Wizarding World - Diagon Alley Discussion (Opens 2014)

[USO92]

I would actually say that one of my biggest issues with all of the Central Florida theme parks is the focus on marquee attractions. There is a lack of smaller experiences, rides and attractions that layer and fill in the space and time between the marquee attractions.

SO what youre saying is that you would rather have "small" rides than large mega-awesome e-ticket rides?

If so that...baffles me..

Orlando isnt run by Six Flags.....

:look:

 

[jtsalien]

SO what youre saying is that you would rather have "small" rides than large mega-awesome e-ticket rides?

If so that...baffles me..

Orlando isnt run by Six Flags.....

:look:

No. That's not what he said at all. However, I don't agree with using the criticism in this case.

His point definitely is/was an issue. Orlando parks let the details slide for a very long time. And you need no further proof than the seismic shift in the way all parks (Especially those at UOR) are being run and expanded post-WWOHP. Much greater emphasis is being placed on the so called "filler" material.

If everything is an E-Ticket, nothing is.

 

[USO92]

No. That's not what he said at all. However, I don't agree with using the criticism in this case.

His point definitely is/was an issue. Orlando parks let the details slide for a very long time. And you need no further proof than the seismic shift in the way all parks (Especially those at UOR) are being run and expanded post-WWOHP. Much greater emphasis is being placed on the so called "filler" material.

If everything is an E-Ticket, nothing is.

Maybe my brain just clocked out for the night after Florida won or Im just this ignorant but I'm really not following the argument here? Forgive me..:bolt:

 

[jtsalien]

Maybe my brain just clocked out for the night after Florida won or Im just this ignorant but I'm really not following the argument here? Forgive me..:bolt:

Compare the stories of UOR projects like HRRR and WWOHP.

HRRR was built with the mindset of "If it's an E-Ticket, they will come". It's really the definition of the bare bones E-Ticket. There's nothing done to try and enhance the experience anywhere around or really in the ride.

Then WWOHP happened. Sure, FJ was the home run. But Olivander's, Three Broomsticks, and the like are really what changed the game. People in Orlando can now have complete experiences. It's not just a bunch of rides spread out around a park leading up to the big names. There's things to do in between that aren't so in your face, but advance the story and provide a richer experience.

Personally, I don't agree with his sentiment that making the express such a big ticket will be harmful to the expansion, but I whole heartedly agree with his feeling on the need for deeper experiences which can be lacking in Orlando.

 

[USO92]

Compare the stories of UOR projects like HRRR and WWOHP.

HRRR was built with the mindset of "If it's an E-Ticket, they will come". It's really the definition of the bare bones E-Ticket. There's nothing done to try and enhance the experience anywhere around or really in the ride.

Then WWOHP happened. Sure, FJ was the home run. But Olivander's, Three Broomsticks, and the like are really what changed the game. People in Orlando can now have complete experiences. It's not just a bunch of rides spread out around a park leading up to the big names. There's things to do in between that aren't so in your face, but advance the story and provide a richer experience.

Personally, I don't agree with his sentiment that making the express such a big ticket will be harmful to the expansion, but I whole heartedly agree with his feeling on the need for deeper experiences which can be lacking in Orlando.

I see it now! Well then, how are the Islands of IOA not deep? Or the lands at Magic Kingdom or Disney as a whole? They have tons of immersive meet and greets, dinners...etc...????? I understand the argument but from what I can tell the major E-tickets coming (even singular ones that arent involved with lands) are all immersed into their own rightful spot?

HRRR has its spot in Production Central, I agree UO was desperate for something and this flopped in our minds. But should that be used against all parks and all lands that have been here and have been established for years??

 

[jtsalien]

I see it now! Well then, how are the Islands of IOA not deep? Or the lands at Magic Kingdom or Disney as a whole? They have tons of immersive meet and greets, dinners...etc...????? I understand the argument but from what I can tell the major E-tickets coming (even singular ones that arent involved with lands) are all immersed into their own rightful spot?

