Monday, August 30, 2010

My Experience

As you all may or may not know, on August 27 I was finally able to ride Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey after nearly 3 months of exercise and watching what I eat. I have been getting a lot of words of congratulations, and also a lot of people asking how it was, did I like it, and was it worth it. In short, my answers are amazing, yes, and YES!!! I will now go through my experience and thoughts on riding Forbidden Journey.

Beware! There be SPOILERS AHEAD!

So some friends and I made a visit to the Wizarding World this past Friday morning. They were all saying that this would be the day I ride, but I was sure I hadn't lost enough weight yet (also didn't want to get my hopes up and then be disappointed if I hadn't of fit). We wait in the 20 minute line (Yep, it's the slow season!) and we get to the loading platform. It's me, Matt and Zach in an enchanted bench together. Matt takes the far left seat, I'm right next to him, and Zach takes the far right seat. I sit down and pull down on the restraint and get my one click that I can get by myself. A female attendant comes over and pushes down to get the second click. It happens. In order to try and get the third and final click, she calls a male attendant over. I really wish I could remember his name. I tell him to push as hard as he can, and he obliges. He gives the restraint one big shove, no click. I start getting worried. He rears back, gives it one more big shove.....click. It was as if time had slowed down for that third click. I could hear it echoing in my head. I threw my hands in the air triumphantly, and throughout the entire loading area all you could hear was my voice screaming "YES!!!!!" Cheers and applause came from my friends in the bench behind us. I was on cloud 9 at this point. I was finally about to get to experience this amazing attraction I had heard so many great things about. The loading platform is very long, and the whole time we were traveling down before the ride portion I was laughing and screaming, just so excited that I was able to accomplish my I set out to do.

We finally get going in the ride, and it was phenomenal! I do not want to do a scene-by-scene description of the ride and spoil everything, but I will talk about a couple of parts of the ride I was most impressed/scared of. First off, the transitions between scenes are seemless! Very well done! Now there are some scary parts to this ride, and boy are they scary! I had heard that things get close to you, but I never realized just how close they got. SPOILER! When you come across the Whomping Willow and it starts swinging its branched at you, it really comes close to hitting you. So close you could probably kick it if you had long legs! It's pretty freaky! Also, the Dementors are the scariest thing I think I've ever experience in an attraction. When they come at you they really come at you, and it nearly gave me several heart attacks. Just be wary of that if you have children that want to ride, it can get pretty scary in there!

After getting off the ride I was just overcome with emotion. I had to keep laughing and smiling to keep from crying with happiness that I accomplished my goal. I went and bought the picture first thing, and saw my friend Jessie working at Filch's. She has been rooting for me to get on the ride, and as soon as she saw me she knew what had happened. She gave me a big hug and congratulated me, at that point I started tearing up. From there we enjoyed the rest of the park and went on our way.

Overall, this attraction is AMAZING!!! I actually had a tough time deciding where on my all time favorite attraction list this would go. I am a HUGE Twilight Zone Tower of Terror fan, and that attraction is number one on my list. But, Forbidden Journey nearly knocked it down to number two. I really had to think about it, but Tower is remaining at number one just because of the childhood memories I have of it, and all the knowledge I have as well. However, Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey is right behind it at number two. It is my favorite non-Disney attraction ever though! I cannot say enough good things about it, and cannot wait to ride it again and again!

I've had several people ask what's going to happen to the blog now that I got on the ride. The answer is nothing! I'm going to continue posting on here, because I'm not stopping my weight loss! My new goal is to get down to 250 lbs, after that I want to see if I can possibly get the three clicks by myself without help. I will continue posting about my experiences at Potter, because I plan on riding it many times!

I do want to thank every single one of you for believing in me and giving me all the words of encouragement and love! Without your support I may not have been able to do this, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Question of the day: If you have gotten the chance of riding Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey, what are your thoughts on the attraction?

33 comments:

  1. First off, I'm super proud that you made it on! I just fangirled over this (I'm a dork...), especially knowing that you were able to accomplish such a major goal. This is truly the epitome of how we as a society SHOULD act... instead of being angry that we didn't make it, we should do something about it. I'm by no means a little girl, and they have to staple me into the ride, so I understand. :)

    As for the ride itself... it's one of the most amazing experiences ever. In my opinion, it puts everything else to shame. I have to agree with you about Tower, though... I worked there on my CP in 2006 and I've never loved an attraction more. I will forever be loyal to it. But Journey? A class all its own. It is immensely amazing that we have the technology to do things like this and keep moving forward from it.

