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

[MinnieCandi]

My family loves Harry Potter. My oldest has read all the books (so have I) and the whole family has seen the movies numerous times. We will definately go to Universal in 2010 (we have never been to Universal before) and are really looking forward to checking the Harry Potter World and both Universal parks. HOWEVER, I don't beleive anything can really compete with Disney. We probably will still stay at Disney, and eat at mostly Disney restaurants. IMHO, nothing could ever compete with the magic of walking down Main Street USA and seeing the Castle!

 

[damo]

I think it's hard to tell until you see the actual product.

That said, I think over the next two years it may actually hurt Universal. I can easily see the family who goes every year to Orlando and goes to Disney and maybe another park saying "lets go to Sea World or Busch Gardens and save Universal until the next trip when HP opens" (Or even just using ME and staying at Disney and saving ALL of the other parks for the next trip)

EDIT

Just out of curiosity I went over the Universal board there. There was at least one poster who will go this summer and then not again until after HP opens..... maybe a short term decline on "down" revenue. Not good for Universal.

Universal has the new Simpsons ride opening next year. That should help keep attendance up.

 

[Cass]

I hope everyone (but us) decides to stay away in August

 

[CarolA]

HP might draw me in, but as I said before they better knock it out of the park!

I have in the past been to Universal and enjoyed it Not sure why, but I haven't been back in several years.

 

[Figment22]

Please don't leave. I'm trying to keep this thread flame free. Hopefully we will continue to stay on topic without it becoming a Disney versus Universal thread. Infractions and warnings have been issued.

I just wanted to take a moment to say "Thank you, Bev." The entire Universal forum has been so much more enjoyable since you took over as moderator here; someone who actually posts here and most importantly, knows the mindset of the online Universal fans. Your work is greatly appreciated.

The main redevelopment of Dueling Dragons to Hogwart’s Castle and the main Lost Continent plaza to Hogmeade’s Village will run through Sept/Oct 08 to Mar/May 09, again I assume to minimize disruption in that area.

As I mentioned upthread, I'm really hoping that this isn't the case but I guess that two castles wouldn't make a whole lot of sense either.

If universal could perfect the technology that they used on the under the stairs/ Terror Mines haunted houses that work with infra red type technology (when a miner hat that one person from each group is wearing is pointed at certain items the light on it would turn on and off) they could tweak it a little bit and really create an immersive type "spell class" where "magic wands" pointed at certain things in a certain way ("swish and flick", anyone?) could create magical results such as levitation, shape changing, etc. that would be VERY cool. Also imagine what a transfiguration class would be like lol...

Along these lines, I was reading that the new OoTP video game that's coming out for the Wii will be featuring this type of technology. The Wiimote will act as your wand and you "swish and flick" to cast the spells required in the game. It would certainly be cool if this could be expanded upon at a Potter attraction.

 

[damo]

Damo,
I just spent some time on the Universal boards. Got to say, NOTHING over there made me want to go anytime soon and the Simpson's isn't doing ANYTHING for me (I don't like the show LOL!)

However, the threads on Rickshaw drivers (what is this a third world country?) and the fact that like Six Flags they are "selling" the Front of the Line passe gave me a lot of pause! I haven't been for years and if the "fan' board sounds that unappealing........ (Sorry to get off topic)

HP might draw me in, but as I said before they better knock it out of the park!

I have in the past been to Universal and enjoyed it, but the last time I went I was bored. Not sure why, but I haven't been back in several years.

CarolA, I feel exactly the same about Disney World, so I understand perfectly!!! That is why it is so great that we have both Disney World and Universal. It should manage to keep everyone happy.

 

[keishashadow]

Well said Keisha!

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

i'm quite fond of vanilla myself (course i like it positioned in a waffle cone & drenched in hot fudge sauce; topped off with whipped cream and a marischino cherry ). Never had a dole whip - it's on my short list to try this trip; although it sounds suspiciously like pineapple soft-service ice cream to me. Wonder if U has a special frozen treat? They could go wild with monster shapes, mummy, jaws, etc.

Glad to hear Posieden is probably safe, think it's awesome.

DH got his email from U & thought he knew it all, i gently reminded him i've been talking about if for months. At least he was gracious enough to appear embarrassed.

My prediction is that WDW will soon announce that they secured the rights to Lord of the Rings . I'm really not surprised that WDW didn't get the rights to Harry. There is a very loud contingent of right wing evangical christians who don't condone the thought of mysticism in any format...think it would alienate a good portion of their target audience unless it's confined to one new park that can easily be skipped by the squeamish.

 

[calgarygary]

Damo,
I just spent some time on the Universal boards. Got to say, NOTHING over there made me want to go anytime soon and the Simpson's isn't doing ANYTHING for me (I don't like the show LOL!)

