Wizarding World - Diagon Alley Discussion (Opens 2014)

[Splatter]

Not to mention the stores and Island sell everything they could make market of. Making more would do them no good..you are going to go to the ones they have.

Its a fanboy dream at this point. The only reason they would need to add more is if the new attraction's hype was faded down and they needed to attract the guests to come in, ride and shop. Its not even five months old...there is certainly no need for that and seeing how popular it has been they are making tons of money by not doing anything. Those With APs need to realize that there will be those still making plans years from now just to spend a day or two and hundreds of dollars on this island for years to come. Smell the reality that they do not build something unless it is needed to attract business or expand capacity...right now they are rolling in the dough with just operations.

Wait about five years..and then think about the slim possiblity. (which by then will not likely warrant such a thing)

 

[Vyrus]

Oh, and another story that I have to tell you. It is humorous and goofy. So, I am chatting today with one of my grandest sources who has vast connections in the theme park biz (jealousy inducing actually) . I had mentioned this phase II thingy to this person a week ago. So, today we were talking and I said, "So, have you found out anything about this HP phase II stuff yet?" the person replied with, "no, not yet, who should I call???" I literally did the bugs bunny look towards the imaginary camera and then replied, "Um... last I noticed you have a bunch of connections in the industry, right?" This person replied, "Yeah". I replied, "WELL CALL THEM ALL!!!"

End of kooky story.

I actually found that story funny and imagine myself with the same wide eyes train headed straight for you look

 

[SweeneysGalMegz]

I'm neutral on whether I think this is happening or not, but Harry Potter is all about MAGIC! They could create a port key effect or something to represent you changing where you're at since you're fussing about geographics. And so far, it's not geographically correct at all and still a marvelous island. I have faith in Universal if they are indeed going to open this. On a side note, even if this Wizarding World expansion doesn't happen, I have a bad feeling about the Lost Continent. I myself have never seen Poseidon's Fury or Sinbad, nor have I eaten at Mythos, but I have a gut feeling that it won't be with us too much longer (although, I do hope they find a way to keep Mythos. I've always wanted to eat there). Right now, I don't feel like it has much of a presence in the park anyway. Not that I dislike it, I just haven't ever given it my attention.

 

[Hatetofly]

hatetofly, you should very much know that I would never ask anything like that and still be completely honest, especially me, haha. I'm saying that these ideas are not going to cut it since Universal has an agreement with Jo, and unless it makes complete sense in her stories or at least it fits within the boundaries, it will not go. Like the Ollivander's shop. It would make sense that Ollivander would want to create a branch within the realm of Hogsmeade, like for students with broken wands, or students who desire another wand. Walking straight from Hogsmeade to the Ministry of Magic, Diagon Alley, etc. doesn't make sense, especially geographically. I CAN see the entrance being pushed back and a slight expansion of Hogsmeade for a couple new shops, but that is kind of... odd. It by no means denotes that I wouldn't visit it, cry again, and die again (multiple times, lol), it's just that it wouldn't make sense to Jo.

My intentions were not to call you out directly, but more or less to use your quote as an example. There are people out there that are doubters. If I in anyway came across rude or in attack mode I assure you it wasn't intentional. My main point and only point is that when this moves forward no one should question or complain about anything they decide to do or how they decide to do it. Universal created a themepark addition unlike anything ever seen before and I think they deserve a little respect when it comes to adding to a true marvel of themepark attractions. They know they have to live up to the same level of detail and even higher expectations now. It will be awesome and who the hell isn't looking forward to WWoHP # 3 thread. :rant: over.

 

[violarum]

Dude, I wasn't calling you rude. Lmao. Read the tone of my paragraph better.

 

[Hatetofly]

Dude, I wasn't calling you rude. Lmao. Read the tone of my paragraph better.

Just checking couldn't read the tone well

 

[mantaguy]

I'm neutral on whether I think this is happening or not, but Harry Potter is all about MAGIC! They could create a port key effect or something to represent you changing where you're at since you're fussing about geographics. And so far, it's not geographically correct at all and still a marvelous island. I have faith in Universal if they are indeed going to open this. On a side note, even if this Wizarding World expansion does't happen, I have a bad feeling about the Lost Continent. I myself have never seen Poseidon's Fury or Sinbad, nor have I eaten at Mythos, but I have a gut feeling that it won't be with us too much longer (although, I do hope they find a way to keep Mythos. I've always wanted to eat there). Right now, I don't feel like it has much of a presence in the park anyway. Not that I dislike it, I just haven't ever given it my attention.