HRRR has its spot in Production Central, I agree UO was desperate for something and this flopped in our minds. But should that be used against all parks and all lands that have been here and have been established for years??

Obviously there are exceptions, but walk around places like Future World and most of USF and you get the point. But it's not all about the E-Ticket. It's about how everything in between connects it now. Look at what they're doing for the Simpsons area. They're not adding another blockbuster, they're completing the experience. I don't agree with it here, but I think the OP is worried about the Express becoming too much of a big deal in it's own right that it takes away from the overall experience in Phase 2.

Never said it should. I was just using the analogy to explain what he was saying to you.

 

[shiekra38]

Obviously there are exceptions, but walk around places like Future World and most of USF and you get the point. But it's not all about the E-Ticket. It's about how everything in between connects it now. Look at what they're doing for the Simpsons area. They're not adding another blockbuster, they're completing the experience. I don't agree with it here, but I think the OP is worried about the Express becoming too much of a big deal in it's own right that it takes away from the overall experience in Phase 2.

Never said it should. I was just using the analogy to explain what he was saying to you.

And also why we are receiving a family coaster in JP...(potentially of course)..Magic Kingdom is..well was an example of a well rounded park, right amount of thrills and fun little experiences. I witnessed some first time visitors coming out of Olivander's on my last trip..I could tell they were first timers by their comment "Well that was probably the best moment of my life!" said the girl who was obviously chosen to receive the wand (or maybe she wasn't)..I agree with the point that filler is something that is lacking at Universal as a whole..E-Tickets are great and Universal does them the best, but filler stuff is something they can work on..you know something Grandpa can do that wont cause him to have to go to the ER haha

 

[Cruiseshipfan]

I would rather them make everything E-ticket. But then try and push the boundaries further so the rides that were considered an E-ticket no longer are and a new wave of E-ticket attractions are born. Why limit the filler rides to basic rides why not make them something special as well. This is basically what the current pattern of rides is, make a wave f great rides then make even better ones and the old ones get lowered down in terms of scale and attraction of guests.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I see it now! Well then, how are the Islands of IOA not deep? Or the lands at Magic Kingdom or Disney as a whole? They have tons of immersive meet and greets, dinners...etc...????? I understand the argument but from what I can tell the major E-tickets coming (even singular ones that arent involved with lands) are all immersed into their own rightful spot?

HRRR has its spot in Production Central, I agree UO was desperate for something and this flopped in our minds. But should that be used against all parks and all lands that have been here and have been established for years??

jtsalien, was close, but not quite right. It's not about "detail" in theme but actually having smaller attractions that help flesh out the gaps while moving from marquee attraction to marquee attraction. What can distract a guest inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter from going straight to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey? In Florida its typically "theming" and retail. In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter there is experiential retail (retail which becomes a true part of the experience) and some smaller attractions (Flight of the Hippogriff and Olivander's). Even the Magic Kingdom has killed off many of these smaller experiences such as the Main Street Cinema. I don't doubt that Diagon Alley will be an improvement on the what was done in Islands of Adventure, but I think in the excitement of marquee attractions people lose sight of the importance of interstitial attractions. Themed experiences are at their best when they enable and encourage unstructured exploration of the environment.

 

[USO92]

Obviously there are exceptions, but walk around places like Future World and most of USF and you get the point. But it's not all about the E-Ticket. It's about how everything in between connects it now. Look at what they're doing for the Simpsons area. They're not adding another blockbuster, they're completing the experience. I don't agree with it here, but I think the OP is worried about the Express becoming too much of a big deal in it's own right that it takes away from the overall experience in Phase 2.

Never said it should. I was just using the analogy to explain what he was saying to you.

I understand your argument but HE will be a ride and an experience in and of itself. the queue on both sides will be immersive, the lands etc...I dont get why there is worry that HE will "take away" from the entire experience. I really am just honestly baffled here lol. "Give us new rides but dont make them too good to distract us away from the facades and walk-through's!"

