The rumors appear to be true...

[Flyin2MCO]

Harry Potters US theme park
Apr 16, 2007
The Sun - UK - HARRY Potter fans will soon get to experience the magic of Hogwarts — at a THEME PARK.

Universal Studios is close to finalising a deal to build Harry Potter World at its amusement park in Orlando, Florida.

It will include rollercoasters and rides based on the plots of JK Rowling’s novels.

Universal are confident of success as the Harry books have so far sold 325 million copies worldwide, while the four films have earned £2billion.

They also plan a Simpsons ride at the park, America’s third largest.


'Harry Potter' theme park in the works
By Indo Asian News Service

Los Angeles, April 15 (IANS) Universal Studios Florida is close to putting the final touches on a deal to set up a Harry Potter World theme park on an unused portion of Orlando amusement park.

As early as 2005, Walt Disney Co. reportedly wanted to create a 'Harry Potter' theme park in Singapore with rides based on the Harry Potter stories. At that time, the company was said to be in negotiations with J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers to acquire theme park rights, but the project never came to fruition, reports www.hollywood.tv.

Now it turns out that Universal is negotiating with Warner, and while they both agree to the idea of a 'Harry Potter' theme park in principle, the terms of the deal are still being hammered out.

The books and movies together have generated all sorts of video games and merchandise but never the idea of a theme park.

The six 'Potter' books published to date have collectively sold more than 325 million copies and have been translated into 63 languages.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows', the final instalment of the seven-volume series, is set to hit bookstore shelves July 21. Warner Bros turned the first four books into highly popular films that earned an estimated $4 billion in total worldwide ticket sales.

The fifth film, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix', will be seen in theatres July 13.

[robvia]

Yes, there's links on Screamscape which lead to more articles with background on the story.

Apparently, JK Rowling wanted the version at Disney to be like a movie, where each guest would tap a brick to get into Diagon Alley. Sounds good in theory, but to make it happen for millions of people would be impractical. So it's going to be interesting to see what Universal comes up with.

[yaytezIOA]

A preshow feature. You choose someone from the audience and they tap the bricks.....

[Amity 3]

*** is 'tapping the bricks' ?

[damo]

*** is 'tapping the bricks' ?

Just a little magic. Reading the first book may help!

[goofie4goofy]

I think if it is done right and enough $$ is invested it will be great.

I was never a fan of "super heros" or comic books but I love Spiderman and the Hulk attractions and that whole area. It's just like walking in a comic book. I never saw The Mummy movie, but love the ride....

I think it's all about the ride and the theme is the vehicle for imagination.

[damo]

I think if it is done right and enough $$ is invested it will be great.

I was never a fan of "super heros" or comic books but I love Spiderman and the Hulk attractions and that whole area. It's just like walking in a comic book. I never saw The Mummy movie, but love the ride....

I think it's all about the ride and the theme is the vehicle for imagination.

I've never seen the Mummy movies either, or Terminator or anything Jimmy Neutron and I do enjoy all of those attractions. I don't know anything about Dr. Doom and not much about Popeye or even Dudley. I don't think it makes much different.

Potter theming should appeal to anyone.

[Flyin2MCO]

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070405/BUSINESS/704050341/1003

A paragraph from the linked article:

"In its regulatory filing, Universal said: "During 2006 and 2005, we spent $41.4 million and $30.4 million, respectively, on capital expenditures, and estimate our capital expenditures, including intellectual property rights, to be between $100 million to $120 million during 2007. A large portion of this cost relates to the design and construction of multiple new attractions that are currently being negotiated that we anticipate opening during the next few years."

----------------

I know there are a lot of concerns among fans of the "as is" US and IOA, but I think change and evolution is exciting. It's great that UO is actually doing (or at least planning on) SOMETHING to improve and expand the parks.

I've never seen or read the Harry Potter stories, but I'd embrace the additions. Just hope that some of the old "faves" in terms of rides and architecture survive, but that's all outside of our control.

[Amity 3]

Just a little magic. Reading the first book may help!

that's not going to happen, it had better be explained in the ep queue.

