So, I missed whylightbulb's post yesterday. I assume it had something to do with the Hogwarts Express or Gringott's ride. I wish I could have seen it, but, since I can't... I figure I'll give it a shot of what it contained... at least the Hogwarts Express part.
Because, if you're like me and still wondering how the Hogwarts Express will work, this may be it.
DISCLAIMER: I believe this rumor to be true, but since I haven't seen any physical proof of the layout of the train interior myself, I can't guarantee anything. (Though I have some friends who swear they've seen the layout of the train and that this is it) Perhaps @
WDW1974, @
whylightbulb, or @
Lee can confirm or deny this? Also, this post may contain spoilers for you. And not the stuff that makes your eggs rotten, this is the stuff that shows you how they made the egg. Viewer discretion advised.
Okay, so here it goes. Upon boarding the train, the layout will seem familiar if you've seen the 3rd film. (At least I think it's from the 3rd film? The one with the dementor attack on the train? Whatever this one is...
In fact, watch that, it will get you in the mood.)
Okay, you back from that video? Spooky, huh? Well, being that this is a theme park attraction, there will be some differences from that video clip. First, the train looks a heck of a lot nicer... and certainly not as foreboding. Second, the window on the hallway side of the train isn't there or at least isn't visible from in the compartment. The compartments have "privacy screens" on the doors. Why? Well, I'll get to that. But from what I've seen, all of the compartments and the hallway of the train are actually shifted to one side of the actual physical train, and the remaining space in the train is home to a giant curved projection surface. (This is pure genius to shift everything over so you have room to play with where "outside" should be.)
So, when you look out the window in your compartment, you're looking at this huge seamless 4k projection surface. The real glass window in each compartment is open just a crack at the top for the air to come in. (There will be lots of rushing air...) Giant subwoofers will be under your seats will simulate the rumbling of the train and other sound effects. When the the compartment door closes, (and this is why there is a privacy screen) shadows will be visible of passing trolley carts and even the occasional witch or wizard thanks to hidden projectors in the hallways.
During the ride, you may encounter dementors, the flying car, or other elements from the films. But I'm sure you already knew that part. I'd go into the show effects, but I'm sure you can all figure out how they can make it feel like a dementor attack on a train.
So, that's what I've heard. Am I close?
)
