The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade (Orlando): Part 2

[boomerthom]

Yeah, Forbidden Journey has definitely been toned down. Which is unfortunate, because now a lot of the ride mechanics are more visible due to the slower motion. Of course, I think the motion sickness issue is already addressed sufficiently by the fans (which also create a nice wind effect), but if it keeps more people from complaining about the motion being too severe (realistic), I'll live with it.

The air bladders were finally installed? Last I heard both the bladders and reprofiling were on hold until the USJ version was completed.

Great to hear, if so. When HTF first broke news about the air bladders, the first thing that came to mind was the air creating a better simulation effect.

 

[Skubersky]

The air bladders were finally installed? Last I heard both the bladders and reprofiling were on hold until the USJ version was completed.

Great to hear, if so. When HTF first broke news about the air bladders, the first thing that came to mind was the air creating a better simulation effect.

Ok, I normally ride FJ at least twice a week, but I hadn't been on it for about 2 weeks before I rode yesterday.

1) The motion profile felt exactly the same to me as it has for several months, after the latest round of adjustments earlier in the year. The reprogramming mostly affected the dome scenes, reducing lateral motion. I've noticed no increase in reclining.

2) There was no "air bladder" (really the wrong word) apparent on my bench, and I've heard nothing about them being installed after the test with a couple used at alternate load. There has always been air blowing at your feet in the dome scenes (wear shorts & sandals to really feel it) but I felt nothing new on my face.

3) The one new thing I did notice was the amazingly bright, sharp, and well-saturated image in the 3rd dome. I've watched the dome projections change a dozen times since 2010, and I've never seen an improvement this noticeable before. It almost looked like they enlarged the image or moved you closer to the dome somehow (which I doubt) because the screen feels so much more immersive and detailed. I specifically saw definition in Harry's Patronus stag that I've never noticed before, and texture in the stone of Hogwarts castle.

I wasn't able to take a second ride, and the TMs I talked to said they knew the projectors had been worked on in the previous weeks but didn't know details. I've always felt the muddy, low-contrast projections in FJ were always the biggest flaws holding this attraction back from perfection. If this upgrade can be applied to all the domes, then the best ride ever is going to get even better!

Disclaimer: I had a Guinness and a chicken waffle sandwich shortly before riding, so my powers of observation are not guaranteed ;-)

 

[boomerthom]

3) The one new thing I did notice was the amazingly bright, sharp, and well-saturated image in the 3rd dome. I've watched the dome projections change a dozen times since 2010, and I've never seen an improvement this noticeable before. It almost looked like they enlarged the image or moved you closer to the dome somehow (which I doubt) because the screen feels so much more immersive and detailed. I specifically saw definition in Harry's Patronus stag that I've never noticed before, and texture in the stone of Hogwarts castle.

This is pretty interesting. It seems like enlarging the image would actually make the film look blurrier, like how sitting closer to a display can expose individual pixels. I guess it's not out of the question that they could have tinkered with the film beyond just enlarging it.

I'm going to be there in late June, so I'm looking forward to seeing the new dome projection(s). Modifications to existing rides are really fascinating to me for some reason.

Thanks for the updates

 

[Teebin]

This is pretty interesting. It seems like enlarging the image would actually make the film look blurrier, like how sitting closer to a display can expose individual pixels.

That scene may have been completely rerendered at a higher resolution to take advantage of a new projection system. Anything is possible

 

[MrRoamer]

Creating a video to be viewed on a dome is pretty tricky in my experience. You have to account for how badly the images can get washed out on a big surface and the type of lens used is very different. I think by increasing the brightness and fidelity of the projectors they probably achieved a the majority of what they were going for. If they did actually enlarge the video to make it seem closer they may have enlarged it while cropping out the edges, which is where you lose a lot of fidelity. In order to project on a dome (at least when I was doing it) you are taking 4 different renderings from cameras varying slightly in their orientation and then stitching them all together.

Updated: Also what Teebs just said would be very helpful and totally within their capabilities.

 

[Frank Drackman]

Ok, I normally ride FJ at least twice a week, but I hadn't been on it for about 2 weeks before I rode yesterday.

1) The motion profile felt exactly the same to me as it has for several months, after the latest round of adjustments earlier in the year. The reprogramming mostly affected the dome scenes, reducing lateral motion. I've noticed no increase in reclining.

2) There was no "air bladder" (really the wrong word) apparent on my bench, and I've heard nothing about them being installed after the test with a couple used at alternate load. There has always been air blowing at your feet in the dome scenes (wear shorts & sandals to really feel it) but I felt nothing new on my face.

