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

[Claymax]

Hi tidefan, welcome to the dark side!
I'm sure many factors contribute to the why now question. The major one I can think of is that JKR wasn't ready to release it! It is after-all her ultimate decision. As far as "the height of HP mania" being over, who can say for sure? I tend to disagree based on the fact that many rides/attractions are based on history. Sometimes people can take a ride or attraction and enjoy it for its face value, the pleasure it brings you for what it is, not what it represents or its nostalgia. In any case I believe the HP hype will live on for a long time to come. I think the culmination of the HP books and movies is the perfect time for this area to open!

Agreed. Remember, we have the 5th HP movie coming out July 11th 2007. At best, though unlikely, 6th would be 2008, 7th would be 2009. However realistically it may be a year or so longer for them. This makes it pretty good timing if you ask me.

Think about what Universal gets to crow about for the next few years.

2007 - HP announcement, HP movie #5 tie in to HP Land, Simpsons movie -tie in to new ride.
2008 - New Simpsons ride, HP movie #6 tie in to HP Land "opening next year!"
2009 - HP movie #7? still a tie in to HP Land opening as soon as late 2009.

Whatever your take, looks to me that Universal is going to have 3 straight years of blockbuster movie tie-ins to their park to tell of these new attractions and lands. You know their marketing department is doing the banana dance.

 

[paladin]

According to an article that I read, it is going to be a section of IOA, not an entire park.

 

[DLBDS]

I think a theme park can be done (rather than just an attraction or two). There's a ton of possibilities here. I've read all the books so I'm a fan but if it's done right I think non-fans will find it just as enjoyable. I was surprised to learn on the news last night that it would ultimately be Universal that develops it. I read not long ago that JK Rowling had signed a 'letter of intent' with Disney to do this same thing. Wonder what happened there?

 

[BillSears]

Maybe this is just because I never got involved in Harry Potter but I don't see why you would build a whole park on Harry Potter? I could defenitely see doing a big ride or a section of like IOA but a whole park? To me it just doesn't make sense. However, I'm sure Universal has this planned out! It'll be interesting to see what they do with this idea! And as far as Disney and competition goes I think Disney will always be on top, Disney practically invented the theme park, I don't think they'll ever be behind. If nothing else my family will still be just going to Disney

From the news report I saw last night it is just one Island in IOA devoted to Harry Potter and it is planned to have 3 rides. It's not that big a deal to me and I think the media is blowing it way out of proportion.

 

[mill4023]

Agreed. Remember, we have the 5th HP movie coming out July 11th 2007. At best, though unlikely, 6th would be 2008, 7th would be 2009. However realistically it may be a year or so longer for them. This makes it pretty good timing if you ask me.

Think about what Universal gets to crow about for the next few years.

2007 - HP announcement, HP movie #5 tie in to HP Land, Simpsons movie -tie in to new ride.
2008 - New Simpsons ride, HP movie #6 tie in to HP Land "opening next year!"
2009 - HP movie #7? still a tie in to HP Land opening as soon as late 2009.

Whatever your take, looks to me that Universal is going to have 3 straight years of blockbuster movie tie-ins to their park to tell of these new attractions and lands. You know their marketing department is doing the banana dance.

Obviously it's way too early to know for sure, but IMDB lists Half-Blood Prince as a 2008 release and Deathly Hallows as 2010. That could very easily end up being 2009 and 2011. I think it's probably safe to say that the final movie won't be released until at least 2010. And even after all the books and movies are done, there will still be millions of kids (and adults) discovering Harry Potter for generations to come.

So I agree that the strength of the Harry Potter brand will last a very long time. Although I do think that uncertainty about just how popular it will be 20 or 30 years from now is probably one of the reasons they decided against a whole new theme park.

 

[summerlandjeff]

Would Disney then respond with a "Pirates of the Caribbean" theme park? It does seem to me that the "Harry Potter" franchise is one dimensional. I have read a few of the books and seen the movies... I'm not sure this can carry a whole park........
Thoughts?