[lovetheparks]

Guess I should try to read (or at least watch) Harry Potter becuase right now, the idea doesn't appeal to me personally. :confused3

[macraven]

Just a little magic. Reading the first book may help!

too many words............won't be reading it.

not into soccerey or how ever it is spelled.

just give me the ride. and make it a good one.




damo........you don't know who DR. DOOM is?????

[natenapril]

I think the crowds are really going to RUN to US now. I know my daughter we be dying to go see it. THe books and movies were a hit and I for one am thrilled with the plan.:thumbsup2

[Jason71]

"Harry Potter World theme park" implies a bit more than a new ride, or even a new island at IOA. Maybe something was "lost in translation" (English being the common language that divides the US and UK), but it almost sounds like a third park for Uni. The news about roller coasters is new, too, isn't it? (Unless they mean Dueling Dragons and Flying Unicorn.)

Jim Hill mentioned that Disney was considering using HP as the basis for a "Discovery Cove"-like park, with high admission prices and a limited number of guests. I think that might be the only way JK Rowling's vision could work. If only 1,000 people per day are allowed (roughly 250-300 families), and if you know they will only show up within a certain time frame, then allowing each family to knock on the bricks before entering becomes a possibility. Curious to see if Uni goes down this path.

[ChrisFL]

"Harry Potter World theme park" implies a bit more than a new ride, or even a new island at IOA. Maybe something was "lost in translation" (English being the common language that divides the US and UK), but it almost sounds like a third park for Uni. The news about roller coasters is new, too, isn't it? (Unless they mean Dueling Dragons and Flying Unicorn.)

Jim Hill mentioned that Disney was considering using HP as the basis for a "Discovery Cove"-like park, with high admission prices and a limited number of guests. I think that might be the only way JK Rowling's vision could work. If only 1,000 people per day are allowed (roughly 250-300 families), and if you know they will only show up within a certain time frame, then allowing each family to knock on the bricks before entering becomes a possibility. Curious to see if Uni goes down this path.

there's a few things to think about...first, the "theme park" could all be marketing, plus the budget isn't enough for this year, $100-120 million to put in the BTTF replacement AND a HP theme park won't work unless they're budgeting over a few years to do it.

[FayeW]

I think Harry Potter is just thing to battle the "nostalga" market that Disney has a strangle hold on.

UO are already my favourite parks...adding Harry Potter, to me, is the ultimate icing on the cake!

Amity3 and Macraven, I urge you not to be closed minded about reading the books. It's not like you have to invest a lot of time or effort to read the first couple (the last few are much longer and more intense), and it would give you a great background for whatever rides, shows and attractions they build. I am sure they will be fabulous, but what's the harm in reading some very popular, funny (at times) and well written stories?

[keishashadow]

great scoop! Meet me in Diagon Alley, brings lots of cash to buy wizard stuff.;)

so where's the link to the following info?:) didn't see it in your quote...

They also plan a Simpsons ride at the park, America’s third largest.

[robvia]

The closest thing to Diagon Alley at IOA right now would be the shops next to the talking fountain. That's where people gather, watch coins being made, and the fountain makes people laugh.

Tapping of the bricks refers to how people get into Diagon Alley from the regular (muggle) world to the magic world. It's hidden behind a brick wall. To get in, bricks are tapped and the wall opens up. Once inside the characters visit magic shops, a book store, candy store, and a bar.

The nine and three quarters platform refers to a train station. JKR wanted people to pass thru a wall just like the characters do in the books. Then ride a train to a castle.

It looks like JKR wanted the robot arm technology used for the flying car. In the movie, the car is chasing a train. Think BTTF but with the car riding along a track.

I agree, the movie stuff sounds great and would be good as a preshow, but what people want are rides.

[Peter Pirate 2]

Could be great could be a bust.

The big problem I see is investing in a new land as it were based on something that is about to end. I mean the last book is nearly out, the movie will follow, Harry will probably be dead, Rowling doesn't want/need to write anymore...I don't know, it could be risky.

