort rather than any one particular park. Of course, I also agree that the natural reaction when you see "wizarding world of harry potter @ Universal Orlando Resort" with no mention of IoA in the advertising is that it is a new park.

 

I don't think it is going to be a big problem though. When you try and buy any of the ticket packages, it more clearly states that it's just a land at IoA and that your package has tickets to both theme parks. I'm sure some people will still miss this and be upset, but I'm also sure UO has a plan in place to deal with that particular situation. I'd guess most people will still walk away happy so long as the land lives up to their expectations.

[Darksin]

I don't know how much their showing down in Central Florida, but up here around Pittsburgh I see a commercial for it several times a night while at work. Seems like their clumped together between 6-9pm most of the time and it's on damn near every local channel too. Kind of surprising to see them pushing it so hard in this general area.

 

Did anyone spot the piece in the Orlando Sentinel about the queue for Forbidden Journey? I didn't want to re-post it but it looked pretty damn spiffy to me. Can't wait till vacation time to head back to my old stomping grounds again! Plus going off season, much fun. Can't wait for the leaks and pictures to start hitting, it looks like they did a really great job on the themeing even from what I saw last Sept when I was down in Orlando.

 

[BBparks57]

Just got back from Universal, I didn't get any more pictures...if you want to check out my other ones just go back one page.

 

Got my first night ride on HRRR and it was fantastic. Audio didn't work, so we got another ride in the front which made it pretty awesome. Looking over to the right at the thousands of people lined up for Chicago looked amazing. Speaking of which, it seemed like a very large turnout for Chicago, and they still sounded great. HRRR was awesome at night, and the front provides sick airtime right after the treble clef helix thing. The touch screens were putting up some weird things, it was into the windows media player thing, and I got onto emails and some other crazy stuff. Oh well, a great night.

[Gigalyte]

Universal Orlando has sent us a photo of Mariah Carey in front of Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit during her recent visit.

 

WOW I don't know who curves are sexier hers or HRRR lol I know I'd enjoy both lol

 

Wonder if she only excepts Platium/Diamond Q-bots

[jedimaster1227]

I went to Universal Orlando this past Friday to get a few rides in on Rockit only to find that a new structure has been added to one of the supports in the middle of the main open queue area. It looks like it may be for a new net...

What's this?

Edited April 19, 2010 by jedimaster1227

[jedimaster1227]

On Friday I went back to Islands of Adventure to check up on the latest progress and, as has been with my last few visits, even more visible work has been completed since my previous trip.

One of the walls near the greenhouse has been replaced with a slightly themed wall.

A closer look...

The greenhouse has been given an aged and dirtied look as well as some queue line fencing.

Potted plants can be seen hanging from the rafters of the greenhouse.

Construction workers could be seen inspecting the area...

Taken with uber-zoom in the Jurassic Park smoking area.

Additional switchbacks have been added to the side of the greenhouse.

Over in the line for Dueling Dragons, not too much has changed externally.

I'm gunna take a wild guess and say that this will be an attraction sign for Dragon Challenge.

A clearer look at the flag structure at the new entrance to Dragon Challenge.

The entrance and drawbridge look far less menacing than they used to.

One more look at the castle detailing now that the tarps are down entirely...

I was sent down this hall last week to get to the ride... Now guests are directed into another section of the old queue... And this one has been stripped of the old theming too.

You can tell something used to be here.

There was definitely something here before too.

It looks like the only change here is that the view behind the bars has been covered up...

Nothing changed here.

Detailing work on Hogwarts has essentially wrapped up.

Flight of the Hippogriff has been completed as well.

What's this?

Vegetation has been added to the Hogwarts rock work.

An overview of this side of Hogsmeade...

And a random ladder...

The restaurant's chefs could be seen exploring the balcony area.

Its not to say that I don't like the look of Hogsmeade, but I certainly miss the view of the Enchanted Oak Tavern.

