New Island for IOA in 2009!!!!

[Alpengeist]

Yes it's finally official, Harry Potter is coming to IOA in 2009.
http://http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-universal3107may31,0,1282343.story?track=rss (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-universal3107may31,0,1282343.story?track=rss")


A 20-acre Potter 'island'

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.

Three-time Academy Award-winning production designer Stuart Craig, who designed sets for all the Harry Potter movies, leads the "Wizarding World" design team.

Much of "The Lost Continent" island, including Universal's award-winning Mythos Restaurant, will be retained as a separate themed area, just smaller. The island is to remain open during construction as well.

Some current "Lost Continent" attractions such as The Dueling Dragons roller coasters and The Flying Unicorn coaster ride likely would be adapted to fit the Harry Potter story. Trowbridge would not discuss specific attractions, but did say that Universal intended to "leverage some existing infrastructure." He said that would have to include far more than a new paint job and a new sign, because too much is at stake.

The TPR thread does a good job showing where the new land may go. Here's a link to the thread.
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35993

All info courtesy of Orlando Sentinel and Theme Park Review.

Edit: Here's one more link from Universal. More info to come.
http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/index.html

[Hethetheth]

Ugh...A waste of money if you ask me. Dueling Dragons is amazing, and would be rubbish as a Harry Potter ride. They could spend the money on an imaginative new land that isn't a film spi-off. <SIGH>.

[Alpengeist]

Let's see, Harry Potter has sold over 300 million books, has had more than 3.5 billion dollars worth of revenue from the movies world wide, oh and a fan base of tens of millions world wide. ...yea a real waste of money.:p

Just because some of the coaster enthusiast aren't happy about the addition to IOA doesn't make it a bad move, I for one, think it's a good idea and good fit for Universal. With that said, they better not screw up Dueling Dragons.;)

[thort park man]

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
not the lost Continent

[Hethetheth]

Think about the situation: 7 year old kid, extreme harry potter fan like most of his age group. He goes to Harry Potter land, yet can't ride the coaster themed to Harry Potter AKA Dueling Dragons. He will be so upset. It makes no sense to theme possibly the most extreme ride in the park to a kid's franchise. Also, the Harry Potter theme would detract from the thrill seeker value of DD. I mean, what self respecting thrill-seeker would admit the 'Harry Potter coaster' is the best coaster in the world. I don't care if Harry Potter land happens, I just don't want Lost Continent to even be touched in the slightest!

[-NGS-]

Most 7 year olds can't comprehend Harry Potter books, and would be scared of the movies. The target group here is pre-teens and young teenagers, who will no doubt enjoy DD.

This is a smart business move on Universal's behalf, but I'm interested how much damage the Lost Continent will sustain. They can't remove its flagship ride and expect it to remain popular.

[p8ntball]

Haha. This talk of Harry Potter reminds me of this I made a few weeks ago. I like to fiddle around with trailers and I make my own such as this.

http://media.putfile.com/My-Harry-Potter-Teaser

Not sure if this counts as "spam" or "off-topic":noob:

[Hethetheth]

Most 7 year olds can't comprehend Harry Potter books, and would be scared of the movies. The target group here is pre-teens and young teenagers, who will no doubt enjoy DD.


Well fair enough, but even many 10-12 year old won't handle Dueling Dragons.

[-NGS-]

I had my first ride on it when I was 10, and couldn't get enough. Although I suppose I'm an exception...

Also, that's why they have the Flying Unicorn.

[Hethetheth]

Oh yeah, I forgot about that ride. Now that ride would be alright as a HP coaster.

[kc_rc_fan]

Whenever I went to Universal IOA I wasn't very impressed with the Lost Continent but I did like Dueling Dragons. I think that side of IOA does need a facelift and that's what Harry Potter will give it. As NGS said, this is a smart business move by Universal. It should bring more people into the park.

[tycooner55]

I had my first ride on it when I was 10, and couldn't get enough. Although I suppose I'm an exception.

No, I was riding big coasters that young.

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

Harry Potter is too famous of a character and we were bound to see this some time,so im not that surprised.

As a reader of the books,i think the idea is cool,but ruining Dueling Dragons can turn off alot of people and i don't think they should do that.

[Dormouse]

I don't know if I like this idea or not. Usually I really hate movie themed rides/parks.

That's one reason why I loved IOA... because most of their stuff isn't based on movies that years from now no one will really care about (ie Back to the Future Ride). The Marvel and Dr. Seuss characters are timeless. Sure the Jurassic Park ride is based on a movie made over 10 years ago. But the ride itself is a classic.

