Disney Playing catch up with Universal... Potter Disney's biggest mistake in 20 years...

[danlb_2000]

I'm not talking about the shops inside

Ok, so you are only bashing the exteriors, got it.

 

[WDWDad13]

Ok, so you are only bashing the exteriors, got it.

I'm not bashing anything... I'm saying it's a design that is going to be overly crowded and surrounded by close buildings that extend up beyond your sightlines at ground level. It would make for some interesting stressful situations for those who don't like crowded areas or feel claustrophobic...that's all I'm saying

 

[cw1982]

I'm not talking about the shops inside

In all fairness, the look they created is pretty close to what DA looks like in the movies. If the environment is supposed to be immerse guests into the set, how else should it look at that point?

 

[WDWDad13]

In all fairness, the look they created is pretty close to what DA looks like in the movies. If the environment is supposed to be immerse guests into the set, how else should it look at that point?

I completely agree...it does look like it... but it's going to likely be a mess to maneuver and feel very closed in within a crowded theme park


picture Osborne lights crowds with only half of the street between the buildings

 

[danlb_2000]

I'm not bashing anything... I'm saying it's a design that is going to be overly crowded and surrounded by close buildings that extend up beyond your sightlines at ground level. It would make for some interesting stressful situations for those who don't like crowded areas or feel claustrophobic...that's all I'm saying

Ok. I just found it odd that your response to someone saying how well themed and immersive the land will be, was to point out that it has narrow walkways and will be claustrophobic. You can see how that would come across as being negative.

 

[WDWDad13]

Ok. I just found it odd that your response to someone saying how well themed and immersive the land will be, was to point out that it has narrow walkways and will be claustrophobic. You can see how that would come across as being negative.

I'm not looking for a fight or argument here and in all honesty, yes I think that is or could be a negative for some

 

[cw1982]

I completely agree...it does look like it... but it's going to likely be a mess to maneuver and feel very closed in within a crowded theme park

Yeah I read the rest of your posts and better understand what you meant now. For some reason when I first read your post I thought you were complaining about the look of the area. I'm sure it'll be very crowded for the first few months, but if the shops are as awesome as people have said they are, maybe it won't be as much of an issue because people will be taking everything in and not just running from ride to ride. At least we can hope...lol

 

[seascape]

Might not be too far from the truth. Interesting article in CNN Money today:

"It's been a rough start. July 8 wasn't the opening date that the park originally wanted, judging by the fact that it had "The Tonight Show" and "Today" run weeklong tie-ins a few weeks ago. Conveniently for Comcast, it owns both the Universal theme parks and NBC.

However, with the expansion's indoor coaster proving unreliable -- and even Universal pass holders being denied early access to attractions outside of the new Hogwarts Express train ride -- it could be an interesting debut. The crowds should be huge, the expectations lofty."

This is ridiculous. Everything I've see and heard from reliable sources is that the addition is wonderful. No one should accept any negative reviews until after the ride has been open for months. I will see for myself in 2015. Until then I don't care what people say. I am sure most will love it and I don't care about negative posts. Decide for yourself. Don't let others make your mind up for you.

 

[Mike S]

it's not pathetic... it's the truth. I'm not bashing what they have created... all I am saying is that street is going to be massively crowded with no where to walk and you are surrounded entirely by tall, dull alley-way type buildings on either side.
I hope no one is claustrophobic

Because as we all know tall alleyway type buildings are so out of place in Diagon Alley. Universal messed up big time with this

 

[WDWDad13]

This is ridiculous. Everything I've see and heard from reliable sources is that the addition is wonderful. No one should accept any negative reviews until after the ride has been open for months. I will see for myself in 2015. Until then I don't care what people say. I am sure most will love it and I don't care about negative posts. Decide for yourself. Don't let others make your mind up for you.

couldn't you also say that no one should accept positive reviews too until after the ride has been open for months?

That seems to be the going trend for anything positive around here towards Disney anyways... just saying but I totally agree with what you say... decide for yourself... different strokes for different folks!