    I guess it's a sign that we live in the best place in the world! :)

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  2. Congratulations, Banks! I can imagine I will feel something quite similar when I am finally able to ride a roller coaster again...I can't wait!!!

    37 pounds down, 194 to go!

    Follow my progress here:
    Battle of the Butt

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  3. I wonder how many of us are out there doing the "Harry Potter Diet"? Once I heard how small the seats were on Forbidden Journey after it opened, I also immediately went on a diet so I would fit for my upcoming trip in October. I have lost 35 lbs so far and am hoping to have lost a total of 50 lbs by the time I get there in October. CONGRATS on your success and for blogging about your journey to the Forbidden Journey.

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  4. First off Congratulations!!!!!

    I was at the Grand Opening of the Wizarding world of Harry Potter and the first time i saw Hogwarts i began to cry....it felt like how it was described in the book, and of course the first thing i did was head straight for the forbidden journey! The line in itself was amazin, just the attention to detail really made me feel like the creators took the books/movies and fans seriously. The ride i think is amazing, the way it transitions through quidditch, the forest and the chamber of secrets is amazing, and i love the fact that it is multi-sensory, I think because of this ride, future attractions are going to have to step up their game!

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  5. AWESOME! You are giving hope to everyone that with work and eating right they can do it. A great support system helps also and you know what? From reading your blog it shows that you have a great support system. Keep up the good work!

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  6. Any chance you will share any of your body dimensions to give us an idea where you were as far as waist size before and after...

    I think there are a lot if us that would love to have an idea of what waist size is the limit...

    I too have got on the Potter diet as I really want to experience this ride... while I have personal goals... I would love to know if they are even close to what is going to be acceptable on the ride...

    so far I have dropped 30 pounds...

    Keep up the good work!!!

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  7. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to FL the week after Thanksgiving -- and I'm starting my own HP&tFJ Diet. What was your loss up to this point? Mugglenet is saying 12lbs, but that was from your update at the beginning of August, I think. I've got 3-months ... I simply refuse to think that I won't make it happen. I've GOT to ride it!

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  8. wow...congratulations.....you did it.. you're such an inspiration....we went to the wizarding world last month for a day but though the wizarding world was the most awesome theme park I've been too...I've was so disappointed with the visit...before I get to enter I was already so tired because of the long line & heat...and the most disappointing thing of all....I get to ride the forbidden journey(& it was great) but we mistakenly went in line on the single ride entrance & didn't get to see the whole hogwarts....and I just realized my mistake after we got home....I feel like crying when I realized I missed a lot..I think I spent my whole day there getting in line just to enter dervish & banges..lol....but oh well, I got another reason to be back in Orlando....maybe next year....

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  9. Got here from the Mugglenet link--this is so awesome! I've been working out and eating right this summer too, trying to get healthier and I too have hit a goal I had set earlier. It's just the most wonderful feeling, isn't it? But yeah, dude, you rule and I applaud you. Your determination and strength is beyond admirable and I know that I'll keep cheering you on as this blog charts your journey. :)

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  10. The image of you throwing your hands in the air and cheering all the way down the loading platform made me laugh out loud...what a great feeling that must have been! Congratulations!!

    I've ridden the Forbidden Journey a few times, and I have a blast every time. For me, a good ride is one that makes me scream out loud because it is scary/thrilling, or laugh out loud because it is entertaining/fun. Forbidden Journey does BOTH, sometimes at the same time! I laugh with excitement as I'm flying over Hogwarts, scream with fear when a dementor surprises me, then laugh AND scream as I'm getting thrown around by the whomping willow. How much more fun can you ask for???

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  11. Great job, well done, keep up your good work! How exciting to achieve your goal~

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  12. Congrats, Banks!
    It seems weird to be proud of someone you don't actually know, but I'm proud of you nevertheless. I'm glad the ride was everything you hoped it would be, and even more glad that you're going to keep living a healthy life.

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  13. Hi
    My name is Jacqueline, I'm from Brazil, I'm glad you can lose weight and go to the park from Harry Potter. How was it? interesting is the park?
    I hope to receive your response.
    Add me on msn: @ hotmail.com jaqueline.vb

    Cheers

    Jaqueline

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  14. I love Harry Potter, please ... tell me more about the park. Let's be friends?
    I live in Brazil, Cascavel city in the state of Parana. I'm 36 years old, am married and have a child of nine years. I play guitar, love music. I await your response.
    Jaqueline

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  15. I got here from the Mugglenet Link too! I am amazed at your determination. It's great that you finally were able to ride. I can't wait to get there myself. Congrats, Banks! Maybe while my friend and I are there we'll stop by and meet you at the mall! I will need to know where that is when we get there, lol.