How can anyone possibly give an opinion on something they've never even seen? That baffles me. LC is actually one of the most well themed theme park areas around; PF has incredible potential, the scenery around the entire island is beautiful, and Mythos really is fit for the gods. As with many fans, Universal would not like to see more of it's wonderful brainchild be destroyed for something that is not needed.


Frogki, this is aimed directly at you. If you're so certain that this "IS going to happen," show us some DEFINITE proof, no surveys, the fans want it, or "dwindling island" nonsense. LC is no where near dwindling, and if you'd stop to take it in while you rush throught to the WWoHP, you'd notice there are a lot of very cool and unique things there. Second, all the HP fans that traveled far and wide were extremely satisfied. Would they be delighted with an expansion? Of course! Would they be depressed if it didn't happen? Of course not! Plus, I'm an HP fan and I don't want to see this happen. Last, if I remember correctly, we were all excited about a new onsite water park rumor that was started by a Uni survey. And what happened to that idea?

The following is my opinion, so don't try to disprove it because by definition you can't. Until I see an announcement from Universal, I'm going with 10% chance of a major addition in the next 5 years, 60% of one in the next 10 (remember it took IoA 11 years to open a major addition), and 60% chance of a minor addition in the next 5 years. I personally agree with everything TheDecemberists and v!olaplayer have said on this topic, so that should clear up any loos ends if you've read their posts. Goodnight. :wave:

 

[Disneyhead]

OK, for those saying that "geographically" Diagon Alley/Ministry of Magic COULDN"T work. Envision this. When entering the the new improved WWOHP from Suess Landing, you enter London with the Ministry of Magic where Poseidon's is with a walk through where the first show room is the hall of prophecies, and then the second (Battle room) is the main hall with a Dumbledore/Voldy battle. Where Mythos is, is The Leaky Cauldron that spans the walkway with an opening into Diagon Ally. To the right of The Leaky Cauldron and on the left side of the Ministry is King's Cross (where the Supervisor's building is). In King's Cross is platform 9 3/4 where you board The Hogwarts Express that uses the King Kong 3D tech from Hollywood. You enter a tunnel where via 3-D screens you exit the tunnel at high speed and then are attacked by dementors with freezing glass fx into another curved tunnel and pull into the current location when the Hogwarts Express is. Voila, in Hogsmeade. Those using the portal in The Leaky Cauldron to enter Diagon Alley Would find shops (and a new and improved Ollivander's with 3 show rooms), an Ice Cream Parlor, a closed Pet Shops with AA's in the window, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, etc. You come upon Gringott's with a indoor coaster/ Dark Ride with goblin AAs in the lobby and the vault coaster similar to Mummy. Of course those in Diagon Alley may not want to backtrack to King's Cross to get to Hogsmeade so just before where the current Hogsmeade arch is, is another arch that is a giant outdoor fireplace with green led lit steam. Go through and again voila, the entrance to Hogsmeade. Of Course Diagon Alley would be built similarly to Hogsmead with the tall buildings and narrow streets so that you would not be able to see the other Islands OR Hogsmeade/ Hogwarts.

For those not familiar with the new Kong attraction at Universal Hollywood, check out this video. Of course instead of a Backlot Tram the ride vehicle would look like The Hogwarts Express.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU3ProdgXag

 

[mantaguy]

OK, for those saying that "geographically" Diagon Alley/Ministry of Magic COULDN"T work. Envision this. When entering the the new improved WWOHP from Suess Landing, you enter London with the Ministry of Magic where Poseidon's is with a walk through where the first show room is the hall of prophecies, and then the second (Battle room) is the main hall with a Dumbledore/Voldy battle. Where Mythos is, is The Leaky Cauldron that spans the walkway with an opening into Diagon Ally. To the right of The Leaky Cauldron and on the left side of the Ministry is King's Cross (where the Supervisor's building is). In King's Cross is platform 9 3/4 where you board The Hogwarts Express that uses the King Kong 3D tech from Hollywood. You enter a tunnel where via 3-D screens you exit the tunnel at high speed and then are attacked by dementors with freezing glass fx into another curved tunnel and pull into the current location when the Hogwarts Express is. Voila, in Hogsmeade. Those using the portal in The Leaky Cauldron to enter Diagon Alley Would find shops (and a new and improved Ollivander's with 3 show rooms), an Ice Cream Parlor, a closed Pet Shops with AA's in the window, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, etc. You come upon Gringott's with a indoor coaster/ Dark Ride with goblin AAs in the lobby and the vault coaster similar to Mummy. Of course those in Diagon Alley may not want to backtrack to King's Cross to get to Hogsmeade so just before where the current Hogsmeade arch is, is another arch that is a giant outdoor fireplace with green led lit steam. Go through and again voila, the entrance to Hogsmeade. Of Course Diagon Alley would be built similarly to Hogsmead with the tall buildings and narrow streets so that you would not be able to see the other Islands OR Hogsmeade/ Hogwarts.

