I wish WWOHP was in WDW

[chartle]

(I'm surprised that they are still able to keep Marvel stuff there now that Disney owns it.)

Just in case you really didn't know, yes Disney, really Marvel, owns them but US owns the rights to them and basically pays Disney for those rights. Disney can't get them back unless they throw a boat load of money at US.

 

[Jacie]

Just in case you really didn't know, yes Disney, really Marvel, owns them but US owns the rights to them and basically pays Disney for those rights. Disney can't get them back unless they throw a boat load of money at US.

I figured there was a monetary exchange in there somewhere, but I honestly expected that sometime they would integrate the superheroes into DHS somewhat. They seem to all be picking up in popularity again with all the new movies.

 

[fairyprincess88]

As a diehard Potter fan, I was kind of happy that Disney didn't get the rights to Potter. Now don't get me wrong, I love Disney parks and you will get no argument from me that Disney Imaginers are steller. However, I was quite fearful on what Disney would do to Potter if they did get a hold of it. Visions of Mickey in a wizards robe and a Buzz Lightyear-esq family ride where you shoot glow in the dark Deatheaters with a laser wand and many other cringe worthy thoughts. Basically I was terrified they were going to pixie dust the crude out of it and while I do still cry at Wishes, I don't want Tinkerbell anywhere near my Harry.

 

[GiJohnsGirl]

As a diehard Potter fan, I was kind of happy that Disney didn't get the rights to Potter. Now don't get me wrong, I love Disney parks and you will get no argument from me that Disney Imaginers are steller. However, I was quite fearful on what Disney would do to Potter if they did get a hold of it. Visions of Mickey in a wizards robe and a Buzz Lightyear-esq family ride where you shoot glow in the dark Deatheaters with a laser wand and many other cringe worthy thoughts. Basically I was terrified they were going to pixie dust the crude out of it and while I do still cry at Wishes, I don't want Tinkerbell anywhere near my Harry.

I would SO play a version of glow in the dark deatheater shoot 'em ups....

 

[Planogirl]

I'm just the opposite of many here. I see many outdated attractions at WDW but we still like WDW and work a few days there into our trip. I'm glad that Universal got HP because WWoHP is beautiful and enhances what we already enjoy.

 

[DizCaptain]

I really liked HPW, its just, it was WAY too crowded for my likes. I mean sure, they made everything in the books come to life, but they really should've taken into account the crowds they draw. Its still a vivid memory in my head being gridlocked in Hogsmeade, finding there to be a 3 hour wait just to get into the Three Broomsticks after enduring a 2 hour wait to get into one of the gift shops. Luckily Honeydukes was only a half hour wait, and all the while, the stores' interiors are SO small its ridiculous.

That said, FJ is so well detailed, organized, and immersive that it mostly makes up for what I'd consider poor planning crowd wise. That and the butter beer, oh boy that was delicious. I'm not trying to bash HPW, I appreciate their detail and loyalty to the books to scale, its just a scale replica doesn't really meet the needs of something that draws SO many people. Now don't get me started on IOA's system for distributing HPW passes...

 

[Planogirl]

I really liked HPW, its just, it was WAY too crowded for my likes. I mean sure, they made everything in the books come to life, but they really should've taken into account the crowds they draw. Its still a vivid memory in my head being gridlocked in Hogsmeade, finding there to be a 3 hour wait just to get into the Three Broomsticks after enduring a 2 hour wait to get into one of the gift shops. Luckily Honeydukes was only a half hour wait, and all the while, the stores' interiors are SO small its ridiculous.

That said, FJ is so well detailed, organized, and immersive that it mostly makes up for what I'd consider poor planning crowd wise. That and the butter beer, oh boy that was delicious. I'm not trying to bash HPW, I appreciate their detail and loyalty to the books to scale, its just a scale replica doesn't really meet the needs of something that draws SO many people. Now don't get me started on IOA's system for distributing HPW passes...

It is awfully tiny isn't it? The trouble is that apparently JK Rowling insisted that it be that way. She definitely made it clear that it had to be a certain way. I imagine that Universal would love to get more people in there if they could.

 

[nytimez]

Are any of the WWHOP fans NOT fans of HP? It seems so many folks love WWHOP on this board, I'm wondering if it has any appeal to those who don't care for the series. Is it wonderful because it's so faithful to HP, or is it wonderful because it's a great theme park experience?

I haven't read a single Potter book. If I caught any part of any of the movies, it was by accident.

