Please Help Me! To date, we are the anti-Harry Potter family!

[Koz]

I appeal to you, the good people of the DIS, US/IOA, to help me before our family trip in August.

We are a family of 5 and the kids range in ages from 13 to 6. None of my kids have ever read a Harry Potter book, nor have they seen a movie. By association, neither have I or the wife. Daniel Radcliff could show up at the door holding a delivery and the kids would be none the wiser, simply thanking him for the box.

In trying to plan our trip I of course rely upon the resources of this board heavily (WDW 7x thus far) as we have never been to Universal (just once for me during a business trip, where Jaws, Twister and Earthquake were still there). Other than what we've shown the kids on Youtube so far they know nothing about the parks. In reading the Potter touring plan someone was good enough to post here, there is truly an amazing amount of detail that the park has to offer, from ride ques to signage, to just the setup in each of the parks. My fear is that what could be a magical period of time exploring this area of the park will instead just be a 15 minute walk-though, filled with "oh, cool" and "ok, what now" remarks.

I'd really like to be able to get the most out of the experience, much the same way they felt when they walked through Toy Story Mania and the immersion you felt.

Consequently, I'm appealing to you for any recommendations you might have. We will be at the parks for a full week with the unlimited park to park to park ticket, so getting to see everything won't be a problem. We are also staying at the HRH and have the benefit of the unlimited express pass.

In an attempt to get myself and the family up to speed, what would you recommend in terms of being "Potter-conversant?" Books first? If so, does one book capture much of what you see at Universal? Movies first? Same question as to the movies.

I must admit, I'm extremely ticked off knowing that Jaws was pulled several years ago, as I really enjoyed the ride the one day I had the pleasure of touring by myself years ago, but I'm willing to let that slide and move on Everything offered at the parks themed to Potter, from the rides to the food, appears to be really well done, and we can't wait to experience all of it.

 

[jeanelle]

In terms of Harry Potter, I would recommend at least watching the first movie. That will introduce them to wizarding world and give them some background for Diagon Alley and Hogwarts. It is also not as dark as the later movies and would more appropriate for all of your children. There are aspects of the other movies shown in the park but I don't think you will be as lost if you have at least seen the first one.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi I agree with pp that the first movie is really good to see for an introduction. You might get hooked after the first and want to watch the others . If you want to try other movies without going in the progression then #3 "Prisoner of Azkaban", this movie introduces in Hogsmeade Village,... #5 "The Order of the Pheonix", ... #7 The Deathly Hallows part 1 and part 2 do a lot with Diagon Alley. The Gringotts ride is based off the last movie.

I agree the movies got darker as they went on. My DD started with them from a toddler and was able to watch them without being scared and got hooked. We are huge Potter fans. You know your children best with what would work.

You don't have to read the books at all. I think they are great and enjoyed them but not necessary.

We love the HRH we have stayed there three times. This year we are trying RPR in June. We love Universal and find ourselves going back every year.

You will be spoiled with the express pass it is great!

Have a great trip!

 

[Koz]

Thanks to both for your replies! They are indeed helpful!

 

[only hope]

I agree with at least watching the first movie. If some/all of you find yourself really enjoying the first movie, try the books at some point. The first two and last two movies follow the books quite closely. If you all enjoy the first and have time, the next two should be enjoyed by the whole family. Four and on may not be ok for the youngest children.

There are many details in the parks that are in the books and not the movies, but the overall look of the two park sections are based off the movies. Many things are (sometimes scaled down) exact replicas.

 

[bchbetha]

If you can read the books first or listen to the audio books, they’re better than the movies. The movies are really good but books first is my motto. The first movie is really faithful to the book though so if you are only down with watching movies, it’ll be ok.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

Here is a "left field" idea - since you have a week with unlimited EP. Spend a few dollars and download the movies onto your computer/ipad. Go day 1 to the parks and walk through HP areas for the 15 minute tour you discussed, and really enjoy all of the other IPs at both parks. When you are relaxing at night, watch the movies, maybe not all 8, but some. The HP areas have so much detail from the movies/books, then each day you revisit the parks, the theming and backstory to the rides will get neater and cooler each time.

