Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Construction Discussion

[AlexanderMBush]

I think in a few years time there's going to be a lot less discussion about Universal vs. Disney and a lot more talk about Star Wars Land vs. Harry Potter World. If I had to guess, that's how most of the general public will look at it. It was probably very smart for Universal to include big steel roller coasters in their park(s) at first, because it did differentiate them. At this point though, they don't need to differentiate themselves anymore: they're Harry Potter World.

I love roller coasters, and the two times we've been to Universal I've loved riding Dragon Challenge, but Harry Potter World doesn't need big steel roller coasters. It's such a huge plot of land, and Universal has proven to be so good at themed land creation, imagining what they could/will do with it is just exciting.

I disagree with that.

Universal Orlando Resort has diversified since Hogsmeade, and while they have Diagon (and the Coaster replacement happening), they have brought in a better atmosphere for Simpsons with expanding it's footprint to be Springfield. They brought two new big IP's to New York Street, The Tonight Show and Transformers, and that's not even mentioning the USF project and Super Nintendo World for the coming few years.

And as for IOA, while it hasn't gotten as much love as USF, it brought back King Kong with a plussed version of the hit Hollywood Tour Animation; did major changes to Hulk and did a new refresh on Spider-Man's Visuals.

Not to mention the Citywalk expansion, and Universal's Volcano Bay; ontop of multiple hotels, the Universal Vs. Disney argument will stay strong, especially as Universal will probably have a second gate up by the end of the next decade.

It's an amazing time to be an Universal fan; moreso than Potter, and that doesn't have to be the only note that Universal has.

Hola! I'm still around! I'm gonna catch up on this thread and get back in the swing of things. Twitter is convenient in ways, but there's nothing like writing a fully fledged post here. Missed you all! Back to the topic at hand... I'm hella excited for this new attraction, although losing dragons is, personally, pretty saddening.

Later!

And there he is, Hi-- oh wait; he's gone now.

Anyone wanting to take bet's when he'll come back? :tongue:

 

[Mad Dog]

Hola! I'm still around! I'm gonna catch up on this thread and get back in the swing of things. Twitter is convenient in ways, but there's nothing like writing a fully fledged post here. Missed you all! Back to the topic at hand... I'm hella excited for this new attraction, although losing dragons is, personally, pretty saddening.

Later!

Welcome back to the active ranks. Looking forward to your always astute view of events & attractions. :thumbsup:

 

[Felipe]

And there he is, Hi-- oh wait; he's gone now.

Anyone wanting to take bet's when he'll come back? :tongue:

I'm here! Back for good! I just got back from the movies. A/C is broken at my house, so had to escape for a bit lol.

Thanks everyone for the kind words. The OU / IU community is the best!


As far as Star Wars vs. Potter, both are huge, timeless IPs, each with lots of fans, and many fans of both. Potter brought life back to Uni and catapulted it to incredible success. I think Star Wars' (and Avatar's, and Guardians') impact might be to distribute crowds a bit more evenly around WDW. I don't think Star Wars will be WDW's "Potter." While I'm truly excited for Galaxy's Edge, it's no Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, or Diagon Alley. I mean that in the way that it's an amazing looking land with the Star Wars name slapped on it; it's not an iconic setting from any of the movies and books. That alone makes it less exciting than the aforementioned Potter lands. I'm still REALLY excited and looking forward to it. Probably the most out of any of the upcoming WDW (announced) projects. But that's my honest take.

Now, back to this coaster, I'm also really excited for it, but I'm not without some curiosity and concern for what it's gonna feature and how it's gonna be pulled of. I'm a bit worried that Uni was overly safe and (understandably) shortsighted with Phase 1, and they featured way too much on Forbidden Journey. They have the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping Willow, the Chamber of Secrets, the Quidditch pitch... all of which could make stand-alone attractions. The only other iconic setting that's adjacent to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, which has been untapped, is the Black Lake. That's an interesting possibility, but it definitely gives me pause. It would not be easy to pull that off effectively, especially without screens, and I want the fewest screens possible.

Ideally, I think this attraction could showcase the Forbidden Forest and the Black Lake, and feature its Fantastic inhabitants. (Hint hint? When's Fantastic Beasts 2 coming out? And it's going back to Europe for the future movies, if I'm not mistaken.) I'm hoping for ET's forest queue 2.0 + Mummy's coaster/dark ride system + classic Potter theming + Gringotts/Diagon Alley animatronics 2.0 = AWESOME. We shall see in due time.

