Wizzarding World of Harry Potter Phase 2 on the way.

[nytimez]

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.

I disagree with this. Universal is not David to Disney's Goliath, because it will never take Disney down -- barring some unforeseen circumstance, like a complete collapse of the Disney company.

However, it does need to fight to make sure it can remain relevant and grow its market share and WWoHP is a big step in that direction. I don't think anyone here would suggest that they should just put a bow on Hogwarts and call it a finished product, but it IS a major accomplishment on its own and deserves to be recognized as such (and the numbers speak to that).

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I disagree with this. Universal is not David to Disney's Goliath, because it will never take Disney down -- barring some unforeseen circumstance, like a complete collapse of the Disney company.

However, it does need to fight to make sure it can remain relevant and grow its market share and WWoHP is a big step in that direction. I don't think anyone here would suggest that they should just put a bow on Hogwarts and call it a finished product, but it IS a major accomplishment on its own and deserves to be recognized as such (and the numbers speak to that).

Exactly.

 

[Magicstar]

We just came back from our visit to WWOHP and after all that hype, I was disappointed.
They had a huge chance and missed it.
Sure the themeing of Hogsmeade and Hogwards are nice. But thats it.
The Shops are far to small. No fitting room to try the clothes you like to buy.
Right behind Hogsmeade, the first thing you see is the bare steel of RollerCoaster Number one. Direction to Hogwards you see the bare steel of Coaster Number two.
And "worlds best themepark attraction" FJ is nothing new. Its the same they already did at the spiderman ride. Just another theme.
Far not innovative.
And the most disappointing thing. From the moment you stand in front of Hogwards, you see the big buildings that normally should be hidden.
Things, that Disney would have done better

 

[rie'smom]

We just came back from our visit to WWOHP and after all that hype, I was disappointed.
They had a huge chance and missed it.
Sure the themeing of Hogsmeade and Hogwards are nice. But thats it.
The Shops are far to small. No fitting room to try the clothes you like to buy.
Right behind Hogsmeade, the first thing you see is the bare steel of RollerCoaster Number one. Direction to Hogwards you see the bare steel of Coaster Number two.
And "worlds best themepark attraction" FJ is nothing new. Its the same they already did at the spiderman ride. Just another theme.
Far not innovative.
And the most disappointing thing. From the moment you stand in front of Hogwards, you see the big buildings that normally should be hidden.
Things, that Disney would have done better

I don't think that FJ is that much like Spiderman. Fitting rooms? There are lots of shops at WDW that don't have them. The Future World buildings at Epcot are visible from the World showcase and vice versa.
As we've posted previously anyone looking for disappointment will find it and that goes for any theme park including Disney World.

 

[Magicstar]

I don't think that FJ is that much like Spiderman.

Right! Spiderman is 3D. FJ not.

Fitting rooms? There are lots of shops at WDW that don't have them.

Most shops at WDW that sell clothes have at least one. Sure not everyshop. But this whole huge Potter area hasn´t at least one!

The Future World buildings at Epcot are visible from the World showcase and vice versa.

Right, but you can´t compare that. Its a complete different style and themeing

As we've posted previously anyone looking for disappointment will find it and that goes for any theme park including Disney World.

Hey thats what a discussion board is for, isn´t it?

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

R
Hey thats what a discussion board is for, isn´t it?

Not really. Especially when one person in the conversation would love cockroaches if Disney dressed them up and said they were magical...There's just no moving on from that illogical, blind love POV.

 

[skier_pete]

Plus the fact that Rowling is going to continue the "journey" will help it maintain relevance.

Can people please STOP with saying JK Rowling is writing more HP books. She has not ever said this. She has only said that she *could* write more books, but has no plans to. Find me ONE quote of her saying she's writing another book. Here's from as recently as October, with source

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-...rry-potter-books-she-tells-oprah-winfrey.html

J.K. Rowling, the world’s richest author, told talk-show host Oprah Winfrey that she “could definitely” write more books in the Harry Potter series.

The characters from the books “are still in my head,” she told Winfrey in an appearance broadcast Oct. 1, according to the show’s website.

