WWoHP coming to USJ in 2014

[Parkscope Joe]

Still. Never been a fan of Attack of the Clones in the Theme Park biz, with Disney being the biggest offender. But I guess it makes sense. I just hope the attractions/lands are unique in some form, even if I may never go as far as Japan again to experience it.

The only people who seem to care are those who are privileged enough to be able to travel to all the parks (like myself.) I'm all for 'cloning' as long as it makes sense and is of a high quality. I mean, how many people here wouldn't give a limb to have TDL's Pooh instead of the one at MK right now? How about StormChasers?

 

[JungleSkip]

The only people who seem to care are those who are privileged enough to be able to travel to all the parks (like myself.) I'm all for 'cloning' as long as it makes sense and is of a high quality. I mean, how many people here wouldn't give a limb to have TDL's Pooh instead of the one at MK right now? How about StormChasers?

I agree. As long as the clones make sense in its area and is high quality I'm all for it. Soarin' in The Land is an example of something I'm all for.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Here's a question I just thought of: assuming the new lands also include Forbidden Journey, does that mean Universal will get an exclusivity contract with Kuka again in those markets like they did in Orlando?

 

[UNIrd]

The only people who seem to care are those who are privileged enough to be able to travel to all the parks (like myself.) I'm all for 'cloning' as long as it makes sense and is of a high quality. I mean, how many people here wouldn't give a limb to have TDL's Pooh instead of the one at MK right now? How about StormChasers?

TDL's Pooh is incredible. Whether we have the exact same ride or not is irrelevant. Disney isn't even trying to bring that kind of technology here.

StormChasers was an incredible ride as well, something I can definitely see cloned at Epcot (and I would love it if they did). If Disney wanted to, they could have incorporated some of the elements of that attraction into Star Tours 2. But again, they didn't.

I agree. As long as the clones make sense in its area and is high quality I'm all for it. Soarin' in The Land is an example of something I'm all for.

I don't see why we're Soarin' Over California in The Land, Future World, Epcot. They could have easily brought the ride experience over with a more fitting film. Please don't encourage their laziness.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

TDL's Pooh is incredible. Whether we have the exact same ride or not is irrelevant.

Isn't that THE POINT OF THE ARGUMENT AGAINST CLONING?

 

[JungleSkip]

I don't see why we're Soarin' Over California in The Land, Future World, Epcot. They could have easily brought the ride experience over with a more fitting film. Please don't encourage their laziness.

It showcases the biomes of California, one of the most geographically and environmentally diverse places in the US. Yes, a new film is needed at this point, but it makes sense in The Land.

 

[UNIrd]

Isn't that THE POINT OF THE ARGUMENT AGAINST CLONING?

I would easily welcome TDL's Pooh to WDW or DLR. To an extent, there's nothing wrong with cloning. But what we got as far as Pooh is concerned is worse than cloning. It's more like half-assed cannibalizing.

 

[JungleSkip]

Our Pooh was the first one, so no cloning involved. And while Hunny Hunt is obviously the superior ride, I've never understood the hate the MK attraction generates. It's a Fantasyland dark ride.:shrug:

 

[Andy]

Our Pooh was the first one, so no cloning involved. And while Hunny Hunt is obviously the superior ride, I've never understood the hate the MK attraction generates. It's a Fantasyland dark ride.:shrug:

So curious to see what there TSMM looks like??? Can't wait to get out to Japan one day :violin:

 

[Descendo]

Has anyone heard any updates on USJ's WWoHP? Apparently construction was supposed to be under way a matter of weeks after its announcement back in May.

 

[BJCool]

Construction update from The Theme Park Guy:

 

[ReelJustice]

I had no idea they were that far along

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I had no idea they were that far along

SURPRISE!

Neither did I, so it's all good. Really impressed, and also intrigued, by the layout here. Can't wait to see more official concept art.

 

[SweeneysGalMegz]

Japanese construction doesn't mess around. You'll see buildings go up that you don't remember being built. It's crazy. And that hasn't been up that long at all - it's recent. Yeah, that's definitely Wizarding World construction. There isn't much else, if anything going on construction wise there right now either.

 

[Felipe]

I. Am. Stunned. :faint:

I am also curious about the layout here, since there are some features that look similar to WW Phase I construction, but it also looks a bit different in other ways.

Too bad we probably won't be getting as many updates of construction here as we get from the Orlando park, but they're gonna be pretty special each time we get one! Looking forward to the next one!!

PS: I wonder if we have any members from Japan? Anyone willing to bring us construction updates over there?
PPS: Megz!

 

[SweeneysGalMegz]

PS: I wonder if we have any members from Japan? Anyone willing to bring us construction updates over there?
PPS: Megz!

I'll see what I can do. :thumbs:

 

[StarTrekGeek]

Woah, they already have a building up! :jaw: I wonder what other rides will be in this version.

 

[Felipe]

From SnitchSeeker:

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Japan park first banners featured on local trains

The local train at the Universal City Station in Osaka, Japan, will be featuring a new advertisement for the upcoming opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan. The JR Yumesaki Line in Osaka heading to the theme park will feature, as shown below, Harry Potter riding on his Firebolt - the same promo used for advertisements for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter park in Orlando, Fla.

The press release noted that the new train line will begin its run this Friday, February 1, for passengers heading to and from Universal Studios Japan. As announced last spring, the Japan expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open to the public in late 2014, as confirmed by Universal Studios and Warner Bros.

UPDATE: Universal Studios Japan have sent over the full press release, in English, along with a hi-res shot of the train, which can be read and seen here.

Beginning Friday, February 1, 2013, Japan Railway Yumesaki Line begins operation of a train wrap designed in the motif of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which opens at Universal Studios Japan in late 2014

On Friday, February 1, 2013, a train with a new design will appear on the Japan Railway Yumesaki Line (Nishikujo – Universal City – Sakurajima), a line providing convenient access to Universal Studios Japan. This is a train wrap design of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter motif, a newly themed environment slated to open in late 2014. The train wrap will feature illustrations of the themed land’s landmark Hogwarts castle and images of the beloved characters, Harry, Hermione and Ron. Toward the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed land, this new train wrap by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) and Universal Studios Japan will raise anticipation of the many passengers for the new themed land’s opening.

There will be even greater number of passengers using JR to travel to Osaka, toward its opening. This will be through a variety of efforts in partnership with Universal Studios Japan and JR West, starting with the themed train wrap. All of this contributes to revitalizing the economy of Kansai, and eventually, the rest of Japan.

About “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” themed land :
Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films come to life.

About Harry Potter :
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. Each of the seven books by author J.K. Rowling has broken sales records, with the series to date having sold approximately 450 million copies worldwide and translated into more than 70 languages. The Harry Potter films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than 7.7 billion to date worldwide at the box office, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history. In Japan, the Harry Potter film series has been seen by more than 78 million people in theaters.

About Universal Studios Japan:
Universal Studios Japan will open the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in late 2014 for the first time outside in U.S to realize its philosophy of “Bring you the Best of the World,” Universal Studios Japan invested 45 billion yen to create the themed land that authentically brings the stories of Harry Potter to life.

 

[Andy]

So 490 million give or take a dollar in today's market. Is this the first time they've confirmed a price tag? I feel like I said 500 million some where and some confirmed while others screamed foul

 

[Felipe]

Definitely the first time I see a $ number mentioned. I guess it's them showing how much they're investing in the area, since they make a point that they're helping to revitalize the economy of the area, "and eventually, the rest of Japan." :thumbs: