There is little doubt Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter addition was the main driver behind the park’s reported 20% attendance growth and a profit of $261 million, which is more than the estimated cost for the whole addition. While it’s unlikely Universal Orlando… Read More »Will London Harry Potter exhibit slow Universal Orlando’s growth?
Capitol Records Nashville recording artist and star of Nickelodeon’s iCarly, Jennette McCurdy, was spotted today at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure newest land the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Above she’s seen enjoying some sweets at Honeydukes. McCurdy was hosted with her family and friends… Read More »iCarly Star Jennette McCurdy visits Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The boy wizard from the mind of J.K. Rowling just gave Universal Orlando it’s best year since 2004. Not only that, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is fattening the long-slimmed wallets of Orlando’s hotels. Particularly those near Universal. Wizarding World’s success has spilled beyond… Read More »Harry Potter pulls Universal Studios, Hotels out of Recession
Walt Disney World and Disneyland aren’t the only parks eexperiencing high attendance this time of year, Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios Orlando has had to close its gates for the first time in its existence. This is, of course, largely due to the popularity… Read More »Islands of Adventure closes gates due to high attendance
There’s a story in the Orlando Sentinel this morning about a ride-stop and subsequent guest evacuation on the new Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure park. Ride-stops and walk-offs happen all the time at theme parks, particularly with… Read More »When stuck on an attraction, when is it okay to call 911
With all the new DVC Resorts, what does WDW need to do?
A few weeks ago during a quarterly results call Disney CEO Bob Iger seemed to imply that once the Magic Kingdom’s new Fantasyland is done and California Adventure’s remake is complete that will be the end of major projects for the parks, at least for a while. I’m not sure he’s taking into account the long list of work that needs to be done.
The list of small projects that could make a trip to Walt Disney World better for the guest is nearly endless. It ranges from little things that could be done better (parking guests at the back of the parking lot when whole sections closer to the gate are still open, bringing back the Country Bear Holiday Show) to large projects (building that bowling alley at ESPN WWOS, a new country or two at EPCOT). But I wanted to focus on the largest needs, those that would make the biggest difference in guest experience.
So follow me below the jump for five suggestions I think WDW should commit to:
At the end of the previous post, I had just discovered I would likely be unable to ride the attraction at my current size (fwiw, I’m already off my diet). I am tall enough; the ride height requirement is 48 inches. We are now prepared… Read More »Wizarding World of Harry Potter Pow Wow Preview – Part 2
Last night I was lucky enough to be among the 2010 International Pow Wow attendees who were invited to preview the exciting Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed land at Islands of Adventure. Alas photos were prohibited, so you’ll have to do with my poor… Read More »Wizarding World of Harry Potter preview for Pow Wow Attendees – Part 1