 

[maya_]

Wow. I've been telling people for years that one of the big theme parks needs to get on top of building a Harry Potter attraction.

I can't remember who above said it, but I would be a little concerned that the peak of the hype has passed. That seemed to me to be about four years ago. The three-year wait for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, coupled with the release of the first two films, seemed to create the most hype. From where I'm standing, it seems to have quietened down a bit since then. Which is not to say that it is anywhere near dead, or even dying. I teach in a primary school, and I would say three or four years ago the HP hype even outweighed Disney fervor. Now it's about the same.

The main thing, though, is not how strong the trend is at the moment, but the range of possibilities, and I can't even get my head around them at the moment. I'll give it a try:

Hogwarts Castle: In my opinion they need to try and make this as true as possible, and open up as much of it as they can. Lots of the classrooms could make fun shows or workshops. The traditional magic shows (once cheesy but now juiced-up and cool again) could be set in Charms and Transfiguration classes. Potions could also have some cool options.

Flying on broomsticks would be interesting; either they could do this as a simulator (although these seem to be a bit dated now, a multi-sensory one like Spiderman could still be great) or try to make it like E.T. I admit I'm not sure how this would work.

I just love the idea of the Sorting Hat playing a role. There could be a Sorting Ceremony as an ongoing audience participation show in the Great Hall.

Care of Magical Creatures is another source of great ideas. I know they have the Triceratops Encounter in Jurassic Park; an adaption of this with dragons, hippogriffs or unicorns would be fantastic, especially for children.

The Owlery could have some sort of aviary show. I know there have been several of these in the last few years in UO and WDW.

As far as restaurants go, a Great Hall Banquet thing seems pretty obvious. It would also be easy to theme to different times of the year, as it is in the books. Christmas and Halloween are the most obvious, and between May and July the end of term would be good, between August and Halloween the 'back to school' would also be great.

Hagrid's Hut would be a great place to get snacky things, tasting better than the ones in the book, but appropriately Hagrid-sized!

The possibilities for little shops are endless - magic-related stuff in each of the classrooms, House-related memorabilia (please!) in each House common room, also movie memorabilia would probably sell really well.

Hogsmeade: As far as rides go, a haunted-house type thing for the Shrieking Shack (I know, it's not really haunted!) is most obvious. Also, the concept art suggests it will be winter there (as it's described in the PoA book, and shown in the film, I guess) so winter-themed rides would work.

Food and shops - they're all pretty obvious. Sweets and Treats at Honeydukes, a really cool Three Broomsticks pub, magic tricks at Zonkos.

Forbidden Forest: Any number of creature-related rides and attractions could go here, as well as being a good home for a flying Ford Anglia ride.

Other: Underground cart ride for Gringotts bank. I would queue for hours for this one, if it was authentic.

Anyway, that was just stuff that jumped out at me straight away. I honestly haven't thought about it that much I have revealed the inner geek, though!

I really hope it is open by 2009, because that is when my next trip is projected for. If we know by summer 2008 that it will be later, I might be convinced to postpone my trip. This new stuff will make my next visit.

 

[Rustysmom]

I like the Harry Potter books and movies, but I'm not a huge fan, so I wouldn't go out of my way to go see it. Maybe if I was going to Universal anyway, but then again I've never gone to Universal and don't really have much of a desire to go anyway.

 

[duckfan78]

I don't think a harry potter theme park is going to do well or even last that long. I can see them maybe making a few rides or having it as a part of universal, but come on lets get real. Harry potter is a big hit now, but is never going to be as big as the Disney Classics or even new classics for that matter.

I'll take Disney's Magic over Potters Witch magic anytime.