Hope I didn't say too many things already mentioned in this thread, but if I did: YAY, we agree! Now I'm gonna go catch up on what y'all have been discussing. Later!

 

[AlexanderMBush]

I'm here! Back for good! I just got back from the movies. A/C is broken at my house, so had to escape for a bit lol.

Thanks everyone for the kind words. The OU / IU community is the best!


As far as Star Wars vs. Potter, both are huge, timeless IPs, each with lots of fans, and many fans of both. Potter brought life back to Uni and catapulted it to incredible success. I think Star Wars' (and Avatar's, and Guardians') impact might be to distribute crowds a bit more evenly around WDW. I don't think Star Wars will be WDW's "Potter." While I'm truly excited for Galaxy's Edge, it's no Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, or Diagon Alley. I mean that in the way that it's an amazing looking land with the Star Wars name slapped on it; it's not an iconic setting from any of the movies and books. That alone makes it less exciting than the aforementioned Potter lands. I'm still REALLY excited and looking forward to it. Probably the most out of any of the upcoming WDW (announced) projects. But that's my honest take.

Now, back to this coaster, I'm also really excited for it, but I'm not without some curiosity and concern for what it's gonna feature and how it's gonna be pulled of. I'm a bit worried that Uni was overly safe and (understandably) shortsighted with Phase 1, and they featured way too much on Forbidden Journey. They have the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping Willow, the Chamber of Secrets, the Quidditch pitch... all of which could make stand-alone attractions. The only other iconic setting that's adjacent to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, which has been untapped, is the Black Lake. That's an interesting possibility, but it definitely gives me pause. It would not be easy to pull that off effectively, especially without screens, and I want the fewest screens possible.

Ideally, I think this attraction could showcase the Forbidden Forest and the Black Lake, and feature its Fantastic inhabitants. (Hint hint? When's Fantastic Beasts 2 coming out? And it's going back to Europe for the future movies, if I'm not mistaken.) I'm hoping for ET's forest queue 2.0 + Mummy's coaster/dark ride system + classic Potter theming + Gringotts/Diagon Alley animatronics 2.0 = AWESOME. We shall see in due time.

Hope I didn't say too many things already mentioned in this thread, but if I did: YAY, we agree! Now I'm gonna go catch up on what y'all have been discussing. Later!

FB2 doesn't come out till next year.

I think FF is the given, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Thinkwell team responsible for the WB London Exhibit is responsible for some part of the creative development of the attraction.

 

[Teebin]

The only other iconic setting that's adjacent to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, which has been untapped, is the Black Lake.

Aaaah! I knew that we would benefit from your input. Capture of the Grindylow. Welcome back!

 

[Andysol]

I disagree with that.

Universal Orlando Resort has diversified since Hogsmeade, and while they have Diagon (and the Coaster replacement happening), they have brought in a better atmosphere for Simpsons with expanding it's footprint to be Springfield. They brought two new big IP's to New York Street, The Tonight Show and Transformers, and that's not even mentioning the USF project and Super Nintendo World for the coming few years.

And as for IOA, while it hasn't gotten as much love as USF, it brought back King Kong with a plussed version of the hit Hollywood Tour Animation; did major changes to Hulk and did a new refresh on Spider-Man's Visuals.

Not to mention the Citywalk expansion, and Universal's Volcano Bay; ontop of multiple hotels, the Universal Vs. Disney argument will stay strong, especially as Universal will probably have a second gate up by the end of the next decade.

What is this, a universal marketing pitch?
"Did major changes to hulk".

He's not wrong. In the next few years- like he said- it will be Harry Potter vs Star Wars. Certainly in 2019.
In 2019 all press will compare Star Wars land with the most immersive land currently. It will stack its cards next to it.
That's why D.C. Replacement was a brilliant PR move. In Hollywood, Star Wars will almost assuredly top USH's Potter. But in Orlando, Star Wars isn't going to stand a chance vs the expansive hogsmeade/Diagon/HE. And if they do incorporate MoM- it'll be downright embarrassing for SWL in comparison.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

What is this, a universal marketing pitch?
"Did major changes to hulk".

