From Anthony Murphy on February 18, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Interesting!

I guess Spring Breakers will not get much except a Soft Opening!

From Joshua Counsil on February 18, 2010 at 10:40 AM
I wouldn't be surprised to see the new land open before that date, at least on a "soft opening" basis.

And I wouldn't be surprised to see the new land open later than that date. Universal's record ain't exactly pristine in terms of deadlines, and I hope it is ready if only to avoid throngs of angry people.

Good luck to Universal with that.

From 92.236.169.105 on February 18, 2010 at 1:04 PM
Holidaying in Orlando in Early May from the UK, was hoping to at least have a look around, would be gutted as it may be a long time before i can afford to holiday there again. Come on Universal, get your finger out!!!!!!

From luis gonzalez on February 18, 2010 at 1:27 PM
they will be done, i was there in nov. and it was nearly done then, plus im pretty sure universal has learned its lesson after rip ride rockit. that being said, memorial days is going to be jam packed, i would wait till early november or december to visit, good weather and small lines.

word-a-cadabra!!!!!!!

From James Rao on February 18, 2010 at 4:03 PM
RRR still isn't running to capacity, Luis. Maurer Söhne X-Coasters have a real bad track record in the States, ask folks living near Magic Springs in Arkansas - their X-Coaster has been closed so long most folks just think it's a prop...

Anyway, I am glad I did not push the button on adding USO to my Orlando vacation plans in mid-May. I likely would have missed Harry Potter by two weeks!

Will visit either in September or next May depending on how well things go from a technical standpoint.

I honestly cannot wait. I think the new attraction (Forbidden Journey) is going to set a brand new standard just like Spider-Man did years ago....

From 205.188.116.20 on February 18, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Hello, I received the email directly from Universal about the special package. I had my hotel booked for March/April and upon hearing the news, I canceled my reservation.
I can't take the chance of going down to Orlando and not have it open. Too bad.

From luis gonzalez on February 18, 2010 at 5:00 PM
think with your dip stick jimmy!!!!!

RRR's problems have more to do with the crappy company that designed the coaster, than universal. plus im sure they will have that land open by the end of april if they are officially openining end of may.

i hope they get maggie smith to be a castmember!!!!!

WORDWORDWORDWORDWORDWORD!!!!!

From James Rao on February 18, 2010 at 5:25 PM
However, you have to blame Universal for contracting with Maurer Söhne when they could have picked someone with a better (no pun intended) track record like B&M or Intamin.

Still, it is the manufacturer's fault that they could not deliver the goods. Hence my comment that Maurer Söhne X-Coasters [suck].

I think we are in violent agreement, Loooooooo-ie!!!!

KA-CHOW!!!!!

From 76.26.184.25 on February 18, 2010 at 6:10 PM
As an Orlando native and theme park employee I know lots of people getting jobs over at the Potterland. Whispers of a Potter quiz have been circling around from applicants. Some believe that the better you do on the test, the more 'front line' position you may be qualified for. But with staff falling in place it probably will not be much longer before some soft opening occurs!

From James Rao on February 18, 2010 at 10:18 PM
We did learn one more new thing today: according to the 2010 IOA Online Brochure, the minimum height requirement for the new Forbidden Journey attraction is 48". And I quote: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - Make your way through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts, then soar above the castle on this groundbreaking ride that lets you join Harry Potter and his friends on a thrilling adventure. Must be at least 48”.

From Joshua Counsil on February 19, 2010 at 12:46 AM
Must be at least 48"? Thank God. That irritating house-elf Dobby won't be in line.

Damn, I need a catchphrase like Luis...

Catch you on the flip side of water.

From 76.173.236.194 on February 19, 2010 at 12:56 AM
This sounds so amazing and I love how it's opening on my birthday!!

From 204.193.68.22 on February 19, 2010 at 9:50 AM
I really think it's going to open by the beginning of May. Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of summer, when the mad rush to Orlando begins, and Universal is really trying hard to pull visitors away from Disney.

That's why the new vacation package is available starting May 28th. They want to concentrate on getting those summer vacationers.

From 82.22.37.176 on February 21, 2010 at 10:51 AM
we have spent thosands to come over for easter which is your spring break and it is surpossed to open then