Harry Potter at Universal

[CarolA]

My family is also looking forward to Harry Potter land at US. I have not been to US in over 10 years. I plan on going this summer and check out both parks!

You do realize HP won't be open this summer? It's 2009!

 

[Laxmom]

We usually alternate parks on our trips - one year WDW the next Universal. I think they both are unique and have a lot to offer. I am anxious to visit HPL. I hope they do it well!

I can't remember, when in '09? Summer?

 

[DisFlan]

You guys might be right that we're better off because Universal got HP rather than Disney - on several levels. We have 2042 contract, too...

I wonder if we'll find out what butter beer tastes like?



DisFlan

 

[spiceycat]

I was hoping for Diagon Alley instead of Hogsmead as well.
I can't understand why they made that choice.

it seems to have to go with hogwart it is near Hogsmead.

diagon alley is in london.

I think it is kepting with the theme?

does AAA still sell the US/IOA AP's. I have one - but another $99 for next year would be nice.

 

[REL1203]

How set in stone do you think Summer 09 opening is?... We are planning a trip in Oct 09, maybe Nov 09, and I would hope that it is open by then.

 

[CarolA]

it seems to have to go with hogwart it is near Hogsmead.

diagon alley is in london.

I think it is kepting with the theme?

does AAA still sell the US/IOA AP's. I have one - but another $99 for next year would be nice.

Didn't the $99 ones specifially said that they were good for one year from the date of activation or UNTIL just prior to the expect HP opening. In other words, they won't be available for the HP rides.

I remember reading this when HP was first announced and people were planning to "buy them and hold" and then they saw the fine print LOL!

 

[spiceycat]

How set in stone do you think Summer 09 opening is?... We are planning a trip in Oct 09, maybe Nov 09, and I would hope that it is open by then.

others things say early 2010 - so not set in stone at all.

us is generally later not earlier in opening their rides.

 

[REL1203]

others things say early 2010 - so not set in stone at all.

us is generally later not earlier in opening their rides.

This is good to know.... Thanks

 

[JimC]

What will be interesting to me will be whether the draw will be there as Potter mania has pretty much disappeared. The books are over. The movies have saturated the market in syndication and DVD. I also wonder if the remaining movies will have the return of the prior movies.

The theme park project should have been opening as the final book was coming to market. Instead the deal was being announced.

 

[spiceycat]

you never know - but hey 'Star wars' has been around a long, long time. and still gets fans.

she does allow fans to create their own website and stuff.

so really expecting Harry to be around a long time too.

she is also surpose to be working on a dictionary - okay no really - but who everyone was and what happen to them.

Hope she also completes that adult mystery book.

 

[farscape]

We have not previously visited USF but we are now considering visiting before HPL opens and again during the offseason after HPL opens.

HPL is still a Big Deal in our household.

 

[La2kw]

What will be interesting to me will be whether the draw will be there as Potter mania has pretty much disappeared. The books are over. The movies have saturated the market in syndication and DVD. I also wonder if the remaining movies will have the return of the prior movies.

The theme park project should have been opening as the final book was coming to market. Instead the deal was being announced.

The Harry Potter books are over, but the final chapter in the last HP book deals with the children HP and his friends. Sounds like a whole new series of books from JKR is possible.

 

[Laxmom]

Sorry to go OT but I just have to tell you, La2kw, how much I enjoyed your pictures of the resorts at Christmas! Just awesome!! Thanks so much for sharing them. Now back to your regularly scheduled discussion.....

 

[ranthony]

Even though the books are finished, only 5 of the 7 movies have been released. I'm sure the opening of HPL will coordinate with the release of these final films.

And to be honest with you...many more kids know HP from the movies. The books were a huge spark for reading in the upper primary/middle school years but many more kids have seen the films and not read all of the books...and adults, too!

The Harry Potter books are over, but the final chapter in the last HP book deals with the children HP and his friends. Sounds like a whole new series of books from JKR is possible.

I completly agree with this statement. Basically, she left herself an out (or should I say an 'in') to resurrecting this series with no "stretching of stortyline" needed. It's just a matter of time before she decides she's ready to fill some more pages.

I am looking forward to the day that I can take my 3 boys to US to experience it all! We'll happily stay in our savanna view room at AKV and drive over to US! Maybe by the time the hype of HPL dies down a bit Disney will have created some more attractions for the thrill seekers.

 

[Laxmom]

I think Disney will have to do something but maybe that isn't their style. Maybe the correct statement would be that I hope they do something. That would be exciting to see.

 

[CarolA]

I don't think she will do a second series.

She has been pretty firm on this and she certainly does not need the money LOL!

I also think she will fight tooth and nail for anyone who tries to do a "follow up series" without her premission.

I actually think it would be a HUGE error! She caught fire once, don't screw it up! LOL!

 

[JimC]

Interesting topic, but probably more appropriate on the Universal forums. We will leave a redirect for 30 days.

 

[Metro West]

Interesting topic, but probably more appropriate on the Universal forums. We will leave a redirect for 30 days.

Thanks Jim...this thread needs to be here in the presence of the Redheads.

 

[ky07]

Thanks Jim...this thread needs to be here in the presence of the Redheads.

 

[spima3]

Well, we've only been to WDW once, too far and too expensive for us. We had no interest at all in seeing US. We are not big on thrill rides, so US seemed liked it would be a bust for us. However, once HP was announced, I immediately hit these boards to start reading about US!
If it is done right, it should be incredible. As much as I enjoyed the books, I think the movies really brought the story to life. Some of the images described in the books, I just could not envision. When the movies came out, I was like, "oh, that is what she meant".
I do believe the timing of the last two movies are going to coincide with the opening of Harry Potter at US; one before opening date, and one after. IF US manages to open on schedule, the timing would be perfect and should be a HUGE attraction for them.
While there, we will be returning to WDW. Having only been there once, it is still a big world waiting to be explored.