He's not wrong. In the next few years- like he said- it will be Harry Potter vs Star Wars. Certainly in 2019.
In 2019 all press will compare Star Wars land with the most immersive land currently. It will stack its cards next to it.
That's why D.C. Replacement was a brilliant PR move. In Hollywood, Star Wars will almost assuredly top USH's Potter. But in Orlando, Star Wars isn't going to stand a chance vs the expansive hogsmeade/Diagon/HE. And if they do incorporate MoM- it'll be downright embarrassing for SWL in comparison.

I wasn't trying to be a marketing pitch. And that I wouldn't say Potter is the only note that Universal has.

I do agree that USH will have issues, but I do imagine they will have something to offset the amount of people in SWL at Anaheim. Although, it doesn't mean that SNW will be coming sooner than it needs too over there.

Either way, looking at the plot; if it's a complete teardown with no pieces sold off, I wonder how fast demolition will go.

 

[Quint]

Either way, looking at the plot; if it's a complete teardown with no pieces sold off, I wonder how fast demolition will go.

Demolition crew has been working between DC and FotH this week. I'd wager once the ride closure happens, all track and supports will be a memory by November.

 

[anihilnation]

I'm here! Back for good! I just got back from the movies. A/C is broken at my house, so had to escape for a bit lol.

Thanks everyone for the kind words. The OU / IU community is the best!

Welcome back.

 

[rhino4evr]

What is this, a universal marketing pitch?
"Did major changes to hulk".

He's not wrong. In the next few years- like he said- it will be Harry Potter vs Star Wars. Certainly in 2019.
In 2019 all press will compare Star Wars land with the most immersive land currently. It will stack its cards next to it.
That's why D.C. Replacement was a brilliant PR move. In Hollywood, Star Wars will almost assuredly top USH's Potter. But in Orlando, Star Wars isn't going to stand a chance vs the expansive hogsmeade/Diagon/HE. And if they do incorporate MoM- it'll be downright embarrassing for SWL in comparison.

I don't think Disney will be "embarrassed" by Potter one bit. I also think it will make attendance at DHS sky rocket. A 3rd Potter ride isn't going to bring in the same type of returns.

Last I heard Disney was making an actual Star Wars Hotel. I don't think UOR will come close to topping that kind of immersion. Unless they create one of their own.

 

[Mad Dog]

I would guess that UC has thrown around the idea of a HP hotel. But whether they consider it feasible or practical is another matter. Plus Warner/Rowling approval would complicate matters.

 

[Magistra]

The area inside the black outline is the permitted project 942 construction zone.

Thanks @Magistra for the image.

When it was posted people were talking about an out and back hyper running down Turkey Lake. I believe it is more likely a new sound barrier.

Here's where I pulled the black outline from fyi: https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando...orlando-resort-files-more-permits-for.html#i1

 

[Magistra]

If thestrals are indeed the direction they go in, we could have a ride that goes from being pulled by carriage to being airborne. Which would be different and would require a roof on the ride vehicles. Actually the more I think about it the less likely it seems like it'll be thestrals. Even though it is canon it seems like a copout to have an invisible creature moving the vehicle

Which again is why I suggested it might be cool to use some video projection system to occasionally have a flicker of a Thestral appear momentarily in front of our carriage and explain the appearance as the result of some new spell.

 

[UK-Trigg]

I'm here! Back for good! I just got back from the movies. A/C is broken at my house, so had to escape for a bit lol.

Thanks everyone for the kind words. The OU / IU community is the best!


As far as Star Wars vs. Potter, both are huge, timeless IPs, each with lots of fans, and many fans of both. Potter brought life back to Uni and catapulted it to incredible success. I think Star Wars' (and Avatar's, and Guardians') impact might be to distribute crowds a bit more evenly around WDW. I don't think Star Wars will be WDW's "Potter." While I'm truly excited for Galaxy's Edge, it's no Hogsmeade, Hogwarts, or Diagon Alley. I mean that in the way that it's an amazing looking land with the Star Wars name slapped on it; it's not an iconic setting from any of the movies and books. That alone makes it less exciting than the aforementioned Potter lands. I'm still REALLY excited and looking forward to it. Probably the most out of any of the upcoming WDW (announced) projects. But that's my honest take.

