There are many casual theme park guest who really enjoy the parks, but only pay attention to these things when they start reviewing / planning for their trips & vacations.....
So in a way, it can still be considered a big announcement.
Is either a fully immersive Dreamworks land or go for a Home Run and the only franchise in HP or SW league, and that is LOTR. Granted not as marketable as SW or HP but still very popular and highly regarded as both literature and film.
Well, I guess this wasn't a big surprise... somewhat anti-climactic.