Wizarding World Expansion?

[FargoBear]

From reading months ago, it seemed like staff at Universal were taking measurements to map out a possible Wizarding World expansion. Visitors were told anecdotally that it was going to happen, and people were even given surveys asking if the area was expanded if they would return within 12 months.

Then, pretty much silence as far as I can tell.

I realize the whole Comcast buyout of The Blackstone Group probably was a key player in that. You don't expand and spend millions when you're negotiating a billion-dollar deal to buy out your partner.

So I guess I'm wondering when that deal is finalized and if Comcast will be more or less likely to expand things once they are the sole owner. This article from the June 10 Orlando Sentinel certainly doesn't make it sound hopeful or immediate.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...610_1_theme-parks-comcast-theme-park-business

 

[damo]

It isn't time to announce an expansion yet. They don't want people postponing their trips because they are waiting until the expansion is done. They want to maximize on guests now and then if there is going to be an expansion, announce it later. That way you get the guests that came the first few years coming back again.

 

[FargoBear]

You seem pretty savvy on things, Damo. What would you typically expect a timeline to be for something like that? Would they wait until numbers actually started to decline before announcing an expansion?

 

[damo]

You seem pretty savvy on things, Damo. What would you typically expect a timeline to be for something like that? Would they wait until numbers actually started to decline before announcing an expansion?

lol, I don't think I am savvy on things, but I do read a lot from other forums, etc. I wouldn't expect anything to be announced until next year and then probably two years from then until the expansion opened. The area is pulling in massive crowds that are spending a ton of money on merchandise. The parks need to take advantage of this and not encourage people to hold off on their vacations until the expansion arrives.

I personally think that all plans were arranged for an expansion at the same time as the original area was planned. I imagine that many different scenarios were proposed to Rowling at the time and that there is probably a lot going on right now that we are not aware of.

 

[Metro West]

You seem pretty savvy on things, Damo. What would you typically expect a timeline to be for something like that? Would they wait until numbers actually started to decline before announcing an expansion?

I think the expansion will be announced and completed in the next 3-5 years without a doubt. The crowds will have to slow down some in order for the construction walls to go up and its just too busy right now to do that.

 

[nytimez]

I think the expansion will be announced and completed in the next 3-5 years without a doubt. The crowds will have to slow down some in order for the construction walls to go up and its just too busy right now to do that.

I think this is a reasonably good guesstimate. I'm not sure where OP got 12 months from -- I don't think Disney or Universal could announce, complete and open a major expansion of anything within 12 months.

 

[FargoBear]

I agree that it's unlikely an expansion could be announced and completed within 12 months, unless it wasn't a major project. But I do remember reading on these boards that people had been given surveys asking if they would return within 12 months if the Wizarding World expanded.

This story would echo those remarks: http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals...rry-potter-expansion-04201101,0,2684147.story

 

[RMulieri]

I am thinking they will wait awhile.Disney is in the midst of doing their Fantasyland expansion expected to be completed early 2013.I think by then they may start considering expansion plans, though I don't think Disney Fantasyland is going to be a reason to go to Disney on its own, I think those that were considering a Disney trip will put it off till then or try and schedule it around that time.