Rumor: Hogwarts Express and Gringrotts Coaster plans leaked

[Rumors Rocks]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/univers...iversal_s_Wizarding_World_of_Harry_Potter.htm

Rumored details about Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion have been shared by Theme Park Insider. The site says they have seen detailed plans for the expansion and are now sharing what they've seen. Most of the information seems to be on par with rumors that have been circulating since word of the expansion came out. According to the site, here's what we can expect in this new land.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located at Universal's Islands of Adventure, but the plan for the expansion is to open the second area in Universal Studios and then connect the two with a train, the Hogwarts Express. Because the train would take you to the other park, a ticket location will be set up in the train station, allowing guests to upgrade to a park-to-park ticket before boarding the train. The new area will be themed like Diagon Alley, the street where Hogwarts students purchase their wizarding supplies. Diagon Alley will be hidden from the rest of the park behind facades of London landmarks; in the books, the street is located behind a pub, The Leaky Cauldron, with a secret entrance known only to wizards. The Leaky Cauldron will function as the area's restaurant; the secret entrance will be in a train station next to the eatery. Snacks can also be found at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour.

Diagon Alley will feature multiple levels for guests to explore, with train tracks rising above the area, stairways and tall buildings. Click link for more details.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

If true it's an interesting plan...


In Disney news...wonder when they'll be putting in the American idol experience 2.0?

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Lol! Who really wants the guests? Universal gives more great Potter, Disney spends a billion on wrist bands. Wow!

 

[bcrook]

Lol! Who really wants the guests? Universal gives more great Potter, Disney spends a billion on wrist bands. Wow!

Rumored wristbands, they may not really exist! it may take as long to unveil the magicband as it is taking to build the mine train.

Edited after reading the story:
According to that release, it is possible that this whole new land could open BEFORE the mine train! That would be amazing.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Rumored wristbands, they may not really exist! it may take as long to unveil the magicband as it is taking to build the mine train.

Edited after reading the story:
According to that release, it is possible that this whole new land could open BEFORE the mine train! That would be amazing.

Actually...this is another developing theory in my conspiratorial mind.

It seems to me that Disney is INTENTIONALLY drawing out their construction timelines.

Why? So they can always have something under construction to make it appear that it's the "same old, high quality Disney"

But it's not...these projects aren't amazingly ambitious based on some of what is being done in competitors parks...the gap has closed.
And Disney is not being inventive...no new technologies. Basically people mover technology they've had for decades and third party designed off the shelf ride systems.

Is there theming better/more time consuming? Yes...but not to this extent. Work a night shift every now and then and get it done.

They are always reinvesting...but no urgency to get it done as with the original Walt Disney days.

A smoke screen.

Just a theory.

 

[bearloch]

this is off topic but speaking of Harry how come the movies are made by universal? shown on Disney channels only!! but again rides are at universal??
always kind of baffled me!

 

[lvcourtneyy]

this is off topic but speaking of Harry how come the movies are made by universal? shown on Disney channels only!! but again rides are at universal??
always kind of baffled me!

From what I remember hearing, WDW and Universal were both trying to secure the rights to HP. I think JK Rowling was negotiating with Disney but she wanted control over what was done with the rights so she went to Universal.

I remember it being a sticking point that she didn't want any real characters portrayed. You'll see non-descript representations of Hogwarts students etc. but no name characters.

I'm sure someone can correct me if any of this is wrong.

 

[twebber55]

this is off topic but speaking of Harry how come the movies are made by universal? shown on Disney channels only!! but again rides are at universal??
always kind of baffled me!

universal didnt make the movies WB did..uni bought the theme park rights kind of like disney buying the tv rights

this stuff happens more than you think

 

[Lewisc]

Lol! Who really wants the guests? Universal gives more great Potter, Disney spends a billion on wrist bands. Wow!

Isn't Disney going to hide some RID readers near the entrance to the Universal Parks? Disney guests who go to Universal will have their FP+ and hard to get dining ADRs canceled.

Universal hotels, including hotel restaurants, far exceed Disney hotels. Can be hundreds of dollars a night cheaper then Disney deluxe. Posters complain comparing the prices with the Disney value resorts.

It seems to me that Disney is INTENTIONALLY drawing out their construction timelines.

To some extent. My understanding is Universal is doing construction 24/7 (maybe not literally). Disney has no reason to push. Universal closed an entire section. It's probably takes more time when you're doing construction near guest areas.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Isn't Disney going to hide some RID readers near the entrance to the Universal Parks? Disney guests who go to Universal will have their FP+ and hard to get dining ADRs canceled.

Universal hotels, including hotel restaurants, far exceed Disney hotels. Can be hundreds of dollars a night cheaper then Disney deluxe. Posters complain comparing the prices with the Disney value resorts.

To some extent. My understanding is Universal is doing construction 24/7 (maybe not literally). Disney has no reason to push. Universal closed an entire section. It's probably takes more time when you're doing construction near guest areas.

Oh my!

 

[Dznefreek]

Work on Transformers 3D was around the clock to have it open in a year. I believe Potter expansion is not going on 24/7.
Lets not forget Uni is also moving ahead with the Springfield expansion for the Simpsons including shops and a spinner type ride

I agree with the drawn out timeline for construction. What was it 2 1/2 to 3 years for the current FLE and for me at least; underwhelming.

