The New King of Theme Parks: A Boy Wizard

Diagon Alley. The name should be striking fear into the heart of Robert Iger and every Walt Disney Company executive. Especially those with a focus on the theme parks and Imagineering. As the video leaks out of the new expansion at Universal Studios Florida and its attraction/connection to Hogsmeade and Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure, their worst fears are being realized: theme park fans will now be taking two days out of their Florida vacation to see what Harry Potter has up his sleeve. 

Universal Creative has out-Disneyed Disney. When folks usually have to settle for YouTube films followed by comments of "These don't do it justice", you know the end result in real life should be better. But when the YouTube videos show park expansion that looks absolutely amazing even with poor photography, what is created is a drawing card that only matches television advertising and word of mouth. And the word on the street is that Disney has been surpassed. It's time to crown a new creative king. 

The opening day crowds for Escape from Gringotts are only a taste of things to come. The financial loss of one day is hard enough for the Disney suits and accountants. Yet, if most visitors are like me, they will now lob off two days on their next trip. I know I will. 

Add unique dining and shopping- with items exclusive to the park, and it's a sure fire hit. One that won't be satisfied by a half day visit. Unfortunately, something I still do at Disney's Animal Kingdom. And soon Disney Hollywood Studios.

I am not even a Harry Potter fan in the slightest. I've read none of the books and seen only one movie. However, when something this incredible has been created and the boundaries are pushed, I've got to go. See you there...

(Images copyright Universal Studios Florida.)

Cars Land Expansion?

Anyone with common sense can see that Disney hit pay dirt with the Cars franchise. The movies are successful, the toys are best sellers, and the inclusion of Cars Land saved Disney California Adventure. Radiator Springs Racers continues to be the Disney standard for their U.S. parks. (Notice I did not say all theme parks? That probably now goes to Universal Studios incredible Diagon Alley and the Escape from Gringotts attraction.)

Since Planes: Fire and Rescue is on the way to movies theaters near you. It seems to be its own profitable franchise with a look that mirrors the environments from Cars, (Can "Boats" be on its way), an easy expansion with some additional rides should be on the burner (pun intended) for the suits in Burbank and the Disney Imagineers. Toss in a new version of the Disney Hollywood Studios eatery Sci-Fi Dine In, with that all new E-Ticket anchor, and you've got all the makings of turning Cars Land into its own must-see land for years to come. 

A move like this continues giving the second Anaheim gate is own identity and saves the Marvel universe for Gate Number Three. 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

All the World's a Stage

Everyone is watching. Right now in the theme park world, everyone is looking to see how the infusion of Harry Potter into Universal Studios Florida will impact the industry. First, Harry's Forbidden Journey created waves of cash and guests when it debuted at Islands of Adventure. The sales of Butterbeer and specialized wands created another flurry of income. 

The next wave of impact comes to Universal Studios Summer of 2014 when the Escape from Gringott's attraction is opened and the two parks are linked in one savvy, game-changing move. It's a win for theme park guests, even if it comes at increased prices for park tickets. 

Visitors are watching, and so is Disney. They are watching their primary competition move in to what was once their domain. They're watching New Fantasyland not be the impact maker they hoped. On the positive side, the suits are watching as plans for Pandora / Avatarland at Animal Kingdom are finally being turned into reality. But they are also watching Epcot rot one piece at a time as are the fans who so dearly love the place.

Will Walt Disney World ever return to the place of delight and wonder it once was? Who knows? But we're watching.

(Photograph by Mark Taft.)

Harry's Wizarding World Expands in 2014

Gotta hand it to the folks at Universal Creative. They have come up with an innovative plan as they continue to expand the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. First step: Bring the boy wizard to Islands of Adventure. Immediate acclaim for a state of the art attraction The Forbidden Journey. But now here is where it gets very interesting for me. Step Two: Add Harry to Universal Studios park, and connect both locations by a train- a combination transportation device and attraction. Creating two parks that are now a must see for any Harry fan traveling to Florida. And finish it off with a trip down Diagon Alley and a roller coaster journey themed to Gringott's Bank. Add in shops, restaurants. Instant classic- and for me, one less day at Walt Disney World.

(Artwork copyright Universal Creative.)