Universal + Harry Potter...It's Official!

[ChrisFL]

Does anyone have any idea what new attractions will be in Harry Potter Land? I'm not a HP fan but I am excited to see something going on at IOA,but if there's no new major attraction to go along with this new area it would just seem to me that Universal is using what's supposed to be a popular name to create buzz.I haven't seen any of the movies or read any of the books,but if someone tells me a new Harry Sorcerer Coaster is going up,I'll go rent the movies today!!

No specifics but we know that Universal has spent a lot of time and money to get the Kuka robotic arm to use in a ride, I can only think it's going to be a major ride in HP land

 

[JeanfromBNA]

Mermaid Bride: In one of the press releases, it stated that they did not want to do characters, because everyone would want to see Harry, of course.

They could still change their minds, though.

 

[ChrisFL]

I guess I need to read the books and see the movies so I know who these characters are and what you guys are talking about.

Same here, I watched the first movie years ago, but dont remember much

 

[La2kw]

Seeing how they deeply themed one of their most recent rides (everest) I would have a little more faith in them going on track record, when it comes to theming large scale attractions. Universals most recent was Mummy, and while the technology and ideas are great, it just doesnt work for me, and many others.

I especially like how they themed the backside of Everest to look like a wall that was ingenious! Why make it look like a complete mountain, when a wall visible from the parking lot is so much more interesting!

 

[phamton]

I really, really do not want to close this thread as it deals with what I think is an important announcement. Can we please resist turning this into another thread comparing Disney and Universal?

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

Your quoted post was a response to a post that says this. Not as funny as you thought.

It's called a circular argument. The was sarcastic (the sarcasm being that it's fun to argue in circles).

You have my apologies for any misunderstanding. Have a good night!

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

I especially like how they themed the backside of Everest to look like a wall that was ingenious! Why make it look like a complete mountain, when a wall visible from the parking lot is so much more interesting!

Ok... here's what I'm having a hard time with.

If I post something derogatory about Universal Orlando (and I haven't -- ever), every Universal fan in here is going to point and scream about how I'm a hate-monger, and isn't that just like a Disney Cast Member to go slamming the competition, what a shame their standards are slipping, and what a sad commentary it is that Disney people have such sour grapes about "losing" HP that they feel they have to start bashing Universal, and how dare they!

Disney-bashing, on the other hand, is apparently condoned here.

Sorry, the double-standard on this board is confusing me.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Oh, I came here to talk about the Harry Potter announcement. I must have gotten lost.

I guess no one is as excited as I am.

 

[calgarygary]

I really, really do not want to close this thread as it deals with what I think is an important announcement. Can we please resist turning this into another thread comparing Disney and Universal?

I suppose you still believe in Santa too?

 

[phamton]

Disney-bashing, on the other hand, is apparently condoned here.

Sorry, the double-standard on this board is confusing me.

My warning was for ALL comparisons. There is no double standard. People have received moderator warnings for personal attacks who are on both sides.

Buzz, I don't see your posts as bashing Univesal. I am just asking for this thread to be about the Harry Potter announcement. Speculation, excitement/disappointement, and questions about this announcement are fine. We have been anxiously awaiting the official announcement for a long time. Can we at least gloat for 24 hours? Honestly, when Disney announces their next blockbuster, we promise not to highjack the thread. We can debate who has the better themepark/attractions (Universal or Disney) on another thread.

 

[lindalinda]

linda.....

just ignore that post - another pixie dust

Thanks for the tip..temporary insanity on my part.

Now back on topic. I showed my son the concept drawings, he was so psyched!

Even tho when I told him I was re-reading ootp before the movie came out his response was "loser!"

I hope they have chocolate frogs.

 

[sabrinadv1]

I love Disney and I love Harry Potter. My oldest son has been wanting to stay at the Nick Hotel. I never really wanted to consider it because I like to stay onsite at Disney. Now however I am planning a whole vacation in Orlando that has nothing to do with Disney. I just didn't think it could happen. I am very excited and I think this will bring alot of excitement for Universal. I wonder if they will put Aragog in the Forbidden Forest? Of course Voldermort will have to be portrayed some how. There are so many things in the series I would like to see created I just don't know what to put on the top of my list. Other than Hogwarts of course. I am also wondering what kind of food there will be. J.K. describes so many different foods and drinks in the books I have always wondered what butterbear taste like or pumpking pasties. Oh I know I am babbling but I am just so excited!!!!!