Theme parks need to be well rounded to get consistent guests but I was sincerely under the impression that Universal and Disney do these 2 things spectacularly (even if they need a little tlc)

- - - Updated - - -

Obviously there are exceptions, but walk around places like Future World and most of USF and you get the point. But it's not all about the E-Ticket. It's about how everything in between connects it now. Look at what they're doing for the Simpsons area. They're not adding another blockbuster, they're completing the experience. I don't agree with it here, but I think the OP is worried about the Express becoming too much of a big deal in it's own right that it takes away from the overall experience in Phase 2.

Never said it should. I was just using the analogy to explain what he was saying to you.

I understand your argument but HE will be a ride and an experience in and of itself. the queue on both sides will be immersive, the lands etc...I dont get why there is worry that HE will "take away" from the entire experience. I really am just honestly baffled here lol. "Give us new rides but dont make them too good to distract us away from the facades and walk-through's!"

Theme parks need to be well rounded to get consistent guests but I was sincerely under the impression that Universal and Disney do these 2 things spectacularly (even if they need a little tlc)

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

I understand your argument but HE will be a ride and an experience in and of itself. the queue on both sides will be immersive, the lands etc...I dont get why there is worry that HE will "take away" from the entire experience. I really am just honestly baffled here lol. "Give us new rides but dont make them too good to distract us away from the facades and walk-through's!"

Theme parks need to be well rounded to get consistent guests but I was sincerely under the impression that Universal and Disney do these 2 things spectacularly (even if they need a little tlc)

- - - Updated - - -



I understand your argument but HE will be a ride and an experience in and of itself. the queue on both sides will be immersive, the lands etc...I dont get why there is worry that HE will "take away" from the entire experience. I really am just honestly baffled here lol. "Give us new rides but dont make them too good to distract us away from the facades and walk-through's!"

Theme parks need to be well rounded to get consistent guests but I was sincerely under the impression that Universal and Disney do these 2 things spectacularly (even if they need a little tlc)

I would agree.

 

[Smitty]

I would actually say that one of my biggest issues with all of the Central Florida theme parks is the focus on marquee attractions. There is a lack of smaller experiences, rides and attractions that layer and fill in the space and time between the marquee attractions.

In some ways you are right, but I don't think Orlando is the place for a ton of flats.Instead of filling space with small flats, they fill it with shops or restaurants that make the experience seem more "real"(If that makes sense). Springfield will have a spinner, so hopefully that's a step in the right direction for you. But don't expect to see a bunch of flats pop up around the park.

 

[lazyboy97o]

In some ways you are right, but I don't think Orlando is the place for a ton of flats.Instead of filling space with small flats, they fill it with shops or restaurants that make the experience seem more "real"(If that makes sense). Springfield will have a spinner, so hopefully that's a step in the right direction for you. But don't expect to see a bunch of flats pop up around the park.

I was not talking about flat rides...

 

[Smitty]

What "small rides"were you talking about then?

 

[lazyboy97o]

What "small rides"were you talking about then?

There is a reason I did not limit my comment to rides. It's a wide range of smaller experiences.

 

[mainejeff]

I think that I am officially anticipating Hogwarts Express more than Gringotts now. It's such a unique concept (an E-ticket between parks and rumored effects, etc).......just WOW.

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

Any info (better details) on Howard Express?

 

[ReelJustice]

I think that I am officially anticipating Hogwarts Express more than Gringotts now. It's such a unique concept (an E-ticket between parks and rumored effects, etc).......just WOW.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves now. Hogwarts Express may be an E, Gringotts is an F or G ticket. They're throwing everything in but the kitchen sink into that building and putting it on a coaster track.

 

[Spideyfreak]

^I can assure you good sir there will be a sink in there.

 

[Disneyhead]

Ok, I have just heard more rumor fodder concerning the "Walk-through" attraction(s). Weasley Wizard Wheezes isn't a "walk-through" per se. But it is being treated as one, or at least a unique attraction/retail venue. It is not a standard walk-through because there won't be a specific path to follow, but the shop will be filled with AAs, Special FX, Easter Eggs, and possibly a little pyro.
I am being told that the actual walk-through attraction is Borgin and Burkes.