Universal Press Conference (Harry Potter on track to open Spring 2010)

[hwdelien]

I'd like to see some examples of how their customer service sucks.

It started the minute we arrived on 9/6/09. My wife is handicapped and as we pulled up to the gate to pay for parking I showed them the handicapped plackard. The instructed me to put on my emergency flashers and follow the blue line to the parking area. When we got in the garage the was a person standing at the end of one of the aisles and directed us down the aisles. We proceeded down the aisle only to find no parking spots. All aisles aim the same direction so we had to loop back toward the exit and start again. We were then directed down the same aisle by the same person. I explained to him that there wasn't any parking left in this aisle thinking he would direct us to a different aisle and he told us we'll just have to park somewhere else in a non-handicapped space. I drove off and watched him continue to direct cars with emergency flashers on down the aisle behind me.

That was my first experience with Universal Customer service or lack thereof.

 

[hwdelien]

Pfft, atleast Express doesn't say "LOL LOL, COME BACK IN 30 HOURS LOLOL" like Fast.

There is a reason for that. It limits the number of Fast Pass holders on at a specific time. At Universal when, for example, it starts raining and everyone with a fast pass in the area jumps in line for the same attraction, it's not so much of a fast pass when that line is longer than the regular one.

Or how 'bout this one. Terminator was reduced to 5 showings because it is "off season." The park wasn't crowded so I couldn't see spending extra money for a fast pass. Most rides were walk on anyway. So I arrive a Terminator 20 minutes before the showing and hop on line. I'm 1 row away from where they pass out the 3D glasses. They start letting people with fast passes in and suddenly the show is full. Better luck next time. Next show is in 90 mintes.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Lifes a ..............

 

[imagineer boy]

This still excites me more than Fantasyland. I suppose because it's something all ages can truly enjoy; especially, Harry Potter fans.

I agree, nothing against FL, but this really looks excitintg. Especially all the detail they're putting into it, it'd be just like being there!

 

[Pete C]

That's what I was thinking especially after the initial artwork of Hogsmead showed the Hogwarts Express prominently in the front of one of the buildings. Maybe they (Universal) couldn't find an old train suitable, or cheap enough, to turn into Hogwarts Express??? It would make for an easy addition to the 'land'. Maybe at a later date.

Wow, that would have been a great idea! They could have had 2 options for guests to arrive at Hogwarts...by train or by boat across the lake. I think people would have gotten into that. Have the boat go under the bridges and dock at the new land. By train have it go around the outside of the park and theme up some of that area. The park has no train anyway, this would have been a perfect opportunity for some new leisurely entertainment.

 

[CaptainMichael]

Wow, that would have been a great idea! They could have had 2 options for guests to arrive at Hogwarts...by train or by boat across the lake. I think people would have gotten into that. Have the boat go under the bridges and dock at the new land. By train have it go around the outside of the park and theme up some of that area. The park has no train anyway, this would have been a perfect opportunity for some new leisurely entertainment.

Rome wasn't built in a day. Give it time.

 

[jonnyc]

Ah there is a Hog's Head across from one of my favourite bars in town, didn't know they'd be opening another one across the pond.

 

[Dinoman96]

There is a reason for that. It limits the number of Fast Pass holders on at a specific time. At Universal when, for example, it starts raining and everyone with a fast pass in the area jumps in line for the same attraction, it's not so much of a fast pass when that line is longer than the regular one.

Or how 'bout this one. Terminator was reduced to 5 showings because it is "off season." The park wasn't crowded so I couldn't see spending extra money for a fast pass. Most rides were walk on anyway. So I arrive a Terminator 20 minutes before the showing and hop on line. I'm 1 row away from where they pass out the 3D glasses. They start letting people with fast passes in and suddenly the show is full. Better luck next time. Next show is in 90 mintes.

I think that doesn't happen to me because I now go to Uni in December for my birthday, where it barely rains.

 

[DecWDW]

Here's the thing I'm interested in watching. All the places have unique items, food or knick knacks. They sound VERY unique to HP. I'm wondering if over time, they'll be replaced with mainstream Uni stuff. DCA started out with a lot of unique items and pretty soon, most of it became run of the mill.
Anyway, it all sounds pretty neat to me and I'm looking forward to seeing it.

 

[CaptainMichael]

Ah there is a Hog's Head across from one of my favourite bars in town, didn't know they'd be opening another one across the pond.

This one is the fictional wizarding pub where shady people meet in Hogsmead.

 

[Skip]

Here's the thing I'm interested in watching. All the places have unique items, food or knick knacks. They sound VERY unique to HP. I'm wondering if over time, they'll be replaced with mainstream Uni stuff. DCA started out with a lot of unique items and pretty soon, most of it became run of the mill.
Anyway, it all sounds pretty neat to me and I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Doubtful; I'm sure the Warner Brothers/JK Rowling contract requires them to sell exclusive Harry Potter merchandise, which is excellent in my book.

