It's official. Hoping to duplicate the phenomenal success they've experienced at their Orlando resort, Universal honchos announced today that they will be bringing Harry Potter attractions to their Hollywood park. A bit skimpy on details (When will it open? Where will it be built in the land-strapped park? What exactly will be included? Dunno, dunno, and dunno, respectively), the execs did confirm that the California version will cost "hundreds of millions of dollars" and include a Hogwarts Castle with a replica of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.
Also revealed at today's announcement: The Wizarding World will be expanded at Universal Orlando. No further details were given about the Florida plans. The most intriguing rumor swirling around what may happen on the East Coast hinges on Universal's just-announced plans to close the Jaws attraction and gut the entire Amity area in a few weeks. According to Lance Hart at Screamscape, Amity may be recast as London, with the new Potter attractions rising not in Islands of Adventure, but at the extreme opposite end of the resort in Universal Studios Florida. Making this rumor even more bewitching: A Hogwarts Express train may transport guests between the Potter lands in the two parks.
I'm guessing that the Hollywood Harry will be a stripped-down adaptation of Florida's Wizarding World. It may consist of just the Forbidden Journey ride inside the castle and a few shops (which would feature Butterbeer, no doubt). It is unlikely, especially since it wasn't mentioned in today's event, that Orlando's two Potter-themed coasters or the entire Hogsmeade village will make their way to California. In order to carve out the land needed for Potter, something, or possibly some things, will probably need to be removed from the Hollywood park.
No comments:
Post a Comment