Maybe you will be all be Potterheads by week's end!

 

[tweak89]

This sort of goes along with VacaPlanner2012's post.

I've never gotten the impression that one needs a crash course in HP to enjoy the Wizarding World portions of Universal Parks. Taken alone (without ties to HP) they are wonderfully realized fantasy worlds with two E-Ticket rides that should entertain anyone regardless of their HP knowledge. Visit the parks and experience the areas and let that lead you to exploring the book/movie universe more if you enjoyed it. I mean, some folks just don't care for the genre in book/film form, but it can still be enjoyed as a themed area.

The wife and I were very casual in our HP knowledge (we'd seen a few of the movies, but never read the books) and we enjoyed the area immensely. That led us to eventually doing a marathon of all the movies. While I still wouldn't call us anything more than casual fans, it was fun to "back fill" some of the stories behind the park attractions and doing so ended up enhancing future visits.

 

[Skippyboo]

If you have HBO, all the movies are on HBO go. The first movie will give you a good introduction to the characters, the structure of Hogwarts, the basics of Quidditch. Enough to tell Ron from Harry and know what a Gryffindor is.

 

[RalphinSC]

There are a ton of other great IP's in the parks that are not Potter that are really well done. Marvel superhero island has great theming and the Spiderman ride is good for all ages (Hulk and Doom are more for Thrill seekers). Jurassic Park is well themed. The queue on the transformers line is pretty cool, the ride is a more chaotic version of the Spiderman ride. Mummy is arguably the best indoor coaster in the world and has great immersive theming all throughout the line and ride. ET is a classic and is Universal's best "dark ride". You probably rode it last when you went, it's still there.

 

[ruthies12]

I'm the one who posted the detailed touring plan for wizarding world and am a HUGE Potter fan, mostly of the books which I've read too many times to count and I've seen the movies a couple times each, it's just a great story. IMO the books are better, but I love to read and always think the books are better regardless of what it is lol.

As others have said, seeing the movies and reading the books isn't absolutely necessary to enjoying the areas in the parks and there is a lot of other stuff at the parks as well, but I do think having some background before you go in will be helpful. I would choose the movies over the books if your kids aren't that into reading, and especially for the 6 year old. And movies are easier to do as a family. You've got plenty of time before your trip to do some family movie nights. I'd just start with the first one and see how they like it and go from there. If they watch the first 3 you'll be pretty well set, though the ride escape from gringotts is based on the last movie so if you they like it enough to watch all of them that will be better.

My 9 year old loved the movies and is now reading the books for the first time. My 4 year old doesn't really sit though any movies of any sort but does like the dragon at the park and watching it blow fire and enjoys waving the wand around at some of the easier spell spots. Your kids will probably have fun getting a wand and doing spells even if they've never seen the movies, the spell spots are fun by themselves. And everybody in my family loves the butterbeer!

If you have any specific questions about the movies or that section of the parks feel free to pm me, I love talking potter!

 

[ruthies12]

I should add that there are some differences between the movies and the books but nothing major and I don't think there is anything in the parks that comes from just one or the other specifically so you really are fine with either the movies OR the books for the background of the story.

I also think there is so much detail that comes from all the movies/books that there isn't just one that you can watch that is going to have everything you will see in the parks. That first walk down Diagon Alley is in the first movie, the knight bus is in the third movie, Mad-Eye's trunk is in the fourth, the scene on the Hogwart's Express with the twins throwing the fireworks is from the fifth movie, etc. you get the idea. Since you have until August I really would recommend trying to watch all the movies unless the kids decide they hate it after the first one.

