The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade (Orlando): Part 2

[Stagefrenzy]

Did we talk about when/if FJ got new cushions in the headrest?

 

[TylerDurden]

They did. You have to realise that the same things you see as a guest are not creative decisions. Disney is notorious for wanting to maintain very strict creative control on their projects while JK wanted hers. (Ironically this relationship is very similar to that of Mary Poppins and Walt Disney.) To give you an idea of some of the control, Rowling dictates only a very specific rail is used in the queues for the WWoHP; unfortunately this rail is produced by one company only and they tend to charge around 10K for 15ft of rail. Universal is better for working WITH an IP which is why they tend to partner with more.

That's not what I was asking...the article posted a page back specifically says Rowling wanted guests to walk in through the back of Three Broomsticks...you don't have to do that at Universal, so what made her more lax with them? I also thought I remember reading that Rowling wanted Disney to make a full park for HP, or that she wanted all guests to travel their by boat, and because Disney obviously wouldn't do that, she went with Universal, who did none of these things. My question was about why, if Disney was turned down for not fulfilling ridiculous requests, why does Universal get away with having a pretty basic area? lazy boy's answer about coke products and size control makes sense, but that still doesn't explain some of the things mentioned in the story posted about Rowlings outburst.

 

[Milla4Prez66]

That's not what I was asking...the article posted a page back specifically says Rowling wanted guests to walk in through the back of Three Broomsticks...you don't have to do that at Universal, so what made her more lax with them? I also thought I remember reading that Rowling wanted Disney to make a full park for HP, or that she wanted all guests to travel their by boat, and because Disney obviously wouldn't do that, she went with Universal, who did none of these things. My question was about why, if Disney was turned down for not fulfilling ridiculous requests, why does Universal get away with having a pretty basic area? lazy boy's answer about coke products and size control makes sense, but that still doesn't explain some of the things mentioned in the story posted about Rowlings outburst.

Here is an explanation for ya, this story is a bunch of BS lol.

 

[Shadow Carelli]

Here is an explanation for ya, this story is a bunch of BS lol.

I'm with you on this one.

 

[UK-Trigg]

Here is an explanation for ya, this story is a bunch of BS lol.

Sometimes you just gotta tell it how it is

 

[Disneyhead]

TD, that story posted, while delightfully anti-Disney, is total fanfic as to how it really went down.

Maybe 30 years from now we will get a white washed telling from Universal called "Saving IOA".

 

[GGGhost]

That's not what I was asking...the article posted a page back specifically says Rowling wanted guests to walk in through the back of Three Broomsticks...you don't have to do that at Universal, so what made her more lax with them? I also thought I remember reading that Rowling wanted Disney to make a full park for HP, or that she wanted all guests to travel their by boat, and because Disney obviously wouldn't do that, she went with Universal, who did none of these things. My question was about why, if Disney was turned down for not fulfilling ridiculous requests, why does Universal get away with having a pretty basic area? lazy boy's answer about coke products and size control makes sense, but that still doesn't explain some of the things mentioned in the story posted about Rowlings outburst.

If I had to guess, I'd say that whoever wrote that article meant "Leaky Cauldron" rather than "Three Broomsticks." An entrance through the back of 3B wouldn't make any sense, so I don't see why Rowling would demand that. Perhaps Disney's original proposal was to recreate Diagon Alley, but they couldn't find a workable way to present the hidden entrance.

Also, I feel like I have read a different iteration of this same story, but this one seems to embellish a bit. In the account I read, Rowling had already been meeting with both Disney and Universal, and after a particularly unproductive meeting with Disney, she decided they were at an impasse. So before leaving town, she requested an impromptu meeting with Universal, and a deal was struck.

Again, not totally sure of the truth in it, but that's what I remember reading somewhere.

 

[Hedwig201]

There was a documentary following J.K. Rowling as she finished the last book, in the documentary it appears that Universal wanted to build the park and came to J.K. Rowling to show her some ideas. J.K. Rowling never went to Florida, she never demanded that her creation be turned into a themed attraction. Universal wanted it to happen and JK approved.

Here's a clip of that meeting which contradicts greatly with the story of her supposedly going to Florida herself:
[video=youtube;_Bcz6vfff18]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bcz6vfff18[/video]

 

[TylerDurden]

well that makes quite a bit more sense then

 

[Parkscope Joe]

People probably came to JK to present ideas, as I know Disney had Tony Baxter working on a treatment for Potter on the 20K lagoon site.

 

[Teebin]

^ I would quicker think that Uni contacted WB as they wanted all of their designs from the films. WB only had film/merch rights and it was WB who contacted JKRs agents/managers/legal monolith regarding a themepark deal. Disney may or may not have contacted WB and instead went directly to the JKR agents/managers/legal machine. I would imagine JKR's closest aides brought her the initial proposals and she skoffed and/or agreed to see more.

Some of you here are so new that I don't believe you saw Universals initial proposals and concepts... they were horrid; a change of signs and people running around in robes in the old Lost Continent. So, I am confident that JKR never took a call directly with Disney or Universal at the outset. It was her people/their people.

 

[Skipper Justin]

^ I would quicker think that Uni contacted WB as they wanted all of their designs from the films. WB only had film/merch rights and it was WB who contacted JKRs agents/managers/legal monolith regarding a themepark deal. Disney may or may not have contacted WB and instead went directly to the JKR agents/managers/legal machine. I would imagine JKR's closest aides brought her the initial proposals and she skoffed and/or agreed to see more.