“I’m not going to say I won’t,” Rowling said. “I loved writing it. So I feel I am done, but you never know.”

The seventh and final book in the series,“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” was released in July 2007, 10 years after the first one. The publisher, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, will release a redesigned series in November to coincide with the movie, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One.”

So - she said "I am not going to say I won't." which you and many others somehow believe means she is.

I love these books, I love the movies and will someday check out the theme park...but any of you folks that insist Rowling is writing more books makes the rest of what you say very dismissable, because what you are claiming is so completely WRONG.

I also for one hope she doesn't write anymore. So many great tales have fallen flat towards the end, and she completely nailed it. I don't want to see them re-visited. 4000+ pages (or 8 movies if you prefer) of Harry and company is enough for me.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Wow! I stand rebuked. Humiliated. Deflated and defeated. Do you feel better skier boy? I stated a rumor, a possibility (on a "rumors board") as a "fact" and you've crucified me for it. Boy do I feel sheepish.

Well, not really.

This is a rumor board and I reported a rumor that I had heard numerous times ... that Rowling was going to write a series based on Dumbledore. Turns out it isn't a fact but merely a possibility. One that Rowling herself talks about. But in deference to you we won't take it seriously until the book hits the stands. OK? ... But if I were a betting man...Dumbledore will be back!

 

[Magicstar]

Not really. Especially when one person in the conversation would love cockroaches if Disney dressed them up and said they were magical...There's just no moving on from that illogical, blind love POV.

Wow I like the level on which you discuss.

It has nothing to do with cockroaches or blind love. There are a lot of things I criticise at Disney, too.
Should be allowed to say his opinion???!!!
Would like to discuss with you more, if you try to be a bit more politely

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Wow I like the level on which you discuss.

It has nothing to do with cockroaches or blind love. There are a lot of things I criticise at Disney, too.
Should be allowed to say his opinion???!!!
Would like to discuss with you more, if you try to be a bit more politely

Ma'am my humor is often mistaken for lack of politeness, which is often found by many to be not humorous at all. Which I find funny. Now discussions i can do. Usually. Most of the time. Well, at least occasionally.

 

[skier_pete]

Wow! I stand rebuked. Humiliated. Deflated and defeated. Do you feel better skier boy? I stated a rumor, a possibility (on a "rumors board") as a "fact" and you've crucified me for it. Boy do I feel sheepish.

Well, not really.

This is a rumor board and I reported a rumor that I had heard numerous times ... that Rowling was going to write a series based on Dumbledore. Turns out it isn't a fact but merely a possibility. One that Rowling herself talks about. But in deference to you we won't take it seriously until the book hits the stands. OK? ... But if I were a betting man...Dumbledore will be back!

Wasn't directed only at you...lots of others keep stating this...only your straw was what broke my back so to speak...not really trying to crucify you. And I didn't think I was being personally insulting - certainly not calling anyone names - only saying that you DID state a rumor as a fact, which makes me have a hard time trusting any other statements you might make. The reason things like this become so big (the general public believing its happening) is from people repeating rumors as facts. Words are powerful things, and the difference between *might* and *is* makes ALL the difference.

And I don't need to see the book on the shelves to believe that one will come, but perhaps JK once saying "I am working on it." would be nice. Sure, another book may be on the way, in 10 years or more.

Same goes for my opinion on this alledged WWoHP expansion. It's nice to talk about (this is a rumor board after all) but I have heard nothing from Universal about it, making me think it is a long time coming. Even if they suddenly started construction next year, probably looking at 2013 at the earliest. My impression of how theme parks work, they won't start doing anything until they see a downturn in attendance. If attendance remains strong based on the current WWoHP, they likely won't consider the expansion necessary for another year or two. (Now, I will agree they are probably working on PLANS for an expansion - though I am sure they had a "Phase II" in mind from the day they broke ground.) You can take the side of Disney or Universal remain independent, but there's no arguing that both are about the bottom dollar, and the differences are about how they choose to acheive that goal. Neither company is working for the greater good.

 

[rie'smom]

Right! Spiderman is 3D. FJ not.