I laughed at jt trying to spin this. Fantasyland was definitely a response to Potter, which was announced what, over a year ago? The areas will essentially offer a similar experience on paper. Notice that both are rethemed/extensions of existing areas (Fantasyland and Lost Continent), they both will feature rethemed rides (Dumbo/Barnstormer, Dueling Dragons/Flying Unicorn). They both will feature an elaborate restaurant (Be Our Guest/Three Broomsticks & Hog's Head). And finally, both will receive a centerpiece E-Ticket attraction (Ariel's Adventure and Forbidden Journey).

That said, I'm more excited for Potter. This is mainly due to the fact that I am male and over the age of 14; don't get me wrong, I think the majority of the Fantasyland expansion looks pretty good, but the bulk of it is aimed at younger girls. Ariel's Adventure will be great I'm sure, but I'm a little more thrilled at the prospect of a high-tech $300 million budgeted dark ride that won't even be a clone. And, I feel the merchandising will indeed be fun to explore - from the descriptions we've seen there'll be some one-of-a-kind parks-only merchandise in here which sounds incredible. And perhaps Ollivander's will be the gateway to the long-rumored MagiQuest game... if that does end up happening, and is compatible with all of the Islands, the entire park will be taken to a whole new level.

Very excited.

 

[EvanAnderson]

^Unfortunately, because the new Ariel dark ride is at a Disney park, it will draw in more crowds than a 100 million+ dark ride at the "scary and evil" Universal park.

 

[jonnyc]

^Unfortunately, because the new Ariel dark ride is at a Disney park, it will draw in more crowds than a 100 million+ dark ride at the "scary and evil" Universal park.

Although that means less people infront of us in the queues.

On the point of 'Dragon Challenge' (it's going to be weird calling it that!) how extensive is the re-work of this? Has it even gone down yet? Is there any concept art?

 

[disneytopdog]

Would really like to know what "Spring 2010" really means... Mother is planning to go to Florida in the first half of 2010, and could do with heading out after this has opened if does open around this time. We'd might as well get our moneys worth if we're going that way!

After recently starting to read the books, I'm becoming quite excited about this for a change. Can't help but feel disappointed that Dueling Dragons and Unicorn have been rethemed when it wasn't required (particularly Dragons). But I'll look forward to a new ride at least. Is there no Hogwarts Express ride though? Or Walk through? Bit of a suprise that.

If the new roller coaster opening was any indication to what a US/IOA time table is SPRING 2010 will be more like FALL 2010

 

[whylightbulb]

Isn't Transformers a spiderman copy with transformers theme?

I would say it is like comparing Magic Journeys to It's Tough To Be A Bug. Magic Journeys was one of the best 3D films up until that time. Bug, EO and Muppets took 3D to the "4D" level and really redefined what a 3D film attraction could be. Transformers will utilize a similar Moog roving motion base but will also include brand new digital 3D and a lift that will propel the vehicle several stories during one sequence in the ride among other unique features.

 

[SirGoofy]

I would say it is like comparing Magic Journeys to It's Tough To Be A Bug. Magic Journeys was one of the best 3D films up until that time. Bug, EO and Muppets took 3D to the "4D" level and really redefined what a 3D film attraction could be. Transformers will utilize a similar Moog roving motion base but will also include brand new digital 3D and a lift that will propel the vehicle several stories during one sequence in the ride among other unique features.

That sounds insane!

 

[disneysroyal411]

I thought of Disneys counter part that will never happen.

Take out LMA or as I call it LAMO:lookaroun

and put in a stunt show where you are the driver of the car. They will use teh technology from the movie sets except on a specific track that when something blasts your vehicle will blast with it becuase there is a poll under the car and it vaults it up so that it is in the air while your in it plus it can spin in circles and stuff like a KUKA arm except with a car on it.

This is still in the process still in work please don't mock or make bad opinions or anything and I don't care about comments that are mean only helping ones. Just saying that I take advice not degrading statements I'm only 13 working on my creative process is important to me right now.:lookaroun

 

[Thrill Seeker]

^Unfortunately, because the new Ariel dark ride is at a Disney park, it will draw in more crowds than a 100 million+ dark ride at the "scary and evil" Universal park.

You underestimate Harry Potter fans my friend. They will come out in droves to see what Universal has concocted...

 

[Thrill Seeker]

If the new roller coaster opening was any indication to what a US/IOA time table is SPRING 2010 will be more like FALL 2010

Not this time. Universal knows that they need Harry Potter to open asap because it is what is going to keep them afloat. It'll open on time...

 

[Thrill Seeker]

I would say it is like comparing Magic Journeys to It's Tough To Be A Bug. Magic Journeys was one of the best 3D films up until that time. Bug, EO and Muppets took 3D to the "4D" level and really redefined what a 3D film attraction could be. Transformers will utilize a similar Moog roving motion base but will also include brand new digital 3D and a lift that will propel the vehicle several stories during one sequence in the ride among other unique features.

Well if Universal wants to get rid of Marvel quickly, retheming Spidy into Transformers would be an easy fix.