But I absolutely love the Potter Land at Universal. It's as well-themed as anything at Disney. So for me, being only vaguely familiar with the Potter franchise, it's still a fantastic theme park experience.

I figured there was a monetary exchange in there somewhere, but I honestly expected that sometime they would integrate the superheroes into DHS somewhat. They seem to all be picking up in popularity again with all the new movies.

They can't -- Disney owns the characters but Universal owns the theme park rights this side of the Mississippi, so Disney is simply not allowed to use the characters in its Florida parks.

 

[jmenjes]

I'm glad it's not!

I have zero desire to see any part of the WWOHP.

But that's just me!

You are not alone in this sentiment. I am the same way.

 

[RMulieri]

They have a couple of other things that are interesting, but not worth the money, in my opinion. Most of there rides are outdated, and you can't walk two feet without being approached by some marketing researcher.
Not worth it to us.

Outdated??? Disney rides are OLDER in comparison.As for marketing, Disney does the same things.This is how they get feedback to improve.I am rather shocked about marketing for dog food though..Most marketers I have heard about were asking about park /resort specific stuff

 

[Albytaps]

As a HP fan I can honestly say that if WWOHP wasn't done right, I would definitely critisize it. If Disney was to have it in one of their parks, it would have to be the same way... maybe they would even have more space. But what I'm saying is the cost to go for one day to see WWOHP. It's just too much money for me. I'll end up going once every few years instead of going every year like I do for WDW.

I've heard many people that aren't fans of HP say they WWOHP. I don't know what type of theme park fan wouldn't love the place... only haters I imagine

Not only is FJ the best ride I've ever been on, it also has the best queue line I've ever been on (Hogwarts Castle.) The land itself is very immersive, even the employees get into role (yes, the ones that sell you souvenirs!) The Butterbeer is amazing (try the frozen) and immerses you even more. There is a pub right out of the movie so you can get your "real" drink on there too if you wanted. The other 2 rides are coasters, one hardcore and the other kid friendly. The only real downside to WWOHP is how crowded it is. Everyone wants to be there. If you think the rush to Toy Story Mania is bad in the morning, you ain't seen nothing yet.

My wife says the next time we go to Universal that she wants to spend the whole time in WWOHP. I do enjoy the other rides at US and IOA, but there are too few and far between. That's why I wish US and IOA were part of WDW... I would easily spend a couple of days there per trip, but it's just too much $ to spend (for me.) Hopefully one day I won't care about the $.

 

[larryz]

I'm glad it's not!

I have zero desire to see any part of the WWOHP.

But that's just me!

No it's not. It's me, too.

I've heard many people that aren't fans of HP say they WWOHP. I don't know what type of theme park fan wouldn't love the place... only haters I imagine

I'm just going to say that people who don't share your love of WWOHP are not necessarily "haters." But you're getting off light...

 

[LuvClarice]

I pretty much agree with Jennifer on this one. I've seen Walt quoted many times on his philosophy of competition - "I wouldn't know how to get along without it".

I'm a true Disney fanatic and geek. My kids have even joke about the fact that I have never seen a Shrek movie. They say it's out of jealousy of the success of a non-Disney animated film. I do not find "magic" at US or IoA, but I love amusement parks and theme parks and there is no denying the Florida Universal parks are outstanding. I really see a niche for both Universal and Disney to remain viable and successful in Florida, just as Universal and Disneyland successfully coexist in California. For the most part, you're going to have some that prefer Universal, some that prefer Disney, some that are just anti-Disney, some that are anti-Universal, but I think the majority of people that enjoy theme and/or amusement parks would enjoy both. I think the competition makes both better and there are obviously enough tourist $$ to go around.

I think HP is a better fit for Universal partially because of the strength of Ms Rowling's commitment to ensure authenticity. Don't forget Disney characters were incorporated into EPCOT purely in response to popular demand. The thing that brings many people to Disney (and back to Disney) is the characters, Disney brand, and Cast Members/customer service. When I go to US/IoA, I go for the rides, shows, attractions. I don't go expecting the same experience except with different characters.

I love going to all the parks (including Sea World and Busch Gardens too), but most of my vacation time is spent at Disney because it's so limited and precious.

 

[Orangeandwild]

We hold APs to both WDW and Universal and we are big fans of both sets of parks.

After seeing the crowds that WWOHP is drawing and how popular it is, I am sure Disney is not happy over their decision to pass on it. Now they are looking to create something that will rival it, thus the expansion to Fantasyland and the new Avatarland.

Fantasyland will appeal to a totally differnt age group, a much younger group than WWOHP is drawing. Not sure if Avatarland will have enough to draw the crowds from WWOHP or not, time will tell on that one.

