Wizzarding World of Harry Potter Phase 2 on the way.

[nytimez]

It's too early to say whether Potter will have a nostalgia factor for those who grew up with it, but I think it would be a mistake to dismiss it. It definitely could, and we'll find out in another decade if it does.

I never read the books myself, but they certainly seem to resonate with a large number of people in a way that few other things have.

 

[Disco]

expert are you?

lol

 

[Disco]

It's too early to say whether Potter will have a nostalgia factor for those who grew up with it, but I think it would be a mistake to dismiss it. It definitely could, and we'll find out in another decade if it does.

I never read the books myself, but they certainly seem to resonate with a large number of people in a way that few other things have.

I'll give HP books 2 and 3 props (maybe it was 3 and 4) because I liked them. the rest were either OK or blah.

 

[nytimez]

I'll give HP books 2 and 3 props (maybe it was 3 and 4) because I liked them. the rest were either OK or blah.

Neither my personal opinion of the individual books nor yours really matter here.

 

[westcoastsunshine]

HI,

On our trip to Disney World in July,
we met a couple on their honeymoon.
She was a teacher and showed us
pictures of the castle, etc. They
said it was the height of their whole
trip and well worth the money.
I can't wait to take my grown children
who are avid Harry Potter fans.
Phase 2 should also be incredible.

S

 

[Orlando313]

Eh,
I read the cat in the hat all the time when I was a child and Dr. Suess was a far better writer than JKR. I don't get all nostalgic and miss Suess land though.
Potter was a freak fad of popularity for some reason.

Dr Suess is not the same as Harry Potter, I'm sorry but I adamently disagree with that comparison. Dr. Suess books are rhyming stories. Harry Potter is whole story following characters over the course many years.

A freak fad of popularity is silly bandz. Harry Potter has been popular for over 10 years and is still going strong.

 

[Orlando313]

Neither my personal opinion of the individual books nor yours really matter here.

Ha, this is funny but true. Only time will tell whether Harry Potter has staying power over the generations.

All I know is, I loved the books, and I know when I have children and they are old enough to handle the content, then I will most definitely be reading them to my children. I guess we will see if they choose listening to Harry Potter or Green Eggs and Ham. Ha!

 

[TDC Nala]

I went to both IOA and Epcot last week. Yeah, okay, I bought a wand. It's a resin stick but I bought one anyway. And I am not in the young generation. I won't be buying a Duffy bear.

I would not be shocked to see a phase 2 of Harry Potter implemented sooner rather than later. They were begging people to come to the Sindbad show (of course there's a reason why the title has the word BAD in it). Everyone was walking right by headed for Potterland.

 

[Timmy Boy]

For those who were wondering if there is proof that Universal has already paid off WWOHP, it's on the news and in news articles about their 3rd Quarter performance. They've experienced the best year in their 20 year history. Why? Harry Potter.

I feel like there are a couple different people joining in this conversation.

1). People Who Love Universal, Hate Disney - They are proud of their parks accomplishment, and wouldn't spend money at a Disney park anymore, however they have visited the Disney parks. Disney fans hate them.

2). People Who Love Disney, Hate Universal - They are proud of what their parks have to offer, however have not visited Universal, and don't want to. They are scared that Universal has actually one uped them in terms of attention to detail and attraction technology, yet will never admit it. They hate Harry Potter simply because Universal has it. If WWOHP were to be at a Disney park, exactly as it is today, they would love it and praise it daily.

3). People Who Love Both Parks - They are waiting for Disney to retaliate with an amazing attraction for everyone to be able to see. Disney fans will hail this new ride as the best ride in the Universe.

 

[TisBit]

For those who were wondering if there is proof that Universal has already paid off WWOHP, it's on the news and in news articles about their 3rd Quarter performance. They've experienced the best year in their 20 year history. Why? Harry Potter.

I feel like there are a couple different people joining in this conversation.

1). People Who Love Universal, Hate Disney - They are proud of their parks accomplishment, and wouldn't spend money at a Disney park anymore, however they have visited the Disney parks. Disney fans hate them.

2). People Who Love Disney, Hate Universal - They are proud of what their parks have to offer, however have not visited Universal, and don't want to. They are scared that Universal has actually one uped them in terms of attention to detail and attraction technology, yet will never admit it. They hate Harry Potter simply because Universal has it. If WWOHP were to be at a Disney park, exactly as it is today, they would love it and praise it daily.