However, the threads on Rickshaw drivers (what is this a third world country?) and the fact that like Six Flags they are "selling" the Front of the Line passe gave me a lot of pause! I haven't been for years and if the "fan' board sounds that unappealing........ (Sorry to get off topic)

HP might draw me in, but as I said before they better knock it out of the park!

I have in the past been to Universal and enjoyed it, but the last time I went I was bored. Not sure why, but I haven't been back in several years.

CarolA why try to turn this into another us vs. them thread. As usual, someone opens a thread up for discussion and people who need to validate their time/expenditures turn it into WDW vs US/IOA. I am however interested in reading that story you mentioned about Rowlings, can you provide the link?

 

[damo]

I thought that at first too but the more I think about it that theatre is a wide open canvas for them to create whatever they like. I do also wonder if it would be better suited to keep it a theatre converted to the HP theme.

But the footprint of the Sinbad theatre seems way too small. I think the new ride will probably need about the same amount of space as the Spiderman building.

 

[GemmaPixie]

I'm a huge HP fan and therefore I am VERY excited!! I go to orlando every year for 2/3 weeks and would spend only 2-3 days at disney and the rest at universal so as you can tell Im already a huge fan on UO and I think this may make me a bigger fan (if that is possible!!)

Cant wait!!!

 

[damo]

CarolA why try to turn this into another us vs. them thread. As usual, someone opens a thread up for discussion and people who need to validate their time/expenditures turn it into WDW vs US/IOA. I am however interested in reading that story you mentioned about Rowlings, can you provide the link?

Gary, the details of the deal are here:

http://edgar.brand.edgar-online.com/fetchFilingFrameset.aspx?FilingID=5217250&Type=HTML

 

[ChrisFL]

But the footprint of the Sinbad theatre seems way too small. I think the new ride will probably need about the same amount of space as the Spiderman building.

I agree...heres a view of both buildings for comparison:

 

[calgarygary]

Thanks Damo.

 

[CarolA]

CarolA why try to turn this into another us vs. them thread. As usual, someone opens a thread up for discussion and people who need to validate their time/expenditures turn it into WDW vs US/IOA. I am however interested in reading that story you mentioned about Rowlings, can you provide the link?

I apologize for us vs them. I will go edit.

I don't have the link to the article I read on JK Rowling if that's what you mean? I just was scanning this am... not really filing away for future reference.

There is an interesting article at on the Jim Hill website, but IMHO Jim's "track" record is not something that makes me trust him

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I agree...heres a view of both buildings for comparison:

Thanks! I was wondering what the comparison was, you guys are awesome. So now after looking at that dont you think there is usable space surrounding the theatre that can be added to just about compare to spiderman in size? Not to mention that we dont actually know how much space they even need for this new ride.

 

[FanofG00fy]

Disney has my heart (and most of my money too! ), but I am willing to add two more days to my week vacation to go see Harry Potter Theme land at Universal.

I don't think the "Potterland" will disappear quickly. The reason, who really thought a Dolly Parton Theme Park <Dollywood> would be around this long?!?! Don't get me wrong, Dollywood is a nice theme park, I live only 45 minutes from it, and worked there for 4 years while I was in college.

All I can say is, Universal is finally going to get some of my money

 

[disneyfan67]

I think this is great news for fans of both themepark companies.

Universal is spending money to upgrade their parks and heighten their guests experience.

Disney will probably respond and by just even updating what they have and adding on to parks like AK, will be a big improvement. They have been letting things stay the same and even been removing rides at parks like MK, so a change for the better will good.

We all win and will have a better vacation experience and isn't that what's important? I don't get the Universal vs Disney thing at all. I just hope Universal doesn't try and do this on a strict budget and spends the money to make this Potter attraction top notch. I really think that's what hurt Disney when AK first opened.

I'm really looking forward to all of this and competition is a good thing in my book.

 

[mumzie2three]

I don't understand the people who think HP won't stand up to the test of time. Makes no sense. Dr Seuss? Betty Boop? Popeye? Sinbad? Since when are they current? HP is a modern classic in my opinion. I think it will equal The Wizard of Oz in terms of longevity.

 

[crzy4mk]

I personally hope it is a huge success and people bypass Disney in droves to spend their entire vacation there.

(that way, there will be fewer people at WDW, and we can enjoy the parks with fewer people and shorter waits!)

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I don't understand the people who think HP won't stand up to the test of time. Makes no sense. Dr Seuss? Betty Boop? Popeye? Sinbad? Since when are they current? HP is a modern classic in my opinion. I think it will equal The Wizard of Oz in terms of longevity.

There was an article in the news today that said the same exact thing! I also believe HP will have no staying power issues.