Wizarding World - Diagon Alley Discussion (Opens 2014)

[Teebin]

Er...sorry? It's just that some people had previously been talking about likely dates for the expansion, so I was curious if, with all these recent rumors, there was anything new. If any of these rumors are true it sounds like the expansion has been agreed upon/will be announced sooner than expected, so... I wasn't expecting anyone to KNOW anything. Just looking for rumors or informed opinions.

I apologize. I was a bit impulsive in my response as it was my first reaction to your post. If financing was approved in July as Disneyhead has heard (for anyone that has ever done a high ticket deal, you know that lawyers have pawed all over everything before you get the bank(s) to sign off) and we know that the 'celebration' was also announced in July it all sounds curious.

In hindsight, most announcements are surprises and out of the blue. Avatar/AK, Seaworld expansion etc. Can anyone recall if the WW had any specific buzz prior to the announcement? I cannot.

 

[Felipe]

I'd like to see Knockturn Alley, although I know that'll never happen. Still, one can dream.

Any word on when this probable, possibly already agreed upon expansion will actually be finished? Are we still looking at 2015 or later?

If they have a Diagon Alley, I don't see why they can't have a Knockturn Alley. Actually IF they have Diagon Alley they HAVE to have Knockturn Alley. It would only be authentic that way. So if we have a Diagon Alley ride or setting, I'd definitely expect a Knockturn Alley. Now, I don't think it'll be anything truly scary, just dodgy, dark, creepy.

And oh no! Please let it be sooner that 2015! I know it may be asking for too much, but I hope it opens sooner than that!

In hindsight, most announcements are surprises and out of the blue. Avatar/AK, Seaworld expansion etc. Can anyone recall if the WW had any specific buzz prior to the announcement? I cannot.

There had always been speculation, mostly fueled by the desire for a theme park, not necessarily because one was rumored in the works. I think for months if not years before the announcement there had been rumors of the negotiations of theme parks and JK Rowling. I remember there was a main blog, a Disney blog I believe, that was the main one with this insider info. From some guy that seemed renowned in the theme park industry or Disney fandom, maybe just for reporting. I can't recall it though... I need to rack my brain and search around the web...

EDIT: I think it was Jim Hill's blog/page. I'm trying to search deeper.
EDIT 2: Here's a post from Jim Hill from late 2005. But there are even some posts around the web that say talks go as far back as 2003? Though these earlier rumors were all about the Wizarding World being done at Disney...

 

[JungleSkip]

And oh no! Please let it be sooner that 2015! I know it may be asking for too much, but I hope it opens sooner than that!

It won't be sooner than 2015. That much is pretty certain. We have other things coming to USF to keep us entertained.

 

[Jymmymack]

It won't be sooner than 2015. That much is pretty certain. We have other things coming to USF to keep us entertained.

We're about to see a revitalization of BOTH parks. TF, Kong, DM, and a possible new lagoon show for USF. Phase II and the return of HHN to IOA. Avatar to Ak. Fantasyland expansion.

What we're looking at is an Orlando mini-revolution. Reminds me of the late 90's when Animal Kingdom opened and USF got transformed.

 

[JungleSkip]

We're about to see a revitalization of BOTH parks. TF, Kong, DM, and a possible new lagoon show for USF. Phase II and the return of HHN to IOA. Avatar to Ak. Fantasyland expansion.

What we're looking at is an Orlando mini-revolution. Reminds me of the late 90's when Animal Kingdom opened and USF got transformed.

Don't forget Antarctica!

 

[AcidPop]

If they have a Diagon Alley, I don't see why they can't have a Knockturn Alley. Actually IF they have Diagon Alley they HAVE to have Knockturn Alley. It would only be authentic that way. So if we have a Diagon Alley ride or setting, I'd definitely expect a Knockturn Alley. Now, I don't think it'll be anything truly scary, just dodgy, dark, creepy.

My only fear is that they wouldn't view Knockturn Alley as child-friendly. It IS the...er...shopping center for dark wizards, so to speak. If they do make a Knockturn Alley, I don't want it to be dumbed down. Still, just thinking about the shop window displays they could do for Knockturn Alley makes me drool. So much awesome, creepy stuff.

 

[Jymmymack]

Don't forget Antarctica!

And Discovery Cove.

