In fact, by the end of the two hours, the ride was a walk-on*:
[*Update: Check the comments for confirmation that the Wizarding World won't be "soft opened" to the non-hotel-guest public until Forbidden Journey can hit its mark more consistently. But a public "soft open" had been scheduled.]
Below are a few more scenes from around the Wizarding World, which Jason described in detail in the comments of a previous post:
Hippogriff-- never rode it in it's original incantation but the theming is well done including the Buckbeak animatronic and Hagrid's hut (including the sound of growling Fang)Dragon Challenge -- wish they had done at least a minor update to the ride vehicles and finally made the effort to conceal backstage equipment. The new queue is much better lit and is very well done (though the original was excellent also). Best parts of the queue are the TriWizard Cup, the floating candles from the films, and some great views of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts on the way in.
Food -- Three Broomsticks had the exquisite detail found in the entire area but as they were only serving breakfast for the preview we skipped it. I can't wait to come back when the fish and chips are being served. The menus are done in the same style as the newspapers from "Prisoner"... very clever. The Butterbeer is not something I expected to like as I'm not into sweets, but was very pleasantly surprised. Cream soda-y with a carbonation that helps cut the sweetness ($8.50 in a souvenir glass)
Wand Shop-- very fun little performance, the theming is superb and kids will love this (there were lots of operations people about timing the display and counting guest numbers). You exit into the gift shop where you can purchase a ~$30 wand (I had to ask as there aren't any prices on boxes). What happened to the MagiQuest-like features? Was that just fan speculation? I was really looking forward to that as it would have been brilliant.
Take that with a grain of salt if you wish but what really struck me is that she described working in Hogsmeade as her dream job and it's clear that all the WWoHP team members can't wait to open to the general public. Pretty cool.
I'll peck out a review of Forbidden Journey on my long flight from Orlando to Burbank, CA this morning.
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