Diagon Alley details revealed - spoiler alert

[SJN1279]

http://www.hypable.com/2014/06/19/wizarding-world-diagon-alley-expansion-review/

But besides a handful of fast-paced moments, don’t expect this to feel like a coaster.

The ride requires 3D glasses (though the 3D effects weren’t intense) and there are several 4D effects like water, fire, and wind. It was really fun, but we have to admit that we were expecting something more intense.

 

[BaconPancakes]

LOL It was always described as being a family friendly attraction, not a coaster. I can't even...

 

[SJN1279]

LOL It was always described as being a family friendly attraction, not a coaster. I can't even...

A family attraction where Lord Voldemort and Bellatrix try to kill you at every turn. Sounds fun for the whole family.

If you look at the sequence from the movie the ride was based on, you would expect a somewhat intense coaster. The family ride should have been through Hogwarts, not Gringotts.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Ok, so I'm confused. Universal sucks because all they build is thrill rides. But the new ride sucks because it's not a thrill ride.

It appears the Pixie Duster Talking Points Memo has gone out.
•screen based attractions
•not thrilling enough
•dragon doesn't move
•main attraction too scary

I love the whole "it's too scary yet not thrilling enough" argument.

 

[BaconPancakes]

A family attraction where Lord Voldemort and Bellatrix try to kill you at every turn. Sounds fun for the whole family.

If you look at the sequence from the movie the ride was based on, you would expect a somewhat intense coaster. The family ride should have been through Hogwarts, not Gringotts.

 

[SJN1279]

Ok, so I'm confused. Universal sucks because all they build is thrill rides. But the new ride sucks because it's not a thrill ride.

It appears the Pixie Duster Talking Points Memo has gone out.
•screen based attractions
•not thrilling enough
•dragon doesn't move
•main attraction too scary

I love the whole "it's too scary yet not thrilling enough" argument.

My main issue with Gringotts pre-ride is that the actual ride is 95 percent screens, just like all of Universal's attractions the last 6-7 years(other than Forbidden Journey which is 60/40 screens.

The dragon looks cool(even though it would be cooler and better themed if it popped out of the tower at different points throughout the day instead of sitting on top of the bank static).

 

[Bairstow]

It appears the Pixie Duster Talking Points Memo has gone out.
•screen based attractions
•not thrilling enough
•dragon doesn't move
•main attraction too scary

Half of those points are valid, though.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

My main issue with Gringotts pre-ride is that the actual ride is 95 percent screens, just like all of Universal's attractions the last 6-7 years(other than Forbidden Journey which is 60/40 screens.

The dragon looks cool(even though it would be cooler and better themed if it popped out of the tower at different points throughout the day instead of sitting on top of the bank static).

People keep saying it would have been better if the dragon could have popped in and out of a cubby hole or had moving body parts. Yeah, it would have. But this thing is 60' long and 70' wide, with it's car sized head sticking 22' out 6 stories above a crowd of muggles. This thing is 8 times the size of the Yeti, outside, six stories in the air.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

The dragon looks cool(even though it would be cooler and better themed if it popped out of the tower at different points throughout the day instead of sitting on top of the bank static).

When Disney fixes their last big AA, we can talk about having the dragon pop out outdoors at different times of the day.

 

[BaconPancakes]

When Disney fixes their last big AA, we can talk about having the dragon pop out outdoors at different times of the day.

Maybe Uni will turn some strobe lights on the dragon as well.

 

[Bairstow]

People keep saying it would have been better if the dragon could have popped in and out of a cubby hole or had moving body parts. Yeah, it would have. But this thing is 60' long and 70' wide, with it's car sized head sticking 22' out 6 stories above a crowd of muggles. This thing is 8 times the size of the Yeti, outside, six stories in the air.

Doesn't matter.
That head should swivel from side to side.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Doesn't matter.
That head should swivel from side to side.

Do you want this to happen with a car sized head 6 stories above a crowd of people?

 

[flynnibus]

It was really fun, but we have to admit that we were expecting something more intense.

Then they "have to admit... we did not do any homework and came in clueless...".

I can't believe someone would quote the ill-formed as the rock someone bases their arguments from.

I have to restrain myself and actually use the ignore now.. I can't stomach this level of stupid and refrain myself from trying to smack them straight.

 

[flynnibus]

Doesn't matter.
That head should swivel from side to side.

First, No one stood under the Gundum statue.. compared to Gringott's fascade
Two, I hope you can understand the difference between something turning on a axis in line with the body and above it... vs something hanging out on the side
Three, why would taking something that is supposed to be natural and only articulating one element going to make it look better? In instead it will make it look more contrived

The only thing I'd argue for is the mouth and eyes could be animated... and would be a cool tease to the effect coming.

 

[Tom Morrow]

I do have to admit that I think the dragon is kind of a strange decision. Its supposed to be "business as usual" on Diagon Alley, even though a dragon is attacking? Do dragons ever even make it to Diagon Alley in the series? It seems like they wanted a centerpiece more than anything, but Diagon Alley doesn't have something big an iconic like Hogwarts castle.

Of course, 95% of visitors won't care about this and will just enjoy tweeting and instagraming it. And it does look cool.

Edit: This also makes Universal Studios home to multiple giant statues: Optimus Prime, Lard Lad, and no the dragon.

 

[flynnibus]

I do have to admit that I think the dragon is kind of a strange decision. Its supposed to be "business as usual" on Diagon Alley, even though a dragon is attacking? Do dragons ever even make it to Diagon Alley in the series?

Uhh... time to do some reading of the plot lines.

Both the dragon and the pretense for the ride are taken from the destruction that happens in Gringotts.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Uhh... time to do some reading of the plot lines.

Both the dragon and the pretense for the ride are taken from the destruction that happens in Gringotts.

Oops. Duh. It's been a while since I've watched the films, and I .... *shame* haven't read the books.

I maintain that its a little strange to have it attacking while the rest of Diagon Alley is supposed to be "business as usual", though.

 

[stevehousse]

I do have to admit that I think the dragon is kind of a strange decision. Its supposed to be "business as usual" on Diagon Alley, even though a dragon is attacking? Do dragons ever even make it to Diagon Alley in the series? It seems like they wanted a centerpiece more than anything, but Diagon Alley doesn't have something big an iconic like Hogwarts castle.

Of course, 95% of visitors won't care about this and will just enjoy tweeting and instagraming it. And it does look cool.

Edit: This also makes Universal Studios home to multiple giant statues: Optimus Prime, Lard Lad, and no the dragon.

Have u not seen the movie or read the books? That dragon destroys some of the bank and ends up flying out of the ceiling! That's why he's up there.

 

[Disney Analyst]

I agree it's amazing, but disappointed they got away with a dragon statue that roars and breathes fire but can't seem to move at all.. Perhaps a spell was placed on him to freeze him??

 

[marni1971]

A CGI Harry cameo from a distance with a different voice is hardly a Harry Potter centric ride..

No one claimed it would be a Harry Centric ride.

YOU claimed he wouldn't be included.

If you feel somehow let down then please do write to Uni and complain. I've a feeling a few million who'll be queuing this year to ride won't feel the same.

Even then, should you still have your knickers in a twist over this, remember the name is the IP as well as the character. Either way you're appearing a bit silly in your argument.