I really appreciate the effort you put into this post, and I think the idea is good in theory, but it seems like we'd be herded through from section to section. I'd like more freedom in what attraction I want to visit next. Also, some people way not want/be able to ride the Express simulator. How would they get to Hogsmeade without traveling hundreds of miles with a few steps. "Floo" fog wouldn't work for people with sensitivity to those effects. There's simply not technology availiable to "transport" by portkey either.

And what about entering from JP? How would the flow work that way? That's not a sarcastic question I'd actually like to know if you, Disneyhead, had an idea for that. I'm being very nitpickey but some of these problems are too big to overlook, imo.

Ok now I'm really signing off for the night.

 

[Disneyhead]

I really appreciate the effort you put into this post, and I think the idea is good in theory, but it seems like we'd be herded through from section to section. I'd like more freedom in what attraction I want to visit next. Also, some people way not want/be able to ride the Express simulator. How would they get to Hogsmeade without traveling hundreds of miles with a few steps. "Floo" fog wouldn't work for people with sensitivity to those effects. There's simply not technology availiable to "transport" by portkey either.

And what about entering from JP? How would the flow work that way? That's not a sarcastic question I'd actually like to know if you, Disneyhead, had an idea for that. I'm being very nitpickey but some of these problems are too big to overlook, imo.

Ok now I'm really signing off for the night.

To get to Hogsmeade from the London section you could either take the Hogwarts Express OR throught the open wall in The Leaky Cauldron into Diagon Alley then through the "floo" arch. You would not be herded anywhere. You can walk by the ministry just as you can walk past Posieden's. You can walk by King's Cross and go straight to Hogsmeade if you want.

And from the JP side you would enter as you do now and then through the"floo" arch into Diagon Alley.

As far as attractions go the new addition would have the Ministry of Magic walk-through, The Hogwarts Express attraction, and Gringott's. Food would include The Leaky Cauldron table service restaurant, and Fluorescent Fortescue Ice Cream Parlour. Shops would be the new and improved Ollivander's, Eeylops Owl Emporium (closed with AAs in the window), Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions ( House Robes and Dress Robes), Magical Menagerie (closed with AAs in the window), Quality Quidditch Supplies (similar to the current Dervish and Bangs), Flourish and Blotts ( Books, DVDs, and stationary), and other store fronts.

 

[SweeneysGalMegz]

How can anyone possibly give an opinion on something they've never even seen? That baffles me. LC is actually one of the most well themed theme park areas around; PF has incredible potential, the scenery around the entire island is beautiful, and Mythos really is fit for the gods. As with many fans, Universal would not like to see more of it's wonderful brainchild be destroyed for something that is not needed.

I'm sorry if I offended, but I never said I didn't like the Lost Continent. I don't like or dislike the LC, I've just never had an interest in the attractions within it. I'm not one of those people who has the opportunity to go as often so when I do, I hit the attractions I know I love and will miss. I do think it's well themed, and I like the scenery, and I'm not saying it should be gone. I'm just saying I feel like eventually it might be replaced with something more appealing to the General Public. Again, I'm sorry to baffle or offend you. I'll keep my mouth shut next time when it comes to the LC.

