Hotel guests get dibs on first public entry to new Harry Potter attractions at Universal Orlando

Damn haves.

They bribed the park to let them in.

It's that stupid class warfare again. Why do the muggles always get left out?

I hear that the hotel guests will also get early entry to be the first to ride Zumanjaro at SFGAd.

This is awesome! Early entry does not cause a line cutting situation, and still give die-hard fans and rich people what they want.

Used to be everybody could enter a park at the same opening time. Now people can pay extra and cut in front of those who are obeying the posted operating hours.

I can't believe a business wouldn't let anyone willing to pay at the gate in! That's do immoral! Not only are they cutting in line, they're the only ones allowed to get in before anyone else!

This will spell doom for Harry Potter.

LostKause said:

This is awesome! Early entry does not cause a line cutting situation, and still give die-hard fans and rich people what they want.

Only after receiving the Dementor's treatment.

VOTE WITH YOUR WALLETS, AMERICA! DON'T GO TO HARRY POTTER LAND!

(crickets)

Curious if these guests have access to the Gringott's ride this week. The story doesn't mention it. With the long gap between the media preview and public opening, and based on what I have read, the ride was still pretty buggy during the previews, I wonder what's happening in there. Getting the ride operating smoothly with minimal downtime in advance is obviously a huge priority for the Universal team. Anyone know more?

Jetsetter said:

Curious if these guests have access to the Gringott's ride this week. The story doesn't mention it. With the long gap between the media preview and public opening, and based on what I have read, the ride was still pretty buggy during the previews, I wonder what's happening in there. Getting the ride operating smoothly with minimal downtime in advance is obviously a huge priority for the Universal team. Anyone know more?

It was up for a while last night, then went down mid event.

I'm actually thinking that Universal will be my next big vacation, probably next Spring.

And I will probably get a line cutters pass if the park is busy.

So, umm... THERE! lol

All these review about the new Harry Potter land are fantastic. Screamscape wrote up a very positive review.

And from the description of the Gringotts coaster being posted all over the internet, it's looking like Jeff is right in that it is less thrilling coaster and more dark ride attraction. I didn't want to believe it, but the more I read about it, the more excited I am for it.

I think the line cutters pass at Universal is only available to resort guests these days. And not Cabana Bay. So plan accordingly.

Does Gringotts have a single rider line? That thing is golden on the Mummy

Diagon Alley is absolutely mind-blowing, and that is without Gringotts being open (they're saying it won't open for guests besides the hotel package previews until the 8th, but I'm hearing slightly differently). I spent about 3 hours in there last night and can't wait to go back tomorrow after the package guests have their 2 hours before they likely soft open for the public again. I also was on the first public train to Hogsmeade on Tuesday when that opened, equally as impressive.

Awesome, maXairMike. Have a blast. And don't forget to trip report all the details, I'm dying to hear.

STL passes are available for Universal except for Potter attractions. To see Potter with minimal wait times, you have to stay at the three main hotels (not Cabana) and go to the park super early. Otherwise, good luck seeing even close to everything.

But to counteract this bummer of a post, WWoHP/Diagon Alley are certainly worth the obscene amount of money. You will never. Forget. It. One of the coolest things I've ever seen (at least the older part).

Meanwhile at IoA, Seuss Landing becomes a ghost town.

as if it wasn't already before...