1 day after disney Universal annouces HP land details

[eliza61]

hummm, interesting timing for sure.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-29692008

I have sons so we'll definitely spend a few days there, especially since it will have a few new thrill rides.

Our base camp will always be disney though.

 

[rlahsin]

Wow. I 'm a huge HP fan...this will be absolutely incredible.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Universal has been anounnouncing different details of the Potter area for some time now, this isn't the first time anything has been announced on it... I don't get the title of this thread..1 day after disney Universal annouces HP land details storied have been ongoing about this.... there has even been a thread here with updates and pic's as the construction has been going on..

 

[Experiment_626]

I have sons so we'll definitely spend a few days there, especially since it will have a few new thrill rides.

As I understand it, there will be one new ride -- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey -- about which they've released no details as yet. The other rides are re-themed versions of rides that were already there.

Dragon Challenge was formerly Dueling Dragons

Flight of the Hippogriff used to be called The Flying Unicorn

For what it's worth ...

For more, see: http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/...er-to-open-spring-2010-video-and-concept-art/

SSB

 

[eliza61]

Universal has been anounnouncing different details of the Potter area for some time now, this isn't the first time anything has been announced on it... I don't get the title of this thread..1 day after disney Universal annouces HP land details storied have been ongoing about this.... there has even been a thread on the Universal sub board with updates and pic's as the construction has been going on..

That was sort of my point. They announced the building a while ago, why the need to make this announcement the day after Disney announces a major upgrade to one of it's park? Ok so maybe I'm one of those conspiracies nuts.

Or is this an old article making a resurgence?

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Here is the link to the announcement that Eliza is talking about.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2282586

 

[elleherself]

As far as I've heard, this date was chosen way in advance by Universal to make this announcement, before Disney's announcement was made. So Disney was the one to make the strategic maneuver to announce right before Uni did.

I am excited for both new areas and I hope the competition inspires both parks to be better than they would have been, because then I reap all the benefits!

I'm excited to have a date now, I'm going to get Universal APs sometime next February.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Universal has had this pres conference planned for quiet a while. Press junket invites, etc went out well before disney announced anything. The Disney announcements at d23 were probably planned but Disney didn't hype D23 as a press conference/or big announcement they smartly used an audience and fan base that was already there to launch thier new plans. Score another one for Disney.

For what its worth, I love HP books and movies but we won't waste out time heading to Universal for it. One new ride is not worth the money and since (again IMO only) HP is on its way out in popularity in a few years I think you will be able to walk on those rides with no wait so why rush over w/ the crowds to see some repainted coasters and one new ride.

 

[KellyNY]

If we go in 2010, we will so go to Universal as well. WOW, Universal finally got a castle I would love to get some wizardy gifts, so cool. 2 out of 3 rides off for me, old roller coasters, do not do it, 3rd is a question, as we do not really know if it is something like Pooh, or more trill kind.
Wonder how this will affect Disney? Will this lead to some deep discounts next year?

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the USO/IOA board.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I've moved this thread to the USO/IOA board.

ok so I am not nuts.. I thought when I first posted it was on the Disney Theme park board....

 

[eliza61]

For what its worth, I love HP books and movies but we won't waste out time heading to Universal for it. One new ride is not worth the money and since (again IMO only) HP is on its way out in popularity in a few years I think you will be able to walk on those rides with no wait so why rush over w/ the crowds to see some repainted coasters and one new ride.

See that's what we thought about the Fantasy land announcement. Big Whoo. Our kids are older so Fantasy land is no big news and Disney really hasn't any thing new for boys since, well they still don't have any thing for boys. The new fantasy land is still geared toward little princesses so we'll split our time and no matter what it will definitely always be cheaper than Disney.

 

[MineMail]

I think the thread title's accurate: Disney announced the Fantasyland rebuild one day, then Universal has this mondo videocast to reveal details and pin down an approximate opening. Was it only a day apart though? I won't nit-pick because I frankly don't remember the time lapse.

Universal's been pretty closed-mouth about the HP Land details, especially the timing. Instead of 2010, it's now "Spring 2010."

I don't blame Universal for not putting a date in stone. It's difficult to hit a date with all the planning and construction. Disney did the same thing with the Hall of Presidents reopening. They didn't name an exact date because if they had to delay, people who made travel plans just for to see it would be angry and disappointed.

I think the timing of the two announcements are a little bit "coincidental" and a lot "well-educated guess." It's Fall, and many people are planning next year's vacation schedules, so both companies want to get their attention.

The D23 event was well-publicized in advance, and many fans and pundits expected Disney to announce something big. Universal was smart to ride their coattails and announce the HP update right afterwards.


As an HP fan, I fully intend to check it out, but I think I'll wait until late 2010 or 2011. We haven't been to Universal in many, many years, and I'm not a roller coaster enthusiast. I'm more interested in the theming, shops, and sites. I would expect Universal to open with a few new attractions and lots of new landscaping, but they'll probably finish up their plans later. Patience can be rewarding - just think about how the Magic Kingdom grew after opening.