 

[dreamergirl78]

I personally can't wait to have a Harry Potter "land" if you will to visit. Many of us fans have thought about that for a very long time. What it would be like to walk around and experience all things Harry Potter! I disagree that they aren't strong enough books, movies, etc to sustain a theme park land. These books have crossed huge generation gaps. Everyone from my 57 year old Mom to my 9 year old son loves Harry Potter. I believe that this new concept will attract people from ALL walks of life and a variety of ages.
I am thrilled they are opening this and I can't wait to see how it turns out!

And by the way OP, just to let you know it is J.K not J.D.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Now heres one in true Disney spirit!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1470971

I'd be happy if they could just get the facts straight.

 

[CarolA]

The big question IMHO is will JK let it go. She has only approved Universal/Warners doing a design. She is known to be VERY strict on what she will let happen to Harry and his friends so I believe she could still KILL it if she doesn't like what they want to do.

(And if she kills off Harry, is this going to have as much appeal?)

 

[Fan2CSkr]

maya, I love many of your ideas! How cool Gringotts bank would be! I think too intricate though. so many possibilities, its endless really. I think my most anticipated is Hogwarts.

 

[keishashadow]

I understand what you're saying but I do get the whole my park is better than yours mentality too. Actually from your statement, 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. I get the feeling you do have a preference or should I say a favorite. Of course thats just my take on what I read. Universal seems to be the afterthought since Disney $ are too high for the weekend. I'm positive you enjoy both cause you said so but still we all have our favorites. Its like sports some competitors are more driven that others.

I enjoy all theme parks but Universal is my favorite. Its kinda like someone that drinks cola, I'm sure most will have a favorite, pepsi or coke. Some peoples likes and dislikes are more intense than others. The only opinions I dont respect if of the person that knocks a product w/o ever trying it. It seems so silly to hate Universal before ever stepping foot inside its parks.

So now it seems that Universal has a huge reason to gloat with HP coming. It makes sense to me when I see posts by those that feel threatened or defensive that their favorite isn't in the limelight at that moment to defend what they love. Lots of passionate people around here! That's a good thing.
-----------------------------------
just for the record i do the Dew, Mt. Dew ROCKS

i've been known to gloat myself...especially when the Steelers won the Championship & the Pittsburgh River Rats (coached by my oldest DS are headed to the playoffs ); so I get what you're saying. Just don't understand why people who detest a park (whether based on personal experience or just plain ignorance) feel the need to complain. IMO, it's just sour grapes from those who would never set foot outside WDW; afraid they may have to spread their wings a bit.

my point is many of us Disney fanatics (yep, i am one) have discovered the special charms of Universal while staying onsite...NOTHING compares to FOTL privledges imo.

it's not an afterthought, especially since we usually have APs & it would be more economical to split our trip onsite & not have to purchase U tix. It's what I term a special "treat" to be able to visit in addition to our WDW trips.

I do have back/cervical issues; so i can't ride some of the more energetic rides; but still find plenty to occupy me.

If you back me up into a corner, i will say that WDW does offer more "things" to do, if only by volume/sheer size of the parks.

I will state the same thing I tells my DSs when they ask this eternal question:

Which of us is your favorite?

I don't have a favorite, I luv you all the same...just because you're special in your own way.

 

[calgarygary]

The big question IMHO is will JK let it go. She has only approved Universal/Warners doing a design. She is known to be VERY strict on what she will let happen to Harry and his friends so I believe she could still KILL it if she doesn't like what they want to do.

(And if she kills off Harry, is this going to have as much appeal?)

CarolA, you are usually much more accurate than this. The approving design stage has been ongoing. Yesterday's announcement is a done deal - there will be a Harry Potter island addition to IOA. As far as killing off Harry, most think that she will not as it would probably kill the franchise's future (sales of future books/movies much less theme park) if she did. After all did Disney kill Bambi or Simba, give her a little credit Carol.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

The big question IMHO is will JK let it go. She has only approved Universal/Warners doing a design. She is known to be VERY strict on what she will let happen to Harry and his friends so I believe she could still KILL it if she doesn't like what they want to do.

(And if she kills off Harry, is this going to have as much appeal?)

