Harry Pooper at Universal (Orlando)

DT · 06-06-2010, 12:59 PM

We were down at Universal for a couple of days, and got a pretty good look at the upcoming Harry Potter area in Islands of Adventure. Looks pretty goddam awesome.

They're re-theming the Dragons coaster, but it was still in the original look, I guess they'll likely shut it down about a week before the opening (the interior has been done, most of it was closed off).

the main ride is a robo arm full motion on _rails_ so it also moves through the castle, should be pretty crazy, opening June 18th (we'll probably head back down when it thins out a little like September or so).

**drewC.** · 06-06-2010, 01:42 PM

I got a season pass spring break and went and saw it a few months ago...definitely going to head back ASAP when it opens. I never was too big on harry potter, but this looked badass

DT · 06-06-2010, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by drewC.

I got a season pass spring break and went and saw it a few months ago...definitely going to head back ASAP when it opens. I never was too big on harry potter, but this looked badass

Yeah, same here, read the first 2 books, haven't seen the last one (maybe two?) movies, but it's we sort have enough exposure to "get" the theme/world they've created.

Had they redone Earthquake when you were there? It has a new name Disaster, and while it's the same, it's also totally different (and the "virtual" host is goddam amazing. The woman picked up on his picture on the wall, "is that ....?" ) Pretty fun/funny and a good update to an ol' school ride.

**drewC.** · 06-06-2010, 01:53 PM

Nope. I haven't had the chance to go that often, but during July I'll definitely add it to my list of things to do. I have a problem with theme parks though, I get all excited to go and ride the rides, but then after about 3-4 hours I get tired and want to leave hah. Next time i go I am making a list of things to hit up as soon as I get in the park before I hit the fatigue wall.

**tommygallagher** · 06-06-2010, 02:03 PM

oddley enough, ive been to disney world so many times but have never been to universal. this is definitely inspiration to go.

**ryaskim** · 06-06-2010, 02:16 PM

Go to Islands of adventure, not universal studios.

DT · 06-06-2010, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by drewC.

Nope. I haven't had the chance to go that often, but during July I'll definitely add it to my list of things to do. I have a problem with theme parks though, I get all excited to go and ride the rides, but then after about 3-4 hours I get tired and want to leave hah. Next time i go I am making a list of things to hit up as soon as I get in the park before I hit the fatigue wall.

It's really worth staying on site. It might be a little bit more, but with Florida resident rates, the fast pass that comes with the room and a close to place be able to walk to chill, sleep, hang out by the pool it's really a huge plus.

Like Friday we did the water ride (in escalating likelihood to get wet, J.Park, Ripsaw Falls, Bluto Bilge-rats) and were SOAKED, but we just walked over, jumped in the pool, toweled off, changed, went back over to City Walk, drank up, did a little shop lifting, etc.

Originally Posted by ryaskim

Go to Islands of adventure, not universal studios.

Do both, it's barely more, and the Studios side has some fun rides like the new Rip Rocket coaster, the Mummy and the best place to eat (Finnigens Pub).

**tommygallagher** · 06-06-2010, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by ryaskim

Go to Islands of adventure, not universal studios.

i meant both the parks in general.
either way: http://www.cedarpoint.com/index.cfm ftw

**ejb** · 06-06-2010, 08:13 PM

i'm going to universal june 28th . i can't frackin wait.

**drewC.** · 06-06-2010, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by DT

It's really worth staying on site. It might be a little bit more, but with Florida resident rates, the fast pass that comes with the room and a close to place be able to walk to chill, sleep, hang out by the pool it's really a huge plus.

Like Friday we did the water ride (in escalating likelihood to get wet, J.Park, Ripsaw Falls, Bluto Bilge-rats) and were SOAKED, but we just walked over, jumped in the pool, toweled off, changed, went back over to City Walk, drank up, did a little shop lifting, etc.

Do both, it's barely more, and the Studios side has some fun rides like the new Rip Rocket coaster, the Mummy and the best place to eat (Finnigens Pub).

Normally we just go for the day and drive back to school (it's about an hour and a half drive). I'm waiting for a weekend where I can get maybe Friday off of work to go and stay in Orlando for the weekend. My buddy has a timeshare that he can set up, and he has the upgraded annual pass so we get free parking. All-in-all, we could make the trip with no cost except gas and food (and drinks

)

And yes it's definitely worth it to upgrade for both parks. They each have the perks. Some of the shows at Universal are pretty entertaining as well

DT · 06-21-2010, 03:10 PM

Holy shit. Went BACK down yesterday and today in a semi-drunken "Let's make reservations!!!" on Saturday night (plus is was kind of a Father's Day thing).

Supposedly hours getting even IN to the park on Fri/Sat, hours to get into the Pooper area, and then hours for the ride. So we hang out in the Hard Cock for food and LOTS of beer like 3-4pm, the storm most clears out and we run right in to the Pooper area and are in the ride < 45 minutes!

Very cool, huge range of motion, you're kind of hanging like a coaster, some video, some robotics, crazy effects. Most of the wait is outside so I'd say avoid during the hot seasons.

Didn't re-ride the dragons or go into any of the shops but everything looks pretty cool.