Most shops at WDW that sell clothes have at least one. Sure not everyshop. But this whole huge Potter area hasn´t at least one!



Right, but you can´t compare that. Its a complete different style and themeing




Hey thats what a discussion board is for, isn´t it?

FJ definitely has 3D effects but you don't need glasses.

The whole HP area is not very large.

I can compare anything I want after all this is a discussion board and that is what it's for, isn't it?

 

[ChrisFL]

We just came back from our visit to WWOHP and after all that hype, I was disappointed.
They had a huge chance and missed it.
Sure the themeing of Hogsmeade and Hogwards are nice. But thats it.
The Shops are far to small. No fitting room to try the clothes you like to buy.
Right behind Hogsmeade, the first thing you see is the bare steel of RollerCoaster Number one. Direction to Hogwards you see the bare steel of Coaster Number two.
And "worlds best themepark attraction" FJ is nothing new. Its the same they already did at the spiderman ride. Just another theme.
Far not innovative.
And the most disappointing thing. From the moment you stand in front of Hogwards, you see the big buildings that normally should be hidden.
Things, that Disney would have done better

Why is it, when I read posts like this, I wonder if that person has actually visited or is just repeating what they think is there.

I mean FJ is nothing at all like Spiderman, and there are not "big buildings" that should be hidden anywhere in Hogwarts

Edit: I always hear "Disney would have done it better", if that was the case, JK Rowling would have went with Disney, clearly they wouldn't have, or she would have chosen them.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Why is it, when I read posts like this, I wonder if that person has actually visited or is just repeating what they think is there.

I mean FJ is nothing at all like Spiderman, and there are not "big buildings" that should be hidden anywhere in Hogwarts

Edit: I always hear "Disney would have done it better", if that was the case, JK Rowling would have went with Disney, clearly they wouldn't have, or she would have chosen them.

And, and this is a VERY BIG "and" ... Disney wouldn't have put that big azz hat in front of the Chinese theatre ... Would they???

 

[TisBit]

Why is it, when I read posts like this, I wonder if that person has actually visited or is just repeating what they think is there.

I mean FJ is nothing at all like Spiderman, and there are not "big buildings" that should be hidden anywhere in Hogwarts

Edit: I always hear "Disney would have done it better", if that was the case, JK Rowling would have went with Disney, clearly they wouldn't have, or she would have chosen them.

actually, regardless of if it would/could/should have been done better...the reasons behind it being at Universal vs Disney have little to do with who would do it better, etc. Those reasonings are mostly financial...who would pay more for the franchise and even more so, who would have wanted it....

I don't think Disney would have wanted it....and this is the big reason why, Disney is not into recreating an imaginary world like this. The closest comparison would be the world showcase. But look at the Star Wars franchise, Disney could easily try to create a star wars land (I like star wars, but I hope they don't), but it just doesn't fit the Disney style.....so I just don't see WWoHP ever being able to fit into the Disney profile, not to the scale that it is at Universal.

 

[skier_pete]

I don't think Disney would have wanted it....and this is the big reason why, Disney is not into recreating an imaginary world like this. The closest comparison would be the world showcase. But look at the Star Wars franchise, Disney could easily try to create a star wars land (I like star wars, but I hope they don't), but it just doesn't fit the Disney style.....so I just don't see WWoHP ever being able to fit into the Disney profile, not to the scale that it is at Universal.

You are quite right that Disney didn't want it. The difference between Star Wars and HP is that in the eighties Disney was desparate for content, and didn't have enough of their own to deliver their own movie rides.

At this stage - they have PLENTY of content to work from, and for that reason I honestly think that they did not have a lot of interest in liscensing a product that they would have to pay through the nose for. For how much they like to license off DTD, I think it is the eact opposite in their theme parks.

Some here might find me a rah rah Disney guy, but though I prefer Disney over Universal, I really, really root for HP to be a success at Universal and for them to expand it. I think Disney needs a kick in the pants to keep WDI innovating...though I also do beleive when the DCA expansion is complete, there will be a re-newed focus on WDW. I also suspect Disney will hold any more significant announcements until the D23 convention this summer.

