
@kcardin09 "Same old story at gates. #potterwatch I'm on duty here another hr http://twitpic.com/1rbfpq "
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opens its gates in a mere 23 days at Islands of Adventure at the Universal Orlando Resort. As such, Potterheads and Orland theme park enthusiasts are going a bit wonky with the anticipation! I, for one, have already downloaded a countdown widget for my computer, I have Universal employees on standy-by to let me know if they hear about any soft openings, and I purposefully didn’t pack my Gryffindor house tie and wand, on the off chance that I’ll get a chance to to see WWoHP before I move in June.
Potter fans have turned to Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date with all of the WWoHP news and rumors.In fact, upon hearing rumors that soft openings would be starting this week (a soft opening is when the parks open portions or all of a new attraction or area to guests for small periods of time before the grand opening, just to make sure queue lines work properly and to prepare team members for the actual opening), Potter fans started staking out the now-closed gates of Hogsmeade Village.
Using the hashtag #potterwatch on Twitter, fans are letting each other know when they are on #potterwatch duty and are taking turns hunkering down outside of WWoHP – so that the moment the gates are opened, the message can be sent via Twitter to all of the other Potterheads who are following the trend.
Insider Potter Knowledge: Potterwatch was a radio show hosted by Lee Jordan for those who rebelled against Lord Voldemort and supported Harry Potter during the Second Wizarding War. The radio show provided hope to those in the wizarding world who believed in Harry and the fight against Lord Voldemort, as they could come together, despite being miles apart, to rejoice in their common goals and values. It’s quite brilliant that through the use of Twitter, fans of the series can partake in something a little bit similar, though not quite as epic.
“Listeners, that brings us to the end of another Potterwatch. We don’t know when it will be possible to broadcast again, but you can be sure we shall be back. Keep twiddling those dials: the next password will be ‘Mad-Eye’. Keep each other safe. Keep faith. Good night.” —Lee Jordan finishes a 1998 broadcast of Potterwatch in the book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Also, our Discount Ticket Store just received the June 2010 Universal Studios Times & Information brochure, featuring WWoHP on the cover, and a small Islands of Adventure park map that includes WWoHP in the upper right hand corner!! Larger tear-off maps are probably close to follow. It is interesting to note that the interactive park map on the Universal website does not feature WWoHP as of yet. It’s really all about the small thrills in life. 🙂
For more information, or to purchase Discount Islands of Advenutre Tickets (WWoHP is included with general park admission) please visit our website or Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center. You may also call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.