Harry Potter IS making a difference!!

[flavious27]

Bang or the buck, IoA is right up there. I would pay $90 for a single day at MK, but never for the other parks.

$90 at MK is okay, $50 or $60 at the other parks is acceptable. $90+ for Kentucky Kingdom isn't.

 

[flavious27]

You don't think $90 a day is worth it....well i don't think $90 a day is worth it at the Disney parks either. Some of us don't buy like 7 day tickets, since i live here and it's pointless for someone like me to buy a multi-day ticket like so many of you out of staters do. As for season passes...way too expensive as well.

Why so much hate for Universal's management? What did they do? They're looking at adding more stuff to the parks down here already....they AREN'T Team Disney Orlando. :lol:

If you don't want to come to Universal and enjoy what it has to offer, then don't. The parks are already crowded enough. lol

I have contempt for management that does nothing with their parks and wonders why their attendance is declining then goes with the cheapest option to finally "expand". TDO has done some stupid things in the past but their biggest fault this decade was trying to cut their maintenance budgets and dragging their feet on the wand.

I don't see a reason to spend $90 to go to a park that is a slightly better themed medium sized six flags park.

 

[flavious27]

Hadn't.....

thank you

 

[Ignohippo]

From an Attraction lineup standpoint for adults, IoA is as strong as any Disney World park.

Much stronger if you're a thrill-seeker...

 

[Ignohippo]

Actually, IOA almost has more for thrill-seekers by itself than WDW has with all parks combined.

 

[marni1971]

I don't see a reason to spend $90 to go to a park that is a slightly better themed medium sized six flags park.

We still talking about IOA? Each to their own I know but really...???

 

[flavious27]

We still talking about IOA? Each to their own I know but really...???

The park with 3 coasters, 2 log flumes, a drop tower and a river rapids with some kiddie rides oh and the 3d dark ride with a 1 minute queue video that loops and loops and loops.

I would consider IOA of more of a value if there was more to it and they did more to make it an attractive choice.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Your not a fan I guess. But then we dont all get off on Disneys kiddy rides so Uni offers something for grown ups who dont buy into fairies and imagined magic.

 

[flavious27]

Your not a fan I guess. But then we dont all get off on Disneys kiddy rides so Uni offers something for grown ups who dont buy into fairies and imagined magic.

My problem with IOA is that what they offer doesn't justify the price. Their lineup is the same as a mid pack six flags park or what great adventure offered in the late 70's. uni management let ioa just sit stagnate for almost a decade until they added forbidden journey; with the wwhp expansion they went the cheap route by retheming 2/3 of the rides.

 

[Skip]

The park with 3 coasters, 2 log flumes, a drop tower and a river rapids with some kiddie rides oh and the 3d dark ride with a 1 minute queue video that loops and loops and loops.

I would consider IOA of more of a value if there was more to it and they did more to make it an attractive choice.

You know, the Disney attraction lineup doesn't sound so good when you strip it down tot he bare essentials...

 

[jakeman]

You know, the Disney attraction lineup doesn't sound so good when you strip it down tot he bare essentials...

This sums it up.

I don't think HP is the godsend that some do, but the main attraction is more advanced than anything Disney has done in quite some time.

The theming of the land itself, while, as I maintain, wasn't a stretch, is still very, very high quality.

Potterland is a great addition to a theme park that even before was a solid addition to the Orlando area.

 

[Ignohippo]

Hogsmead in itself is the greatest thing I've ever seen in a theme park. The re-theming of the other rides really doesn't factor into it when I think of the WWOHP. I see the re-theming of those rides as necessary because of their proximity to PotterLand.

As for IOA's rides, Spider-man is still better than anything Disney has done (and it was built like 10 years ago); Hulk blows Aerosmith out of the water; Dueling Dragons (or whatever it is now) is probably the best suspended coaster in the world - and let's not forget about it's amazing queue; Suessland is phenomenal; WWOHP is revolutionary and a complete game-changer.

I stlll like WDW better, but saying IOA is just a Six Flags park with better theming is a complete understatement. TDO had better be careful. Their complacency is going to catch up to them sooner or later.

 

[Ignohippo]

The park with 3 coasters, 2 log flumes, a drop tower and a river rapids with some kiddie rides oh and the 3d dark ride with a 1 minute queue video that loops and loops and loops.

I would consider IOA of more of a value if there was more to it and they did more to make it an attractive choice.

And if you say that then MK is just 2 mediocre out-of-date coasters, a flume ride, a boat ride and a bunch of kiddie rides.

 

[stitch2008]

Your not a fan I guess. But then we dont all get off on Disneys kiddy rides so Uni offers something for grown ups who dont buy into fairies and imagined magic.

I'm possibly going to WDW in June with some of my friends and we are all pretty excited about it. And you know what, my friends aren't bothered by the fact that WDW doesn't have a huge lineup of big thrill rides. We are looking to go out and have a good time down there. And WDW has some thrills. I always find Splash thrilling. But maybe im biased cause its my favorite ride.:wave: I find M:S, Test Track, Tower, Rockin', Dinosaur and Everest all thrilling. And things like SM, BTMR and Soarin', TSM, Kali and the Safari are all fun. And I think thats why people go to WDW. For fun rides. Not always thrilling. But I'll agree its great to add one thrill ride every now and again.

