Can new Harry Potter attraction put Universal on par with Disney as a vacation destin

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/os-universal-orlando-harry-potter-20100530,0,7504619.story

 

[Planogirl]

I think that they already were. Of course YMMV.

 

[atigeg]

Uni will always be the red haired stepchild no matter what, I'm sad to say. They never got any recognition for the lovely theming in IOA or the wonder that was Spiderman. They might get a bit more for FJ because of rapid Potter fans (and because the ride deserves it), but sadly I can't see the boost they really sshould get.

 

[cressy]

That's a very interesting question. I think it could. I think the scope of Harry Potter fandom worldwide,and the quality of WWOHP theming could be a huge international draw.

 

[minniejack]

I think that they already were. .

 

[Mickey Fliers]

I would think that WWoHP would have to be a whole lot larger to give it that kind of scope. In the end, I have a feeling that WWoHP will be a 2-3 land tops.

Hopefully, with new films, they will be able to expand accordingly.

 

[Metro West]

Hopefully, with new films, they will be able to expand accordingly.

That's what I'm hoping for too.

 

[Figment22]

I think that they already were. Of course YMMV.

 

[marivaid]

This article is more about attendance numbers than anything, really. HP is going to boost attendance and that's a good thing IMO.
We were at US/IoA in late January and the parks were literally empty until 11am every time we went. I've been to Disney during low season and never seen anything like this. I'm talking walking from Shrek to the Simpsons without seeing a single other guest..
We didn't have to wait in line for anything, and that was cool, but it's very eerie to feel "alone" in a theme park.

 

[Pink Flamingo]

I think that they already were.

Definitely the case for our family.

 

[glocon]

Although WDW has a magic that cannot be had anywhere else, we like US better. If the WWoHP were larger, with more to offer, I think that they may draw more of the WDW crowds. But to be honest, I do like Uni better, (mostly because you can enjoy more because of the lower crowd levels) and if cfrowds got as bad as at WDW, I would not enjoy it as much!

 

[WaltD4Me]

I would think that WWoHP would have to be a whole lot larger to give it that kind of scope. In the end, I have a feeling that WWoHP will be a 2-3 land tops.

Hopefully, with new films, they will be able to expand accordingly.

I think so too. Someone compared the size to be a bit bigger than Fantasyland at WDW. I was really surprised, I knew it wasn't a whole other theme park, but I thought it would be bigger than that. I think in just about every review I read they commented about how small it was. They said to even expect lines to get into the shops.

Hopefully they can and will expand.

 

[nodoubtrock]

I don't think HP will put Universal on par w/ Disney. Although I like Universal better b/c the rides are more thrilling, a lot of people like Disney more b/c their rides are less thrilling/accessible to more people from the young to the old. Harry potter land adds nothing for kids - except maybe just seeing the area and the wand picking thing. A lot of kids wouldn't want to ride the kiddie coaster and that's really all that is available for them. DC and FJ are both too intense. The performance area for the dancing/singing is extremely small and not really a great area for kids to see it. The castle que itself I'm sure is worth seeing but I don't think there is a separate line for non riders (I could be wrong about that) So if you want to see it, you will have to wait in a line that could be a few hours long and then bail at the end - I don't see kids doing this.

 

[Lou Holtz]

Universal doesn't have the space to accomodate being on par with Disney as a vacation destination, so its really a moot point.

 

[TaylorsDad]

I am more afraid that by gaining WWOHP Universal will lose that which made it special to so many. That is the opportunity to have a stress free overall vacation experience. I think people are truly underestimating what the crowd level will be with HP.
Maybe I am selfish but I really do not want Uni/IOa to compete attendencewise with WDW. I enjoy low priced 4 and five star onsite accomedations for about the same price as a disney value. I usually get there at rope drop but sometimes like to sleep in knowing with FOTL I can sleep in and not worry about 2-3 hr waits for rides. I like knowing that even during busy seasons I can leave the park and go back to HRH and not worry that the park may reach capacity and prevent my returning.I hate having to make dining plans 6 months in advance. I just dont want Universal to turn into a vacation I have to plan a year in advance and go commado style once I get there. Does anyone else share this concern.

 

[Disney Padawan]

I've always felt UO to be on par if not better than Disney in many ways. I'm sure they're hoping this extension will increase their revenue by a whole lot. And as much as I love their parks being less crowded, I do hope UO gets what they want because hopefully that can mean more expansion. Like a new hotel and a 3rd park!!!

 

[angela3676]

I think Universal can stand alone as a great park. There’s no need to put them head to head. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. You’ll always get a different response depending on who you ask. I love Disney and I love Universal. They are so totally different.

 

[marivaid]

I enjoy low priced 4 and five star onsite accomedations for about the same price as a disney value.

Judging from the prices for the resorts this summer, I'd say that ship has sailed. We paid $134/night for HRH in January. This summer, it would cost over double that amount and that's with their stay more/pay less deal. Darn that wizard!

 

[Magpie]

Judging from the prices for the resorts this summer, I'd say that ship has sailed. We paid $134/night for HRH in January. This summer, it would cost over double that amount and that's with their stay more/pay less deal. Darn that wizard!

Most hotels change their rates according to the season. January is low season, while any time during the summer would be high season.

So it's not all the wizard's work...

 

[cressy]

I am more afraid that by gaining WWOHP Universal will lose that which made it special to so many. That is the opportunity to have a stress free overall vacation experience. I think people are truly underestimating what the crowd level will be with HP.
Maybe I am selfish but I really do not want Uni/IOa to compete attendencewise with WDW. I enjoy low priced 4 and five star onsite accomedations for about the same price as a disney value. I usually get there at rope drop but sometimes like to sleep in knowing with FOTL I can sleep in and not worry about 2-3 hr waits for rides. I like knowing that even during busy seasons I can leave the park and go back to HRH and not worry that the park may reach capacity and prevent my returning.I hate having to make dining plans 6 months in advance. I just dont want Universal to turn into a vacation I have to plan a year in advance and go commado style once I get there. Does anyone else share this concern.

I do agree that people are truly underestimating potential crowd levels.
And I do believe your concerns are valid. That area is just not going to accommodate the enormous # of HP fans that I believe will show up.I think it's going to be a nightmare.