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

[anihilnation]

Dragon was working again yesterday. Could just be my imagination but the smoke it blows seemed warmer than before.
Also, I wonder if the ride has been slightly tweaked, when you are in the scene with the whomping willow you can really see the video screens of the upcoming quiditch scene, don't think it was so obvious in the past. I love it though, sometimes looking at the tech is even cooler than the ride itself, even my 11-year old daughter has caught on and loves seeing the other RVs moving about and seeing the movement of the huge domes.

 

[Disneyhead]

I know you get good info so wasnt going to let it go, I remember Jaws


Could this be the beginning of the end for those dragons?

I really have no idea why they are working with it. Whether they are revisiting the Ford Anglia concept, or working on something new. Or maybe just playing with it before it's removed.

 

[Jwhee]

I really have no idea why they are working with it. Whether they are revisiting the Ford Anglia concept, or working on something new. Or maybe just playing with it before it's removed.

What's this ford on a Kuka you speak of?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

If what people are suggesting is the Ford Anglea is replacing the dragon that makes NO SENSE in terms of story. It's teased in the pre show, in the ride film, then you hear and see the dragon around you before the AA.

 

[Disneyhead]

If what people are suggesting is the Ford Anglea is replacing the dragon that makes NO SENSE in terms of story. It's teased in the pre show, in the ride film, then you hear and see the dragon around you before the AA.

I believe what UK-Trigg was referring to was a possible replacement for Dragon Challenge.

I don't think that is what it's about. If anything, I would think an E for Phase 3 in USF. But that is just a guess. They could just be looking at the tech for future projects.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I believe what UK-Trigg was referring to was a possible replacement for Dragon Challenge.

I don't think that is what it's about. If anything, I would think an E for Phase 3 in USF. But that is just a guess. They could just be looking at the tech for future projects.

Ah ok. Never mind.

I think Potter phase 3 would be USF focused too

 

[Milla4Prez66]

People aren't going on vacation to Universal to see Disaster and Twister, please...the average park-goer probably won't even know those attractions ever even existed. It sucks that the families coming to Florida to see FJ may miss out while it gets worked on, but that's how it is with theme parks. How many disappointed families missed out on POTC at Magic Kingdom this summer? It's a part of the business. Everything else Potter including Gringotts will be open though so people should just make the best out of what there is.

 

[Mad Dog]

Ah ok. Never mind.

I think Potter phase 3 would be USF focused too

Yes, that makes perfect business sense. Fear Factor and the spit of land adjacent to Diagon is a substantial area. It would be a natural to tie those together with a HP3 expansion, be it Ministry of Magic or whatever HP theme they tackle.

 

[Quint]

More like rumor. The kiddies at UC have been playing with their Kuka mounted Ford Anglia toy again recently. I found that tiny tidbit interesting.

...Beijing?

 

[captainmoch]

Rode Forbidden Journey today. The dragon was back and seemed the same as usual, although I noticed the lighting effect on the dragon's fire wasn't as bright. That might just be my imagination, though. The willow on the other hand... it wasn't moving at all. And it was painfully obvious that it's supposed to be moving by the motions of the bench. Hopefully that gets fixed soon, because it makes that entire segment before the Quidditch pitch kinda lame. Hmm, is it possible that they may be "cycling through" maintenance of some of the major set pieces? The dragon first which is why it was gone, and now the willow which is why it's stationary?

 

[UAN17]

I have 2 thoughts for Phase 3; the first being the often cited Ministry of Magic for US ...the second being an overhaul of lost continent to become the forbidden Forrest (could possibly explain the Ford Anglia). Wondering if Phase 3 will coincide with Star Wars.

 

[ynnoj]

Since checking out Diagon for the first time over the past couple weeks, I now see Dragon Challenge under a completely different light.

When duelling and when I was a teen, they were probably my favourite coasters in Orlando. Now, all I see is the potential with all the land that thing encompasses. And don't get me started on the whole metal detector experience.

 

[Mad Dog]

Since checking out Diagon for the first time over the past couple weeks, I now see Dragon Challenge under a completely different light.

When duelling and when I was a teen, they were probably my favourite coasters in Orlando. Now, all I see is the potential with all the land that thing encompasses. And don't get me started on the whole metal detector experience.

Yeah, I've thought the same. But I've always doubted that anything would happen since that ride has great capacity and the coaster faction would probably freak out. But so much Diagon type theming & attractions could be done in what is a huge area. Universal doesn't really have enough land to utilize for non compact coasters that occupy a lot of acreage.

 

[jwbitterman]

I essentially ignore dueling dragons. That area is such a low budge, pandering non-attraction. It doesn't fit in with how well done everything else is. It's basically a cut and paste job that typically has a 10 minute wait because no one cares about it.

Also, last time I was in Hogsmeade (maybe a month ago) so many of their spells were down (Snowman, Bludger - which has been down for a year?, the pixie in the cauldron, the rocket). Diagon had the chimney climber down. Rough day for the interactive wand.

Anyone know any hidden gems in either Diagon or Hogsmeade? I saw there was a little throw away window behind Honeydukes and they have off the menu drinks at Hogshead with Fire Whiskey. There's the Deathly Hallows beer drink, too (not firewhiskey related, though I created my own firewhiskey drink with Frozen Butterbear. I call it Fire and Ice. The regular butterbeer version with firewhiskey is the Fire Extinguisher).

 

[anihilnation]

Regardless of whether or not it duels, DC is a great coaster, it would be insanity to remove it. You just don't get rid of a great B&M. Would be nice though if they could refurbish it a little and improve the locker situation.

 

[anihilnation]

I essentially ignore dueling dragons. That area is such a low budge, pandering non-attraction. It doesn't fit in with how well done everything else is. It's basically a cut and paste job that typically has a 10 minute wait because no one cares about it.

The wait is usually low because the ride has a very good capacity. Saying DC is low budget non-attraction is like saying Hulk is that as well.

 

[Jwhee]

I'm all for removing dragon challenge. Takes up so much land and it's an eye sore.

 

[anihilnation]

An eyesore? DC is sexy steel if you ask me

 

[Jwhee]

An eyesore? DC is sexy steel if you ask me

I feel like it sticks out in The WWOHP

 

[Blue]

I feel like it sticks out as well, but it is a great coaster and not that old, plus it's a reliable B&M. I just can't see them getting rid of it.