 

[elleherself]

Again, Universal had this date planned and invited popular website owners to this press release. If they were trying to take away from Disney, they would have beaten them to the punch so to speak.

I know I am bound to be a little disappointed no matter what is eventually unveiled. I can't help it, I'm sure any ardent Harry Potter fan who is also a theme park fan heard the words "Harry Potter theme park" and their imagination went wild. Mine certainly did. I pictured an entire castle walk-through, a Hogwarts hotel with tower common rooms, I found out about the MagicQuest game and instantly I was imagining wands that would do everything from buy souvenirs to activating hidden robotics to everything just short of summoning armchairs out of thin air. I've been wanting to go to Hogwarts since I was thirteen years old, so it's very close to my heart.

At the same time, I'm sure no matter what they do I will absolutely adore it. I love Jurassic Park Island, a place I've wanted to visit since I was 6! Much longer ago than Hogwarts. And every time I walk through those gates, and hear the swelling theme song, I feel so happy inside I can barely contain it, and I would feel that way if the area contained no rides at all. I know it will be the same way with Harry Potter. The moment I walk down the snowy street of Hogsmeade, hear the music and the chirping of Owls, I will feel a sense of gladness at being transported to a fantasy world right out of my imagination. Where else does this happen? It's the same feeling for me when I walk through Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse at Disney World, also. I love it when I wam taken RIGHT into a movie or book. So while I'm sure HP world will have it's fair share of disappointments, I'm also sure it will be full of surprises and details that will make it an experience to remember.

As far as going when it's first open, I have been waiting two years, I just can't wait anymore! If I can I will be there the first week it's open.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Yes, I know the "announcement" that is being talked about. I read it in the Orlando paper today at work. Universal didn't plan this due to Disney's announcement on their renovations.. like I said, this has been an ongoing story with Universal...

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Universal has said on and off, if I remember correctly, Spring of 2010 or Nov of 2010.. which basically gives them the entire year to get it completed. I do not think this was the first time Spring 2010 was stated... if anyone here can help me out if they remember as well.. let me know... I know I read it somewhere before.

 

[Metro West]

Universal has said on and off, if I remember correctly, Spring of 2010 or Nov of 2010.. which basically gives them the entire year to get it completed. I do not think this was the first time Spring 2010 was stated... if anyone here can help me out if they remember as well.. let me know... I know I read it somewhere before.

I think the majority of rumors were it would open sometime next summer but no date had been set. I read that the contract between Universal and Warner Bros stated it had to be open by June 30, 2010.

 

[Metro West]

For what its worth, I love HP books and movies but we won't waste out time heading to Universal for it. One new ride is not worth the money and since (again IMO only) HP is on its way out in popularity in a few years I think you will be able to walk on those rides with no wait so why rush over w/ the crowds to see some repainted coasters and one new ride.

LOL...you know what I think is funny...If Disney had landed the rights for HP, it would be the biggest thing on the planet but since Universal got it, it'll be dated in no time.

Tell me what's going to be so grand about the new Fantasyland. They are refurbing rides and adding more atmosphere...same thing here. I think both will be spectacular and living here in Orlando I can go whenever I want to see all the improvements being offered. So I think it's great for everyone.

 

[yaytezIOA]

I love the disney fans coming quickly to say "Universal is taking Disney's thunder or trying to" then coming out and saying things like it's on it's way out, etc. etc. etc. I got the email last weds. about it.....I think they knew something huge would be coming out of D23, but Universal had no clue how huge....if anything, maybe Disney tried to make it look that way...who knows...
I think you're right Metro, had it been Disney that landed HP, it would be the biggest thing in the world! But they didn't Universal did, and for some people, it's a sin to go against the mouse. I have not a love for disney because they're so darn expensive, but I think what they are doing at Fantasyland is great, if not geared right at the pockets of parents of little girls. In the end it doesnt matter who does what, because we win. We get new attractions, new rides, and new themes. However, I'll reserve my judgement for both because with Fantasyland...well, it's aimed for little girls. Little mermaid looks like a rehash of Peter Pan, and it is just a clone of the one in Paris....not real imaginative if you ask me. As for Potter? They tore down one of my favorite lands with one of my favorite rides, they better not screw this up. It has a lot to live upto in my eyes, and frankly, one new ride while rethemeing all of my favorites......I dont think that is going to cut it. But who knows. I'll go to both, and I'll try them all.
Let's get Sea World in on this! Come on, what are you going to tear down and rebuild? All the other Orlando Kids are doing it!

 

[RAPstar]

What bothers me is all the people saying Uni "stole" HP away from Disney. JK Rowling herself chose niversal over Disney. It was her decision. Both had a right to have some competition to get JK to give them the rigths, and Uni obviously blew her away or she would have given the go ahead to Disney.