I read on a different forum that they were hoping for a soft opening for Easter but haven't heard anything confirmed.

I remember when IOA opened in 1999 we were down to go early June and the park was not due to open until at least July. However, come May it had soft and full openings and we got to visit. I would keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best, it's money after all and if they can get it ready and open then I'm sure they will do.

We were at IOA in October and work was well on the way for this new bit. I'm sure the signs said opening early June.

I suspect mid-May officially with a "soft opening" from mid-April.

Thanks all as I say will be an excuse to go back if not open but excuse my ignorance what is a
"soft opening"

Thanks 60 days to go

A "soft opening" is when the WWoHP will open it's doors without necessarily advertising the fact that it is ready/open. Not all rides, shops might be open. The time allows them to test the operation of things, train up staff, monitor queues etc etc. If you are in the park during this time you might get to experience the new area (almost a guinea pig!) as a bonus. If things are not working or have to close again for short periods the park in a way avoids any potenital customer disappointment as it has not advertised the WWoHP as officially open, just if you are there and it is operating it's a bonus for you.

Hotels sometimes have "soft openings" when they have just opened their doors and want to test things out. Staff might be new and being trained (or even finding their way around the building literally), not all facilities are open, some finishing work like painting might still be going on and rooms will be tested for the first time for guest satisfaction (if the shaving mirror in the right place, does the bedlinen wash well, how do the restaurant staff and servers cope feeding xxx people at the same time etc). Often hotels will offer very special deals to those in the travel industry to stay and try things out - or open up to the public with special introductory rates.

Thanks for that, we'l have to see dont mind being a guinnea pig as long as its not on broken down rides lol

58 days to go

Hi, just returned from florida and unfortunately it isn't due to open until june, but u never know.

Hope it gets its act together by October when we visit

They are promising May 28th- at least they are selling vacation packages starting then-
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2010/02/universal-offering-harry-potter-packages-that-kick-in-may-28.html

Now they are set to open on June 18th.

http://www.disunplugged.com/2010/03/25/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-official-announcment/ gives details of exactly what the new ride consists of. Sounds amazing!