Major expansion plans for Universal!

[Figment632]

Exciting news posted ny the most reliable source there is Martin. It will involve both parks. Also credit the Colonel as DK!

The success of HP - and the willing to build it - is possibly the best thing to happen to Uni Orlando since they redeveloped the whole resort in the late 90`s. They took a gamble and it has more than paid off. Attendence is up this summer 36%, revenue 62%. They couldn`t be happier. The better news is I know for a fact they are no longer scared to invest heavily knowing if they get it right the rewards will far outweigh what goes in. And they are going to invest. Big time. This is just the start. Potter will be expanded, there are at least 2 large expansions planned for the Studios, and the empty plot in IOA is still being eyed. This is a renaissance of the Uni Orlando complex and it is about time.

This is very exciting seeing how Universal Does Disney better than Disney now!

 

[ChrisFL]

hmm, empty plot in IOA?

I wonder where they mean? Somewhere in Marvel area or behind JP/Toon Lagoon?

 

[Figment632]

Martin gave a little more IOA will be expansions of current franchises so HP an JP will be expanded.

Also the old park should see expansion where fear factor was and we might be saying goodbye to Jaws also T2 will be replaced by Avatar.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Martin gave a little more IOA will be expansions of current franchises so HP an JP will be expanded.

Also the old park should see expansion where fear factor was and we might be saying goodbye to Jaws also T2 will be replaced by Avatar.

Good news but I'd hate Jaws to go. It's one of those attractions that's so lame it's great! Like Jungle Cruise at Disney.

 

[ChrisFL]

Also, do you mean Martin Smith (aka Marni)? The british secret agent with all of the Disney secrets known to man?

Edit: one thing I forgot to add, it's getting quite ugly that the boardwalk style games in front of Jaws are all changed since I worked there way back in 1995, yet, the signs are still for the old games...looks very weird.

Maybe they're not planning to change much if it's all going to be moved out soon, that whole area is a mini-land all to itself right now.

 

[Figment632]

Yes this comes from Marni.

 

[yitbos96bb]

This may actually be a good thing for Disney Fans... I'm hoping Disney will respond well to this and work to improve the parks especially DHS and DAK which are in desperate need for additional attractions and both have pretty much become 1/2 day to 3/4 day parks. Hopefully they will rise to the challenge as competition sometimes allows.

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

Building a Harry Potter land was a gamble? With as many Harry Potter fans as there are out there, I can't see how it could possibly be considered a gamble to build.

 

[Uncleromulus]

The gamble is --will Potter stand the test of time? Or fade away once something new and better comes along.

Anyway-Universal is flexing it's muscle, but will always be hampered by lack of space--i.e. LAND.

 

[TisBit]

Hopefully, this proves true. The first priority should get something really strong into the Studios to help anchor it. Then maybe expand IoA, leaving WWoHP expansion until a little later, after some of the fizzle has worn off. The key is to space everything out so it continues to draw crowds over a long period of time.

 

[Figment632]

This may actually be a good thing for Disney Fans... I'm hoping Disney will respond well to this and work to improve the parks especially DHS and DAK which are in desperate need for additional attractions and both have pretty much become 1/2 day to 3/4 day parks. Hopefully they will rise to the challenge as competition sometimes allows.

Why would Disney do anything? They did nothing in response to HP they sat back and did nothing. I don't expect anything big in response. Disney is nolonger the number 1 in the theme park business that title belongs to Universal now.

The gamble is --will Potter stand the test of time? Or fade away once something new and better comes along.
Anyway-Universal is flexing it's muscle, but will always be hampered by lack ofspace--i.e. LAND.

HP will stand the test of time it is not a fad like this Twilight vampire nonsense. HP has been ingrained into our culture. They are teaching HP a Universities HP will be around and more relevant than LOTR and even Star Wars.

 

[joelkfla]

They are teaching HP a Universities HP will be around and more relevant than LOTR and even Star Wars.

What's that?

 

[Figment632]

What's that?

Lord of the Rings.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Figment: TEACHING HP at Universities??

Are you confusing Hogwash (or Hogworts or whatever it is) with real schools??

 

[Figment632]

A little more on HP phase 2. Apparently the headlining "Eticket" for phase 2 will be an indoor coaster based on Gringotts.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Why would Disney do anything? They did nothing in response to HP they sat back and did nothing. I don't expect anything big in response. Disney is nolonger the number 1 in the theme park business that title belongs to Universal now.



HP will stand the test of time it is not a fad like this Twilight vampire nonsense. HP has been ingrained into our culture. They are teaching HP a Universities HP will be around and more relevant than LOTR and even Star Wars.

Even despite their attendance increase their overall visitors are NOT more than Disney.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Why would Disney do anything? They did nothing in response to HP they sat back and did nothing. I don't expect anything big in response. Disney is nolonger the number 1 in the theme park business that title belongs to Universal now.

Fantasyland Expansion....

It is a belated (and not the greatest IMHO) response to HP, but it IS a response. The fact that they've adjusted it gives me some hope but only time will tell...

And the Gamble is in taking something beloved and bringing it to life.... WWOHP could have been a disaster if not done correctly... any item with cult like status among fans risks backlash if done incorrectly... for further proof, check out some of your many posts complaining about Disney.

 

[Figment632]

Figment: TEACHING HP at Universities??

Are you confusing Hogwash (or Hogworts or whatever it is) with real schools??

Nope went Yo Monmouth University and we had to read 2 of the books in World Lit there is also a course the centers around them and the Narnia books.

 

[Figment632]

Fantasyland Expansion....

It is a belated (and not the greatest IMHO) response to HP, but it IS a response. The fact that they've adjusted it gives me some hope but only time will tell...

And the Gamble is in taking something beloved and bringing it to life.... WWOHP could have been a disaster if not done correctly... any item with cult like status among fans risks backlash if done incorrectly... for further proof, check out some of your many posts complaining about Disney.

I complain about Disney because I'm upset at what they have become. I still love WDW and will be there in 1 week. The simple fact is Disney is no longer the most innovative in the business.

 

[DC7800]

It is a belated (and not the greatest IMHO) response to HP, but it IS a response. .

It has been fairly well documented that the Fantasyland expansion is not a response to Harry Potter, but rather an attempt to address capacity issues (crowding) in the Magic Kingdom.