I feel that people are misunderstanding the underwhelmingness (word?) of this ride that it is bashing the 3d screen rides... No... To the contrary.. I personally am disappointed that Universal has once again managed to hype everyone into a frenzy ie..advertising a:. "Harry Potter Theme Park" "Harry Potter Land" and then open a small themed area. (one new ride - FJ). This time the advertising showed an incredible roller coaster ride. And what we got was quite different. (I foresee them removing the lap restraints on this ride soon, not needed).
It's not whether or not you like certain types of rides, it's simply false advertising!
I love the carousel of progress, but Disney doesn't bill it as some sort of crazy thrill ride.
And whoever said that TSMM is just a 3d ride. WOW, really? Soarin and TSMM are both so much more than just 3d movie rides. I'm sorry Universal fans, The imagineers still have the upper hand on theming, design, and technology.
I am a Disney lover at heart - have stayed on site at DW Deluxe hotels, Deluxe Dining -- three ten night stints in the last 7 years – was a signature away from buying a DVC membership.
Here now at Universal, first time, staying at HRH for 8 nights. Just did Gringotts this am twice (been here 4 days) -- see thread “7/16 Gringotts this morning” for my update on getting there early. Our family, arguably average fans of HP; by no means huge fans of HP.
Here are my quick observations -- will post more -- we're still on vacation --- not much time to post.
Gringotts ride --- if this doesn't impress, then I don't know what can impress a person. I loved it. My wife and son liked FJ a little more -- but they were still blown away by Gringotts. My daughter and I were blown away with both FJ and Gringotts. Gringotts attention to detail – incredible!
Diagon Alley -- I say this with a heavy heart. We have spent a great deal of time there over the past few days. Disney World and the rest of the Universal park - can't hold a candle to the immersive experience of DA. In a word it's 'spectacular'.
I will always love Disney World - but DA, especially in the evenings -- is untouchable. I am blown away by the experience, the detail, the whole story, the shopping, the shows, the ice cream, the depth of detail, the back alleys, .... the everything.
I don't say this lightly. Add in the Hogwarts Express -- it raises the bar to an entirely new level that I doubt Disney can challenge.
I said this to my wife – again with a heavy heart. Can the Disney imagineers make something as technically interesting? .... certainly without question.
Bottom line – Disney doesn’t have the most important ingredient – they don't have the content or story that is as beloved as the HP series of BOOKS and movies.
That's going to be the key. There were kids and adults, TRUE HP fans, fans of the story, wiping a tear from their eye, as they walked around exploring DA. When I saw that – I said, it’s over. Not Star Wars, and certainly NOT Avatar is going to evoke such passion. The depth and breadth of the HP story, and passion that comes with it --- movies will never eclipse the loyalty / engagement of a book --- cannot be overcome by flash. You can recreate the ‘flash’ and technical wonder --- but never the depth and breadth of the story.
Again I'm not a big fan of HP -- I'm blown away.
The evenings/nights --- dear I say it, 'magical'.
Avatar - will be technically as magical -- but the whole package/story/passion of fans .... no way IMO & therefore never as cool.
I will always love Disney, above all others ... I have drank the cool-aid. But my kids, who were raised on Disney/Pixar etc etc ... this may very well be their Disney -- it's that good.
The Harry Potter attractions, especially Diagon Alley, raise the bar to a whole new level IMO.
Just my 2 cents.
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), said that the heavy reliance on screens for Gringotts (that and lack of a feel of 'danger' with FJ) is why she liked it a little less than FJ.
... but she was truly impressed with the entire DA experience. Will likely be there tonight to do some more exploring. 
