Originally Posted By christiemarsh88 It will be interesting to see if this really does go anywhere. First off, let me say, I have never read a HP book (started the first one, lost interest) and I've never seen a HP movie. So what I say has no basis in dislike for the stories, I'm indifferent. I will be shocked if this becomes as big as people are hoping. Looking at the two entities that are joining--Universal and Rowling--I just can't see a good working relationship developing. Rowling is a notorious perfectionist. As she has every right to be. These are her characters, she's done a very successful job allowing them to be used so far, and I don't see her relaxing her policy of perfection. Now look at Universal. They're notorious for projects that almost (but not quite) get there. Mummy was supposed to be a revolutionary coaster. While it was enjoyable, it didn't even make my top 10 list. The attractions at their park were all in very bad repair last time we were there. I will be shocked if this ever gets done. I could definately see Universal and Rowling disagreeing over a million things, and then eventually backing out mutually. Their basic philosophies seem (to me) to be contradictory. I am glad that Disney didn't get this property, because they so often have the same problems as Universal, and I think it would have ended the same way. Rowling wouldn't have gotten a product she was going to be happy with, and the deal would have ended in lots of lost time and money for both parties. Just my opinion.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip ^^^ I disagree. I can't talk about current upkeep, because I haven't been to Universal for a couple of years. I've also never been to IOA... my wife doesn't like coasters or rides where you get wet, which pretty well leaves IOA out of the picture. But I think Universal Studios is full of attractions that equal or exceed comparable Disney attractions. Terminator 2: 3D is better than any of the Disney 3D movies. The Horror Makeup Show is better than any MGM Studios moviemaking demonstration. ET is better than any Fantasyland Darkride. Men in Black is better than Buzz Lightyear. Earthquake is infinitely better than Catastrophe Canyon. Twister... Ride it OUT is completely unique and far beyond any simulation at the MGM Studios (compare it to the static scenes shown in the various "Making of" exhibits). Jaws is the Jungle Cruise on steroids... far more exciting and entertaining has ever been. So when you say that Universal is "notorious for projects that almost (but not quite) get there." I just can't agree. Universal typically aims higher than Disney, and often makes it.
Originally Posted By christiemarsh88 I do think that there are a lot of merits to these attractions, but they never seem to encompass the scope of a Disney project. Earthquake is more chilling than Catastrophe Canyon, but it is done on a much smaller scale. (You could argue that this makes it more effective, but that's a different matter.) I should have been more specific. The attractions themselves are often every bit as good as Disney's, some are better. But with the exception of MIB, the theming of the queues and surrounding areas at Universal leave much to be desired. And that's going to be the key ingredient to making the HP area successful. The theming is going to be very important, because this is being hyped as the equivalent of entering the HP world. IOA has been an improvement in that area. And this project promises enough money that Universal may come through. I hope they do. I have no real loyalty to Disney, I just want to experience the most entertaining Florida vacation possible. I will just be very surprised if we're visiting Hogwarts any time soon.
Originally Posted By christiemarsh88 The ride is great...the queue...not so great. It's dusty, things have been wrenched off of the desks, and were never replaced, leaving odd discolored marks. They just don't seem to have a great attention to detail. Disney has a lot of the same problems, though. I'm just saying that I don't think J.K. Rowling will ever be content with what either of these parks can give her.
Originally Posted By Skellington88 Once people see Harry Potter Land they will realize how stale the Disney parks have become. Almost everything (with everest and soarin being the few exceptions) is either totally outdated like its stuck in the 70s with broken effects or its annoying wannabe hipster attractions that are loud, annoying, in your face, and as a whole stupid (Monsters Inc. laugh floor, Stitch, Journey into imagination with figment, etc.)
Originally Posted By Skellington88 I will also go out on a limb and say that one of the attractions for the Harry Potter park, the attraction where you ride in the flying car, will blow away every single Disney attraction built this decade in the United States.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <I will be shocked if this becomes as big as people are hoping. Looking at the two entities that are joining--Universal and Rowling--I just can't see a good working relationship developing. < while I agree this relationship may be stormy, do not underestimate the drawing power of Harry Potter. I am not what you would call a huge fan, more casual. I read the 1st book only and have seen the movies once each. I live in a suburb of Chicago where on the last book release a local bookstore ( where JKR once signed her first edition) - worked with the city council and 'transformed' our little downtown area into places from Harry Potter. Restaurants did special menus, candy stores made chocolate frogs, the library had special readings and activities for little kids - there were costume contests etc. Now remember our suburb is 150,000 -- well the event drew 60,000 for the book release downtown at midnight last time. They are doing it again this year and the expectation is 100,000 -- You've never seen so many people in costume ( maybe outside a Star Wars convention) - Harry Potter is huge and will definitely draw people away whether it's for a day or 2 -- from Disney property. With my kids I couldn't get away with going to Orlando once it opens and not going there...