And this is coming from some Cedar Point pass holders. I ride 200, 300, 400ft roller coasters that go anywhere from 70 to 120mph almost every weekend. My friends(a few who have never been to WDW before) arent expecting it to be a thrill seekers paradise. They are expecting to go down and ride rides that are different then the ones we have here.

Just my two cents.

 

[flavious27]

And if you say that then MK is just 2 mediocre out-of-date coasters, a flume ride, a boat ride and a bunch of kiddie rides.

na na na na, timeless treasures!

MK needs updating and FLE is not the final act to right the ship. An expansion to FL without retheming is needed. A disney themed pathway between expo hall and TL would be nice to ease the flow to exit the park. The motorway needs an update.

 

[WondersOfLife]

To be honest, I think the only thing that Disney could actually gain steam with is a new park, because the rest doesn't seem to measure up in the eyes of the public to HPW.

That, or the rumored "fire mountain" could attract just as much guests :lol:

 

[RSoxNo1]

Much stronger if you're a thrill-seeker...

The park with 3 coasters, 2 log flumes, a drop tower and a river rapids with some kiddie rides oh and the 3d dark ride with a 1 minute queue video that loops and loops and loops.

I would consider IOA of more of a value if there was more to it and they did more to make it an attractive choice.

You know, the Disney attraction lineup doesn't sound so good when you strip it down tot he bare essentials...

I look at it from the attractions that I enjoy - to me, I'll take Spiderman, Forbidden Journey and Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges over any top 3 attractions in any Disney World Park.

I'm not a huge fan of the static steel coasters (Hulk, Dragon Challenge), and I hate Dudley Do Rights Fireblasters, but Spiderman and Forbidden Journey are the top 2 attractions in Central Florida, and Popeye and Bluto's is only a notch below Splash Mountain for water rides.

Now having said all that, there is more to a theme park than the attraction lineup. It's certainly important, but it's not the end all and be all.

 

[ChrisFL]

The park with 3 coasters, 2 log flumes, a drop tower and a river rapids with some kiddie rides oh and the 3d dark ride with a 1 minute queue video that loops and loops and loops.

I would consider IOA of more of a value if there was more to it and they did more to make it an attractive choice.

It also has, the best theme park restaurant in the world, a few highly themed shows (Poseidon's Fury and Sinbad), a great dark ride in The Cat in the Hat, incredibly well themed Seuss Landing.

You also didn't mention Spiderman, the previous best dark ride in the world by many accounts, before Forbidden Journey

 

[WondersOfLife]

:fork:I always liked Disney's dark rides. Disney is BIG on dark rides, musical shows, and (most importantly) GOOD FOOD!

Disney did add about 2 or 3 thrill rides for each theme park so the teens and other thrill seekers could have SOME fun, I love thrill rides, but I can just go to carowinds (an hour away from where i live) and ride about 20 coasters. But I can't find any dark rides like Disney World has! If you think about it, The Rock n' Roller Coaster is the only disney ride that goes upside down.

Universal is a place where people who don't like thrills, really drag along the theme parks. IOA is a nightmare for those who hate thrills, and forced to go on Cat in the Hat and The High in the Sky Seuss Trolly Tram Ride! :lol:

Then at the Studios, you would have to go on E.T. and see barney, even the non-thrillers will think that those are stupid and kiddie.

But those who go to Disney have a wide variety of favorite characters, to flat out random! Here's a random list that i'd like to share with you

Magic Kingdom

Thrill Seekers

Main Street Vehicles - 1
Walt Disney World Railroad - 2
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin - 1
The Enchanted Tiki Room (UNM) - 2
Pirates of the Caribean - 6
Jungle Cruise - 4
Splash Mountain - 10
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - 7
Country Bear Jamboree - 3
Tom Sawyer Island - 1
The Hall of Presidents - 1
Haunted Mansion - 6
Snow White's Scary Adventures - 2
Dumbo the Flying Elephant - 1
Prince Charming Regal Carousel - 1
Mad Tea Party - 5
Peter Pan's Flight - 3
Mickey's Phillhar Magic - 6
It's a Small World - 2
Buzz Lightyear's Spaceranger Spin - 5
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor - 4
Stitch's Great Escape - 3
Tomorrowland Speedway - 1
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover - 2
Carousel of Progress - 2
Space Mountain - 9


Magic Kingdom

Tame People

Main Street Vehicles - 4
Walt Disney World Railroad - 6
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin - 3
The Enchanted Tiki Room (UNM) - 5
Pirates of the Caribean - 8
Jungle Cruise - 9
Splash Mountain - 5
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - 4
Country Bear Jamboree - 8
Tom Sawyer Island - 4
The Hall of Presidents - 5
Haunted Mansion - 8
Snow White's Scary Adventures - 5
Dumbo the Flying Elephant - 3
Prince Charming Regal Carousel - 4
Mad Tea Party - 4
Peter Pan's Flight - 8
Mickey's Phillhar Magic - 7
It's a Small World - 6
Buzz Lightyear's Spaceranger Spin - 6
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor - 9
Stitch's Great Escape - 4
Tomorrowland Speedway - 2
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover - 6
Carousel of Progress - 8
Space Mountain - 4