On the other hand the imagery in her storytelling is great, the opportunities for attractions of ALL kinds are endless and it is a dearly loved phenomenon. Perhaps worth the risk.

Who knows...Personally I hope they take the risk and then I hope they don't cheese it up (or go cheapo).
pirate:

[Flyin2MCO]

Good points, but I think HP has broad and deep appeal, with all of the books, movies and related merchandise (although again I must admit I've never read the books or seen the movies). Besides, the folks "across town" have managed to keep old characters and storylines alive and well in the other parks :earboy2: :earboy2:

At the risk of appearing blasphemous, I'd suggest that UO needs to consider a mega "value" resort on-site...I love the current properties and will frankly not stay anywhere else when visiting UO, but there is a big part of the population that will not pay or cannot afford to spend what is required to stay on-site. There is a good amount of "pull" for offsite guests with the parks and CityWalk, but more diverse or affordable on-site resort options could be another way to drive better attendance. The selfish part of me would rather that UO remain behind the pack in terms of attendance, but that's not necessarily smart for the long-term viability of UO. Just some thoughts...

[robvia]

HP can't die, that would ruin the series. The story must have a happy ending or all the little kiddies won't read the books anymore if Harry dies.

Think about the Matrix, Neo died at the end, a sacrifice. That 3rd movie was so depressing, you don't hear about the Matrix these days. Now, if that 3rd movie had a happy ending where they win, then it would do better in re-runs and DVD sales. Americans like happy endings to movies.

Think Lord of the Rings, they were also getting their butts kicked in the 3rd movie, and magically saved by the tree people. The movie has a happy ending where everyone says bye and goes their separate ways.

[ChrisFL]

Think Lord of the Rings, they were also getting their butts kicked in the 3rd movie, and magically saved by the tree people. The movie has a happy ending where everyone says bye and goes their separate ways.


That wasnt the third movie, that was the two towers.

[damo]

too many words............won't be reading it.

not into soccerey or how ever it is spelled.

just give me the ride. and make it a good one.




damo........you don't know who DR. DOOM is?????


No clue who Dr. Doom is.

The books aren't really about sorcery as much as they are about a little boy whose parents are killed when he is a baby and his adventures and misadventures in growing up. The adventures just happen to include a bunch of magic.

The good thing about the books is that magic is magic is magic and it really doesn't need any explanation. If you tap on a brick wall and it opens, it really isn't confusing anyone whether they've read the books or not.

[ChrisFL]

There can't be magic, Disney has the copyright on that stuff... :wizard: :rotfl:

[Figment22]

I've never seen the Mummy movies either
Brendan Fraser just called. He says he's very disappointed in you.
:rotfl:

I'm delighted that the Harry Potter project would seem to be a reality. It seems like it's been SO many years that we've been hearing this rumor. I just question the timing of it all. The final book is being released this July and the sixth and seventh films will probably be released before the new "land" opens. This should have been in the works long ago. I guess this is the way J.K. Rowling wants it to be.

[macraven]

I think Harry Potter is just thing to battle the "nostalga" market that Disney has a strangle hold on.

UO are already my favourite parks...adding Harry Potter, to me, is the ultimate icing on the cake!

Amity3 and Macraven, I urge you not to be closed minded about reading the books. It's not like you have to invest a lot of time or effort to read the first couple (the last few are much longer and more intense), and it would give you a great background for whatever rides, shows and attractions they build. I am sure they will be fabulous, but what's the harm in reading some very popular, funny (at times) and well written stories?

first time i have been accused of being closed minded


i guess being blonde has that image, eh

[damo]

Brendan Fraser just called. He says he's very disappointed in you.
:rotfl:



I rode the Mummy with him and Arnold whateverhisnameis Vosloo in the grand opening. He forgave me.:cool1:

[damo]

first time i have been accused of being closed minded


i guess being blonde has that image, eh

Mac, if you've got 4 boys, you would quite enjoy Harry Potter and his escapades.

Here's the beginning of the book to start you off:



Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you’d expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn’t hold with such nonsense.

