Stage 28 is still a mystery. I will expect HHN to use the space for the short term. Seems like it was removed for much bigger reasons.
It has been in talks for quite awhile now that the Soundstages directly adjacent to the Lower Lot would eventually turn into theme park space. Something Potter themed for this space, however, simply doesn't make sense. Excuse the following rant, but I have a lot to say on this matter:My prediction is that Stage 28 will be part of a another Harry Potter expansion. I have a feeling that the soundstages next to Stage 28 will be taken down. The park is in desperate need of space to accomadate the large crowds.
But i dont think it will Diagon Alley. it will probably be something very unique. Probably the Ministry of Magic building and a ride themed to it.
I might not be right, but i just have a feeling.
It has been in talks for quite awhile now that the Soundstages directly adjacent to the Lower Lot would eventually turn into theme park space. Something Potter themed for this space, however, simply doesn't make sense. Excuse the following rant, but I have a lot to say on this matter:
A Ministry of Magic expansion has been rumored to hit USF for a long time coming (particularly replacing Fear Factor Live so that it is situated next to Diagon Alley), but it just doesn't make sense. Those familiar with the books and films know that this particular location is a governmental wizarding establishment, so how would you translate that into a theme park experience? There are no known dining venues, shopping locations, or anything that could logically be turned into a ride or attraction. The only experience that could possibly be offered from a location like this would be a walkthrough, but that would be an immense waste of theme park space. An expansion like this would put the minds of Universal Creative to extensive strain, even more so than what they did to enliven Diagon Alley (Horizont Alley, Carkitt Market, etc.). A location like the Ministry would bring across so many logistical hurdles. For example, how would we enter the building? Through a large show building entrance like Transformers or RotM? Not possible. I could go on for days, and I apologize if my Potterhead rant comes across as rude, but my point is that this just doesn't work out.
My suggestion for this space would be to keep on eye on other Universal properties.
That's the catch: what they create must be very accurate, or it simply wouldn't suffice. Like I said, there would have to be extreme stretching of the story (more so than what was done in both Hogsmeade and Diagon combined) to create the environment.In terms of the ride, the plot your proposed (as mentioned above) seems reminiscent of Escape from Gringotts. I suppose it would be a logical ride backstory, but then you have the ride itself. What could it possibly be, and what ride vehicles would be utilized? How/why would we "Muggles" assist in defending the Ministry against dark forces?We don't have to follow the books exact.
As for the ride, it will take place during the 6th book. The guest enters as a wizard applying for a job at the ministry. Cornelius Fudge conducts the interview in a separate room (pretty much like in the Tower of Terror). The interview is interrupted by an announcement over the loudspeaker that the Ministry is under attack by Lord Voldemort's followers. Cornelius then tells the guests that they must help defend the ministry. The guests then exit the room and enter ride vehicles. At the end of the ride, after successfully defending the Ministry from the attack, Cornelius jokingly says, "You're hired."
Haha. I think you're thinking of the never ending Diagon Alley debate. This is a slightly different topic, but not far from it..!I feel like we've had this debate over and over in the Potter thread
I'm sure Universal and Warner Brothers would be willing to bend the rules slightly if the demand (and cash) is there.We don't have to follow the books exact. Just think of the early Star Wars video games. They follow the story, but they can also create spin-off and new information not presented in the movies. Universal creative and J.K. Rowling will have to work together to think of what goes on in a separate world in the Ministry of magic.
How are we "warping" the integrity of the story? We're not outright lying to the fans and creating something that never happened. We are just expanding upon an idea that is still on the same timeline. There is nothing wrong with creating a side story for the fans and non-fans. People on the internet do it all the time. So why not Universal? I think it would motivate people to come to explore that new world rather than make them mad.OK Jon, there's bend the rules, and then there's warp the integrity/realism of the world that the stories take place in.
As a Potter fanatic, I can tell you that it just seems very far fetched, especially in Hollywood. In Orlando, I can imagine it, but not here.
Besides...a hypothetical Ministry would be connected to the Diagon Alley/London expansion anyway.
There's gonna be a tipping point where there will simply be too much Potter.
I....I love you.What can be placed in an area that is only 3 acres in size?
"Diagon Alley"
"Ministry of Magic"