Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida.
The Kuka robot-arm-driven dark ride through Hogwart's Castle (and, via Floo Network elsewhere in the Wizarding World) promises to be most unique ride system debuting this year, not to mention being the first U.S. attraction based upon the biggest book-and-movie franchise in the world this decade. Obviously interest is high, not just among the regular theme park fans and Harry Potter devotees. This is one of those occasional theme park openings that draws attention from folks who don't normally pay much attention to theme parks.
Which provides a huge opportunity for Universal Orlando to win new customers and build market share. (Universal's already raising some ticket prices, in an effort to ensure visitors stay longer than just a day or two this year.)
But as we wait for Universal to reach out to the general public, what about the industry's most loyal fans? What about you? Are you planning to make a trip to Universal Orlando this year?
That's our vote of the week:
Tell us why, or why not, in the comments. And, as always, thank you for reading Theme Park Insider!
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The entire family had a blast @ Universal, Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and Animal Kingdom but we will give them a chance to get the kinks worked out before we give up another week of our time along with a month of salary.
This past summer, we did get the 7 day ticket on line, but opted to only go for 2 days, since we'd finished both parks in that time. I have gotten annual passes in the past, and went down for 2 summers in a row, but I can't do that anymore. So price wise, with their new increase, I'm not in any hurry to go there just to see Harry, even though we like the books and movies.
On a side question to Robert, any word on the cast members coming for the opening?
That, and I already have my vacation planned for this year - Vegas.
I should note that I plan to vacation at Universal Orlando (and SeaWorld) in May of 2011 once the Wizarding World is completely done and working properly. Sorry, Universal, I love you with all my heart, but I just don't trust you after last year's RRR debacle!
Usually hit Universal at least once a year, but with smaller increases across the board, and now a recent doubling in price - I'm looking at heading elsewhere. Especially since it's really just one new attraction.
As for the trip, gives me more time to save up and, more importantly work out who is going to dog sit for that long ..... !!!
Happy travels to those who will be going, though.
On another note, I heard that they are having to hire from the outside because they didn't get enough employees willing to transfer to HP from the inside. Gee, I wonder why? Massive crowds, impatient and probably rude people, all for the magnificent wage of $7.53 hour? I am rushing to apply, not.
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Plus if there are any major issues with any attractions they should have been ironed out by then too