Mr Dursley was the director of a firm called Grunnings, which made drills. He was a big, beefy man with hardly any neck, although he did have a very large moustache. Mrs Dursley was thin and blonde and had nearly twice the usual amount of neck, which came in very useful as she spent so much of her time craning over garden fences, spying on the neighbours. The Dursleys had a small son called Dudley and in their opinion there was no finer boy anywhere.

The Dursleys had everything they wanted, but they also had a secret, and their greatest fear was that somebody would discover it. They didn’t think they could bear it if anyone found out about the Potters. Mrs Potter was Mrs Dursley’s sister, but they hadn’t met for several years; in fact, Mrs Dursley pretended she didn’t have a sister, because her sister and her good-for-nothing husband were as unDursleyish as it was possible to be. The Dursleys shuddered to think what the neighbours would say if the Potters arrived in the street. The Dursleys knew that the Potters had a small son, too, but they had never even seen him. This boy was another good reason for keeping the Potters away; they didn’t want Dudley mixing with a child like that.

When Mr and Mrs Dursley woke up on the dull, grey Tuesday our story starts…

[AlexandNessa]

that's not going to happen, it had better be explained in the ep queue.


I agree with you, 100%.

BTW, anyone besides me even try to read the first book and just not get through it? To say that I hated it was an understatement, and I am quite the avid reader. I read tons and tons of books. I just honestly didn't see what all the HP hype is about. I found the first movie to be somewhat tolerable, but I fell asleep during it, and haven't bothered to watch the whole thing or any of other 34 HP movies, even though one of them seems to be on at least one of our movie channels all the time. Don't get me wrong. I think HP will breathe some new life into IOA (if that's where they're putting it). I mean, I hated The Mummy movie too, but I love the Mummy ride.

I'm just curious as to who else finds the HP series of books insufferable?

[damo]

Maybe it helps if you have kids Jodie? They really are children's books, after all.

[AlexandNessa]

Hmm, I don't know. I mean I'm always reading something, and my mom and some of my adult neighbors read them, and they like them fine. Perhaps I am the only one, after all.

[damo]

Hmm, I don't know. I mean I'm always reading something, and my mom and some of my adult neighbors read them, and they like them fine. Perhaps I am the only one, after all.

My sister in law didn't like them either, if that makes you feel any better.:lmao:

[macraven]

hp is not the type of books i would read.
have seen excerpts in local paper and not impressed.

bout the boys, they were more of lord of the rings and playboy and penthouse type of reading.

[damo]

hp is not the type of books i would read.
have seen excepts in local paper and not impressed.

bout the boys, they were more of lord of the rings and playboy and penthouse type of reading.

That's what we need, penthouse landing, as the new island. :banana:

[Amity 3]

That's what we need, penthouse landing, as the new island. :banana:

we have a penthouse magazine club in tampa...I hear they have a very nice lunch buffet..........

[Figment22]

I rode the Mummy with him and Arnold whateverhisnameis Vosloo in the grand opening. He forgave me.:cool1:
I remembered that--that's why I said it! I knew you guys had the connection!

[t-and-a]

That's what we need, penthouse landing, as the new island. :banana:

My DH says he votes for that...:lmao: :rolleyes:
I wouldn't expect any less out of him....

[ChrisFL]

we have a penthouse magazine club in tampa...I hear they have a very nice lunch buffet..........

man, knew I left Tampa too soon ;)

[macraven]

man, knew I left Tampa too soon ;)

:rotfl: :rotfl:

[Planogirl]

Actually, I wish that someone would do a Lord of the Rings land of some kind. :(

But HP should be fine. I haven't read the books but the movies are great IMO. I love all of the fantasy and yes, magic. I don't think that Harry will fade away but will become one of the classic characters that most kids learn to appreciate no matter how old they are. ;)

[ChrisFL]

Actually, I wish that someone would do a Lord of the Rings land of some kind. :(

Well I'd love to see a full scale Minas Tirith, that would be THE most awesome thing ever. But I'm still a believer that there's just too much HUGE stuff in LOTR to ever make a land or even a park out of it...unless those super filthy rich Dubai oil guys do it.

