Here are my thoughts on WWoHP, Hollywood edition:
WWoHP does a fantastic job of making one feel like they are a a character from the Harry Potter books/films. The sheer amount of details in this area is almost overwhelming. The shops in particular... Wow. I was VERY impressed with the Ollivander's Shop mini show. It brought me back to my childhood and the day I saw Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for he first time in theaters. The nostalgia!
I didn't get the chance to eat in the land, but I definitely plan on doing that during my next visit. I did make it a point to try the frozen butterbeer, and it was SO GOOD. Yum!
Walking up to Hogwarts Castle was one of the best feelings. Can't really put it into words. Something else I really can't put into (simple) words is Forbidden Journey. The queue itself is an attraction, and it is by far the most impressive queue I've ever seen in any theme park. The actual ride...talk about sensory overload. The weeping willow and dementors sections!
My entire family, including myself, got off the ride in complete shock. After the shock wore off, we all laughed and stumbled our way out of the ride (I was legit dizzy); we all enjoyed it, except my six year-old nephew, who was terrified by it.
Flight of the Hippogriff, while clearly not as exciting and entertaining as Forbidden Journey, is still a cute kiddie coaster. Loved seeing Hagrid's hut in the queue. In saying this, I feel the ride is too short. Yes, I know it's a kiddie coaster, but still.
The only issue I have with our version of WWoHP is the view past Hogwarts... The Team Services building, a backstage building for employees, is COMPLETELY visible. I could also see bits of City Walk. While these sights didn't completely ruin the experience for me, they did bother me. Something needs to be done about that. Build a wall, or something.
Other thoughts regarding the park...
I hate Shrek 4-D. I really wish they would destroy it already and make room for something else. It is sssooo bad.
Love, love, love the new entrance. Much more classy, and while I hate to see yet another Starbucks in the park, I can admit it looks very nice. Love the new look of Hollywood Grill. It looked very cheap and tacky before.
I didn't like seeing a food shop where the Universal Experience used to be. It made me sad and a little angry. Why they would get rid of unique and interesting for another food shop is beyond me. Just goes to show that both Disney and Universal make poor decisions.
As usual, looking forward to returning!
