The “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is coming to Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure in 2009
Universal Studios has announced what many already knew, Harry Potter is coming to the Islands of Adventure theme parks. Thankfully, the rumors can finally be put to rest after years and years of discussion. Scott Powers of the Orlando Sentinel has the best story I have seen this morning.
Universal plans a 20-acre “Wizarding World,” a little bigger than the average size of its themed “islands” at Islands of Adventure. Part would be carved away from what is now “The Lost Continent” island, and the rest would be land now used for employee parking and park support, outside the back fence.
The new, “seventh island” would feature reconstructed and rethemed attractions, and all-new ones, Scott Trowbridge, vice president of Universal’s Creative Studios, said in an interview. The Hogwarts castle and locations from Rowling’s Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade village will be created as backdrops to attractions, shops and restaurants.
Universal is going to move quickly, planning to break ground this summer and open the new area in 2009. Apparently some existing attractions may be “re-themed” to fit the Potter world, which sounds awfully cheap on the surface. But considering that neither Universal nor Harry Potter holds much interest to me, I can’t complain too much.
The most important aspect in all this is what effect this can have on Disney World. Michael Eisner, former CEO, was extremely competitive when it came to Universal. If he were in charge, we could expect a similarly huge announcement and rush to open before Universal. But he’s not the boss anymore, and it will be fascinating to see if Bob Iger responds in similar fashion or with more patience. I, for one, hope Disney responds in a big way.
If “Wizarding World” is a huge hit, will the long rumored villains themed park be announced? Could Harry Potter usher in a renewed zeal to build the Beastly Kingdomme? Could there be something even more exciting around the corner Disney could use to take the wind out of Universal’s sails? Either way, Potter has surely raised the bar in Orlando.
Biblioadonis said,
May 31, 2007 @ 6:26 pm
I love the Harry Potter books and Disney theme parks.
I *hate* that this is going to Universal. After a horrible experience at Universal Hollywood, I vowed to not set foot on Universal property again.
But…it looks like I will need to make a trip in 2009. I can imagine just zipping to that area of the park and immersing myself in the Wizarding World–and then hightailing it back to WDW.
A lot of my friends have visited Universal and Islands and have said that they won’t go back. Why waste your time?
David said,
May 31, 2007 @ 7:47 pm
Well, the problem certainly sits in your initial reacrion…I must go. That will drive attendance up at Universal. Whether or not WDW’s numbers go down or up, it will drive them nuts to see IOA get more popular
Mike said,
May 31, 2007 @ 10:39 pm
I would Disney will have to come back with a new “land” all their own
brennam said,
June 1, 2007 @ 3:13 am
thats why they should build beastly kingdom! they should start there ideas now so that they will be ready if the harry potter island is any good. i meen camp minnie mickie has fesival of the lion king(which should b in africa) and pocahontas which is pointless. if they want people to stop making fun of them for it being like a zoo build beastly kingdom its the only way that disney can equal the building of harry potter
David said,
June 1, 2007 @ 12:11 pm
I, for one, never thought BK was all that great an idea. I would much prefer to see more of what has actually been on the planet. I think a thrill ride through the Amazon or the Outback, or something like that is much more interesting than trying to check IOA’s move. Fantasy is all over WDW. If they want something that truly competes with Potter, build an expansive Star Wars world over at MGM
Gordon said,
June 1, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
I’m glad that Universal got it rather than Disney. It should keep Disney on its toes and get them to get their you know what together. Imagineering has been rather hit and miss lately and hopefully with the new changes in command things will change and we’ll keep getting hits rather than misses. Or worse. So-so attractions.
David said,
June 1, 2007 @ 8:27 pm
What misses have we seen in the last two years? Everst, Soarin, Nemo, Gran Fiesta, and even Monsters Inc are all good attractions. You can argue the placement, but not the quality.
Gordon said,
June 4, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
I stand corrected. Your qualifier of “last two years” is correct. I’ve not ridden the latter two on your list, but I agree Nemo, Everest and Soarin’ are great attractions. Guess I’m still sore about DCA every time I visit Disneyland.
Mike said,
June 6, 2007 @ 3:43 pm
one of these days I have to see DCA just to see why everyone hates it so much