Today myself and Garrett (one of the newest contributors to the BluePrints Blog) went to Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. We went there so that he could pick up his new season pass so that on Monday there would be no delays when we went back for our official #potterwatch duties. Being both avid Harry Potter fans, we volunteered to help the good folks out at Behind The Thrills (@getreadytoride) sit in for a shift to watch and see if the staff at Universal would allow every day guests to enter into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWoHP). These "soft launches" have been our life blood as normally they would only allow hotel guests from their on-property resorts enter this new section of the park to stress-test the capabilities of their newest (and quite technical) ride, the Forbidden Journey.
So since we were already there, and being the Harry Potter fans we are, it was more than obvious that we should swing by the gate just to see what would happen. And wouldn't you know it? The guards were all lined up (the yellow shirted staffers), but NOT impeding the flow of traffic on the pathways! No no, they were lined up on the side allowing people to pass!
As soon as I entered, the thing you will notice most is how amazing Hogsmeade looks. The castle towers off in the distance (an incredible perspective trick that they worked out) and all of the little shops line the road as you enter. Knowing what to do, Garrett and I both headed immediately for the entrance to the Forbidden Journey. We met up there and walked in to one of the best queue experiences I've ever had. More than any "themed" ride, I really felt like the wait was part of the ride itself. There was so much to see I can't even possibly touch on a 10th of it here. We ended up going through the line twice today seeing all new elements. I whole-heartedly believe that for the next few times we walk the line, there will be something new to see.
You start out in the green house where most Herbology lessons take place, then walk into the castle passing statues, the giant gold griffin that is at the entrance to Dumbledore's office, then the office itself, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and ultimately the Room of Requirements before boarding the ride. Even in the "hallways" between these rooms, there are "moving pictures" in their frames hanging on the wall. In the time we spent there, I not only didn't hear repeat verbiage, but the portraits all interact with each other. And I must say, the design of them is absolutely incredible! Oh and if you want to see the video we recorded just for you [the readers], watch this:
The ride itself (major spoiler) is an interesting mix of video screens and actual sets, rides with fixed track paths, anamatronics, and a giant robotic arm that moves you in pretty much any direction it so chooses. Think of it like Universal's Spiderman ride but then imagine a giant arm pushing you "into" the experience. It's a lot of fun to ride, though apparently it is still having some technical difficulties, and in our case closed just as we were about to ride it for the second time. This affected Brad (BluePrints contributor) and his wife the most, who upon being woken up by my ecstatic phone call upon entering the WWoHP had driven out specifically to see this.
Afterwards, we walked past Olivander's (makers of fine wands since 382 BC) and had Brad's wife wait in line to go in while we made a quick stop at the Hogshead to order a round of Butterbeer. Our timing worked out perfectly because as we returned, she was at the front of the line and we walked right in to the next showing. Now this brings me to the next thing I'm really impressed with: unlike the other "worlds" at Universal, the cast is really into this experience. One of the Hogwarts students was asked by us to take our photo and he feigned just the right amount of ignorance towards our "Muggle tech" to ask how to take the photo (Where was Arthur Weasley when you needed him?). He then genuinely sounded disappointed in the quality of the picture since ours wasn't moving. His performance was perfect, and really goes to show how the entire world is immersive. The cast and the setting all blend together to give you the authentic experience. As is the case in Olivander's, where you enter his little shop, and he chooses one lucky guest to find their wand (erm, rather have their wand select the wizard). He goes through the entire speech as heard in the movie, along with special affects built throughout the entire store (lights, sounds, and physical movement of objects when wands are pointed at them) until he finds the perfect wand.
Now back to the butterbeer. I know what you're going to ask, and all I can say is, "Yes, it does kind of taste like cream soda", but the white foam on it adds a little different excitement to the mix and makes the drink exceptionally good. For an even better taste, order it frozen. For those lucky enough to go in before the official launch date, the collector cups for the butterbeer are a status symbol. As soon as you exit the WWoHP, you aren't allowed back in. Seeing as most guests aren't allowed in anyways (they arrive too late, etc) it is sure to draw just the right amount of attention from those guests eager to hear about the magic you saw.
The village itself is beautifully done. There are only two little discrepancies in it (though they do not detract from the enjoyment at all). First is that Olivander's shop is supposed to be in Diagon Alley. Secondly, they have joined Zonkos and Honeydukes. They are still themed differently, but they are adjacent to each other without a separating wall. What I will say might be a detractor from this experience is how small the WWoHP is. The shops are all very small (some actually are even only false fronts (though I wonder if more will open as the launch date draws closer). The entire "village" can be walked within a minute and will be prone to over-crowding for a long time.
Anyways, I think that is all for now. We are going again tomorrow to continue to see as much as possible. Our #potterwatch will continue as we report live when they are letting people in and what is happening in the WWoHP. If this post has you all excited for the park, look forward to at least one additional upcoming post where (if we get to) will cover things like the food choices there (hint: the Feast at the 3 Broomsticks is a great deal) and also some tips Garrett has written up that might prove useful to all you Muggles out there. Just remember to never put your wand in your back pocket.
Pardon me but where are these said blueprints that I Googled for?
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