Part of the problem is the amazing technology that Disney is focusing its research on is not as mind-blowing as FJ or Spiderman. They are sinking tons of money into the Living Character Initiative, and while this isn't designed to thrill, it could be pretty amazing. (Watch that video on youtube of Mickey Mouse talking to kids and imagine the possibilities.)

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

You are quite right that Disney didn't want it. The difference between Star Wars and HP is that in the eighties Disney was desparate for content, and didn't have enough of their own to deliver their own movie rides.

At this stage - they have PLENTY of content to work from, and for that reason I honestly think that they did not have a lot of interest in liscensing a product that they would have to pay through the nose for. For how much they like to license off DTD, I think it is the eact opposite in their theme parks.

Some here might find me a rah rah Disney guy, but though I prefer Disney over Universal, I really, really root for HP to be a success at Universal and for them to expand it. I think Disney needs a kick in the pants to keep WDI innovating...though I also do beleive when the DCA expansion is complete, there will be a re-newed focus on WDW. I also suspect Disney will hold any more significant announcements until the D23 convention this summer.

Part of the problem is the amazing technology that Disney is focusing its research on is not as mind-blowing as FJ or Spiderman. They are sinking tons of money into the Living Character Initiative, and while this isn't designed to thrill, it could be pretty amazing. (Watch that video on youtube of Mickey Mouse talking to kids and imagine the possibilities.)

As I recall it was reported that Eisner was livid over not getting HP.

 

[jen_eck]

exciting news!!!
We have been to Harry Potter several times and look forward to more...right now it is very small, but cool.

 

[TisBit]

You are quite right that Disney didn't want it. The difference between Star Wars and HP is that in the eighties Disney was desparate for content, and didn't have enough of their own to deliver their own movie rides.

At this stage - they have PLENTY of content to work from, and for that reason I honestly think that they did not have a lot of interest in liscensing a product that they would have to pay through the nose for. For how much they like to license off DTD, I think it is the eact opposite in their theme parks.

Some here might find me a rah rah Disney guy, but though I prefer Disney over Universal, I really, really root for HP to be a success at Universal and for them to expand it. I think Disney needs a kick in the pants to keep WDI innovating...though I also do beleive when the DCA expansion is complete, there will be a re-newed focus on WDW. I also suspect Disney will hold any more significant announcements until the D23 convention this summer.

Part of the problem is the amazing technology that Disney is focusing its research on is not as mind-blowing as FJ or Spiderman. They are sinking tons of money into the Living Character Initiative, and while this isn't designed to thrill, it could be pretty amazing. (Watch that video on youtube of Mickey Mouse talking to kids and imagine the possibilities.)

I am in complete agreement, there has to be good competition to produce results. Many people think too simply that theme parks or companies will compete on a one for one basis.... a ride for a ride, a movie for a movie, etc....but especially in this case that isn't true. They are merely attempting to out do each other and create something that will draw a crowd. Look at Vegas, doesn't matter if you create a water show or a fire show...you just need a spectacular show to draw crowd. The FLE expansion will be a huge deal, regardless of what goes into it, because it is the largest expansion of MK and it will draw a crowd....what the critics say is another thing....but the crowd will be there, at least for the short term.

As I recall it was reported that Eisner was livid over not getting HP.

Lots of things are reported....very little is actual news. In order to make an article interesting they have to make some type of drama.......

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I am in complete agreement, there has to be good competition to produce results. Many people think too simply that theme parks or companies will compete on a one for one basis.... a ride for a ride, a movie for a movie, etc....but especially in this case that isn't true. They are merely attempting to out do each other and create something that will draw a crowd. Look at Vegas, doesn't matter if you create a water show or a fire show...you just need a spectacular show to draw crowd. The FLE expansion will be a huge deal, regardless of what goes into it, because it is the largest expansion of MK and it will draw a crowd....what the critics say is another thing....but the crowd will be there, at least for the short term.



Lots of things are reported....very little is actual news. In order to make an article interesting they have to make some type of drama.......

At this point in time our little band at the DIS had an actual insider in California, as I recall. I remember him saying Eisner wanted to fire "everybody" over this failure.