Yes, there are trillions of Potter fans all over the world right now. But in, say 40 years, long after all of the books and movies have been completed. Will it still be a big of deal to have it's own island?

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

all i can say disney is going to have to respond back quick.....i smell a high tech thrill ride in the future...

[The Ghost]

Yes, great idea for an island, but the better not touch Dueling Dragons! What would be smarter is if the had a new immersive dark ride inside the Hogwarts Castle.

[Haydendem]

Ugh...A waste of money if you ask me. Dueling Dragons is amazing, and would be rubbish as a Harry Potter ride. They could spend the money on an imaginative new land that isn't a film spi-off. <SIGH>.

Why? even if they changed it a little it would still be a thrill ride, even if it is based off of Harry Potter. Things like Ripsaw falls or The Hulk Are based off of things for kids and still are great rides.

[fathorse]

.....i smell a high tech thrill ride in the future...

What did you eat? :haha:

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

^um..ok
i meant i think disney is going to respond with a high-tech thrill ride

[fathorse]

Oh, for a second you were smelling a high tech thrill ride, I have those if I eat peas.

[Alpengeist]

Yes, there are trillions of Potter fans all over the world right now. But in, say 40 years, long after all of the books and movies have been completed. Will it still be a big of deal to have it's own island?

I don't think Universal is worrying about 40 years down the road at the moment.;) In the short term, the next 10 years, this will prove to be a good addition to the park IMO.

Edit: Now that I think about it, maybe Universal is thinking 40 years down the road.;)

[Dormouse]

I don't think Universal is worrying about 40 years down the road at the moment.;) In the short term, the next 10 years, this will prove to be a good addition to the park IMO.

Guess what? If that's true, then that's considered a poor business decision. :bored:

They should be considering what it will be like 20, 30, 40 years from now. This is going to be a crap-load of money for a whole, themed island. They need to be thinking of whether or not this money is going to create a lasting area or, as you said, just 10 years or so.

[icutoo]

I think this is a great idea! That whole side of the park is some what dull. Even though it's Harry Potter, a face lift is a face lift. I hope they do add some more rides. New scenery will not be enough.

[Harpo]

Is it a good business decision?

I don't know what figures GE uses for the Universal parks, but Cedar Fair's annual report indicates that depreciation is 21 years for land improvements, 24 years for buildings, 17 years for rides, and 9 years for equipment.

So, planning for the buildings should prepare to cover the next 24 years, and planning for the rides should prepare to cover the next 17 years. (Depreciation would be an approximate estimate of the useful life of the asset.)

Will Harry Potter still be sufficiently popular in 17 to 24 years? It's hard to say. Sherlock Holmes is still a popular fictional character after more than 100 years. Other fictional characters, such as The Banana Splits, lost popularity within a couple of years. I think there's evidence to show that Harry Potter will probably be popular for quite a few more years, but exactly how long is anyone's guess.

Another question would be: How much additional income do they anticipate generating from the area? If they figure it'll completely pay for itself in 2 years, then anything over 2 years is profitable. (I just picked the 2 year value out of thin air -- I don't know what they would expect for the time to break-even.)

[Hemmy]

Harry Potter land is not taking over the Lost Continent

Reports from Orlando based newspapers report that part of the Lost Continent will be transformed, but only a little and none of the attractions.

The rest of the land is taken from employee parking and other buildings behind the park.

[Dormouse]

Is it a good business decision?

I don't know what figures GE uses for the Universal parks, but Cedar Fair's annual report indicates that depreciation is 21 years for land improvements, 24 years for buildings, 17 years for rides, and 9 years for equipment.
That's good information, but we're talking Universal here. When weighed against Universal or Disney, Cedar Fair doesn't exactly measure up in the theming department.

We are talking a lot of money that is going to be spent here, for a whole new island that will be added, especially when they are trying to recreate an atmosphere such as that conveyed in Harry Potter.

So I think that those numbers might not be as accurate when put against Universal.

[Squid2]

Right now, reports filed by Universal peg their expected costs to run inbetween $230-$265 million dollars over the next two years... included in this is the new Simpsons ride at USF. Terms of the deal indicate a license agreement for 10 years, with two 5 year renewals beyond the initial deal possible.

So, Universal is thinking at least twenty years ahead.

