Gringotts

[Mike S]

The practical sets in FJ are so rich that I wouldn't want 3D glasses getting in the way. And no, I'm not generally against 3D in attractions. But with 180 degree domes, adding a 3D effect would, in my opinion, be overkill. And 3D projected into a half-sphere, as opposed to a curved screen, would render questionable, likely very disorientating, results.

I was wondering how the 3D would work as well, I just read an article one day that said the Japan version would be in 3D and I'm guessing the Hollywood version by extension as well. Either way we will probably find out tomorrow when Harry Potter opens in Japan.

 

[marni1971]

Well, Orlando did get the Japanese ride profile.

 

[Timekeeper]

I was wondering how the 3D would work as well, I just read an article one day that said the Japan version would be in 3D and I'm guessing the Hollywood version by extension as well.

The flying simulation in the dome is "3D-enough" for me. I think it works wonderfully. Give me a 2D dome, or a 3D screen, but for heaven's sake, don't give me a reason to close my eyes.

 

[yeti]

We'll be there from August 27th-29th. I'm trying to gauge all the stuff I'm hearing on the web to better understand what the lines/capacity are gonna be like by then. What time do y'all think I should arrive at the gates for magic morning on the 28th and 29th?

 

[Mike S]

Well, Orlando did get the Japanese ride profile.

What exactly are the differences? Just less intense?

 

[marni1971]

What exactly are the differences? Just less intense?

Yep. Less lateral movement and a kind of smoothing of the rougher parts. Still a hell of a ride but less.... bumpy.... jerky... rough.

 

[Timekeeper]

I waited 3 1/2 hours to ride Gringotts today...

When did you arrive at the park?

 

[TalkingHead]

Judging from Twitter, it was another day of 4-5 hour waits at Gringotts. Not sure how much downtime it had, nor how many trains are running.

 

[Mike S]

Judging from Twitter, it was another day of 4-5 hour waits at Gringotts. Not sure how much downtime it had, nor how many trains are running.

That's just nuts.

 

[xApril]

Judging from Twitter, it was another day of 4-5 hour waits at Gringotts. Not sure how much downtime it had, nor how many trains are running.

Waited almost 2 hours in single riders yesterday. Hopped in line around 12:10 and got out shortly after 2. We got lucky though and my two friends and I got to ride together.

 

[Tom Morrow]

In FJ for the first time I was able to see the projectors, lights, the unused Dementors, etc. the new ride programming and screen lighting has indeed ruined some of the magic.

I've noticed the same thing. The new profile and lighting awkwardly gives you good views of the mechanics and projectors of the ride when before you wouldn't really see them unless you looked to the side of the vehicle if you were on the end seat. I wish they would address this.

 

[Pixie VaVoom]

Not to mention built by a company that should be doing far far more far more often.

If the rest of the park - and the other parks - were as good as could be the Dwarf Coaster wouldn't get so much flack. And of course if it hadn't taken nearly three years to build.

At least Comcast are trying. And trying hard.

Comcast needs to try...to make up for their seriously CRAPPY service to their overpaying Cable TV and internet Customers!!

 

[Uncle Remus]

Seriously? What is it with people around here that they need to devalue others so much?

Jeez...

I think its because they are devoid of anything.....

 

[BuddyThomas]

Gringotts..where do I start.

Okay got there at 6:50.
Parked got to the (NON Hotel guests line) at about 7:15.
Started single file line then woman came and said spread out at gate .
They escorted the crowd behind a yellow line ( i thought this was a terrible very stupid idea by universal)
During that time, saw a few kids and adults get trampled. I went from being near front to being in the middle/back.
Luckily I had a short friend who manages to stay in the front.
Chose not to do return time ticket since she was in the front.
We walked right into Diagon Alley after about 7 minutes of waiting.
Walked straight to Gringotts as I had already seen Diagon.
Got to the entrance, posted wait time was 240 minutes.
Walked to get in line and turned around because we thought it would take forever.
Walked to Leaky Cauldron but found the breakfast severely overpriced.
Went back to Gringotts, 210 minute posted wait so we got in line.
Through out the length of queue the wait time built up to 300 as I saw.
It was about 8:20-30 ish when I got in line. Didn't get off of the ride until 1:13 PM.
Wouldn't dare wait more than 40 minutes for this short ride. So I'll likely wont ride it for years to come.
That being said, it's the best ride I've ever been on!
The 3D on this ride is actually pretty awesome.
Its not a roller coaster (Needs its own classification) but it is the most thrilling ride at Universal just far too short!
Love the new technology. This ride is a must do at least once.

Only thing was difficult for me to follow the story because it all was a blur and I'm not a dedicated Harry fan.

Very very friendly enjoyable ride. Universal needs more of these innovative attractions! Hopefully so!

1. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
2. Escape from Gringotts (If more roller coaster ish it would be my favorite)
3. Mummy
4. Popeye
5. Men In Black

(I like Forbidden Journey but the Robot Arm twirls a bit too much to enjoy it.)

Thanks for all the great details, but I have to admit that I don't understand how 240 minute wait was unacceptable but 210 minutes was A-OK. I would have ran for the hills if I saw either wait time.

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

Thanks for all the great details, but I have to admit that I don't understand how 240 minute wait was unacceptable but 210 minutes was A-OK. I would have ran for the hills if I saw either wait time.

It wasn't A OK. lol. We figured ina few minutes wait time dropped by 30 minutes. We were optimistic that it would drop again! Wrong .

 

[Timekeeper]

For those who might be interested, here are some photos from Gringotts.

I wouldn't really consider these "spoilers," but just in case some members really don't want to see anything until riding it for themselves...

Spoiler: Photos of Ride Vehicle / Track / Construction

 

[Piebald]

I went last Saturday and we will go again this weekend. I've only seen one HP film and never read the books but this new land is still superbly done and awesome to me. We waited 2 hrs in single rider which was the wait time posted for the regular queue. It had some issues hence why the wait was 2 hrs instead of the 1 hr single rider we were promised.

I hope no one plans a one day trip to Universal right now because we spent literally 4 to 5 hrs in Diagon Alley itself. All the shops are wicked cool and the little alleys and what not are great. Watching folks with the interactive wands is really great too. Busy elsewhere in the parks so all we did was ride Hogwarts Express to IOA and rode dueling dragons which was the only walk on.

The ride is a lot of fun and very immersive. I can't think of anything that seems as large as this ride at Disney with the exception of say Splash Mountain or Test Track. It just seems massive from the experience. The costumes are great in all of DA and it is just a massive home run.

 

[danlb_2000]

Here is a night-vision POV of the ride. Obviously spoilers.

 

[Mike S]

Here is a night-vision POV of the ride. Obviously spoilers.

Man I love that ride

 

[coogsrockets]

Here is a night-vision POV of the ride. Obviously spoilers.

That is excellent! I've seen some decent quality ride videos since the park opened, but this is by far the most jaw dropping. I can't wait to go.