Universal does things "big" and "wow" and often debuts the most thrilling top of the line rides in the industry and they did a fantastic job with WWOHP.

As I have always said though, comparing Disney to Universal is like comparing Apples to Oranges, they are both good and you can love both but they are not the same and will not appeal to everyone. Each one will have it's own fans who think their choice is better.

Everyone has differnt tastes in things and should spend their vacation money where they are happiest.

 

[Tramp68]

Disclaimer: I am in no way a Universal Fanboy, I DID have a Universal Annual Pass that we had had since 2001, until 2 years ago which we gave up due to a VERy bad customer service experience.

However we have since been back twice for WWOHP. Even in its worst days I would say even Islands of Adventure by itself had more then a couple good attractions. Spiderman? Quite possibly the best ride built ANYWHERE Disney or otherwise, Poisidon's Fury, which I would experience a dozen times again before I ever saw Fantasmic once more, Bluto's Bildge Rafts, runs circles around Kali River Rapids, SO MUCH BETTER. There is Also Dueling Dragons (Dragons Challendge) which is rumored to have originally been designed for Animal Kingdom's Beastly Kingdom section, that was never built.

Really are you such a Disney fanboy that if it was a Disney park it would inherently be a better ride simply because its at a Disney Park?

Don't get me wrong I love Disney, but I have to think that the quality wouldn't be slipping as much if more people would venture outside of the bubble, and Disney actually had to compete a bit. Competition is always healthly, and many attractions outside of Disney are worth the time and MONEY to visit. Legoland, SeaWorld, Gatorland, etc.

Last, I have been to Universal atleast a dozen times in the last 10 years and have NEVER been sold or marketed anything. I cannot say the same for Disney...

Jennifer

Well said. I also love Disney, but for anyone to say that Universals rides are dated, but Jungle Cruise, Indy Speedway, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Carribean, The Cabelleros, Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, Tom Sawyer Island, Stitch...etc are not????

Spider Man beats any ride in Disney.

Simpsons beats Star Tours

Hulk beats Everest.

Revenge of the Mummy beats Dinosaur (really...turn down the volume a bit!)

I love Disney, but I do enjoy and appreciate other things too....

 

[nanienamou]

We spent 4 days at RPR especially for Harry Potter, Halloween Horror Nights and Express Pass. We then stayed 12 days @ the Dolphin and thoroughly explored WDW.

It was a first Florida trip for DH and what impressed him the most was definetely WWoHP. We got to experience it 1 hour earlier, since we were staying on site and we went on Forbidden Journey 3 times. It is the best ride I have ever been on. The queue area is fantastic. Nothing compares to it at WDW, imo.

The only problem with US/IOA is that it's much smaller than WDW. You can easily do all the rides/shows in 3 days, especially with the Express Pass. So next year, we are skipping it and going exclusively to Disney, since budget is tighter, but you can bet that we will be back for another 4 day stay in a couple of years!

 

[nanienamou]

Well said. I also love Disney, but for anyone to say that Universals rides are dated, but Jungle Cruise, Indy Speedway, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Carribean, The Cabelleros, Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, Tom Sawyer Island, Stitch...etc are not????

Spider Man beats any ride in Disney.

Simpsons beats Star Tours

Hulk beats Everest.

Revenge of the Mummy beats Dinosaur (really...turn down the volume a bit!)

I love Disney, but I do enjoy and appreciate other things too....

I share the same opinion. We were really impressed with US/IOA rides.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Universal is spectacular, IMO! Definitely worth going for a few days inside a trio to WDW, or even it's own trip. After spending eight days there between two trips, we upgraded to universal APs and are planning at least one Disney-free universal trip.

To only see WWoHP and ski all the rest would indeed be a waste and a travesty, IMO?

Absolutely. After going to WDW and US last year, we spent four days at US this year and didn't even go to WDW. But we are planning our next trip to WDW for next year. As much as I love Disney, Universal is totally worth the time and expense.

However we have since been back twice for WWOHP. Even in its worst days I would say even Islands of Adventure by itself had more then a couple good attractions. Spiderman? Quite possibly the best ride built ANYWHERE Disney or otherwise, Poisidon's Fury, which I would experience a dozen times again before I ever saw Fantasmic once more, Bluto's Bildge Rafts, runs circles around Kali River Rapids, SO MUCH BETTER. There is Also Dueling Dragons (Dragons Challendge) which is rumored to have originally been designed for Animal Kingdom's Beastly Kingdom section, that was never built.

