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Does Disney World have an answer for Universal Orlando?

Apparently the New York Times quoted my article published November 28th, 2010 where I was reacting to the news that while Universal Orlando was having a banner year, Walt Disney World actually decreased in attendance. Here’s the full context:

The first was an Orlando Sentinel story on the flat attendance at Walt Disney World. I have to think that given the poor state of the economy, Disney would have been happy to have not lost any ground. But the reality is Disney did lose ground to Universal Orlando (despite their attempts at hiding the figures). Harry Potter is drawing guests away from the mouse house and Disney still has no answer lined up. That’s very troubling.

I then went on to talk about how Osceola County can capitalize on increase in attention that’s coming Central Florida’s way with LEGOLAND Florida and the Orlando Thrill park.

Like Disney states in the NY Times article, I believe that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a net gain for Orlando tourism business. Unlike Disney World officials, I do believe that there is a high risk of guests shifting their attendance to Universal away from Disney resulting in a net-loss for Disney. Universal is already siphoning off the teens and twenty somethings and LEGOLAND Florida threatens to do the same for the 6 to 10 year old set.

Look at all the Hogwarts scarfs and t-shirts you see next time you’re at WDW. Those guests all visited Universal before coming to Disney. The money they spent there on broomsticks and Butterbeer will not be spent on mouse ears and popcorn. That doesn’t include the guests who are spending a day or two at Disney and then visiting Universal.  I can’t understand why Disney doesn’t appear to be worried.

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Jan Stratton, Universal and Orlando has lost a star

The community of Orlando has lost one of its real stars. The Orlando Sentinel reports that Jan Stratton was pronounced dead at ORMC tonight. My heart felt condolences go out to her husband Jack Cudworth and their children. Stratton was Vice President of Community and… Read More »Jan Stratton, Universal and Orlando has lost a star

Thrilling Amusement Park Proposed for Orlando

A group from Baker Leisure Group, a themed design consultancy who has worked with pretty much everyone in Orlando at one time or another, is proposing to bring a new amusement park to the International Drive area of Orlando. The park would focus on big… Read More »Thrilling Amusement Park Proposed for Orlando

Harry Potter’s Wizarding World through an Anthropologist’s Eye

Dr. K writes blog that looks at popular culture through the twin lens of fandom and an anthropological eye. A four part analysis of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed district is definitely a new take on what I’ve read… Read More »Harry Potter’s Wizarding World through an Anthropologist’s Eye

When you evacuate an attraction, how long should it take?

The 911 tape for the heavily reported on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey evacuation has been released. On it, one of the ride’s passengers claims they had been kept waiting 15 minutes in an uncomfortable position without any notice from ride attendants when help… Read More »When you evacuate an attraction, how long should it take?

When stuck on an attraction, when is it okay to call 911

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

NBC to give an inside look at The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

This Sunday June 6th at 7:00 p.m. EST NBC will be airing a special sneak peek inside The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, a new land that opens at Islands of Adventure on June 18th. As NBC is a parent company of Universal Studios, this… Read More »NBC to give an inside look at The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Wizarding World of Harry Potter preview for Pow Wow Attendees – Part 1

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