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Three Broomsticks to be constructed

Universal Orlando: Can the Three Broomsticks really be that appealing?

From Amanda Jenkins
Posted August 1, 2008 at 10:34 PM
I received an email from Universal regarding the Harry Potter part in construction. Did everyone see the artistic picture for the Three Broomsticks. I read that they are taking votes from people to see what should be built and what you would like to eat and experience. Personally, I would have liked to have Honeydukes. Today I particpated in a poll to see what people would like to drink. I chose pumpkin juice, but it looked like butterbeer (which sounds totally unappealing to me) will be what you can purchase at the Three Broomsticks).

I hate to say this, but I was not impressed with how the Three Broomsticks looked in the picture. It just looked like an old wooden building with lots of tables and chairs (which I know it would be basically since it is supposed to be a bar). I think that is why I had hoped to see Honeydukes. In the stories it was always bright, warm and smelled heavenly with all the confectionary wonders. There is only so much appeal with a bar. I am curious what everyone else thinks and hopes will be there.


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Scott Seal
Posted August 2, 2008 at 4:53 AM
I'd say to rest easy...there is bound to be more than one restaurant, and there will definitely be a candy shop in the Wizarding World. As far as the concept art goes, I think you made a smart observation, and something that has gone overlooked a little in the big Potter fan circles. These places, as described in the books, are cozy little nooks carved out in the sides of hills, or little corner shops obscured from the view of the outside world. In the reality of Orlando, these places will have to be massive structures which will seat hundreds of people, and follow all the fire codes and traffic patterns as prescribed by the great state of Florida. That means wide open spaces.

The thematic elements will be there. It will look like Harry Potter. But transforming the quaint little shacks and ancient ruins of Rowling's world into a functional mass-entertainment complex will take some creativity. It is in this regard that the Disney Imagineers really shine beyond their counterparts at the various other creative engineering firms who work at other parks. However, the IOA guys have done some good work...and we'll just have to see how it turns out.

From Anthony Murphy
Posted August 2, 2008 at 7:19 AM
I personally think it looks great and very similar to the Enchanted Oak. Looks like it came right from the movie

From Robert Niles
Posted August 2, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I've created a listing page for The Three Broomsticks. Feel free to update that listing description as more details become available, or as you hear things from Universal employees.

From Amanda Jenkins
Posted August 2, 2008 at 12:28 PM
I hope that in the end that I will be wrong. I guess I just expected Universal to really show us and explain what they are planning since they have exclusive rights, thus having no fear of competitors stealing their ideas. So far it is just certain buildings they are constructing, with places to eat and tour. Not that it is a bad thing, I guess I just expect...well...more. I think there is so much that could be constructed from these stories if done properly, but as Scott said, it must be made for the masses

From Joshua Counsil
Posted August 3, 2008 at 3:37 PM
I think the concept art looks great - a traditional English pub with a sense of grandeur. The books never glorified The Three Broomsticks as an over-the-top location. It was simply a warm and charming pub.

With the construction of Hogsmeade will come more locations, including, hopefully, Honeydukes (which should be over-the-top) and the Shrieking Shack.

From Eric Malone
Posted August 4, 2008 at 7:25 AM
If I'm not mistaken, a past article here has mention that they're working on recipes for butterbeer AND pumpkin juice. Considering that both are staple, fictional (mostly) drinks in Potterverse, I don't think you have to worry about which one you'll be forced to buy, because you'll have your choice of either or. I guarantee it.

As for Honeydukes, there's a good chance that they'll implement that, too. I don't think that the polls are strictly, 'Well, this is what the people want, so this is what they get!'. I think it's also a precursor for greater things. Honeydukes was pretty high up there, right?

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