She already let it go. The deal is done.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...may31,0,1282343.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

"Warner Bros., J.K. Rowling, Universal: We're all completely committed," he said. "We're committed financially; we're committed intellectually to deliver a product that exceeds expectations."

The 10-year licensing deal between Universal City Development Partners and Warner Bros. Consumer Products Inc. was signed May 25 and includes an option for two five-year renewal periods.

I never thought she would kill off Harry but even if she did he is already an icon of huge proportions.

 

[calgarygary]

I totally agree! But what would or even will be left of LC?

I know, sacriligeous of me, nothing but Mythos.

 

[KEW80]

I understand what you're saying but I do get the whole my park is better than yours mentality too. Actually from your statement, 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. I get the feeling you do have a preference or should I say a favorite. Of course thats just my take on what I read. Universal seems to be the afterthought since Disney $ are too high for the weekend. I'm positive you enjoy both cause you said so but still we all have our favorites. Its like sports some competitors are more driven that others.

I enjoy all theme parks but Universal is my favorite. Its kinda like someone that drinks cola, I'm sure most will have a favorite, pepsi or coke. Some peoples likes and dislikes are more intense than others. The only opinions I dont respect if of the person that knocks a product w/o ever trying it. It seems so silly to hate Universal before ever stepping foot inside its parks.

So now it seems that Universal has a huge reason to gloat with HP coming. It makes sense to me when I see posts by those that feel threatened or defensive that their favorite isn't in the limelight at that moment to defend what they love. Lots of passionate people around here! That's a good thing.
-----------------------------------
just for the record i do the Dew, Mt. Dew ROCKS

i've been known to gloat myself...especially when the Steelers won the Championship & the Pittsburgh River Rats (coached by my oldest DS are headed to the playoffs ); so I get what you're saying. Just don't understand why people who detest a park (whether based on personal experience or just plain ignorance) feel the need to complain. IMO, it's just sour grapes from those who would never set foot outside WDW; afraid they may have to spread their wings a bit.

my point is many of us Disney fanatics (yep, i am one) have discovered the special charms of Universal while staying onsite...NOTHING compares to FOTL privledges imo.

it's not an afterthought, especially since we usually have APs & it would be more economical to split our trip onsite & not have to purchase U tix. It's what I term a special "treat" to be able to visit in addition to our WDW trips.

I do have back/cervical issues; so i can't ride some of the more energetic rides; but still find plenty to occupy me.

If you back me up into a corner, i will say that WDW does offer more "things" to do, if only by volume/sheer size of the parks.

I will state the same thing I tells my DSs when they ask this eternal question:

Which of us is your favorite?

I don't have a favorite, I luv you all the same...just because you're special in your own way.

Well said Keisha!

Thats why Baskin Robins has (?) more than 30 flavors. (not sure how many cause I only east vanilla )

 

[DOOM1001]

It's not going to be an entire park,it will be 20 acres,some will be from the Lost Continent section of IOA that will be changed to HP and some from a parking lot and backstage area of IOA!!I'm really not into HP at all,but if they have a new major ride then it will get me more interested!!

http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/index.html

 

[Dizneydaz]

If my DD7 is still into HP in 2 years, we might finally have to go to Universal. If it was there now I know we would have to attend in Sept. My DD7 started reading (on her own) HP books while in 1st grade. She's now read all 6 and can't wait to read the last one. (I'll probably have to buy 2 books, 1 for me, and 1 for her! ) Thanks to HP books, and her love of reading, she has an amazing vocabulary and just finished at about 171% of her AR goal this year (needed 70 pts, got over 120). Of course, when one book is worth over 40 points, it's not surprising. Okay, so now that the bragging is over If she's still into HP when that section opens, then we will go-at least for a day! We will never spend the time there that we do at WDW but I wouldn't mind checking the rides. Just waiting for DD to grow a little more-she's only about 46" and loves to ride coasters, but is too small for many at IOA.