Now, back to this coaster, I'm also really excited for it, but I'm not without some curiosity and concern for what it's gonna feature and how it's gonna be pulled of. I'm a bit worried that Uni was overly safe and (understandably) shortsighted with Phase 1, and they featured way too much on Forbidden Journey. They have the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping Willow, the Chamber of Secrets, the Quidditch pitch... all of which could make stand-alone attractions. The only other iconic setting that's adjacent to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, which has been untapped, is the Black Lake. That's an interesting possibility, but it definitely gives me pause. It would not be easy to pull that off effectively, especially without screens, and I want the fewest screens possible.

Ideally, I think this attraction could showcase the Forbidden Forest and the Black Lake, and feature its Fantastic inhabitants. (Hint hint? When's Fantastic Beasts 2 coming out? And it's going back to Europe for the future movies, if I'm not mistaken.) I'm hoping for ET's forest queue 2.0 + Mummy's coaster/dark ride system + classic Potter theming + Gringotts/Diagon Alley animatronics 2.0 = AWESOME. We shall see in due time.

Hope I didn't say too many things already mentioned in this thread, but if I did: YAY, we agree! Now I'm gonna go catch up on what y'all have been discussing. Later!

Good to see you buddy, now we just need @Hockeyman55 (Mike) to show his face and well be back to full strength

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I don't think Disney will be "embarrassed" by Potter one bit. I also think it will make attendance at DHS sky rocket. A 3rd Potter ride isn't going to bring in the same type of returns.

Last I heard Disney was making an actual Star Wars Hotel. I don't think UOR will come close to topping that kind of immersion. Unless they create one of their own.

DHS attendance will skyrocket because Epcot by then will be a construction themed park.

 

[youhow2]

Here's where I pulled the black outline from fyi: https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando...orlando-resort-files-more-permits-for.html#i1

If they are really getting entirely rid of lost continent for "Super Hogsmeade" I'm thrilled. HP really is the one property that deserves it.

Forbbidden Forest (ride), Black Lake (show), Quidditch pitch ( Triwizard tournament attraction) So many things they can still do. Besides, Lost Continent is DEAD as soon as Dragons come down.


I love LC, But it is but a shadow of it's former self and deserves to be put down with dignity. Let potter take over the whole land and let UC go to work to plus-up an already unrivaled experience.

 

[Joel]

If they are really getting entirely rid of lost continent for "Super Hogsmeade" I'm thrilled. HP really is the one property that deserves it.

Forbbidden Forest (ride), Black Lake (show), Quidditch pitch ( Triwizard tournament attraction) So many things they can still do. Besides, Lost Continent is DEAD as soon as Dragons come down.


I love LC, But it is but a shadow of it's former self and deserves to be put down with dignity. Let potter take over the whole land and let UC go to work to plus-up an already unrivaled experience.

so much yes

 

[Mad Dog]

I'm still thinking that area in black is just the extent of the water planning area for the project. and the actual expansion will only occur in the DC area, at this point in time. Just like the Reign of Kong project included areas in Jurassic Park, for water planning purposes, and the attraction did not extend into those areas. Lost Continent is probably for another time in the future. You can only take so much out, and do so much, at one time, without adversely affecting the park.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

If they are really getting entirely rid of lost continent for "Super Hogsmeade" I'm thrilled. HP really is the one property that deserves it.

Forbbidden Forest (ride), Black Lake (show), Quidditch pitch ( Triwizard tournament attraction) So many things they can still do. Besides, Lost Continent is DEAD as soon as Dragons come down.


I love LC, But it is but a shadow of it's former self and deserves to be put down with dignity. Let potter take over the whole land and let UC go to work to plus-up an already unrivaled experience.

Poseideons Fury and Sinbad are two of the lowest rated attractions at IOA so I imagine a replacement is in the cards, but not during this project.

 

[captainmoch]

Poseideons Fury and Sinbad are two of the lowest rated attractions at IOA so I imagine a replacement is in the cards, but not during this project.

Lost Continent should go to How to Train Your Dragon or Zelda, no question. Doubling the size of Hogsmeade on top of the existing land, the Forbidden Forest attraction, Diagon Alley, and a potential MoM attraction is just plain excessive.