Originally Posted By Hista98 I love Disney. Don't get me wrong but I'm so glad that they did not get the theme park rights to HP I don't think they would have done as good of a job as Universal. First of all seeing as how it's in the Florida Park TDO certainly would not have wanted to spend as much money on the area as it deserved. Secondly the Merchandise. From what I've seen on youtube it is so heavily themed to HP only. I did not see a single Universal generic merchandise which is awesome. They really created a world where you beleive that you are buying merch from the world of HP and not from a theme park. As much as I love Disney I know this would not have been the case. They would have sold generic Disney stuff all over. Way to go Universal you gave this franchise the land it deserved.
Originally Posted By dshyates There is NO Universal merchendise in TWWOHP. The offerings are so controlled to be authentic to the Wizarding World that there isn't even Coke sold ANYWHERE inside TWWOHP.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt I think in this case the author wielded a lot of control over how this was handled, similar to the relationship Disney had with Lucas on Star Tours and Indiana Jones at DL. Because of this Potter would have had a similar outcome if Disney had agreed to build the attraction(s).
Originally Posted By brotherdave If they don't offer Diet Coke (or any other popular soft drinks), do they offer a diet version of Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice??
Originally Posted By dshyates Butterbeer tastes like cream soda with a hint of butterscotch. And the oam on top, which is added seperately, tastes like cake batter. And Brottherdave the only non-sweetened drinks available are unsweetened iced tea and water.
Originally Posted By brotherdave Darn! I was hoping to get a sugar-free version of butterbeer! Thanks for the update.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "Butterbeer tastes like cream soda with a hint of butterscotch. And the oam on top, which is added seperately, tastes like cake batter" That actually sounds refreshing. I bet it's too sweet for my tastes though.
Originally Posted By dshyates The Butterbeer is quite good. It is not as sweet as cream soda, but it is still pretty sweet. As far as refreashing goes, I really like the Pumpkin Juice and the Pear Cider.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Agreed. The WWOHP seems like how Disney used to do things. And that is why I am seriously considering a trip to Orlando before everything breaks or is dumbed down.
Originally Posted By WorldDisney I have to agree as well. It looks like Universal did a hell of a job with this area. I have a feeling if Disney had it, they wouldve forced too many concessions on it. Man after looking at it, I'm SERIOUSLY looking into going now. I have not been to Orlando since 2003, but I'm thinking of correcting that soon now .
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle >>The offerings are so controlled to be authentic to the Wizarding World that there isn't even Coke sold ANYWHERE inside TWWOHP.<< I didn't know that! That's impressive. Looking forward to taking my first trip to Universal Orlando whenever I get back to Florida... which will be at least 18 months away, unfortunately.
Originally Posted By ktulu Am I the only one who finds this whole "World" kind of gimmicky and lame? Probably... I just don't see the appeal in childish things like silly names for pop...seems like something a grade 3 class would think up for their 7up and orange juice "witch's brew". Mind you I never got into Potter so maybe that is why I find this uninteresting.
Originally Posted By TMICHAEL Yep, looks like you are all alone. I'll take funky, stupid names for soft drinks in a hugely immersive theme park land that includes a huge, cutting edge new attraction over a cloned dark ride and insipid meet and greets any day.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "Yep, looks like you are all alone." Um, no. Count me in as one who thinks it's kind of silly and nerdy. I am interested in the ride experience, but I couldn't care less about the Harry Potter stories or characters.
Originally Posted By Ohana I think Hans would prefer to go sit under the DLH waterfalls rather than go to Harry Potter land!
Originally Posted By TMICHAEL Hmm, okay then Dr. Hans, how about a small, very small minority. Looking at the crowds enthralled by what Universal built and the glowing reviews by most everyone who has been would be pretty good proof. But JMOHO of course.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt Do you really think those crowds would be so enormous if the Harry Potter ride weren't there? Of course once people arrive they are curious about the shops and other services in the adjacent area, but I'd wager that relatively few people are breaking down the door just to taste butter beer or buy a "magic" wand. That's like saying the reason why the MK is so crowded is because everyone is trying to buy a Mickey Mouse hat.