3). People Who Love Both Parks - They are waiting for Disney to retaliate with an amazing attraction for everyone to be able to see. Disney fans will hail this new ride as the best ride in the Universe.

Here is one of the supporting articles for their profits this quarter. Yes, they are record setting for Universal. The combined profits for this quarter from BOTH orlando and california are 92 million (net). The cost of WWoHP was in the ballpark of 250 million, so you can take that as you will...when it come to accounting you can make it what you want. The article also says attendance is up and revenue per guest is up, so obviously some of the wares they are selling at WWoHP has helped increase their revenue.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...sal-and-seaworld-universal-orlando-butterbeer

For the record, I am in the 4th group, I enjoy Disney but not blinded by it. I have been disappointed in Universal, they have not been inovative and progressive (most of orlando was a duplicate of california). I am glad that they have tried to branch out with WWoHP as it will help increase competition, but I laugh at the people that feel WWoHP is the end all be all of Orlando attractions. In the great words of wisdom "it is what it is", if Universal doesn't keep WWoHP up in the next few years, it will be like the Jaws ride, most people will begin yawning at it.

 

[nytimez]

Here is one of the supporting articles for their profits this quarter. Yes, they are record setting for Universal. The combined profits for this quarter from BOTH orlando and california are 141 million. The cost of WWoHP was in the ballpark of 250 million, so you can take that as you will...when it come to accounting you can make it what you want. The article also says attendance is down, but revenue per guest is up, so obviously some of the wares they are selling at WWoHP has helped increase their revenue.

http://www.allbusiness.com/services/amusement-recreation-services/4571812-1.html

For the record, I am in the 4th group, I enjoy Disney but not blinded by it. I have been disappointed in Universal, they have not been inovative and progressive (most of orlando was a duplicate of california). I am glad that they have tried to branch out with WWoHP as it will help increase competition, but I laugh at the people that feel WWoHP is the end all be all of Orlando attractions. In the great words of wisdom "it is what it is", if Universal doesn't keep WWoHP up in the next few years, it will be like the Jaws ride, most people will begin yawning at it.

Overall profit can be influenced by other factors and expenses, so it's not always the best indicator. I don't know what per-guest spending is at Universal, but with attendance up by 1 million people it would have to be at least $250 per person for them to consider Potter "paid for."

The real question is where they go from here. A Phase II that opens in a couple of years, when the attendance boost from the current Potter area starts to slip, is one option. A "Lord of the Rings" attraction or land as mentioned in their blue sky surveys is another.

We'll see...

 

[TisBit]

Overall profit can be influenced by other factors and expenses, so it's not always the best indicator. I don't know what per-guest spending is at Universal, but with attendance up by 1 million people it would have to be at least $250 per person for them to consider Potter "paid for."

The real question is where they go from here. A Phase II that opens in a couple of years, when the attendance boost from the current Potter area starts to slip, is one option. A "Lord of the Rings" attraction or land as mentioned in their blue sky surveys is another.

We'll see...

Sorry, I had quoted the wrong article, it is updated. Yes, when coming to accounting practices there are numerous factors that come into play. Universal needs to continue to build on the WWoHP concept and keep going. If they sit back and try to make it one full WWoHP theme through the whole park, I don't think it will stick for the long haul, but if they keep it relevant and engaged, it should help to bring them back into a player....

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I am glad that they have tried to branch out with WWoHP as it will help increase competition, but I laugh at the people that feel WWoHP is the end all be all of Orlando attractions. In the great words of wisdom "it is what it is", if Universal doesn't keep WWoHP up in the next few years, it will be like the Jaws ride, most people will begin yawning at it.

You laugh at us? Wow. You don't think FJ is the best, most innovative attraction currently in Orlando? Again, wow. The fact that most people think it's the tops should count for something, I would think but then the American Idol attraction at WDW is pretty stunning!. The fact that it's only the best ride until the next one comes along is irrelevant. That's true in almost everything but the idea that someday someone will give us a better attraction DOES NOT diminish its current appeal, because right now FJ is currently the cat's meow.

Now, you further belittle Universal's contributions as "copycat". Valid point to a degree but you somehow didn't mention Spiderman, which has been the most spectacular Orlando ride for quite some time. A ride so good and innovative that WDW to this day has never responded to its success.