Speaking of the Enchanted Oak, here are the rethemed remains of the former quick service location.

I guess we're getting closer to the date that this gate will open for soft previews...

I'm sure you've seen this sign in pictures too many times already.

Thanks to the uber-zoom, we can see the winged hogs near Hogwarts.

Here's another look at the new statues to close this report.

Edited April 19, 2010 by jedimaster1227

[Henrick]

Great pics, jedimaster. Thanks

 

 

Guys, have you read this?

 

Writer describes new Harry Potter ride as ‘Spiderman meets Soarin” – Ride’s length given

Apr 172010 Filed under: Islands of Adventure, Movies, Travel, Universal Orlando Author: Matt

 

An article by Lisa Oppenheimer in the May edition of AAA Car & Travel reveals some new information about the new Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure. The story gives the length of the ride (four minutes) and tells other details such the appearence (visual or audio?) of Moaning Myrtle.

 

From Harry Potter Heads to Universal Orlando:

“One of the most detailed lines winds through Hogwarts Castle, past the Portrait Corridor and through Dumbledore’s office to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a cutting-edge contraption that has caused speculators no end of agony trying to guess its contents. It would be a shame to give it away, but here is the CliffsNotes’ version: a four-minute ride flies (sort of Islands of Adventure’s Spiderman meets Disney’s Soarin’) and interacts with characters, as well as—the ride host does warn you it might become too intense—heights, speed and, heaven forbid, spiders.”

 

Although AAA is a reputable source, keep in mind these details haven’t been officially released by Universal.

 

 

To read the full story: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aaa_ny/ct_201005/?WT.MC.ID=10081388#/0

 

 

 

Actually, I don't know what to think. 4 minutes only? Hm. I was expecting something around 10 minutes (due the lenght of the line). I'm kinda dissapointed. Let's wait.

[PCman]

Does anyone Have an idea when we might see a "Soft Opening"

 

I have a annual pass that expires in mid May and only renewed it because of the "Spring opening " of HP land and the Rocket

 

the pass was only around $119 but haven't used it yet since my renewal

 

When I go I stay on site at the Royal Pacific so don't know if that matters or can get in being a guest

 

thanks

Tom

[manakin]

I don't like the word "spiders"

I'm aracnofobic and the idea of see some big spiders (like aragog) during the ride make me very...well, very nervous....

[Henrick]

I don't like the word "spiders"

Neither do I. I hate spiders and I'm aracnofobic too.

[Mr. Starr]

The covered sign on the bridge to Dragon Challenge is a Hogsmeade sign, I believe it said "Welcome to Hogsmeade" or something like that. On the first day that Dragons opened back up, the sign was uncovered and the queue was open without tarps, but that quickly changed (not before someone got pictures, though ) I can't find the picture now, but a lot of people were mad at the fact that there was a little "TM" near the bottom of the sign next to the word Hogsmeade.

[Dr.Shadey]

Things like "TM"s do tend to take away from the magic of it all, but I would guess is probably a requirement.

 

Awesome photots by the way!

[alpengeist04]

I can't find the picture now, but a lot of people were mad at the fact that there was a little "TM" near the bottom of the sign next to the word Hogsmeade.

 

...And so it begins.

 

I'm just glad that little things like that don't bother me.

[Mr. Starr]

It was actually pretty funny to see all the potter/IOA fanboys freak out!

[traincrossin]

^Maybe it's for another ring?

[gatorchomp83]

We happened to be at the HRRRRRR entrance when Mariah had that picture taken. They shut it down for about 20 minutes to get that one shot.

 

On the other hand, after two different instances of the coaster going down, and 1.5hr in line, we finally got a night ride...Let's just say, it's not doing itself any favors in our eyes. It's getting rougher, there's shimmying even on straightaways, and its just not very good.

[nursemelis374]

4 minutes? I hope that is not true, that will be a huge letdown.