I think one of the biggest stories of the year was the Sea World incident, but it just seemed so unhappy of a thing to vote for.... I found the Singapore news to be more pleasant.
I suppose Harry Potter Land really was one of the biggest deals this year (the turnout for it was impressive I suppose, although somewhat expected maybe?). I just thought that the Singapore park had a lot of interesting elements and features (it seems a little different from the other Universal Parks..... and some of the rides are pretty unique to me).
I really enjoyed reading about Universatl Singapore and seeing pictures of it (and it's attractions), and it was probably the thing I searched youtube to find footage of the most this past year (out of the things on the list). Only thing is..... I wish I would not have to get a passport to go see it!!
The sad news about Will's death shocked everybody in the industry - park fans too. But looking back I'd rather think of the positives each year.
So here's to Harry Potter!
It is , however, the opening of Harry Potter at IOA that was undoubtedly the news story of the year. The number of visitors to it must have matched, or even exceeded , Universal's hopes and wishes and has been a real success story thus far. In most cases the prospect of long lines and interminable waits would put customers off. In the world of theme parks it only serves to encourage and thousands are attracted to it like moths to a flame. Such is the power of this particular franchise and I can almost hear the cash registers playing their own chinking theme music as I write. Congratulations to Universal on a job well done.
Paula Werne
Holiday World
I care. :-)
A fourth major player (Legoland) in Orlando will freshen the tourism business there and keep all the parks competitive.