 

[rteetz]

Rumored wristbands, they may not really exist! it may take as long to unveil the magicband as it is taking to build the mine train.

Edited after reading the story:
According to that release, it is possible that this whole new land could open BEFORE the mine train! That would be amazing.

Disney has confirmed the Magicbands and has already revealed the bands themselves to pass holders. There is just no word when they will be actually released for guest use. But each band will be water proof and hold all your ticket and room key information for you. There is also an opt out part where you can still you a regular card ticket. The bands will come in different colors and will be included for disney resort guests and non resort guests can purchase them in the parks for an extra fee. Many if not all the people I have talked to have said this spring or early summer the bands will be out and in full force.

 

[bcrook]

Disney has confirmed the Magicbands and has already revealed the bands themselves to pass holders. There is just no word when they will be actually released for guest use. But each band will be water proof and hold all your ticket and room key information for you. There is also an opt out part where you can still you a regular card ticket. The bands will come in different colors and will be included for disney resort guests and non resort guests can purchase them in the parks for an extra fee. Many if not all the people I have talked to have said this spring or early summer the bands will be out and in full force.

I know, I was kidding. But since the big reveal in December and early January, there has been virtually nothing reported. As if it was all just a dream. A quarter of the year has passed and not a peep.

 

[rteetz]

I know, I was kidding. But since the big reveal in December and early January, there has been virtually nothing reported. As if it was all just a dream. A quarter of the year has passed and not a peep.

I know but they had just put them out at the pass holder ticket exchange this week where the annual pass holders can go switch their tickets to the new tickets but the bands weren't available to use just yet I'm hearing it will only be a matter of a month or two until there are out in full force.

 

[StarWarsJez]

Let's face it, Disney have been under investing in their parks for years and were certainly complacent. HP changed that as shareholders expressed concern over flatline growth compared to Universals HP boom (albeit from a lower level)

To some extent I think Disney were 'forced' into new park investment, although its great they they are finally doing it. However the slow rate is quite bewildering, and at times it does look like Disney is happy with a slower pace (it gives the impression they're busy!)

But with Avatar 'Land' unlikely to be ready until 2017, I for one would love them to Pull their thumbs out their behind and get cracking with a new Star Wars land. IMO this should really be a focus for them given they now own the franchise and the new movie plans are in such an advanced stage.

 

[umichigan10]

I feel like this whole 'leak' was the worst kept secret in the theme park industry, or at least when it comes to Orlando parks

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I feel like this whole 'leak' was the worst kept secret in the theme park industry, or at least when it comes to Orlando parks

Kinda like Disney's "big announcements"?

In the end...there's always more smoke than fire to try and shield the masses from the "little guys" in town who are more annoying now than ever...

Because its Comcast and the Roberts are not one bit afraid of the cheap suits in the Dwarf Building or the ghosts of Walt and Roy.

So it is being done so with emphasis at UOR...

The problem from a competition perspective is exactly what Disney threw out there in 1966...the blessing of size. Universal doesn't have the room not ever will to really get to Disney's level....

But they have the cash, clout, content, and fearlessness to make themselves more than just the slight nuisance they have been to date. They'll never knock out the champ to win the title (1000 times less likely than Buster Douglas)...but more pressure is good.

And the perception here is reality: based on where they come from and the cash they have now...Disney's commitment to reinvestment has fallen like a Rock to the bottom of the pond over time.
They can throw out all the billions of bucks spent they want...especially when it's cruiseships and embarrassing park redos...
But the reality is that they aren't building to "move" like their cross towns...they are just stretching it out and making a show of it...trying to block 140 mph serves back across the net.

The problem is that they're too big an they don't care...and many lemmings buy their line of garbage without switching their brains and their computers on to look into it.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Kinda like Disney's "big announcements"?

In the end...there's always more smoke than fire to try and shield the masses from the "little guys" in town who are more annoying now than ever...

Because its Comcast and the Roberts are not one bit afraid of the cheap suits in the Dwarf Building or the ghosts of Walt and Roy.

So it is being done so with emphasis at UOR...

The problem from a competition perspective is exactly what Disney threw out there in 1966...the blessing of size. Universal doesn't have the room not ever will to really get to Disney's level....

But they have the cash, clout, content, and fearlessness to make themselves more than just the slight nuisance they have been to date. They'll never knock out the champ to win the title (1000 times less likely than Buster Douglas)...but more pressure is good.

And the perception here is reality: based on where they come from and the cash they have now...Disney's commitment to reinvestment has fallen like a Rock to the bottom of the pond over time.
They can throw out all the billions of bucks spent they want...especially when it's cruiseships and embarrassing park redos...
But the reality is that they aren't building to "move" like their cross towns...they are just stretching it out and making a show of it...trying to block 140 mph serves back across the net.

The problem is that they're too big an they don't care...and many lemmings buy their line of garbage without switching their brains and their computers on to look into it.

The difference between you an me Locked, I would have just posted the last paragraph.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The difference between you an me Locked, I would have just posted the last paragraph.

Where's the drama in that?

 

[glamdring269]

I've never been to Universal. It seems to me that if I'm going to Orlando that I need to go to WDW. But the more I look into Universal the more I'm starting to think that I'm probably doing it wrong. I should be doing a split stay, not between multiple Disney resorts, but between a Disney resort and a Universal one.