EPCOT

Thrill Seekers

Spaceship Earth - 4
Innoventions - 6
Universe of Energy: Ellen's Energy Adventure - 4
Mission: Space - 7
Test Track - 9
Journey Into Imagination with figment - 1
Captain EO Tribute - 5
Living with the land - 3
Soarin' - 7
Circle of Life: An Enviromental tale - 1
The Seas with Nemo and Friends - 2
Turtle Talk with Crush - 1
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the three Cabelleros - 2
The American Adventure - 2
Maelstrom - 5
O canada - 1
Reflections of China - 1
Impressions de France - 2

Epcot

Tame People

Spaceship Earth - 8
Innoventions - 7
Universe of Energy: Ellen's Energy Adventure - 6
Mission: Space - 5
Test Track - 2
Journey Into Imagination with figment - 4
Captain EO Tribute - 7
Living with the land - 5
Soarin' - 6
Circle of Life: An Enviromental tale - 3
The Seas with Nemo and Friends - 6
Turtle Talk with Crush - 4
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the three Cabelleros - 5
The American Adventure - 10
Maelstrom - 5
O canada - 6
Reflections of China - 6
Impressions de France -7

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Thrill Seekers

The Great Movie Ride - 5
Lights! Motors! Action! Extreem Stunt Show! - 8
Honey, I shrunk the kids Movie Set Adventure - 1
Studio Backlot Tour - 5
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream - 2
Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian - 2
Voyage of the Little Mermaid - 1
The Magic of Disney Animation - 3
Playhouse Disney: Live on stage! - 1
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage - 4
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aero Smith - 10
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - 8
Muppet Vision 3-D - 5
Sound Dangerous! Starring Drew Carry - 3
Toy Story Midway Mania! - 4

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Tame People

The Great Movie Ride - 9
Lights! Motors! Action! Extreem Stunt Show! - 7
Honey, I shrunk the kids Movie Set Adventure - 2
Studio Backlot Tour - 7
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream - 5
Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian - 3
Voyage of the Little Mermaid - 5
The Magic of Disney Animation - 8
Playhouse Disney: Live on stage! - 3
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage - 7
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aero Smith - 4
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - 4
Muppet Vision 3-D - 8
Sound Dangerous! Starring Drew Carry - 3
Toy Story Midway Mania! - 6


Disney's Animal Kingdom

Thrill Seekers

It's Tough to be a Bug! - 5
Discovery Island Trails - 1
Festival of the Lion King - 2
Kilimanjaro Safaris - 6
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - 3
Rafiki's Planet Watch - 2
Expedition Everest - 9
Kali River Rapids - 6
Flights of Wonder - 3
Dinosaur - 8
Finding Nemo: The Musical - 3
Primevil Whirl - 7
Triceratop Spin - 1


Disney's Animal Kingdom

Tame People

It's Tough to be a Bug! - 7
Discovery Island Trails - 3
Festival of the Lion King - 4
Kilimanjaro Safaris - 10
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - 4
Rafiki's Planet Watch - 3
Expedition Everest - 3
Kali River Rapids - 5
Flights of Wonder - 7
Dinosaur - 4
Finding Nemo: The Musical - 8
Primevil Whirl - 2
Triceratop Spin - 3​

 

[evanssc]

My family is down in Orlando for the holidays and we went over to Universal yesterday to see the new Harry Potter area.
We all left totally underwhelmed.
The Harry Potter ride that had been so highly touted was not worth the seventy minute wait. The images on the screen were poor in quality and the jerky nature of the ride felt like a cross between Spiderman (which I think is the worst ride I have ever been on in my life) and your local Halloween house of terror. There was so much more that could have been done with that ride. What a waist.
The theme of the Harry Potter land and the overall look of the buildings was neat but Universal seemed put very little thought into crowd control. Those who were not there at the opening found themselves force to stand in a holding pattern (for two hours) just to get into the Harry Potter area of the park. Once inside the area it was then over a two hour wait for the ride and over an hour wait to get into the wand store which appears to have been designed with no more than 400 square feet of floor space. It was another 45 minutes to get into the general Harry Potter gift shop and thirty minutes to see the candy shop.
Luckily we were there at the rope drop, but it still proved to be an overcrowded mess. Lines crossed over each other and some visitors seemed to join lines without even knowing what they were waiting for.
The area is just too small for the number of people wanting to visit it right now and the staff at Universal did not seem able to handle the crowd control needed.
This is one Disney family who will not be going back to Universal. We have traveled all over the world visiting amusement parks and I have never been so disappointed in a park experience. In my opinion, it was a complete waste of time and money for the entertainment provided.