From what I've heard from various sources, almost every part of LC is going to be changed. The only exception I've heard of is Mythos, which will remain as is. Otherwise, everything is getting some sort of makeover, no matter how small.

Squid2

[Alpengeist]

Guess what? If that's true, then that's considered a poor business decision. :bored:

They should be considering what it will be like 20, 30, 40 years from now. This is going to be a crap-load of money for a whole, themed island. They need to be thinking of whether or not this money is going to create a lasting area or, as you said, just 10 years or so.

You need to re-read my post again.:rolleyes: I said they weren't thinking 40 years down the road. ...and then I gave an opinion about the next 10 years.

[Dormouse]

I know, for a theme park as big as Universal/IOA, making a park who's luster is only going to last for 10 years is not a wise choice IMO.

I was saying that if they are, as you said, not thinking at least even 20 years down the road, then that's a poor business decision.

[Alpengeist]

^I agree with you, but I do think they are thinking 25 years down the road. ...just not 40 or maybe they are.;)

IMO, I don't think Harry Potter's popularity is going anywhere anytime soon, even with the books ending and the movies winding down in a few years.

[Squid2]

Okay, folks... HP is going to be with us for a long, long time. Overall the popularity, especially with younger generations, is on par with Star Wars, so a long term investment in such a license isn't a bad move. Even if HP suddenly tanks after the last book is released, (she's going to be under a LOT of pressure to release another book in that world, so I don't believe it's the last we've seen of HP, or at least the setting,) they will be able to fairly easily retheme the area back to Lost Continent... after all, most of the cost is going to be infrastructure.

Squid2

[Harpo]

That's good information, but we're talking Universal here. When weighed against Universal or Disney, Cedar Fair doesn't exactly measure up in the theming department.

We are talking a lot of money that is going to be spent here, for a whole new island that will be added, especially when they are trying to recreate an atmosphere such as that conveyed in Harry Potter.

So I think that those numbers might not be as accurate when put against Universal.


Such numbers are used by the IRS in determining the allocated portion of the value of the attraction for the year. It is therefore used as a business expense, which offsets some of the taxes paid. If the IRS views the equipment and buildings to be of a similar nature, then the depreciation would also be similar. Universal and Disney would have to make a case for using different values. They could have an added category of Theming, but I would expect their building, equipment, and ride structure depreciation periods would be very similar to Cedar Fair's.

[cdp123]

That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Dueling Dragons is officialy ruined. And the Unicorn?? ANYTHING but the Unicorn~~!

[RCT Enthusiast]

I wish they would'nt change exsiting attractions.

[Squid2]

As far as we know, the only thing that will change about Duelling Dragons is the entrance, (to include the tents seen in the picture,) and the paint jobs. The track isn't going to be altered in any way.

Kiss the Sinbad stunt show goodbye... it's on the way out anyway. Poseidon is rumored to have a complete overhaul to fit the HP theme. Flying Unicorn might not change at all, with the exception that things will be placed around it. Mythos will NOT change... it's the only thing we know that not changing.

The one thing I don't want to see changed is the Fountain. He's cool.

Remember, as of this time, while we know things are going to change, we don't know what is going to be modified and what is going to be left alone, with the exception of Mythos. However, we do know that at least one major attraction is going in the new HP overlay, and from the numbers Universal has released, at least three are going in somewhere. These should be new attractions, not just rehabs of existing ones. (We're talking a quarter of a billion, yes, Billion, dollars here. I would expect that number to increase over the next year.)

Squid2

[-NGS-]

I wish I had gone on Posieden a 2nd time when I was at Universal. I was a bit baffled after my first "ride" (what do you call it)?

[cdp123]

As far as we know, the only thing that will change about Duelling Dragons is the entrance, (to include the tents seen in the picture,) and the paint jobs. The track isn't going to be altered in any way.

Kiss the Sinbad stunt show goodbye... it's on the way out anyway. Poseidon is rumored to have a complete overhaul to fit the HP theme. Flying Unicorn might not change at all, with the exception that things will be placed around it. Mythos will NOT change... it's the only thing we know that not changing.

The one thing I don't want to see changed is the Fountain. He's cool.

Remember, as of this time, while we know things are going to change, we don't know what is going to be modified and what is going to be left alone, with the exception of Mythos. However, we do know that at least one major attraction is going in the new HP overlay, and from the numbers Universal has released, at least three are going in somewhere. These should be new attractions, not just rehabs of existing ones. (We're talking a quarter of a billion, yes, Billion, dollars here. I would expect that number to increase over the next year.)