[HdnMickeyGrl]

I love Harry Potter but I just wonder about the timing and the prudence of creating a park based on a nonevolving thing. Other theme parks can change with movies and characters. The Harry Potter books are ending. They'll be able to update rides and and change attractions but they will be stuck with the Harry Potter theme. Right now we think of Harry Potter as this phenomenon that will live forever but it will probably be replaced soon by another sucessful children's series. Think about Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Think about Judy Blume and the Sweet Valley Twins. Think about RL Stein. How many children still read those series? How many people want a park made about them?

A park in Virginia themed an entire land on the Waynes World sketch and movie. By the time it was finished it was pretty obsolete. I'm not trying to compare a goofy film to a worldwide phenomenon but I just don't think the interest will last unless they change the park to a general fantasy type world that can adapt as new books and movies come out.

A ride fine, a land great, but a whole theme park based on just one book series...I just don't think that would be a prudent investment. Even Disney doesn't have theme parks dedicated to only one character or movie...although Nemo is slowly taking over...

[FayeW]

first time i have been accused of being closed minded


i guess being blonde has that image, eh

I didn't say you were closed minded...I just urged you not to be. How about if I just say "keep an open mind".

[Soprano]

Not wanting to rain on anyone's parade here, but here in the UK, The Sun is one of the least accurate newspapers when it comes to stories. Anything read in there, I, and most Brit's would take with a large pinch of salt. The paper is typically very short on actual facts and loves to speculate. In fact the only good part of the newspaper is, its coverage of football is very good. That's REAL football the rest of the world play, not the padded Rugby you yanks play :)

I wouldn't dismiss HP in the park, an extension/revision of IoA is more likely. Squeeze a few HP rides in before JP push Toon Lagoon back some… who knows. I have no interest in HP myself, but I do think US does need a bit of a shake up.

[damo]

I love Harry Potter but I just wonder about the timing and the prudence of creating a park based on a nonevolving thing. Other theme parks can change with movies and characters. The Harry Potter books are ending. They'll be able to update rides and and change attractions but they will be stuck with the Harry Potter theme. Right now we think of Harry Potter as this phenomenon that will live forever but it will probably be replaced soon by another sucessful children's series. Think about Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Think about Judy Blume and the Sweet Valley Twins. Think about RL Stein. How many children still read those series? How many people want a park made about them?

A park in Virginia themed an entire land on the Waynes World sketch and movie. By the time it was finished it was pretty obsolete. I'm not trying to compare a goofy film to a worldwide phenomenon but I just don't think the interest will last unless they change the park to a general fantasy type world that can adapt as new books and movies come out.

A ride fine, a land great, but a whole theme park based on just one book series...I just don't think that would be a prudent investment. Even Disney doesn't have theme parks dedicated to only one character or movie...although Nemo is slowly taking over...

The plan isn't for an entire park but just for a land or part of a land.

[RC Fan]

I'm a huge HP fan, so I think there are quite a few HP concepts that could be turned into great rides. Bring it on!

[Fan2CSkr]

Interesting read! Thanks for sharing that. I wonder what will come of it all. My kids seem to think it would be great! If its done I pray it will be done well.

[CivilTwilight]

You can count me into the Non-Harry Potter fans. Although I admit I have never attempted to read any of the books, I could NOT sit through the very first movie. I tried to several times and I either lost interest or literally fell asleep. I gave up needless to say. Any movie that cannot keep my interest doesn't get more than 2 chances.

[damo]

The rumour seems to be getting a lot of attention. For the first time ever, our little news radio station talked about Universal Studios. They mentioned the Simpsons ride too.

These two rides are going to attract a lot of new visitors.

[F-L-A]

Not a Potter fan, but I guess it's all but confirmed at this point.

[Fan2CSkr]

Not a Potter fan, but I guess it's all but confirmed at this point.



Whats the Leno link have to do with this? Did he say something? I listened but didnt hear anything.