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<I was the first one who mentioned this back in post 47, and it took 5 pages before someone said something. Shocking because I do think this will be their subtle yet profitable response to a flock of new tourists needing accomadations in the general Universal area. "Our rooms have coffeemakers, hair dryers, safes, and 4 world-class theme parks." >> I think that its a safe bet that people staying in WDW resorts won't check out for a visit to Universal, but its still revenue that's being spent off property (passes, meals, junk). WDW is built on the premise of keeping its premier (biggest spending) customers captive on property. Plus there is the I-Drive crowd. Now none of the money they spend on Uni days will end up in a WDW cash register. I also wonder how many Universal first timers will say something like: hey, this is pretty good, even better than WDW in some ways. IMO this has to be WDW management's biggest fear. Since so many never set foot in Universal in th first place, it was out of sight, out of mind for many. I guess the real question is if enough addition people will come to O-town to make up for the business lost to Universal? Time will tell.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<Harry Potter is huge and will definitely draw people away whether it's for a day or 2 -- from Disney property. With my kids I couldn't get away with going to Orlando once it opens and not going there...>> My teenage kids are already drooling at the prospect. If Universal is smart they will have an extensive teaser trailer to show before the next HP movie, with progress trailers shown with the following movies. If they can get the ambiance just right this thing will be a grand slam.
Originally Posted By a1stav I was just over at Universal-Excitement and people over there have a similar reaction as me to the HP Land. They are screwing up Lost Continent for it, the biggest crime, re-themeing Dualing Dragons, IMO the best themed queue ever built. I will be going to IOA this summer before the construction begins and bid farewell to another original and exciting attraction.
Originally Posted By bayrr326 I think this thread is one of the few on Disney fan sites that seems to get how big of a deal adding HP to IOA is going to be. I think many Disney fans are simply underestimating how huge Harry Potter is, not just in this country but internationally. My family is already talking about planning a vacation for 2010 to come to Orlando for Harry Potter but also to go to Disney. I really hope they have stuff planned like Spirit has said. I have been hoping that Lassater and the new team at imagineering would take a hard look at WDW and start fixing the glaring flaws that have been allowed to go unfixed by WDW management for years. DL resort since the 50th has definately been moving in the right direction and has really improved but it is now time to fix WDW.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> ... unlike many, I don't wet myself with excitement when an Imagineer talks to me (of course, I'm not a 16-year-old fan boy either). << I do that sometimes after I've had a few to many beers!
Originally Posted By kennect Blue, A quick spelling lesson for you...There is a big diffence in the usage of the word "right" or "write"...Pay more attention in English class please...
Originally Posted By BlueOhanaTerror >>>Blue, A quick spelling lesson for you...There is a big diffence in the usage of the word "right" or "write"...Pay more attention in English class please...<<< That's what happens when you write for a living and people pay you a lot to do it. When you post to an internet site about theme parks... well, you don't really care so much - they're not paying you anywhere near as much. Yup. 14 year old cheerleader.
Originally Posted By BlueOhanaTerror As for English Class... >>>You want to seem to think I am some sort of moron that doesn't understand what is going on here....I am beginning to wonder if you know what is going on....<<< You want to seem to think? Hmm. >>>Revealance? When is the next Star Wars film going to open? <<< Revealance? Hmm. >>>After this post I will never ever again comment on anything you say....That will make life easierfor both us....<<< You might want to pay attention next time they do that little lecture on the use of little words like "of." Yes, this sort of thing IS childish, isn't it? Sigh, to hold my pompoms again...
Originally Posted By kennect Blue, My whole thing is really sort of funny since I can't even seem to spell "difference"..I am a horrible typist...So I have to come down on myself for that one and I definitely drop words that should be in a sentence.....Still, there is a difference in the use of the words "right" and "write"....Bad typing versus bad grammar are two different things and I suggest we both drop it now....I have no prior problem with you...You jump into something that I was simply trying to explain and you call me a ninth grader...And when something like that is said I am going to come back at the person posting such...Let's drop it...Sorry you are missing your poms poms...I never owned any....School spirit was never a big deal with me...Then again the school I went to didn't have much spirit to begin with.....Childish yes, but never lose your sense of humor...
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>I will also go out on a limb and say that one of the attractions for the Harry Potter park, the attraction where you ride in the flying car, will blow away every single Disney attraction built this decade in the United States.<< Where, oh where have I heard this bit of hyperbole before...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I also wonder how many Universal first timers will say something like: hey, this is pretty good, even better than WDW in some ways. IMO this has to be WDW management's biggest fear. Since so many never set foot in Universal in th first place, it was out of sight, out of mind for many.>> Bingo!!! We have a winner. This is exactly why folk at TDO are sweating ... bigtime. The last 15 years has been all about making every Central Florida vacationer, a WDW exclusive vacationer/captive. With less expensive tix the longer you stay, EMH perqs, DVC, Magical Express etc ... Disney has been remarkable in its ability to have guests who largely don't venture outside the pixie dust zone ... when Harry Potter opens, all bets are off. And right now, there is no indication Disney has the ability or the wherewithall to fight back in kind.