As for Jaws, do you "yawn" at Jungle Cruise too? Because the kitsch factor in both of these rides is what keeps them popular with so many fans who exhibit a great sense of whimsey, if not outright humor. Both of these attractions were originally built to be taken seriously, both survive on the appreciation of the public and their ability to laugh at the sublime. Neither are boring, IMO.

So laugh if you must, we all do.

 

[MrShiny]

Yes, it would be mistake to redo the whole park as HP, because like all things, it will wane in time. Granted, it will go through waves, but once the final moview is out and time goes by, it will drop off until it becomes nostalgic.

However expanding to take over most or all of the ho-hum Lost Continent (which never had much focus beyond a sort of mish mash ren faire fantasy con vibe) could work very well. WWoHP is amazing, but if you had it all to yourself with no crowds at all, you could do everything twice within an hour or so. Slowly but surely crowds will die unless there is more to do. The mythology is rich so there is no end to what they could do.

But once they expand, they will really need to look at the rest of the park. They are trapped in stagnation with Marvewl SuperHeroes - it has the best non-WWoHP ride, but I doubt Disney would green-light any expansion. Can't tear it out, can't expand it.

The other lands might be able to be redone with new (non-HP) themes. Some are worrisome like Jurassic Park - that's a dead franchise, but still a good ride and who doesn't like dinos? Now if they could build some autonomous dinosaurs, that would be cool, but still a lot for a movie that isn't the sort of thing you see being rewatched again and again.

Lord of the Rings and Star Trek have the kind of established appeal that would lend themselves well.

The problem is the whole concept of the park is borrowed content, and a lot of it seems to depend on how much you are familoiar with the source (unlike things such as Disney's Mr. Toad, which was loved by millions (and still is in DL) even when you couldn't see "Wind in the Willows" if you wanted to!).

We love tings that are new and we love things that remind us of the past. There is that big grey middle between excitement and nostaglia that is really deadly for liscensed properties though.

 

[TisBit]

You laugh at us? Wow. You don't think FJ is the best, most innovative attraction currently in Orlando? Again, wow. The fact that most people think it's the tops should count for something, I would think but then the American Idol attraction at WDW is pretty stunning!. The fact that it's only the best ride until the next one comes along is irrelevant. That's true in almost everything but the idea that someday someone will give us a better attraction DOES NOT diminish its current appeal, because right now FJ is currently the cat's meow.

Now, you further belittle Universal's contributions as "copycat". Valid point to a degree but you somehow didn't mention Spiderman, which has been the most spectacular Orlando ride for quite some time. A ride so good and innovative that WDW to this day has never responded to its success.

As for Jaws, do you "yawn" at Jungle Cruise too? Because the kitsch factor in both of these rides is what keeps them popular with so many fans who exhibit a great sense of whimsey, if not outright humor. Both of these attractions were originally built to be taken seriously, both survive on the appreciation of the public and their ability to laugh at the sublime. Neither are boring, IMO.

So laugh if you must, we all do.

where was i laughing? Where did I say that FJ wasn't something good? You seem to be one that regardless will defend WWoHP regardless, much like many will defend Disney as well. I have made a couple of valid statements, none derogatory.

As for Jungle Cruise, yes, if it was a cornerstone ride that was never really refurbished revamped, it would be a sore disappointment. Jungle Cruise is a side show that can continue to run because the space isn't needed and many people like the nostalgia of it. As for Jaws, Universal could do a lot with that....and keep it in the same spirit of the movie.

As for Universal, until WWoHP, they have been steadily losing market share and profits.....that is verifiable fact. They needed to do something or eventually go to the wayside like Busch Gardens. WWoHP has provided some relief to that, if it is long term or not is debatable and nobodies crystal ball here will tell us what happens in a few years. I believe that if Universal doesn't take this as an opportunity to improve both of their parks further, they will begin a slide again. WWoHP is not enough, not in its current form to keep people coming for the long term. Yes, some expansion can help and maybe improvements at the US as well as IOA to keep a balance. All of this is my opinion, but I am not drinking Disney's Kool Aid, nor am I bewitched by Potter and Company at Universal.....

 

[rie'smom]

where was i laughing? Where did I say that FJ wasn't something good? You seem to be one that regardless will defend WWoHP regardless, much like many will defend Disney as well. I have made a couple of valid statements, none derogatory.