Squid2


Am I the only one who thought Poseidon was a damn good show?
Very Entertaining. I'll cry if I have to see someone try and take on the part of HP...you know what happens next...broadway nude rolls...

[Alpengeist]

I can't believe how many people are getting bent out of shape over this, and not only this website.:rolleyes: ...can we please wait and see first.

[RCT Enthusiast]

^no I got rained out the first and only time I've been to IOA and in that area all I got to do was dueling dragons back in summer 2004.The Posiden Stunt show was'nt even around so now I'll never see it.

[icutoo]

I wish I had gone on Posieden a 2nd time when I was at Universal. I was a bit baffled after my first "ride" (what do you call it)?

Poseidon is not a ride...it's an interactive show.

[Alpengeist]

^no I got rained out the first and only time I've been to IOA and in that area all I got to do was dueling dragons back in summer 2004.The Posiden Stunt show was'nt even around so now I'll never see it.

Sorry to hear that, RCT Enthusist.

....but people have been complaining for years that Universal hasn't made any major upgrades to IOA since it first opened in 1999, and now they are doing just that and people are still complaining. I guess no matter what Universal does they can't win.:rolleyes:

...and remember it's not like they have all the land in the world like WDW. They have some areas in and around the parks, but not a whole heck of a lot. This approach seems to be the best way to go IMO, since LC already has some of the theming in place.

[Hethetheth]

I don't want them to remotely even touch Dueling Dragons, and a change in Poseidon will be appalling. It was a rare gem in Universal, and one of a dying breed of shows with no tie-ins.

[-NGS-]

Poseidon is not a ride...it's an interactive show.

I know it isn't a ride, I just wasn't sure what to call it.

[aeromike15]

a walk through stunt show! lol. i think it could officially ruin IOA, putting hogmeade in the middle of the ost continent! Why?? lol

[Squid2]

From the look of it, Hogsmeade is going to be built on some unused land back behind Flying Unicorn. Unicorn will become Hippogryff, Duelling Dragons' que will change, but the ride will remain the same. Sinbad will become the signature new attraction... strangely enough, Posiedon may not change at all.

Now, we've heard they're adding a store to buy wands... has anyone heard of Magiquest? (http://www.magiquest.com) It's an interactive game where you make your own wand, which you use in various quests to achieve goals. Hmmm.... makes me wonder if Universal is talking to these guys about HP. I also have to wonder why Magiquest hasn't built a facitily in the tourism capital of the world yet...

Squid2

[-NGS-]

I'm quite pleased to hear that, Squid. I loved Posieden about as much as I enjoyed DD.

[Alpengeist]

Here are a few photos from Screamscape giving you an idea about the possible layout of the new HP island.

http://www.screamscape.com/html/ioa_-_project_strong_arm_2.htm

http://www.screamscape.com/html/ioa_-_project_strong_arm_0.htm

http://www.screamscape.com/html/ioa_-_project_strong_arm_1.htm

In the photos it appears Mythos and Poseidon will become the new Lost Continent and Sinbad will become the new signature attraction, as Squid2 had already mentioned. ...and DD will only have a queue line change.;) It's just a small visual update to add to what has already been mentioned.

[-NGS-]

Thanks for the pics, Alpie. :)

[Alpengeist]

A little more info, some of which has already been mentioned.

As far as DD's queue change, it's been mentioned that 90% of the skeleton's may be removed and that you'll get a close-up view of the Goblet. Just like in the movie it will be displayed on a pedestal and have the blue flames coming out. ...and while DD may get repainted and renamed to fit the Tri-Wizard Tournament theme, the layout itself should not be touched.

As for the the Flying Unicorn coaster, it will be rethemed to the Hippogryff, which Squid2 already mentioned. ...you'll get to queue up first in Hagrid's garden before going through his home and on to the coaster.

Oh and the new "E" ticket ride will be housed in the same building Sinbad was in. It's a new state-of-the-art attraction that will allow you to fly through the Forbidden Forest and then fly high above the grounds of Hogwarts, all while inside the Weasley's Ford Anglia of course.

Note: Until Universal announces the details, these are just very strong rumors.;)

Oh and one more thing, it appears Disney may try and counter this with either Star Tours 2. ...or a retheming of Adventureland highlighted by a coaster themed to a Pirates 4 proposed storyline. ...or both. Either way it should be a great year for Orlando in 09.