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  16. Congratulations!! Keep up the good work!!

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  17. Banks...
    As someone who was in your position a few years back, I want to say "Way To Go!" But DON'T STOP! In 2005 I went from 300 to 228 and ran the Walt Disney Marathon. I didn't get as much press as you, but the Tampa Tribune ran a story on me and some elite runners took offense at my story and began to savage me on their blogs. I hope you've kept yourself either sheltered or indifferent to the negative feedback about you --you've done it for yourself and you've done well. As for me, well, I put some weight back on and had to return to the "fat seats" on Hulk and Dueling Dragons, so I returned to a workout regimen on April 1st and was able to fit (snugly) on Harry Potter my first time -but it was close! Last weekend I rode in the front of the Hulk for the first time ever and when YOU get there you'll be so fricken proud of yourself! Don't be surprised if I come looking for you to be in A TV show I have in development!
    KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! (and google my name if u want to read the good and bad about my story)

    Tony Jasica

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  18. Hi,

    I am writing about a very positive experience at the park on Thursday, August 26th.

    I had planned this trip for a year to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as my daughter and I are huge fans. I had heard that there had been some issues with getting on the Forbidden Journey ride if you were an above average size from ur sites. I am 6' 6" and 275 lbs. I am not obese by any means but my height is an issue. At the test seats my daughter was able to get me a green light so I proceeded through the line. I did not get pulled out at the 2nd test seats and went right to the ride. Then there was the issue! The women who put me into the ride couldn't get the 3rd click and kicked me off. She was older and the policy of only using one hand is ludicrous, especially in my case where a 15 yr. old could get the green light. I asked to be tested again and the women who checked me in the test seats couldn't get it either. She was very petite and again the one hand rule came into effect. I was sent down the long hallway "walk of shame" and put in the gift shop while my daughter got to experience this great ride.

    Well, knowing that Dwight Howard had gotten on this ride at 6' 11" I did not let sleeping dogs lie. I went to a fantastic gentleman named Cody who understood the issue with my height. He did not hesitate to coordinate a test where he to got a green light for me. He then called into the ride and contacted Ryan to accomodate me on the ride. Ryan came out and escorted my daughter and I to the ride where he easily was able to get the 3rd click. I was not uncomfortable at all and was able to enjoy this ride after my trek from Syracuse NY!!!

    Please send my email along to the supervisors of both Cody and Ryan. They were compassionate, understanding and marvelously accommodating. If it wasn't for them my whole trip could have been ruined! They are great and deserve immense accolades!

    I'm so happy you got to ride! I followed your blog religiously. Can't believe you rode the day after I got to! Congrats!!!

    Thanks,

    Patrick McCarthy
    Syracuse NY

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  19. I was ALL smiles...from ear to ear while I read your thoughts on the ride. The part that made me tear up was when you said that you teared up when your friend gave you a hug & congratulated you. You have made all of your supporters very proud!!!!!

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  20. Eu te admiro muito.. meus parabens!!

    Jaqueline
    Brasil

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  21. I too was denied access to FJ. I was in tears! I kinda expected it, but it hurt none the less. I started a diet that same day and have lost 38 lbs since June 13. I am going to IOA this weekend and I am scared to even try it!

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  22. Congratulations!

    I've been on the Forbidden Journey. My husband is on the Board of Directors (and I've previously been on the board) of HPEF, the organization that recently put on Infinitus, the Harry Potter conference that was held at the Harry Potter Wizarding World this past July. Because of our involvement with the convention planning, we got a VIP tour of the Wizarding World park with one of the Orlando Park managers, which allowed us to go to the head of the line of all the rides, including FJ. She told us lots of cool behind-the-scenes facts about the ride. One of the most interesting bits she told us is something that happens on the ride that goes by so quickly that I didn't even realize it until she mentioned it. During the dementor section of the ride, you get a quick glimpse of a distorted face, sort of an image projected on fog. It's like the soul being sucked away by the dementors. What I didn't realize until she explained it was that the soul projection you see at that point is YOU. They take a picture of you earlier in the ride (perhaps when you're shrieking when the dragon belches a burst of flame, I wonder???) and then they project that later in the ride when you face the dementors.

