Harry Potter coming to Universal

[alivingxerox]

http://movies.ign.com/articles/121/1213711p1.html

Pretty cool though it isn't for a while.

 

[skiingfast]

The WSJ is a good source of information but not always 100% right. Though I'm sure this is true at least a little, WWoHP is the only thing Universal has got right since they opened IoA in Orlando. Why not spread the success.

The original story.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204397704577070691060558140.html?KEYWORDS=potter


Hopefully this could spur DLR into doing something big to counter the Potter effect. Something along the lines of expanding Frontierland.

 

[Disneylvrforever]

My goodness, that's exciting news! I love Harry Potter. & I've actually thought about this before, but where in the wizarding world are they gonna put it???

 

[skiingfast]

My goodness, that's exciting news! I love Harry Potter. & I've actually thought about this before, but where in the wizarding world are they gonna put it???

Good question. I've been wondering this for a few years.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter(WWoHP) is very big. The main attraction Forbidden Journey uses a very large show building, roughly about 2/3 of the size of the whole Jurassic Park attraction. The village is not too big. It also has a small coaster, and a sprawling dueling coaster.

To copy the whole land it would probably require replacing the Studio Tour.

I'm guessing it will only get the Forbidden Journey and possibly some other small rides.

In Orlando people expect thier land to be expanded onto an empty area next to it.

 

[Armadillo4]

I think this is great news! Not only for Universal, but for Disney too. First of all, Universal gets a nice expansion and a very popular draw for visitors. Secondly, competition will make sure Disney doesn't get complacent. Hopefully, this will inspire some new attractions or other development for the SoCal Disney parks for 2015 and beyond. At least we can hope!

Beyond the WSJ, the LA Times picked up the news and had a couple blogs/stories about it.

Harry Potter Attraction Coming to Universal Studios Hollywood

10 Questions on Harry Potter land at Universal Studios Hollywood

 

[skiingfast]

I have seen some unofficial chatter, from decent sources, that the official announcement will be made tomorrow.

 

[Armadillo4]

I have seen some unofficial chatter, from decent sources, that the official announcement will be made tomorrow.

Your sources were right on! There was a press event today at Universal where they confirmed that Harry Potter attractions would be coming to Universal Studios Hollywood. Star power was decent for an announcement with the actors who played the Weasley twins in attendance, along with California Governor Jerry Brown. Unfortunately, there was little in the way of details--e.g. what attraction(s), where in the park, and when will it open, etc. They only confirmed that Hogwarts Castle would be built--which I assume to mean the Forbidden Journey ride.

There are lots of writeups on the web from the event. This story from the LA Times is a good place to start.

Universal Studios unveils Harry Potter attraction plans for L.A.

I only wish they could speed up the timeline and get this thing built quickly lol!

 

[chttyangel]

My whole family is so excited about this. Have been considering going to Flordia the last year or two just for Harry. Now we can go right in our own backyard. I hope they hurry up; the radio said 2014 at the earliest but dont know where that date came from.

 

[MrsPinup]

This makes me super excited! We are planning a trip to WDW for next Christmas with a day at Universal just to see HP. It will be wonderful to compare the two.

 

[cmwade77]

There is apparently land that was set aside for a second park, which apparently could be used. Or they could take out Terminator and a mess of stuff over that way, as well as what used to the Wild West Stunt show and use that space.

Another possibility is to remove Terminator and such, build a new Amphitheater there and remove the Gibson Amphitheater. I do not see the surface parking lot being a viable option, as it is what allows them to not have to run trams from the parking to be ADA compliant. If that lot was removed, they would either have to run trams or find new ADA spaces, as they have to be within a certain distance of the entrance.

There may be other options that we are unaware of as well.

 

[skiingfast]

Before starting on Potter and hearing about Potter West.

There has been in the works.

In addition, Universal can't break ground until a planned $3-billion overhaul of its theme park and film and television studio lot is approved by regulatory authorities.

Quote is from the LA Times.