 

[grizzlybarely]

OK, for those saying that "geographically" Diagon Alley/Ministry of Magic COULDN"T work. Envision this. When entering the the new improved WWOHP from Suess Landing, you enter London with the Ministry of Magic where Poseidon's is with a walk through where the first show room is the hall of prophecies, and then the second (Battle room) is the main hall with a Dumbledore/Voldy battle. Where Mythos is, is The Leaky Cauldron that spans the walkway with an opening into Diagon Ally. To the right of The Leaky Cauldron and on the left side of the Ministry is King's Cross (where the Supervisor's building is). In King's Cross is platform 9 3/4 where you board The Hogwarts Express that uses the King Kong 3D tech from Hollywood. You enter a tunnel where via 3-D screens you exit the tunnel at high speed and then are attacked by dementors with freezing glass fx into another curved tunnel and pull into the current location when the Hogwarts Express is. Voila, in Hogsmeade. Those using the portal in The Leaky Cauldron to enter Diagon Alley Would find shops (and a new and improved Ollivander's with 3 show rooms), an Ice Cream Parlor, a closed Pet Shops with AA's in the window, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, etc. You come upon Gringott's with a indoor coaster/ Dark Ride with goblin AAs in the lobby and the vault coaster similar to Mummy. Of course those in Diagon Alley may not want to backtrack to King's Cross to get to Hogsmeade so just before where the current Hogsmeade arch is, is another arch that is a giant outdoor fireplace with green led lit steam. Go through and again voila, the entrance to Hogsmeade. Of Course Diagon Alley would be built similarly to Hogsmead with the tall buildings and narrow streets so that you would not be able to see the other Islands OR Hogsmeade/ Hogwarts.

For those not familiar with the new Kong attraction at Universal Hollywood, check out this video. Of course instead of a Backlot Tram the ride vehicle would look like The Hogwarts Express.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU3ProdgXag

If WWOHP Phase II were to happen, this is very nearly the best possible outcome. Maybe not so much that if there was a Gringott's coaster, then 4 of the park's 6 coasters (not including HITSSTTR) would belong to WWOHP; but still, this is what'd be best I think. Classic IOA design with three mini-islands: London, Hogsmeade, and Hogwarts.

However, I'm just still not on board with WWOHP Phase II. WWOHP was built to encompass the most brilliant and fascinating aspects of the series. Anything added in a Phase II would be second-rate, a downgrade to the island. WWOHP needs nothing. Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

Speaking of, LC is in a less-than-optimal state. The huge draw to LC was swallowed up by WWOHP, and it needs a few upgrades to make it a desired island to visit (cough original PF storyline cough). Now, what if LC was transformed into an all-Greek island? No more Sindbad or bazaar. How about a solid dark ride? I'd love to see a Medusa animatronic.

 

[Frogki]

How can anyone possibly give an opinion on something they've never even seen? That baffles me. LC is actually one of the most well themed theme park areas around; PF has incredible potential, the scenery around the entire island is beautiful, and Mythos really is fit for the gods. As with many fans, Universal would not like to see more of it's wonderful brainchild be destroyed for something that is not needed.


Frogki, this is aimed directly at you. If you're so certain that this "IS going to happen," show us some DEFINITE proof, no surveys, the fans want it, or "dwindling island" nonsense. LC is no where near dwindling, and if you'd stop to take it in while you rush throught to the WWoHP, you'd notice there are a lot of very cool and unique things there. Second, all the HP fans that traveled far and wide were extremely satisfied. Would they be delighted with an expansion? Of course! Would they be depressed if it didn't happen? Of course not! Plus, I'm an HP fan and I don't want to see this happen. Last, if I remember correctly, we were all excited about a new onsite water park rumor that was started by a Uni survey. And what happened to that idea?

The following is my opinion, so don't try to disprove it because by definition you can't. Until I see an announcement from Universal, I'm going with 10% chance of a major addition in the next 5 years, 60% of one in the next 10 (remember it took IoA 11 years to open a major addition), and 60% chance of a minor addition in the next 5 years. I personally agree with everything TheDecemberists and v!olaplayer have said on this topic, so that should clear up any loos ends if you've read their posts. Goodnight. :wave:

Manta, please don't take my posts the wrong way. I actually have not been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter yet, but I have taken a walk through the LC. I haven't given Poseidon or Sinbad a visit, but I do like the small island feel of the shops, etc. I actually bought the COOLEST Universal Studios winter hat in the LC, unfortunately I lost it. I'm a theme park fan as well as an HP fan, but I, at this point in time, feel that the Lost Continent has expired. That's not to say I couldn't be entirely wrong and we might see the Lost Continent start to really get fixed up, however, that's not what I think will happen at this time. That waterpark was also not a "big craze" that would have brought in hundreds upon thousands of people to Universal Orlando. Harry Potter is. To the people saying it's already bringing in enough sales, trust me, it's not. It never will, because we all have to remember the goal of a theme park is to make money. As I said, I love the feel LC gave me when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was being built (I was such a fanboy when I saw the castle behind the fencing xD), but I think it's just it's time and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will deliver a massive amount of sales again with an expansion. I think you might be right about it not being so close in the future, however, you never know I hope my posts didn't offend you, because I am in no way a "Seer" xD, however, from what I've seen, it seems that the Lost Continent will be taken over by something and Harry Potter fits the bill...