 

[nkereina]

DH has read the books and seen the movies. I've only seen the movies. We brought my parents, in their 60s, to Universal for the first time last year and I had them watch the movies in advance. We don't feel like we've missed anything by not reading the books. So if you're just trying to acclimate yourself so you understand the nuances, and since time is somewhat of the essence, I would recommend watching the movies. If the kids develop a love of Potter after the movies and visiting, then sure read the books.

 

[Koz]

You guys are great. Thanks so much for the well thought out responses. I've taken alot of notes

 

[gotomu212]

Here is a "left field" idea - since you have a week with unlimited EP. Spend a few dollars and download the movies onto your computer/ipad. Go day 1 to the parks and walk through HP areas for the 15 minute tour you discussed, and really enjoy all of the other IPs at both parks. When you are relaxing at night, watch the movies, maybe not all 8, but some. The HP areas have so much detail from the movies/books, then each day you revisit the parks, the theming and backstory to the rides will get neater and cooler each time.

Maybe you will be all be Potterheads by week's end!

We aren’t new to HP but when we go down we watch a HP movie each night before bedtime for fun. Then the next day in the park we find some detail from that movie. Even though we’ve watched all the movies an embarrassing number of times we always find one new thing we never noticed before!

If it were me, with 6 months to go, I’d read the first book as a family. It’s the shortest book too. Then at least everyone had a chance to get hooked.

 

[damo]

There are lots of people who don't know anything about Harry Potter and still enjoy the area. Harry Potter is based on wizardry and witchcraft and fantasy. It you are familiar with those concepts at all, you'll still enjoy the area. You'll enjoy it more if you are familiar with the characters but it won't be a write off it you aren't.

 

[meagarunt22]

I was like you, except I had been forced to endure a potter marathon for an entire weekend and I didn't get what all the hype was about. So I went into Universal with the same feelings as you. Let me tell you though, I walked through the bricks to get to Diagon Alley and... whoa. I was completely hooked. I've now read all the books, seen the movies I don't know how many times, and watched as much behind the scenes stuff as I can. I guess there was a disconnect for me and my lack of imagination to be able to enjoy it like others prior to our trip. After being inside that world, and the music in the areas giving me all the feels, I could go back and read them while picturing that place. There's not enough I can say about it.

 

[damo]

One of the big things about the area that draws fans of the movies in, is the music. The Harry Potter score is fabulous and gives you those warm fuzzies.

 

[cadawson]

My 13 1/2 yr old begged me to let her start reading the books when she just turned 10. She'd learned about them from her overseas cousins. I told her I had to read each one first, so off we went! By the 4th book, she was reading them faster than I could keep up. She has since read them 4-5+ times each. She read each book before she watched its movie. I did make her wait on the last books until she was a little older. (My DH and I have both read them once each.)
If you have readers in your family, I suggest starting with the books. We love the movies, but my DD would tell you that the movies are missing too much of the good stuff! If your kids do the AR reading program at school, the HP books can be taken for the AR tests. I think they are leveled at 5th grade through 8th grade reading level - the later books becoming more mature as the characters age. Although, we are starting to co-read the 1st book with our 7 yr old. There is an illustrated version of the first books I've been wanting to get for him. Maybe you or your oldest kiddo could read it out loud to the family in the coming days before your trip!
Have fun!

 

[GoldmanTrust]

When we decided to go to Universal instead of Disney, I introduced my then 6 year old daughter to Harry Potter.

I had NEVER liked anything connected to HP and didnt really get the fascination so many people had for the stories.

She got hooked. Watched the first three movies over and over again. By default we (her parents) started paying attention. I just decided to watch the movies with an open mind. And boom. I started liking it, cause it is really a great story.

So I would recommend a simple movie night for the family. The first movie is..how can I put it? Maybe rather strange. But just give it a little time. Just tell them that this will make the trip 10 times better. Almost like a little homework assignment for the trip. If they dont want to watch, no worries. They will still enjoy the Wizarding world.