 

[BJCool]

If they have a Diagon Alley, I don't see why they can't have a Knockturn Alley. Actually IF they have Diagon Alley they HAVE to have Knockturn Alley. It would only be authentic that way. So if we have a Diagon Alley ride or setting, I'd definitely expect a Knockturn Alley. Now, I don't think it'll be anything truly scary, just dodgy, dark, creepy.

Now I don't think it can't happen like that, but let me provide my perspective. You're suggesting that since in cannon Knockturn Alley is in proximity to Diagon Alley, then it is definitive that one cannot exist without the other. Mind you, I would like this also. However, you have to think of logical space and attraction limits. And in the event Diagon Alley is in fact made into an actual "street", it's doubtful that such a noninviting place such as Knockturn Alley would even be considered by UC.

Not to mention the fact that Universal has really made in no way-shape-or-form a TRUE GEOGRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION of the already existing locales. But it's only because they couldn't, obviously. Hogsmeade is steps away from Hogwarts, the Dragon (arena?), and Hagrid's Hut. Universal took many liberties in their execution of Phase I because it was feasible, both financially and space wise.

But in the event of Diagon Alley becoming an attraction, then yes, I could imagine a few glimpses of Knockturn Alley.

 

[Jymmymack]

Now I don't think it can't happen like that, but let me provide my perspective. You're suggesting that since in cannon Knockturn Alley is in proximity to Diagon Alley, then it is definitive that one cannot exist without the other. Mind you, I would like this also. However, you have to think of logical space and attraction limits. And in the event Diagon Alley is in fact made into an actual "street", it's doubtful that such a noninviting place such as Knockturn Alley would even be considered by UC.

Not to mention the fact that Universal has really made in no way-shape-or-form a TRUE GEOGRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION of the already existing locales. But it's only because they couldn't, obviously. Hogsmeade is steps away from Hogwarts, the Dragon (arena?), and Hagrid's Hut. Universal took many liberties in their execution of Phase I because it was feasible, both financially and space wise.

But in the event of Diagon Alley becoming an attraction, then yes, I could imagine a few glimpses of Knockturn Alley.

What I imagine out of Knockturn Alley is a a small singular niche that is similar to the back door of Honeydukes and the enchanted dishes alley. Very small, with a display for Borgin and Burke and that would be it.

 

[Felipe]

My only fear is that they wouldn't view Knockturn Alley as child-friendly. It IS the...er...shopping center for dark wizards, so to speak. If they do make a Knockturn Alley, I don't want it to be dumbed down. Still, just thinking about the shop window displays they could do for Knockturn Alley makes me drool. So much awesome, creepy stuff.

I don't think they need to dumb it down. It can be a creepy place, just without creepy actors scaring you, unless it's Halloween FJ is quite scary, so I don't see them at all dumbing anything down to be child-friendly.

Now I don't think it can't happen like that, but let me provide my perspective. You're suggesting that since in cannon Knockturn Alley is in proximity to Diagon Alley, then it is definitive that one cannot exist without the other. Mind you, I would like this also. However, you have to think of logical space and attraction limits. And in the event Diagon Alley is in fact made into an actual "street", it's doubtful that such a noninviting place such as Knockturn Alley would even be considered by UC.

Not to mention the fact that Universal has really made in no way-shape-or-form a TRUE GEOGRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION of the already existing locales. But it's only because they couldn't, obviously. Hogsmeade is steps away from Hogwarts, the Dragon (arena?), and Hagrid's Hut. Universal took many liberties in their execution of Phase I because it was feasible, both financially and space wise.

But in the event of Diagon Alley becoming an attraction, then yes, I could imagine a few glimpses of Knockturn Alley.

Quite true. I would expect, though, and I love the way you put it, glimpses of Knockturn Alley.

 

[violarum]

Why not allow for Knockturn Alley to be the general exit area for the rumoured Gringotts Tour E-ticket should Diagon Alley be built? I mean, there has to be some sort of secret tunnel connecting Knockturn with the bank, so to solve flow issues and all that, just theming the exit area with that would both fulfill fan dreams AND help.

Also, I refuse to believe that there will not be any sort of "travel" system with plenty of berming to separate Hogsmeade from Diagon Alley. So perhaps the Hogwarts Express is the other E-ticket.