Last, I have been to Universal atleast a dozen times in the last 10 years and have NEVER been sold or marketed anything. I cannot say the same for Disney...

Jennifer

I love Disney and the way Disney appeals to all ages, but some of the Universal rides blow Disney rides out of the water, and it is not just about the thrill rides. Spiderman is an amazing ride, and the refurb they are doing will make it even better. I don't like wet rides, but the rest of my family picks Bluto's Bilge Rafts over Kali a million times over. It is just better. Flight of the Hippogriff kills Goofy's Barnstormer as a kiddie rollercoaster, and Seuss Landing is way better themed and more unified than Fantasyland (but I'm hoping the Fantasyland expansion will change that). My 12 year old still wants to ride One Fish Two Fish over and over and over again - she hasn't been on Dumbo or Aladdin or Triceratop Spin in years. Revenge of the Mummy is an awesome indoor dark ride/coaster. HP and the Forbidden Journey is in a class by itself, and the attention to detail in the WWOHP rivals any effort by Disney Imagineering. I do still prefer Disney to Universal (a little), mainly due to the characters and the memories I have, but Universal has seriously stepped up the competition, and their benefits for staying onsite blow Disney out of the water.

I haven't been approached by market research at Universal since the 1990's, and we have been several times since then. I guess they are still there, but they aren't lurking in the bushes to ambush unsuspecting tourists.

Are any of the WWHOP fans NOT fans of HP? It seems so many folks love WWHOP on this board, I'm wondering if it has any appeal to those who don't care for the series. Is it wonderful because it's so faithful to HP, or is it wonderful because it's a great theme park experience?

My DH has never read HP and has only seen one movie. He doesn't "get" many of the references in the windows or the shops, but I can't keep him off the rides . . .

 

[WDW Fan since 1975]

I really liked HPW, its just, it was WAY too crowded for my likes. I mean sure, they made everything in the books come to life, but they really should've taken into account the crowds they draw. Its still a vivid memory in my head being gridlocked in Hogsmeade, finding there to be a 3 hour wait just to get into the Three Broomsticks after enduring a 2 hour wait to get into one of the gift shops. Luckily Honeydukes was only a half hour wait, and all the while, the stores' interiors are SO small its ridiculous.

That said, FJ is so well detailed, organized, and immersive that it mostly makes up for what I'd consider poor planning crowd wise. That and the butter beer, oh boy that was delicious.

I have to agree with Dan here. Forbidden Journey is excellent, no doubt, but it seems the whole WWOHP area is too small for the current crowds. Perhaps they're figuring that the craze will wear off in a few years and they'll be stuck with a HUGE area that needs reworked.

On the other hand, if the rumors of there being an AVATAR area in Disney World are true, I'm very disappointed. Sure, I saw the movie, but it didn't stick with me as if it's a timeless classic. It might be worth one ride (which will be closed/redone in 5 years) but a whole area of Animal Kingdom? Someone at Disney isn't thinking clearly on this one. I agree that AK could use something to kick it into high gear, but I'm not convinced that Avatar is the long-lasting fix they need.

I don't need to go back to see the Harry Potter area for a few more years now that I saw it in September. I can go to Disney World yearly (and have, for the past 3 years!)

Mike.

 

[JoshuaShaw]

I'd be in total heaven

Do you think Disney might buy out Universal at some point? I'd love to go to WWOHP while in WDW and not go bankrupt.

Anything is possible and I'm generally not one to say "never", but no, that will never happen. There are six major conglomerates in America that all own movie studios (The Walt Disney Company and Comcast/GE each owning Walt Disney Motion Pictures and NBCUniversal, respectively). The chances of one of those studios being sold to a rival conglomerate are so small that it's a safe bet that it will never happen.

What is possible, though still very unlikely, is that Warner Bros. would cease its joint venture with Universal that allows Universal to have Harry Potter in its park. However, since Time Warner no longer has its own domestic theme park division (and because WWoHP is an enormous boon for both WB and Universal), I wouldn't count on that happening anytime in the near future.

Personally, I wouldn't care for Disney to absorb Universal. As previously stated, competition is good for everyone, but it's best for the consumer.

As for personal taste, I think I would have fun at Universal, but what's kept me from going thus far is funds. I only have so much to spend and given between the two choices, even though I've done it before, Disney wins. I'm sure someday I'll do Universal (though I'd like to wait until WWoHP has more than one new ride) and I'll have a blast, but it's hard to imagine anything taking the place of Disney due to already having so many emotional ties to the place.