Since the Harry Potter theme park rumor mill started cranking at warp speed (kindly pardon the awkwardly mixed metaphors, I'm Potter pooped) and Universal confirmed a couple of days ago that both of its US parks would, in fact, be getting Potterized, I've been trying to figure out what may be on the way. Given Universal's scant details, I, like most other park fans, have been turning to Screamscape, run by the indefatigable Lance Hart, for info.
I've also been working my own network of sources. I generally don't delve too far into rumors (since Lance is the man in that realm), but Potter is just too big to ignore. So, I've come up with my own set of possible scenarios for what may take place as Universal Orlando expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
With a couple of minor exceptions, and one major exception, it's more or less the same speculative info that Screamscape offers. You can read my article for the minor tweaks, but the major change is that Lance has pegged the Jaws ride and surrounding Amity area that will be closing shortly at Universal Studios Florida as the new home of an expanded Wizarding World. While his rumor is deliciously intriguing (and just may come to pass), my sources say that any new Potter progress will remain at Islands of Adventure.
So, what would become of the huge hole left by Jaws and Amity? My best guess is that an East Coast version of Transformers is coming. Think about it: Islands of Adventure would be getting all of the attention, so the Studios park could use some love to keep the crowds balanced and the turnstiles clicking. And the early word for the Transformers ride at Universal's Singapore park (check out this great interview from Theme Park Insider) has been phenomenal. When Transformers opens in spring 2012 at Universal Studios Hollywood, it would be an opportune time to announce the Florida ride.
Regardless of what may actually go down, Universal is helping to make this an incredibly joyful time to be covering theme parks. There are some spectacular developments throughout the industry that have me fairly breathless. At the risk of your own hyperventilation, see what Universal may have in store with its expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.
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Photo: � Arthur Levine, 2010. Licensed to About.com.
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