July 8th - Official Grand Opening

[Funmeister]

Confirmed on the TODAY Show.

 

[danpam1024]

and by Universal on FB!

 

[RTeker]

and by Universal on FB!

ah ya beat me to this.. got that same msg there too. TOTALLY PSYCHED for my vacation in August!!!!
I'm thinking of hitting the Islands first then take the train over to London and the rest of the Uni park won't be the only to do this lol but still hyped for my vacation

 

[Mike S]

Well looks like I won't be getting in this weekend after all unless they do a soft opening. The media event is in there now right?

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Well looks like I won't be getting in this weekend after all unless they do a soft opening. The media event is in there now right?

Here is the Media Event schedule:
Wednesday, June 18, 2014

“State of the Universe” Media Presentation
9:00 a.m.
Learn from executives what Universal Orlando has to offer, with a possible glimpse of what’s to come.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley Preview Event
7:00 p.m.
“Harry Potter” film stars and other celebrities arrive via red carpet, culminating in a special “moment” immediately followed by a preview of Diagon Alley.

Talent to include:
Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange)
Robbie Coltraine (Hagrid)
Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy)
Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)
Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)
Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley)
James Phelps (Fred Weasley)
Oliver Phelps (George Weasley)
Warwick Davis (Griphook)
Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Closer Look: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
9:30 a.m. to Late Afternoon
A full exploration of Diagon Alley including the Hogwarts Express, Leaky Cauldron, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and much more. Also included will be a Q&A with “Harry Potter” film stars and members of Universal Creative.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Official Grand Opening
Early to Late Evening
Grand opening celebration of Universal Orlando’s new hotel throughout its grounds.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Well looks like I won't be getting in this weekend after all unless they do a soft opening. The media event is in there now right?

Also, I not sure that employees have even had a chance to preview diagon alley, so I'm not sure we will see soft openings for at least another week.

 

[Festivus]

It's just my luck that our day at UNI for our Disney trip is planned for July 6th so we're going to miss it by 2 days. Once soft openings start, are they a daily occurrence prior to the "official" opening or is this thing going to be locked up tight so no one has access until July 8th? Anyone with any insight?

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

It's just my luck that our day at UNI for our Disney trip is planned for July 6th so we're going to miss it by 2 days. Once soft openings start, are they a daily occurrence prior to the "official" opening or is this thing going to be locked up tight so no one has access until July 8th? Anyone with any insight?

Well people who booked the room packages will be allowed in for breakfast @ the Leaky Cauldron, and I'm guessing they would allow those guest access to soft openings but otherwise I'm not sure. I know when Transformers opened the ride opened 1-2 hours before park closing and stayed open through closing before it officially opened.

 

[Festivus]

Well people who booked the room packages will be allowed in for breakfast @ the Leaky Cauldron, and I'm guessing they would allow those guest access to soft openings but otherwise I'm not sure. I know when Transformers opened the ride opened 1-2 hours before park closing and stayed open through closing before it officially opened.

Thanks, I just got off the phone with Universal and they are actually refunding the cost of my park and express passes. Can't believe it, but they agreed to do it. I spent quite a bit on them and explained the situation. Who said UNI has bad customer service?

 

[RandomPrincess]

so theres no fast pass at all for DA and HE?

No EP for those rides that we know of.

 

[djlaosc]

Has anything actually been confirmed yet about Early Entry for those staying at PBR/HRH/RPR? Or is it still just Hogsmeade that you can get into?