SJN1279
Well-Known Member
I finally got to experience Diagon Alley. Here are my thoughts.
-Area was very well themed, and a good representation of the movies. The amount of stores I found a bit redundant, but it was a cool area to walk around in(albeit narrow).
-I thought Gringott's was a solid attraction, though definitely overhyped. It is basically a hybrid of Transformers and The Mummy. The queue for the attraction was very impressive and set the story well. I loved the little details such as the Daily Prophet newspapers regarding the death of Dumbledore. The Goblin room was outstanding, much better in person. I liked the pre-show and elevator, but on repeat viewings I could see myself wanting to skip both.
-The ride itself was okay. The initial drop was good, and the blast at the end was okay. If you aren't a hardcore fan of Potter, I see you being confused by the attraction. It really could use some practical effects(particularly fire from the dragon). As a surprise, I thought the actor who portrayed Bill Weasley did a great job(even better than Harry, Ron, and Hermoine in the first ride).
-That said, I enjoyed Gringott's more than Forbidden Journey, because it didn't make me feel the least bit sick.
-I enjoyed the Hogwart's Express very much, and feel it is the type of attraction that Universal could use more of. It was also the only attraction in Universal that my one year old son really was able to ride and enjoy. I just wish you didn't need a hopper to experience it, because it would be an every trip ride for me if I could use it with a one day ticket. My wife expected more from the ride itself, but I knew what to expect going in, and really enjoyed it.
As for crowds. Gringotts was 45 minutes, Hogwarts 45 minutes to IOA. The rest of the resort was dead.
-Area was very well themed, and a good representation of the movies. The amount of stores I found a bit redundant, but it was a cool area to walk around in(albeit narrow).
-I thought Gringott's was a solid attraction, though definitely overhyped. It is basically a hybrid of Transformers and The Mummy. The queue for the attraction was very impressive and set the story well. I loved the little details such as the Daily Prophet newspapers regarding the death of Dumbledore. The Goblin room was outstanding, much better in person. I liked the pre-show and elevator, but on repeat viewings I could see myself wanting to skip both.
-The ride itself was okay. The initial drop was good, and the blast at the end was okay. If you aren't a hardcore fan of Potter, I see you being confused by the attraction. It really could use some practical effects(particularly fire from the dragon). As a surprise, I thought the actor who portrayed Bill Weasley did a great job(even better than Harry, Ron, and Hermoine in the first ride).
-That said, I enjoyed Gringott's more than Forbidden Journey, because it didn't make me feel the least bit sick.
-I enjoyed the Hogwart's Express very much, and feel it is the type of attraction that Universal could use more of. It was also the only attraction in Universal that my one year old son really was able to ride and enjoy. I just wish you didn't need a hopper to experience it, because it would be an every trip ride for me if I could use it with a one day ticket. My wife expected more from the ride itself, but I knew what to expect going in, and really enjoyed it.
As for crowds. Gringotts was 45 minutes, Hogwarts 45 minutes to IOA. The rest of the resort was dead.