Oh and P.S. as far as Disney doing things better ever been on the Star Wars attraction? It could deffinetly be much better. Star Wars is one of the best and biggest stories of our time and yet it is reduced to a room that just makes me literally. I wish Universal had the rights to it. Disney is good at Disney stuff. Other stuff just gets pushed off kind of to the side. JMHO

 

[DOOM1001]

No specifics but we know that Universal has spent a lot of time and money to get the Kuka robotic arm to use in a ride, I can only think it's going to be a major ride in HP land

Would this be the KUKA robotic arm in use at Universal Hollywood in their backlot tour?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=we1Y44iRjlE

 

[chasgoose]

Would this be the KUKA robotic arm in use at Universal Hollywood in their backlot tour?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=we1Y44iRjlE

Yeah except you will be in the car and the arm will be on some kind of track. Pretty awesome right?

I love HP but I am just so glad that IOA is finally getting a new thrill ride attraction. I mean there hasn't been any major change since the park opened.

 

[dreamergirl78]

I have never been to Universal (in FL) or Islands of Adventure (due to time and money), but this will be the total push I need to spend time there! My husband is not a fan of Disney ... AT ALL ... (I won't even say what he calls Mickey) and I am sure he will be thrilled to take a vacation to Orlando with the promise of Simpsons and Harry Potter. I don't think it could get much better! I am VERY excited! We are all HP fans from the very beginning and this is wonderful news!
Thank you all for the great insight into what could be!!! It was great to see the overlays, etc.
Anyway, thank for letting me jump in on your thread! Have a great night!

 

[ChrisFL]

Would this be the KUKA robotic arm in use at Universal Hollywood in their backlot tour?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=we1Y44iRjlE

Yes, thats it

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Mermaid Bride: In one of the press releases, it stated that they did not want to do characters, because everyone would want to see Harry, of course.

They could still change their minds, though.

Is there a link to where you saw this? I haven't heard that anywhere and can't imagine we wont find Potter characters inhabiting HP Land! I imagine its the same difference when Disney came up with PoC's, Capt Sparrow.

 

[keishashadow]

Perhaps it's my split personality manifesting itself again -

but the reason i enjoy Universal is because it's such a different vibe than WDW...and therin lies the appeal.

I can spend a week or more @ WDW and not be bored. We do split stays anyway @ disney due to DVC accommodations price structure on the weekends...might as well drive on up the highway to U. Sorta a 2 for 1 kind of trip.

Honestly don't get the 'my park is better than yours' rant. Always found it absurd that people get so invested and feel the need to defend their park of choice so fervently (reminds me of a suitor defending their paramour's virtue) via degregating remarks.

Perhaps it's Harry envy ? Honestly think that Rowlings said show me the money, which is well within her right. Do know that Disney movie club used to offer the Potter movies, was thinking that Buena Vista may have been the distributor on @ least the 1st movie.

While I enjoy HP franchise, certainly not a rabid fan; do look forward to the development. Just hope that enchanted oak is converted over & will miss Sinbad show.

Any thoughts as to the train being more of a VR ride as opposed to mode of transportation?

 

[mumzie2three]

My kids will miss the Sinbad Show too. That was probably their favorite show of all time, plus Sinbad was a total hottie. They loved the way it combined action and comedy.

I'm excited because by 2010 my kids will be reading the HP books as well as having seen the movies. Right now they are 6 and 7.

 

[JMCDAD]

This should be exciting news for everyone to enjoy
I have been to Disney twice with my family and loved it
We are going to Universal for the first time this summer and am so excited and am sure we are going to have a great time.
Hopefully we will go to Disney again after that and then do Universal again when HP is up and running.
People, enjoy what both WDW and Universal have to offer, if you don't, you will be the one missing out