As for Jungle Cruise, yes, if it was a cornerstone ride that was never really refurbished revamped, it would be a sore disappointment. Jungle Cruise is a side show that can continue to run because the space isn't needed and many people like the nostalgia of it. As for Jaws, Universal could do a lot with that....and keep it in the same spirit of the movie.

As for Universal, until WWoHP, they have been steadily losing market share and profits.....that is verifiable fact. They needed to do something or eventually go to the wayside like Busch Gardens. WWoHP has provided some relief to that, if it is long term or not is debatable and nobodies crystal ball here will tell us what happens in a few years. I believe that if Universal doesn't take this as an opportunity to improve both of their parks further, they will begin a slide again. WWoHP is not enough, not in its current form to keep people coming for the long term. Yes, some expansion can help and maybe improvements at the US as well as IOA to keep a balance. All of this is my opinion, but I am not drinking Disney's Kool Aid, nor am I bewitched by Potter and Company at Universal.....

Duh,any park including Disney will go downhill if threy don't improve. Read the thread on the theme park board. There are many who feel that WDW is already in a downward spiral.
According to a news report, they are already cutting back on their planned Fantasyland expansion. Seems to me that Disney is going through a crisis. They want to push the princesses and fairies-oh wait, maybe we don't want to push the fairies. There's DHS but they put the Nemo crud at Epcot. Then there's a Nemo show at AK. Why aren't both of those at DHS? It's a movie for goodness sake.
What about the disaster that is the Stitch's Great Escape or whatever it's called? That mess deserves it's own thread.

 

[DC7800]

Read the thread on the theme park board. There are many who feel that WDW is already in a downward spiral.

They need to keep up. We've been discussing Disney's downward spiral here on the Rumors & News board for years.

 

[rie'smom]

They need to keep up. We've been discussing Disney's downward spiral here on the Rumors & News board for years.

I know.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

You're statement "I laugh at the people that feel WWOHP is the end all..." is kind of hard to refute, isn't it?

I'm not a pixie duster nor a Potter duster but give credit where it is due. WWOHP is a huge factor and FJ is a groundbreaking attraction. How long will it be that way is open to debate. I Personally think HP will be a classic read for years and years. Plus the fact that Rowling is going to continue the "journey" will help it maintain relevance.

Your view on Jaws is valid although I disagree. Jaws has the elements to be a timeless, tounge in cheek attraction is Universal recognizes it.

I didn't see you badmouth FJ directly but your expressed sentiments on WWOHP make it implied, IMO.

Yes it is true that Universal needs to run with this success and remain a real player in the game. I hope they do. I also hope Disney once again becomes a player rather than just a business trying to make a profit, living off of its reputation and marketing acumen. Their recent "innovations" are quite uninspiring.

 

[TisBit]

You're statement "I laugh at the people that feel WWOHP is the end all..." is kind of hard to refute, isn't it?

Yes, but you say yourself and most people don't believe that it is the ultimate attraction (as a whole, not necessarily one ride). Same goes for the people that felt that way for Soarin or TSM. So, for the record saying that I was laughing at the people on this forum was a bit of a stretch.

Yes it is true that Universal needs to run with this success and remain a real player in the game. I hope they do. I also hope Disney once again becomes a player rather than just a business trying to make a profit, living off of its reputation and marketing acumen. Their recent "innovations" are quite uninspiring.

The problem with Disney is the lack of competition. WDW has built an empire that has continued to dominate, not only in Orlando but with all theme parks. While they might not be the best in one categorey or another, they have become known as the "best all around" and their profits have soared because of it. More competition means more innovation, if their reign is threatened they will respond, but they will not respond to one ride at Universal that is better then their best ride. Disney has never competed to be the biggest, fastest, greatest ride concept....but on the "all around experience" level.

If Universal can somehow continue their themeing and successes of this year and create a big draw, then Disney will be pressured into responding. It will take Universal stealing a significant/sustained portion of the market to make Disney responde. They are not going to drop millions to compete with WWoHP in its present form, it isn't that huge of a threat (some may disagree) at its current stage.

Universal is David and Disney is Goliath in the Orlando area, WWoHP is not the shot that will take down Goliath. Universal needs to continue to invest and grow and put pressure on Disney.