Universal's BIG Announcement!

[ADP]

I saw on Universal's Facebook page a BIG announcement is coming on 11/1. It may finally be time to let Harry out of the bag. The expansion rumors have been around for a while and we may finally get the details.

When I was at UO a few weeks ago Amityville was gone and you could see the foundation of some structures going up behind the walls from afar. The chances of this being a Harry Potter expansion announcement is almost certain. What is unclear is if anything else will be added to the announcment like a new Transformers attraction. They may just announce Transformers and wait on the Potter expansion.

That's it from me.....Discuss.

 

[Silverfox97]

I saw on Universal's Facebook page a BIG announcement is coming on 11/1. It may finally be time to let Harry out of the bag. The expansion rumors have been around for a while and we may finally get the details.

When I was at UO a few weeks ago Amityville was gone and you could see the foundation of some structures going up behind the walls from afar. The chances of this being a Harry Potter expansion announcement is almost certain. What is unclear is if anything else will be added to the announcment like a new Transformers attraction. They may just announce Transformers and wait on the Potter expansion.

That's it from me.....Discuss.

It's Transformers. There was a "Transformers countdown" that has since switched back to an unnamed countdown. Almost like someone in the media dept made a little slip up.....

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[jcarwash]

Yes, if you examined the web page source code yesterday the word Transformers was used in the file naming source...makes sense if you are coding the announcement for the Transformers, but not if you are trying to keep things under wraps on a countdown clock.

 

[ADP]

Transformers would be a good addition. I hope they annuonce the Potter expansion and some details with it.

 

[dalt01]

they are soooooo good with that kind of ride..........transformers will be a real winner.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Is it the same Transformers ride they already have in CA?

 

[disneydad78]

That would be cool!!!!

 

[dvcterry]

yeah saw the different articles awhile back; cool addition

http://www.insidethemagic.net/2011/09/transformers-ride-coming-to-universal-orlando-says-spielberg/

http://micechat.com/8356-transformers-ride-orlando/

 

[ADP]

Tonight is the big night for Universal's major announcement. 7:30PM is the time.

I doubt whatever they announce will compare to what Disney pulled off this week. It's made this announcement seem like an already distant memory.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Tonight is the big night for Universal's major announcement. 7:30PM is the time.

I doubt whatever they announce will compare to what Disney pulled off this week. It's made this announcement seem like an already distant memory.

I was kinda surprised Disney didn't wait and make their big announcement today. First, it got a little buried in all the Sandy news/coverage and if they made it today like at noon, it would overshadowed Universal for sure.

 

[Metro West]

I doubt whatever they announce will compare to what Disney pulled off this week. It's made this announcement seem like an already distant memory.

I don't think it will be anything really special unless they've kept something completely secret...which I doubt. I definitely think it's going to be HP2 and Transformers.

As far as the Disney announcement goes...I could really care less but if any new attractions come out of this purchase and it keeps tourists coming to Orlando, that's fine with me. Competition will definitely step up between Disney and Universal but I wonder if a day could be coming when Disney gets too big for it's own good. Time will tell I guess.

 

[MrsDuck]

I didn't even know Universal was going to be making an announcement.. excited to hear though!

However, not sure how it will compete with the internet explosion about Disney and LucasFilms-- people are still going nuts!

 

[kbelle8995]

I think that when Disney purchased Lucasfilm and ILM, it could be taken as a statement of Game on.

Because if Disney uses Star Wars Correctly in the theme parks, then they could be a behemoth that could stand toe to toe with Harry Potter expansion and Transformers.

In other words Star Wars themed Attractions and/or Star Wars theme parks not just merchandise.

 

[ADP]

The last 5 years has seen an explosion of growth in the Orlando theme parks. It's been back and forth with announcements and grand openings. Kind of odd to say that since we've been in a recession. All of the parks are seeming to ignore recessionary trends. Hard to believe, but who am I to question it. Please theme parks - Keep spending - Keep investing - and please keep me coming back......

 

[GAN]

I could be very wrong, but I don't see any major changes to the Parks with this Lucas Films acquisition. I hear people talking 5th gate, new land, etc. I think this was a strictly financial decision and I think they feel they can make money off of it without building and maintaining theme park/attractions. Just my take.

 

[Metro West]

I could be very wrong, but I don't see any major changes to the Parks with this Lucas Films acquisition. I hear people talking 5th gate, new land, etc. I think this was a strictly financial decision and I think they feel they can make money off of it without building and maintaining theme park/attractions. Just my take.

That's a good point...we'll have to wait and see what comes down the line.

 

[DCTooTall]

The last 5 years has seen an explosion of growth in the Orlando theme parks. It's been back and forth with announcements and grand openings. Kind of odd to say that since we've been in a recession. All of the parks are seeming to ignore recessionary trends. Hard to believe, but who am I to question it. Please theme parks - Keep spending - Keep investing - and please keep me coming back......

It makes sense....

With the Recession they are in a better position to get a good deal on the resources needed for the construction projects. Both from the "if i don't buy it, who will" standpoint to get a discount, as well as on the fact they aren't having to compete with other area construction projects for the local resources like manpower.

So basically, it'll end up costing them less $$$ to build now during the recession than later once we are recovered.


There could also be something to be said for causing the disruption to the parks while fewer guests are visiting due to the recession.... and then you'll have a bunch of new stuff as we start recovering that people will want to spend their $$$ to go see/experience.

 

[jcb]

 

[GAN]

In that tight timeframe. Any details?

 

[jcb]

(DIS/Corey photo and tweet): "Some of the creative of the Transformers ride"

"Another Transformers poster"

Transformers poster