[Fan2CSkr]

Hey F-L-A you changed your post! I'm telling.:rotfl2:

[Metallicat]

Harry Potter? I can't stand Harry Potter OR the Simpsons. what on earth are they thinking? :mad:

Something from the Lord Of The Rings would be wonderful, but Harry Potter is just downright stupid IMO.

[Metallicat]

I think the crowds are really going to RUN to US now. I know my daughter we be dying to go see it. THe books and movies were a hit and I for one am thrilled with the plan.:thumbsup2

I know my DD (age 25) and I will be running AWAY from it. :lmao:

[damo]

I don't think Lord of the Rings would bring in nearly the same crowds as Harry Potter.

[ChrisFL]

I don't think Lord of the Rings would bring in nearly the same crowds as Harry Potter.

Hard to say, LOTR has had over 50 years of gaining fans, and there are a lot around the world. Harry Potter is hot right now, but I don't know for how long

[jewell]

My family are HP fans, hubby read all the books to our son and they both loved the books, I though, have only watched the movies and I do enjoy them, but I'm not so sure about an amusement park based on HP? I have to agree with the above poster, I would prefer LOTR over HP, I'm afraid that HP will only appeal to younger kids, but who knows, maybe they can pull it off???

[damo]

I think Harry Potter is a lot more fun than LOTR. The whole idea is to be drawing in more families and I think HP will do that more successfully than LOTR.

[tlinus]

I think Harry Potter is a lot more fun than LOTR. The whole idea is to be drawing in more families and I think HP will do that more successfully than LOTR.

I have to agree with you. While I am not into either(bean #1 is HP fan and #2 loves the LOTR movies)I would be more inclined to "vote" for HP. :wizard:

[marconat]

I'm so happy that they are planning a HP land in US... an other reason for me to go to Florida yoopi!!! My kids love HP, as do I!

[F-L-A]

Whats the Leno link have to do with this? Did he say something? I listened but didnt hear anything.

He mentioned it in his monologue the other night but they cut it out of the video.

[Fan2CSkr]

He mentioned it in his monologue the other night but they cut it out of the video.

Yeah I figured that was it and went searching. It seems Leno was stating that LA Weekly ran an article with the Universal HP claim. To me since Leno is on NBC its a step closer to confirmation.


Yet another CB post, this time HP related. Too many ignorant posts for me.
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1424595

[macraven]

here to say, i had hbo at the motel i was staying at the last few days.
(home now)

i watched the harry potter movie.

i only lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes and it bored me. i turned it off. i usually watch any movie until it ends thinking maybe the story will pick up and be good. but this time, it wasn't gonna happen

i think hp movies would appeal to kids, ages 10 to maybe 13..?


i tried, and it's just not my thing.

if hp is coming to UO, i'm hoping the rides will be great.
and geared for all ages not just the young set.

[damo]

here to say, i had hbo at the motel i was staying at the last few days.
(home now)

i watched the harry potter movie.

i only lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes and it bored me. i turned it off. i usually watch any movie until it ends thinking maybe the story will pick up and be good. but this time, it wasn't gonna happen

i think hp movies would appeal to kids, ages 10 to maybe 13..?


i tried, and it's just not my thing.

if hp is coming to UO, i'm hoping the rides will be great.
and geared for all ages not just the young set.

My 18 year old and his friends can't wait for the next movie and the last book, so I guess the range is pretty broad. I can't wait either. Don't worry if it doesn't appeal to you. It appeals to plenty of other people and should be a nice draw for Universal. Let's hope for increased revenues and more rides!!!

[macraven]

My 18 year old and his friends can't wait for the next movie and the last book, so I guess the range is pretty broad. I can't wait either. Don't worry if it doesn't appeal to you. It appeals to plenty of other people and should be a nice draw for Universal. Let's hope for increased revenues and more rides!!!



if it makes a great ride, then i will like mr potter.
it's all about the rides and attractions. .....


anyone that has never seen a spiderman comic book, tv cartoon show or the movie, can still enjoy spiderman the ride.