Some of you here are so new that I don't believe you saw Universals initial proposals and concepts... they were horrid; a change of signs and people running around in robes in the old Lost Continent. So, I am confident that JKR never took a call directly with Disney or Universal at the outset. It was her people/their people.

I wouldn't say all the ideas were horrid, I liked that you entered the castle through the courtyard.

 

[maxairmike]

Chadwick Bay is the brand name if that helps.http://www.pointykitty.org/photos/pearcider1.jpg

Hmmm...I can't seem to find a website for them...wonder if they got bought out or just went out of business? Though I find that hard to believe with the orders they got and get from Universal. Their former website redirects to a marketing and web design company, and all their other activity online seems to have stopped back in 2011. No listings on Amazon or any other websites, even specialty grocery/beverage sites. Is the pear cider not long for this world, or did Universal buy the remaining stock and the recipe to keep making it themselves?

EDIT: They appear to be under Cott, the same owners of RC and various other beverages. Took a while, but LinkedIn actually provided the info.

 

[DufflesMcGee]

^ I would quicker think that Uni contacted WB as they wanted all of their designs from the films. WB only had film/merch rights and it was WB who contacted JKRs agents/managers/legal monolith regarding a themepark deal. Disney may or may not have contacted WB and instead went directly to the JKR agents/managers/legal machine. I would imagine JKR's closest aides brought her the initial proposals and she skoffed and/or agreed to see more.

Some of you here are so new that I don't believe you saw Universals initial proposals and concepts... they were horrid; a change of signs and people running around in robes in the old Lost Continent. So, I am confident that JKR never took a call directly with Disney or Universal at the outset. It was her people/their people.

It was horrid... and some may say what they will about JKR and her ego during the process, but she has been a blessing to uni and the whole amusement industry, bringing the word "immersive" to a whole new level

 

[shiekra38]

Disney wanted is done their way, Universal wanted it done her way...that is the difference

 

[GGGhost]

I honestly don't think it's a matter of ego with JKR. I've never seen any hint (besides questionable stories like the one above) that she's the type to go on a power trip. And she obviously doesn't need the money; she has more money than she could spend in 10 lifetimes.

I think it's just that this is a world she spent nearly 20 years developing. If a theme park experience could be executed perfectly, then it's an opportunity to flesh it out even more for the fans. But because money is no object for her, she is in the very unique position of being able to only accept that which she thinks upholds the integrity of the work. If it can't be done just right, it's no skin off her nose to walk away.

I'm sure there is a great deal of pride, but I wouldn't necessarily say "ego," with all its negative connotations.

 

[Accio Butterbeer]

Maybe eventually, but i'd expect it to be exclusive for awhile definitely. I'm actually planning on making a trip out to USH when i'm out there after it's open specifically for The Great Hall portion of WWoHP. If they bring it here, I may not go. USH desperately needs exclusive things in that park. Right now, the only main attraction there that you can't do in Orlando is the tram tour. There's literally no reason to go to USH right now imo with the content currently there if I have the choice to go to Orlando.

As soon as I posted that I read on Orlando Informer about exclusive things in each park. And you also make a good point. The desperation of something to stand out at Hollywood might have me thinking twice now lol But I wouldn't doubt that it could still happen. I think the same thing was said about Transformers but that was also a different situation. All I know is, as a Potter Head I cant get enough of HP expansions! Also I don't want to go too off topic but I just wanted to throw this out there: I guess WB is planning to fill a void left by the Harry Potter franchise and is planning on a King Arthur movie saga. And they are planning on making up to 5 or more films! Maybe that could replace Lost Continent? I cant get enough Potter but I wouldn't be against that scenario. Also I have the link but I don't know if I'm allowed to post it on here?

 

[frenzy88]

As soon as I posted that I read on Orlando Informer about exclusive things in each park. And you also make a good point. The desperation of something to stand out at Hollywood might have me thinking twice now lol But I wouldn't doubt that it could still happen. I think the same thing was said about Transformers but that was also a different situation. All I know is, as a Potter Head I cant get enough of HP expansions! Also I don't want to go too off topic but I just wanted to throw this out there: I guess WB is planning to fill a void left by the Harry Potter franchise and is planning on a King Arthur movie saga. And they are planning on making up to 5 or more films! Maybe that could replace Lost Continent? I cant get enough Potter but I wouldn't be against that scenario. Also I have the link but I don't know if I'm allowed to post it on here?

It is against forum policy to share links to websites that you operate, or are otherwise affiliated with; without the consent of Orlando United and it's Staff. Posting any links will result in an immediate deletion of the post. Repeat offenders may be subjected to a forum ban.

As long as it's not a site you are affiliated with, feel free to post.

 

[Accio Butterbeer]

As long as it's not a site you are affiliated with, feel free to post.

http://screenrant.com/king-arthur-movies-series-1-6-guy-ritchie-warner-bros-excalibur/

 

[lazyboy97o]

^ I would quicker think that Uni contacted WB as they wanted all of their designs from the films. WB only had film/merch rights and it was WB who contacted JKRs agents/managers/legal monolith regarding a themepark deal. Disney may or may not have contacted WB and instead went directly to the JKR agents/managers/legal machine. I would imagine JKR's closest aides brought her the initial proposals and she skoffed and/or agreed to see more.

Some of you here are so new that I don't believe you saw Universals initial proposals and concepts... they were horrid; a change of signs and people running around in robes in the old Lost Continent. So, I am confident that JKR never took a call directly with Disney or Universal at the outset. It was her people/their people.

The original licensing contract is with Warner Bros. Consumer Products.
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1262449/000119312507178559/dex1041.htm