Didn't see a thread on it, but I'm just curious for those of you who went to the Celebration of Harry Potter, what did you think?
My son had a blast, and I think the event definitely had a "Star Wars Weekends" vibe. From those we talked to, there was even more to do and see this year than last, so I hope they continue to grow and expand the event.
I give them big-time credit for the Expo and all of the props and costumes on display, something I desperately wish they'd bring to SWW. The paper house ties we're also a nice addition.
That being said, there were a few aspects I hope they'll improve on. My main complaint is the autographs. This was the first year they had autograph sessions w/ the cast members (ala SWW), and the way they executed them was a disaster. There were only 3 sessions (1 w/ Gambon, 1 w/ Lynch and 1 w/ the Phelps twins), with a total of 400 tickets available between them. While we got there in advance of the 7:30 distribution, there were apparently tons of people there as early as 3 am and UO decided to hand out the tickets early. They were obviously long gone before we got there.
I know this is how Disney does the SWW autograph tickets as well, and I hate it. It rewards younger people and those w/o commitments (families, evening jobs, etc) who have the ability to get there and wait there that early. They need to add more autograph sessions and come up with a more equitable distribution system.
Second, for many of the activities that required audience participation (wand "dueling" classes, costume contests at the house meetings), they seemed to have people ready to go instead of picking people from the crowd, and I got the impression these were vip's and UO family members. They might want to involve the plebeans a little more to nonit seem staged.
Finally, the only event merch I saw was a t-shirt, a pin and an art print. Seems like they're missing the boat by not releasing tons of exclusive merch like SWW.
My son had a blast, and I think the event definitely had a "Star Wars Weekends" vibe. From those we talked to, there was even more to do and see this year than last, so I hope they continue to grow and expand the event.
I give them big-time credit for the Expo and all of the props and costumes on display, something I desperately wish they'd bring to SWW. The paper house ties we're also a nice addition.
That being said, there were a few aspects I hope they'll improve on. My main complaint is the autographs. This was the first year they had autograph sessions w/ the cast members (ala SWW), and the way they executed them was a disaster. There were only 3 sessions (1 w/ Gambon, 1 w/ Lynch and 1 w/ the Phelps twins), with a total of 400 tickets available between them. While we got there in advance of the 7:30 distribution, there were apparently tons of people there as early as 3 am and UO decided to hand out the tickets early. They were obviously long gone before we got there.
I know this is how Disney does the SWW autograph tickets as well, and I hate it. It rewards younger people and those w/o commitments (families, evening jobs, etc) who have the ability to get there and wait there that early. They need to add more autograph sessions and come up with a more equitable distribution system.
Second, for many of the activities that required audience participation (wand "dueling" classes, costume contests at the house meetings), they seemed to have people ready to go instead of picking people from the crowd, and I got the impression these were vip's and UO family members. They might want to involve the plebeans a little more to nonit seem staged.
Finally, the only event merch I saw was a t-shirt, a pin and an art print. Seems like they're missing the boat by not releasing tons of exclusive merch like SWW.