 

[CoasterHP]

If they would take out the operations building i would be very very shocked. You can't have a ton of supervisors, schedulers, and everything else kicked out onto the street! There are the greenhouses across from Dragons that I could see used but not b114 (the name of the op's building)

For those of you saying that they don't need more shops.. They do! You need to think of things in terms of money and as a business. I have never been in the shops because of how long the lines were! That's s good problem and a bad problem for Uni. Good because people are interested.. Bad because people like me are dollar signs that are walking away.

On the other hand Diagon Alley is mainly a shopping area and I can't see them expanding without at least one new attraction, a restaurant, and a bunch of new shops. (even though they have them all pretty much covered in hogsmeade)

I'm not sure how this would work but a cool Hogwarts Express attraction could use the King Kong tech from USH. That'd be pretty sweet if they can fit it into a small area. It'd almost be more like Earthquake.

 

[Frogki]

If they would take out the operations building i would be very very shocked. You can't have a ton of supervisors, schedulers, and everything else kicked out onto the street! There are the greenhouses across from Dragons that I could see used but not b114 (the name of the op's building)

For those of you saying that they don't need more shops.. They do! You need to think of things in terms of money and as a business. I have never been in the shops because of how long the lines were! That's s good problem and a bad problem for Uni. Good because people are interested.. Bad because people like me are dollar signs that are walking away.

On the other hand Diagon Alley is mainly a shopping area and I can't see them expanding without at least one new attraction, a restaurant, and a bunch of new shops. (even though they have them all pretty much covered in hogsmeade)

I'm not sure how this would work but a cool Hogwarts Express attraction could use the King Kong tech from USH. That'd be pretty sweet if they can fit it into a small area. It'd almost be more like Earthquake.

Diagon Alley is mainly a shopping area. But as you mentioned, if we could fit all of Diagon Alley and that tiny bit of London in there, we could have the Train. Plus, the Leaky Cauldron would be a decent sit down resturant. Then there could be that Gringotts ride. Boom boom boom, you have two attractions and a resturant and shops that could have different merchandise offered and another Ollivanders (which would help to lessen the congestion at the one in Hogsmeade...)

 

[Shellemonster]

Universal is primarily in the business of movies; what is the typical knee jerk reaction of most every movie studio that has a huge hit?

How quickly can we have a sequel?!

My guess is the executives are applying the same principles here. As soon as the fat checks started rolling in they likely requested that a team start looking into an expansion, hence the survey. I'm sure that right now plans are being drawn up for an expansion because that is what the important people have requested. Doesn't mean it's going to happen, but decision makers want to know their options, and to the people making the drawings (sources) it would appear like it's a done deal.

My personal thought on the matter is that I love Lost Continent, but only at night. I really don't feel the character of the island unless it's nighttime and the fire, water, and colorful lights bring it to life. Enclose the whole island in box and make it a first ever "dark land" and I'll be happier if it stays.
Beyond that, I'm tired of Poseidon and Darkenon fighting over who's got the bigger stick.

 

[StarTrekGeek]

Beyond that, I'm tired of Poseidon and Darkenon fighting over who's got the bigger stick.

Ditto. :thumbs:

 

[mantaguy]

Okay I was never "offended" by anyone. Just don't pass judgement on something you've never experienced. It's common sense.

What they have now is all they need. Improve everything by adding little touches, advertising some of the things that are hidden like LC's specialty stores, And you have a perfect, diverse theme park environment.

Remember how peeved the mayor of London was when the WWoHP opened? Imagine him if we build a London theme park area!

I just got Retro Fitted! :whoo:

 

[d a n n y]

Remember how peeved the mayor of London was when the WWoHP opened? Imagine him if we build a London theme park area!

I just got Retro Fitted! :whoo:

I never heard of that. Can you explain what was said?

 

[mantaguy]

I never heard of that. Can you explain what was said?

I can't remember all the details but basically right after the land opened the mayor said that the WW should have built in London to make it more authentic and he was mad that Orlando took it away from them. But then he covered his butt by saying he still liked what they built.