I just want to say your point about Orlando losing 1mill Brits just doesn't hold up to scrutiny (yes I know you exaggerated but i like debating). Simply because for a Brit it's a very different thing from taking a daytrip to Bedford than it is going on a full-blown holiday to Orlando. UGB could never truly cannibalise visitors from UOR simply because people aren't going to Orlando exclusively for Potter (well most people, the Potter stans definitely are), they're going for multiple things which the UK could never offer even if UGB was a carbon copy of IOA.
I do think though that the discourse that not having Potter will have a severe blowback, simply because I have confidence that Universal will make sure UGB opens with an IP on the level of Potter (they could even open with it) that will draw the Brits in droves. Whether it's LOTR, SNW or something completely new, it'll be a big enough deal to negate any Potter blowback.
What I think is happening is alot of Brits are very excited they might get WW in the UK (to the level of Hogwarts Castle/Hogsmeade) and the idea of it not happening has people fretting and worrying. Sure there's the Studio Tour, but honestly it pales in comparison to the IOA WW, just for the sheer impact and awe it inspires.
In my own opinion I'm of the mind that the best route they can go is pairing that big IP with Potter, that would definitely make a statement. Now whether they go HC/HM or some other location in the WW I have no idea but I think having a properly themed WW area and another huge IP is the best way forward. But that's just m
travelweekly.co.uk
It's a safe option--true, but damn it does make sense to use Wizarding NY as you have a plot that can easily work with it (and a ride system that you can easily bring back, looks at the original Plans where Hagrids is now).
I was not exagerrating anything, that is the literal number of visitors Orlando gets from Britain each year.. 1.2 M Brits is 10% of total visitors to UOR. And everyone on here is acting like Potter is the main draw in Florida when it really isnt. It is very clear Universal want to get all 1.2m of those people visiting both Florida and Bedford then look at other markets to find the other 7-9m they want visiting which will only happen if they have independent slates of rides and attractions, so yes they have considered it and are not going to clone anything from UOR.UK visitors to Florida topped 1.1 million in 2022 | Travel Weekly
Data revealed at state’s travel trade show
this topic is like groundhog day
Think you may be confusing my reply with someone else as I didn't say it needed to be an exisiting Potter land or attraction.
How many came to Orlando pre-potter? I imagine pretty close to what comes now. To say if they add Potter no one from GB comes to Orlando is pretty ridiculous argument.I was not exagerrating anything, that is the literal number of visitors Orlando gets from Britain each year.. 1.2 M Brits is 10% of total visitors to UOR. And everyone on here is acting like Potter is the main draw in Florida when it really isnt. It is very clear Universal want to get all 1.2m of those people visiting both Florida and Bedford then look at other markets to find the other 7-9m they want visiting which will only happen if they have independent slates of rides and attractions, so yes they have considered it and are not going to clone anything from UOR.UK visitors to Florida topped 1.1 million in 2022 | Travel Weekly
Data revealed at state’s travel trade show
this topic is like groundhog day
I never said "no one from GB comes to Orlando" I said they want people visiting both. I also have been saying ad nauseum, that its neither my opinion or nor anyone elses on this forum they are not cloning rides from Orlando but Universals decision to do so, since they are ones on the line for both parks, im sure not cannibilising their parks at all isnt ridiculous to them.
But as a long time Potter fan, it does feel the closest we’ve been. There’s a lot going on. Maybe going without is the smartest plan. But a wait and see approach seems logical for us.
I trust your Insider info. You're just about always right, so that really makes arguing against this moot. The only caveat is that Universal sometimes changes their mind at the last minute. Otherwise, that's probably the way it's going to be.
You can go to any Wal-Mart or Target in the US (Orlando has sections dedicated to the parks, so we'll ignore those) and you'll still find tons of HP-branded merchandise, toys, wands, etc., and that's not preventing anyone from visiting UOR and spending boatloads on merch. While yes, it may feel like the UK has an abundance of Potter experiences... a Universal experience would no doubt draw crowds far more than a simple store in King's Cross.
Yes, but I sincerely doubt having something Potter-related would completely deter visits to UOR. Potter is a gold mine that's given Universal the ability to expand at a rapid pace over the last few years. Claiming that the licensing fees for Potter are no longer worth the price is a questionable statement as they continue to invest in the IP.