3) The one new thing I did notice was the amazingly bright, sharp, and well-saturated image in the 3rd dome. I've watched the dome projections change a dozen times since 2010, and I've never seen an improvement this noticeable before. It almost looked like they enlarged the image or moved you closer to the dome somehow (which I doubt) because the screen feels so much more immersive and detailed. I specifically saw definition in Harry's Patronus stag that I've never noticed before, and texture in the stone of Hogwarts castle.

I wasn't able to take a second ride, and the TMs I talked to said they knew the projectors had been worked on in the previous weeks but didn't know details. I've always felt the muddy, low-contrast projections in FJ were always the biggest flaws holding this attraction back from perfection. If this upgrade can be applied to all the domes, then the best ride ever is going to get even better!

Disclaimer: I had a Guinness and a chicken waffle sandwich shortly before riding, so my powers of observation are not guaranteed ;-)

We rode once over the weekend and I agree with what you noticed (well, if the 3rd dome is the last one). For me (I'm not a big potter fan, but I love what UNI has built), I am pretty sure it was the last dome that seems to have improved since we last rode in March...the only problem with it is that I think someone spewed on the left side of the dome we had...it did not look like it was the film, but the brightness brought out the stains on the screen....

 

[USO92]

Great article on how Harry Potter is the driving force for the rise in the Florida economy!!

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/bet-florida-pays-off-022504049.html

 

[gator]

Ok, I normally ride FJ at least twice a week, but I hadn't been on it for about 2 weeks before I rode yesterday.
2) There was no "air bladder" (really the wrong word) apparent on my bench, and I've heard nothing about them being installed after the test with a couple used at alternate load. There has always been air blowing at your feet in the dome scenes (wear shorts & sandals to really feel it) but I felt nothing new on my face.

Last time I rode there was definitely an air blowing in my face sensation that I had never noticed before. I remember making a comment about it after getting off the ride. Maybe they are testing it on one or two ride vehicles?

 

[ChrisFL]

Great article on how Harry Potter is the driving force for the rise in the Florida economy!!

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/bet-florida-pays-off-022504049.html

"Universal opened its Harry Potter theme park" ugh. They still refer to the land itself as a theme park

 

[illumination]

The air bladders were finally installed? Last I heard both the bladders and reprofiling were on hold until the USJ version was completed.

Great to hear, if so. When HTF first broke news about the air bladders, the first thing that came to mind was the air creating a better simulation effect.

Just wondering, where does the actual air blow from? Where are the air bladders? I'm assuming somewhere on the ride vehicles, but how would they blow on your face without you seeing the source of the air?

 

[Teebin]

Just wondering, where does the actual air blow from? Where are the air bladders? I'm assuming somewhere on the ride vehicles, but how would they blow on your face without you seeing the source of the air?

Have you ever been on soarin? The air vent would (ideally) be built into each bench cover's center front edge. It only needs to be a 1/4" opening.

 

[UK-Trigg]

"Universal opened its Harry Potter theme park" ugh. They still refer to the land itself as a theme park

Uni only have themselves to blame for that one.

"Park within a park"

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Have you ever been on soarin? The air vent would (ideally) be built into each bench cover's center front edge. It only needs to be a 1/4" opening.

Or the ones installed on Mission:Space as an example.

 

[illumination]

Or the ones installed on Mission:Space as an example.

Interesting thanks guys. I haven't been on Soarin or Mission:Space.

 

[TheLastAshen]

 

[Felipe]

TLA, more like 2.5 years


Work continues on the Hogsmeade Station. As posted on the DA Soft Opening Watch thread, the entrance on the LC / HE station side is blocked off. Here are some pics from @MagicCityMayhem:

"No Hogsmeade entry today."

"Closer look at Hogsmeade Station sign. "

 

[blue180]

I kind of like that little cupola thing white....

 

[Teebin]

^ It still isn't clear to me why they ripped the thing to hell only to put it back exactly the way they were headed the first time. Perhaps it required something electric that was overlooked.

 

[universal_fanatic]

^ It still isn't clear to me why they ripped the thing to hell only to put it back exactly the way they were headed the first time. Perhaps it required something electric that was overlooked.

Must've been to replace something.
I'm just glad they ARE painting it. Was worried it was going to stay white.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

I'm actauly feeling that we might see the Construction walls (Besides some barriers for Hogwarts express) that the whole section of

construction walls won't be there anymore by maybe Saturday or Sunday.. But; that's just me on that debate.