    Cool detail, huh?

    Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS! Keep on going!

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  23. So the young girls working this attraction are still doing the one hand push?!?! I lost weight and rode a few days before the grand opening. A few days later I tried and got the 1 hand push garbage. Couldn't ride because they wouldn't push hard at all. I've since lost another 10 pounds but haven't gone back. Not worth the hassle to even try anymore. I know I should be able to fit now since losing over 40lbs but I really don't care.

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  24. I know I never comment here or on your facebook, but I have been following your journey this whole time. I am very proud of you! Reading all this just confirms that you are a wonderful person and Sidney is lucky to have you. I'm glad you're going to keep going. I am sure in no time you'll be able to get all 3 clicks by yourself.

    ~Robin

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  25. So Proud of you Banks..You da MAN! I knew you would reach your goal. Very Glad to see that you are not just stopping there. After reading your post, I think I might go out and buy some tickets and check out some Harry Potterness myself!

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  26. Banks, way to go on your achievement. I was removed from this ride this weekend(Labor Day '10) due to my size--6'3" 265#. Hopefully, I'll be able to lose the weight to get on in the future. I am disappointed at Universal for not making this ride compatible for us larger people. As a warning for others, make sure you use the test seats before riding. The attendants won't direct you there and there are no warnings along the way. I was removed from the line after a 45min. wait. I did not know of any problem until the attendant stopped the ride.

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  27. congrats!!!!! AWESOME NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    i started the HP&FJ diet about 4 wks ago. have lost 8 lbs so far. need to lose at least another 15-20lbs. started at 279, now at 271. i need to make it under the 265 range since i'm also 5'8''. hoping that 255 will be okay but working toward 250. my trip to IOA is in about 4-5 weeks. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

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  28. Well, after losing 38 lbs since June 13th, I got my 3 clicks on Saturday!!! I was so happy that I literally sobbed with joy. :) The ride was of course amazing. I celebrated afterwards with my first butterbeer. For anyone who is interested, I am 5'7" and currently weigh 242 lbs. I am a 42 DD and wear a size 16 pant. I hope that helps ease someones anxiety. My heart was pounding when I sat in the seat outside the ride.

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  29. Congratulations Banks! You did it!!! I am glad it was everything you hoped for, and it sounds like a fitting reward for all your hard work.
    I was there for the opening but didn't ride Forbidden Journey. I didn't even bother trying as my companion couldn't ride Dueling Dragons at all so I rode it without him and felt bad enough about that. Anyway, we are returning in February so that we can experience everything without the excruciating heat and huge crowds. My friend and I are both working to lose weight to ensure we can ride (I am down 6 pounds and 2 clothing sizes already). And thanks to your progress and description of the ride, I am even more motivated!

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  30. Congrats! I've been working very hard myself this year and gone from 223 down to 178. Just eating healthy and exercising everyday. My words of advice are never give up even if you don't seem to be losing weight! I've gone 2 or 3 weeks at a time without even losing 1 pound, and then all of a sudden I drop 3 or 4 in a week. Keep up the hard work bro, it's well worth it!

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  31. I went to the park with 9 family members and friends for labor day. Thanks to this blog and another friend who was not able to ride, I was prepared to be rejected.
    I am a woman, 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 270 pounds, size 18/20. Everyone I know told me I would definately fit, I guessI look thinner than I really am. I first tried the test seat outside which requires a green light to proceed. I am unsure how you get the green light because there were no clicks. The attendant told me to try again inside so I waited 1.25 hours (there was a malfunction) and tried again. I was able to get two clicks even with sucking in my gut. I do have a larger than average chest (44D) so that didn't help. I was prepared for this and left the ride through the hall of shame (my words) and went to the gift shop. I then consoled myself with butter beer.
    Just a note...I have never not fit on a ride. I fit quite nicely on the HULK and did not need to use the larger seats provided. I plan to loose 20+ pounds to try again.

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  32. As of yesterday, Sept 10, Forbidden Journey has modified seats. Test Seats now have three lights, red for no go, yellow for modified seat and green for any seat. Modified seats are the far left and far right of the four seats. Only a few vehicles have been modified so far but all vehicles will eventualy be modified.

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  33. I'm a huge fan and was so disappointed and embarrassed when I couldn't fit on the ride earlier this summer. I've been doing the "Harry Potter" diet ever since as well. Don't know when I will get a chance to go back to Florida, but will try again.

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