Universal Orlando officially announces Harry Potter expansion

[muffyn]

Was shocked to hear that WWOHP 2.0 would be ready in 2014 until Universal started taking reservations for Cabana Bay Beach Resort for next march. The only reason to fast track that hotel so fast is because something huge would be coming and they would need room.

WHY don't they have a potter themed resort?????

there are too many beachy resorts in orlando .

 

[phillymummer]

Awesome! I thought I read somewhere that is was opening in 2015 or 2016, so knowing it opens next year makes me jump for joy! I want to go in NOV of 2015, but I thought I might have to wait bc there was no way I was going before this opened.

Now, I know I have to get serious about saving for November 2015!! How early do you think I will have to book if I want the Lowes or HRC? The last time we were there (Oct 2010) we stayed at Disney and just went over for the day. This time I want to stay on US property.

 

[Metro West]

WHY don't they have a potter themed resort?????

there are too many beachy resorts in orlando .

My guess is...that theme would not appeal to the masses...only HP fans. Its too narrow a choice for a hotel that would need to be close to full occupancy most of the time. I think it would be the same thing if Disney built a Star Wars related resort...its too narrow of an audience.

 

[damo]

Not sure if Rowling would approve either.

 

[Metro West]

Not sure if Rowling would approve either.

LOL...true.

 

[fairyprincess88]

I'm so excited for this expansion. Actually, excited is a huge understatement.

However, they might want to maybe rethink those talking heads on the Knight Bus. While I'm sure there are guests who will find it entertaining, it's more than very likely going to irritate and grate on the nerves of the Potter nerds. Those talking heads in film 3 are one of the most hated movie add-ins in the fandom. All these years later and if you bring them up at a Potter convention you'll hear a loud groan and many heated yells of, "those stupid, pointless, annoying waste of special effects!" They were never in the books and have no purpose or reason to be on the Knight Bus and since they appeared in the movie have done nothing but annoy the fans.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm so excited for this expansion. Actually, excited is a huge understatement.

However, they might want to maybe rethink those talking heads on the Knight Bus. While I'm sure there are guests who will find it entertaining, it's more than very likely going to irritate and grate on the nerves of the Potter nerds. Those talking heads in film 3 are one of the most hated movie add-ins in the fandom. All these years later and if you bring them up at a Potter convention you'll hear a loud groan and many heated yells of, "those stupid, pointless, annoying waste of special effects!" They were never in the books and have no purpose or reason to be on the Knight Bus and since they appeared in the movie have done nothing but annoy the fans.

Even among normal people who like the movies and books, not nerds or people in fandom, the talking head is hideous. And in the special features when the rasta talking head does an interview with a bunch of them...it's just embarrassing, and I'm embarrassed for the actors that they had to do that. Awful.

 

[pigletto]

Even among normal people who like the movies and books, not nerds or people in fandom, the talking head is hideous. And in the special features when the rasta talking head does an interview with a bunch of them...it's just embarrassing, and I'm embarrassed for the actors that they had to do that. Awful.

+1
I don't know how many times dd or I turned and looked at one another and whispered "But that doesn't even happen!!" with a look of disgust during those scenes.

Oh well. One small (completely ridiculous) element. The rest of this is sounding just unbelievable!!!

 

[DCTooTall]

WHY don't they have a potter themed resort?????

there are too many beachy resorts in orlando .

My guess is...that theme would not appeal to the masses...only HP fans. Its too narrow a choice for a hotel that would need to be close to full occupancy most of the time. I think it would be the same thing if Disney built a Star Wars related resort...its too narrow of an audience.

Not sure if Rowling would approve either.

I suddenly pictured the Harry Potter resort, Complete with JK's required attention to detail which resulted in such small shops at the WWoHP.


"Introducing Universal Orlando's OFFICIAL Harry Potter themed hotel. The First officially sanctioned hotel approved by JK to give you that completely authentic Harry Potter Lodging experience. Each Guest is fully transported into the world of Harry Potter as they enter their own room-under-the-stairs, where a hotel employee in costume will lock them in to complete the effect.... and this is just the start of your wonderful and unique Harry Potter lodging experience! Call now to book your room!"

 

[jnjusoioa]

Does anybody know if there is a place to catch daily photos of the progress of this?? Thank You.

 

[hermionesnape]

I suddenly pictured the Harry Potter resort, Complete with JK's required attention to detail which resulted in such small shops at the WWoHP.

"Introducing Universal Orlando's OFFICIAL Harry Potter themed hotel. The First officially sanctioned hotel approved by JK to give you that completely authentic Harry Potter Lodging experience. Each Guest is fully transported into the world of Harry Potter as they enter their own room-under-the-stairs, where a hotel employee in costume will lock them in to complete the effect.... and this is just the start of your wonderful and unique Harry Potter lodging experience! Call now to book your room!"

Haha! And yet, I am dying to actually book at you fictional hotel!

 

[RMulieri]

Thank You, I do not have a twitter account but maybe there is someplace else that will be posting them, hopefully, or maybe I will create one so I can see them.

They also have a webpage and a FB page that you can follow

 

[Metro West]

Just a reminder...some companies, including other message boards are not to be mentioned on the DIS...hence the company name was starred out. There are reasons for this so the two posts mentioning another message board have been deleted. Again...there are reasons for this.

 

[Rowanonfire]

I'm going to Orlando next March and I know the new area is unlikely to be open but the HP area at IOA shouldn't be affected right? As a big HP fan I'm slightly worried haha.

 

[Metro West]

I'm going to Orlando next March and I know the new area is unlikely to be open but the HP area at IOA shouldn't be affected right? As a big HP fan I'm slightly worried haha.

It shouldn't be...I can't imagine why it would.

 

[audrey2580]

I thought it was planning a June opening, now its July?

 

[Metro West]

I thought it was planning a June opening, now its July?

If you're talking about HP2 at the Studios next summer, no one really knows for sure yet.

 

[DummbGiRL]

I've been excited about the expansion for awhile now, now that it's official I am even more excited. I'm hoping for it to be open before Oct 2014 so I can do WWoHP, HHN (been 2 years since my last one) and WDW ToT 10 miler

Have you heard anything more about expected dates? I'll be there Oct 2014 too. The last time I was in US/IoA it was 2007 and I was sad... so I'm sure just experiencing WWoHP will be exciting as is! But I'd love for Diagon Alley!

 

[Metro West]

Have you heard anything more about expected dates? I'll be there Oct 2014 too. The last time I was in US/IoA it was 2007 and I was sad... so I'm sure just experiencing WWoHP will be exciting as is! But I'd love for Diagon Alley!

HP2 should be open in October of next year.

 

[momtoce&j]

Does anybody know if there is a place to catch daily photos of the progress of this?? Thank You.

I was there with the kids 2 weeks ago and took pictures . Does anyone want to give me the CliffsNotes on how to post them?