Will WWoHP expand further?

[ladybugx]

I wonder if we will ever see a time when Universal adds even more onto the WWoHP. I remember I read an interview once in which Dan Radcliffe said the reason he didn't want anything to do with the creation of Diagon Alley was that the theme park was going to keep expanding and being built in other countries, and he had to draw the line somewhere so he wouldn't still be playing Harry at age 30.

The stories feature SO many different dimensions that the possibilities for things that could be added onto the existing parks are endless. The demand is definitely there, too. At the same time, it would be strange if HP stuff wound up comprising so much of Universal that it might as well be separated into a separate theme park.

 

[atricks]

Only rumor I know of is the Ministry of Magic expanding out in London (probably taking over the fear factor stage area).

 

[NJBrandon]

Ministry of Magic is probably under development. But I would expect the next phase of potter to be plusses to Hogsmeade and Diagon rather than a whole new area.

 

[Oodalally13]

I've already read on other park rumor boards that the ministry of Magic is supposed to take over fear factor/fieval play land/woody woodpecker area. Supposedly they wanted to axe ET too but Spielberg said something along the lines of "that was my first and I've helped with a bunch of other rides. The one in Cali has already been axed so you leave this one or im out".

Again alllll of this is rumor stuff but makes sense to me. I'm just anxiously awaiting to see what twister becomes...

 

[Teknik_DC2]

I've already read on other park rumor boards that the ministry of Magic is supposed to take over fear factor/fieval play land/woody woodpecker area. Supposedly they wanted to axe ET too but Spielberg said something along the lines of "that was my first and I've helped with a bunch of other rides. The one in Cali has already been axed so you leave this one or im out".

Again alllll of this is rumor stuff but makes sense to me. I'm just anxiously awaiting to see what twister becomes...

Fear Factor isn't anywhere near kid zone. Its very plausible that fear factors theater could be leveled for a ministry of magic expansion a few years down the line but since kid zone is on the opposite side of the park from Diagon Alley then I would say it's safe. From any sort of Harry Potter expansion that is.

 

[RAPstar]

Yea, there's a whole bunch of rumors of what's going to happen to the kids' area. I heard Smurf land at one point. But we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[ladybugx]

Thanks for all of the replies! I had not heard the Ministry of Magic rumor. That makes me excited that they're not quite done! I hope to see them eventually add some more special effect type things like the platform 9 3/4 mirror effect to make the land seem more and more magical. I do hope they leave E.T. alone. That attraction just looks and smells like childhood for me. lol.

 

[pigletto]

I hadn't heard of the Ministry of Magic expansion but they do have the perfect space for it with the Fear Factor area. That would be amazing!!!!! I hope they do it.

 

[keishashadow]

I wonder if we will ever see a time when Universal adds even more onto the WWoHP. I remember I read an interview once in which Dan Radcliffe said the reason he didn't want anything to do with the creation of Diagon Alley was that the theme park was going to keep expanding and being built in other countries, and he had to draw the line somewhere so he wouldn't still be playing Harry at age 30.
The stories feature SO many different dimensions that the possibilities for things that could be added onto the existing parks are endless. The demand is definitely there, too. At the same time, it would be strange if HP stuff wound up comprising so much of Universal that it might as well be separated into a separate theme park.

interesting how you use the phrase "draw the line somewhere". taken in context of expanding HP @ U, they need to be very careful to preserve the character of the existing park via balance between the old/new. There are/will be other wildly popular franchises worth exploring in the future.

It is my understanding talking to a tour guide that U is now concentrating on the other parks $ wise as to investment in attractions.

We luv HP, many people aren't, but have come to enjoy the new additions from a non-fan basis. U has to avoid gratuitously tossing new HP attractions throughout the parks...ala Frozen

 

[ladybugx]

Yeah, I know, it's a weird thing. On one hand, Harry Potter is so immensely popular, and tons of people would love to see more and more of the Potter universe available for them to visit. On the other hand, when people purchase a ticket, they are purchasing a ticket to visit Universal Orlando, not to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Regardless, it does seem that the Potter stuff has already largely taken over Universal and transformed the overall atmosphere of the park. When I was there a few weeks ago, every area of the parks was sprinkled with people donning wizard robes and house scarves and holding wands. I never saw tons of people walking around in Back to the Future or Spider-Man apparel during any of my visits before WWoHP was even a rumor.

I think many people agree WWoHP would have worked better as its own separate theme park, but I guess the resources weren't there to make that happen, at least within the time frame the developers were initially aiming for with the launch of Hogsmeade.

 

[johnvree]

If Harry Potter's story is finished, I'd be careful about centering too much of the park around Harry Potter. Ten years from now, many kids may have no idea who Harry Potter is. Ask an 8 year old who R2D2 or Han Solo are and chances are they won't know ... and that's with continual Star Was animated series since the last film.

 

[Welcome Home]

If Harry Potter's story is finished, I'd be careful about centering too much of the park around Harry Potter. Ten years from now, many kids may have no idea who Harry Potter is. Ask an 8 year old who R2D2 or Han Solo are and chances are they won't know ... and that's with continual Star Was animated series since the last film.

I have an 8 year old. He and all his friends know those characters. My husband loved those movies as a child and couldn't wait to relive them with his sons. Similarly, I fell in love with Harry Potter before I had kids. I was so excited the day my oldest picked up the first book. All these current Potterheads are going to want to share the magic with their kids. Plus they are coming out with 3 new movies.

 

[schumigirl]

If Harry Potter's story is finished, I'd be careful about centering too much of the park around Harry Potter. Ten years from now, many kids may have no idea who Harry Potter is. Ask an 8 year old who R2D2 or Han Solo are and chances are they won't know ... and that's with continual Star Was animated series since the last film.

Have you seen any of the Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley areas?

I actually think they have gone above just being about Potter. Yes, the basic story is about him but it is so much more now than just about HP. Maybe when you see that if you haven't already you will think differently.

The area covers wizards and Dragons and what kids don't at least enjoy that.....most kids love it....you only have to look around the areas and see how everyone immerses themselves into the whole experience.

There is still so much more to both parks that Potter, even if they do make an addition to those areas. All the new things that are being put in in the next few years are nothing to do with Potter. The parks are expanding in different areas all over, there is so much to look forward to.

As for Star Wars......I don't know any kids, young and old that don't know the characters from those movies......heck Darth Vader is one you always see them wanting to play. Star Wars is still a big draw.