 

[WDWDad13]

Because as we all know tall alleyway type buildings are so out of place in Diagon Alley. Universal messed up big time with this

not what I am saying... imagine Osborne lights, mass crowds, taller buildings, and only 1/3rd of the street to move

 

[lazyboy97o]

I personally am shocked that a place called Diagon Alley is built like an alley and not a grand Parisian boulevard.

 

[cw1982]

I personally am shocked that a place called Diagon Alley is built like an alley and not a grand Parisian boulevard.

Right... because so many alleys are grand and ornate!

 

[WDWDad13]

I personally am shocked that a place called Diagon Alley is built like an alley and not a grand Parisian boulevard.

haha you all really don't get what I am saying here do you? I don't care if it IS the exact movie set... all I'm saying is it is a very narrow street with very close buildings that enclose you. oh well lol you'll see

 

[Skip]

Well, the CNN article is spot on. Escape from Gringotts is a mess - they're months behind, and if this wasn't a Potter ride with the attached opening expectations this thing would be massively delayed, Test Track style. Instead, expect a lot of downtime (way more than Radiator Springs and Forbidden Journey upon their openings) and significantly reduced capacity. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

Oh, by the way - that Orlando Informer rumor piece about a train derailment that everyone derided - I've got it on good authority that actually happened. When people hear "derail" they picture a train flying off the track into a wall destroying everything... no, no. We're talking a partial unhinging of a vehicle off the track (i.e. one side of wheels not in place) that required some significant work to repair and headaches. And that actually wasn't the worst incident that leaked to the public...

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Universal chose to innovate with this attraction and in the process remain willing to deal with the potential tech failures. But let's not pretend that there aren't major issues because it's Universal. This thing should not be opening, but it's being forced to. That's going to have very real consequences this summer. Time will tell...

EDIT: Just want to point out here that I'm not implying Universal is opening an unsafe ride. The ride is safe at this point. The core issues now seem to relate to syncing the ride dispatch with the very complex show elements (some of which come into proximity of the ride path.)

 

[lazyboy97o]

haha you all really don't get what I am saying here do you? oh well lol

We do. It's the same trite complaint that has been a complete non-issue for four years.

 

[TubaGeek]

Might not be too far from the truth. Interesting article in CNN Money today:

"It's been a rough start. July 8 wasn't the opening date that the park originally wanted, judging by the fact that it had "The Tonight Show" and "Today" run weeklong tie-ins a few weeks ago. Conveniently for Comcast, it owns both the Universal theme parks and NBC.

However, with the expansion's indoor coaster proving unreliable -- and even Universal pass holders being denied early access to attractions outside of the new Hogwarts Express train ride -- it could be an interesting debut. The crowds should be huge, the expectations lofty."

All that confirms is that they're behind schedule, which I would never deny. I'm calling him out on his criticism of the atmosphere of the area, which has had overwhelmingly POSITIVE reviews.

it's not pathetic... it's the truth. I'm not bashing what they have created... all I am saying is that street is going to be massively crowded with no where to walk and you are surrounded entirely by tall, dull alley-way type buildings on either side.
I hope no one is claustrophobic

Imagine that, something called Diagon ALLEY is narrow with tall buildings. If only there were other parts of the expansion... like two more alleys, a market, and London with a train station... If only.

 

[WDWDad13]

We do. It's the same trite complaint that has been a complete non-issue for four years.

I AM NOT COMPLAINING... haha I am stating an observation

wow so many of you just look to quick to argue about anything

 

[Mike S]

not what I am saying... imagine Osborne lights, mass crowds, taller buildings, and only 1/3rd of the street to move

I was there and can tell you personally that when the initial crowds die down after all the excitement the area will be very maneuverable with plenty of space. The streets, as well as everything else, are much bigger when you are there in person. The huge crowds at the beginning are unavoidable and only natural. Universal has done a great job with this area.

 

[WDWDad13]

Imagine that, something called Diagon ALLEY is narrow with tall buildings. If only there were other parts of the expansion... like a second alley, a market, and London with a train station... If only.

lol you all crack me up... seriously... if you don't understand what I am trying to opine about... then so be it. I'm not complaining it should look different at all... it looks good, just probably not the best design for a mass crowded theme park area