 

[AcidPop]

What I imagine out of Knockturn Alley is a a small singular niche that is similar to the back door of Honeydukes and the enchanted dishes alley. Very small, with a display for Borgin and Burke and that would be it.

My thoughts as well. At least it would be better than nothing!

 

[Jymmymack]

Why not allow for Knockturn Alley to be the general exit area for the rumoured Gringotts Tour E-ticket should Diagon Alley be built? I mean, there has to be some sort of secret tunnel connecting Knockturn with the bank, so to solve flow issues and all that, just theming the exit area with that would both fulfill fan dreams AND help.

Also, I refuse to believe that there will not be any sort of "travel" system with plenty of berming to separate Hogsmeade from Diagon Alley. So perhaps the Hogwarts Express is the other E-ticket.

I honestly truly hope that the Hogwarts Express is NOT the other attraction. Even if we get attacked by Dementors, how boring would that be?

 

[Teebin]

Quite true. I would expect, though, and I love the way you put it, glimpses of Knockturn Alley.

Who knows what they will do... but I would prefer something on the scale of the two alleys in NYC at US; perhaps connected by a u-turn. Those two alleys always feel as if I have descended into a world away from the theme park world. A dream within a dream. Unsettling and creepy.

Edit: because they are sooooo well executed.

 

[violarum]

Perhaps you haven't been captivated by the fact that attractions don't have to be filled with some flesh-eating creatures to be emotionally captivating. It would make complete sense, though. As has always been my argument. Jo could not have dealt with some random arch not too far from Hogsmeade's when she allegedly approved Phase II.

 

[JungleSkip]

Hogwarts Express ain't happening, IMO. Haven't heard any credible rumor about it. Heard it was being looked at, but nothing I've heard has lead me to believe it's actually a viable option for what their doing. It'd be a capacity nightmare, and just isn't practical.

And I definitely don't think it'd be an "E". A slow train ride isn't an E.

 

[Jymmymack]

Perhaps you haven't been captivated by the fact that attractions don't have to be filled with some flesh-eating creatures to be emotionally captivating. It would make complete sense, though. As has always been my argument. Jo could not have dealt with some random arch not too far from Hogsmeade's when she allegedly approved Phase II.

If you're referring to my comment about the Hogwarts Express, I think it's a little presumptuous to assume what I am and am not "enthralled" by. I read SS when I was 11 years old. I read DH when I was 20. That's nine years spent reading Potter. I've also had a season pass to Disneyland (a 6 hour drive from where I live) since I was 10. I've spent countless hours on Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Mr. Toad, and Small World, and have been "enthralled" by them all.

So, as a theme park enthusiast, and a HP fan, trust that when I say that I think a Hogwarts Express ride would be boring, I am not saying so as some thrill junkie with no appreciation for the art of the theme park attraction, or the wonder of boarding the Hogwarts Express. But as a SIMULATION, it is a rather dull idea for a ride. You are not going to get the "experience" of walking on the train gradually from car to car, seeing the sweets trolley and relaxing. You are going to be shuttled on and shuttled off. I'd rather not.

 

[Teebin]

So perhaps the Hogwarts Express is the other E-ticket.

This just won't happen... The express is kinda like avatar.... where do you go with it other than a film based attraction?

Edit: what JungleSkip said. Do you think the grounds of UOR could compete with the Scottish Highlands??? NEVER

 

[Felipe]

Did you guys know that there was a Diagon Alley attraction in Australia back around when the first movies had just come out? Check out the Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience, and here are a couple pics. Looks pretty similar in style, very authentic to the movies. Too bad it closed a few years after it opened...

 

[AcidPop]

Did you guys know that there was a Diagon Alley attraction in Australia back around when the first movies had just come out? Check out the Harry Potter Movie Magic Experience, and here are a couple pics. Looks pretty similar in style, very authentic to the movies. Too bad it closed a few years after it opened...

No way! They didn't include anything like that in the Harry Potter Exhibition! I'm jealous. Looks awesome. Thanks for sharing.

Edit: I agree that a Hogwarts Express ride would be pretty boring, and I'm a hardcore HP fan. For me, it's enough to simply see the Hogwarts Express train. I have no desire to ride a train simulator. They can make a far more magical and exciting ride based on something else.