[damo]

if it makes a great ride, then i will like mr potter.
it's all about the rides and attractions. .....


anyone that has never seen a spiderman comic book, tv cartoon show or the movie, can still enjoy spiderman the ride.

Same with the Mummy! Like HP, it is based on a lot of things that people already know about.

[CJN]

HP can't die, that would ruin the series. The story must have a happy ending or all the little kiddies won't read the books anymore if Harry dies.

Think about the Matrix, Neo died at the end, a sacrifice.


Omigosh! Neo dies at the end? Rats!! And here I was gonna watch that third movie sometime this century. Guess I don't have to now..... :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Planogirl]

I wouldn't worry too much about the HP series being done. Most of the Disney characters aren't exactly all that active nowadays either.

HP is big business though! A new book draws attention like no other. I think that this will be big for Universal and that's what really matters IMO.

[GreenMeanMachine]

Sounds great, as long as they aren't going to try and get rid of any of the other attractions to make way ESPECIALLY the Lost Continent.

They could have a whole bunch of brick walls where say 30 or more families could enter at 30 or so brick walls, similar to the multiple turnstyle entrances. Just a thought, I don't see that necessarily being critical to the experience.

[sabrinadv1]

I love Harry! The books went way beyond my expectations when I first started reading them. The movies are ok but they have to cut out stuff to make them fit the time slot. There was alot of stuff missing out of the 4th movie and I am afraid the 5th will be worse.

As far as a land in US based on Harry I love it. I could imagine a ride through Hogwarts like the haunted mansion ride at WDW. I also think the whomping willow would make a very good thrill ride. Fred and George's joke shop would also be very funny I think. I would love to be a part of planning the HP area.

I can see where J.K. Rowling would be picky over how it was done. This book series has been her life for 17 yrs.

I don't think Harry will ever completely disapear. We all still love The Wizard of OZ. Maybe the books will deminish in popularity after the last one but I think the movies will keep him around for a very very long time.

[jewell]

I had planned on going to US/IOA this August, but if I knew for sure that the HP rides would be ready by summer 2008 I might postpone my trip for a year. Any word on when the HP part would be finished?

[ChrisFL]

Any word on when the HP part would be finished?

Universal hasn't even announced its happening yet, so no.

[G8r4evr]

"Harry Potter World theme park" implies a bit more than a new ride, or even a new island at IOA. Maybe something was "lost in translation" (English being the common language that divides the US and UK), but it almost sounds like a third park for Uni. The news about roller coasters is new, too, isn't it? (Unless they mean Dueling Dragons and Flying Unicorn.)

Jim Hill mentioned that Disney was considering using HP as the basis for a "Discovery Cove"-like park, with high admission prices and a limited number of guests. I think that might be the only way JK Rowling's vision could work. If only 1,000 people per day are allowed (roughly 250-300 families), and if you know they will only show up within a certain time frame, then allowing each family to knock on the bricks before entering becomes a possibility. Curious to see if Uni goes down this path.


That was my first thought as well. Are they talking about a Harry Potter Island at IOA or a 3rd theme park? Im assuming Universal has the land for another park? All I know is that IOA needs some new rides sooner rather than later...I really hope this works out =)

[rwrocksme]

i'd love a Potter ride! my only concern is that it be safe for those with disABILITIES, because if it isn't i will have to resort to gratuitous violins (What's all this fuss I keep hearing about violins on television? Why don't parents want their kids to see violins on television?):rotfl2:

:)

[macraven]

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: violins.....:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Figment22]

i'd love a Potter ride! my only concern is that it be safe for those with disABILITIES, because if it isn't i will have to resort to gratuitous violins (What's all this fuss I keep hearing about violins on television? Why don't parents want their kids to see violins on television?):rotfl2:

:)
Miss Litella, that's violence! Violence, not violins!
:rotfl:

My favorite was, "What the big deal about Youth in Asia?" :laughing:

[Nolan N.]

I have read that Harry Potter's author, J.K. Rowling, had a deal with Disney before they announced all this stuff with Universal.