Springfield expansion taking shape...

[damo]

I've been travelling to the Orlando theme parks since 1973, when there was only 1 park. Over the years I've looked forward to every expansion, upgrade, whatever, at each and every park. Is it just me or have recent expansions (though well executed with a few great rides) been light on the rides and experiences and heavy on shopping and food venues...more places to spend money than have fun, in other words. The Simpson expansion for example, has one new ride that is not unlike generic amusement park rides seen everywhere. Unless you're really into The Simpsons, the other shops/restaurants won't be of much interest. Though I'm a huge HP fan, the same is somewhat true for the HP expansion. At least there will be the Gringott's ride and the visual effects on the Hogwarts train seem promising. I like the idea of being immersed in the world of Diagon Alley, but will it just be another opportunity to eat and shop? There's so much that could be done in this area, I hope Universal will take advantage the endless possibilties and not let HP fans (and Simpsons fans for that matter) down.

You can't just have rides. Rides only bring in admission money. In order for the theme park to make money, they have to be successful with dining and merchandise. The WWoHP has 4 rides, 1 attraction, a show, 1 restaurant and a few stores. It also has many photo ops. The Hogwarts Express will be adding another ride. That is actually a TON of rides in one land.

The new Diagon Alley is supposed to have Gringotts plus Hogwarts Express. It is supposed to be an interactive area and have one restaurant, a few attractions, a show and some shops. That seems perfectly normal to me and follows the theme park formula very well.

In the last few years Universal has added or replaced quite a few rides but really not many restaurants or shops. It has redone the Enchanted Oak into Three Broomsticks and the International Food and Film Festival into the Springfield dining establishments. I don't think it has actually even added any restaurants.

 

[damo]

Kang and Kodos going up!!!!

From Seth Kubersky's facebook.