The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hollywood

[William]

If they want to simulate the distance between Hogsmeade (located in Scotland) and Diagon Alley (located in London), wouldn't they want the two lands spread far apart rather than located right next to each other? I think if they do bring Diagon to our park, it won't be located at the front of the park.

 

[thewicked]

If they want to simulate the distance between Hogsmeade (located in Scotland) and Diagon Alley (located in London), wouldn't they want the two lands spread far apart rather than located right next to each other? I think if they do bring Diagon to our park, it won't be located at the front of the park.

I agree.

Though I'm curious as to who may have leaked the potential removal of Waterworld and whether they mistook concept art for a construction plan.

 

[Jonathan]

I would be quite surprised with Universal if they demolished WaterWorld in the next couple of years after reinvesting 2 million into the show. I know it has been earmarked for demolition at some point, but my guess is that the Lower Lot is next on the expansion project.

I also agree with William and others who have posted regarding the new HOH retail and dining area and Shrek would prohibit Universal from redoing their entrance. From my understanding Shrek is not earmarked to go away for quite some time.

Regarding Saddle Ranch, I would imagine it is not long for this world and I would expect that area could be a site for one of the hotels. Just looking at the street widening up the Lankershim hill I can see perhaps they move the road and take out the current toll booths up there.

I believe that Diagon Alley is headed for the lower lot. Timeframe for that is another question. But following Orlando's timeline that would put Diagon at 2020.

 

[William]

I agree.

Though I'm curious as to who may have leaked the potential removal of Waterworld and whether they mistook concept art for a construction plan.

As am I. WaterWorld was slated for eventual demolition according to the Evolution Plan, but things may have changed since then considering the recent investments made into the show.

Also, welcome to the forums!

 

[raffman]

i don't think water world will de demolished for diagon alley i rather see it in the lower lot and and having both lands so close to each really makes it feel really cluttered . i hope a new  property takes over waterworld

 

[thewicked]

As am I. WaterWorld was slated for eventual demolition according to the Evolution Plan, but things may have changed since then considering the recent investments made into the show.

Also, welcome to the forums!

Thanks William,

I've been a lurker for quite sometime, but thought i'd finally start contributing. Glad to see my alma mater finally getting some love from their parent company. I had a brief stint at USH during the Seagram days... There are nights I still wake up screaming in terror. LOL.

 

[Brandonshah97]

Who even said we were getting diagon alley??? Wasn't it just a rumor????

 

[William]

Who even said we were getting diagon alley??? Wasn't it just a rumor????

It was hinted at in a recent LATimes article detailing the recent WWoHP announcement. Nothing is confirmed, but I think it's safe to say that Diagon isn't completely out of the realm of possibility.

 

[Allen The Actor]

As am I. WaterWorld was slated for eventual demolition according to the Evolution Plan, but things may have changed since then considering the recent investments made into the show.

Exactly. The Evolution Plan is just that...it's a PLAN. A concept, made to be presented to the public and neighbors during all the meetings Universal had while getting the plan approved. Multiple projects already that have been started or are in the works were never on the public evolution plan. It was a general idea to show all the work Universal is planning, but it was never going to be identical, as Universal has their own secret plans and also some ideas and plans change, it's a very alive expansion plan. So while the Evolution Plan gives us a very good idea at Universal's overall vision, there are quite a few projects that they're keeping internal.

 

[alias8703]

Surprised no one has thought of this really! I know it's a long shot but with how precious land is at Universal and with all the new parking structure plans having this HUGE flat lot area seems insanely wasteful! They could demolish the lot, push out city walk and re-route! It would expand city walk greatly AND add a bunch of room to the park! Not a bad thing eh? Hey they did it at DCA... why not Uni? 

 

[Aaron]

Surprised no one has thought of this really! I know it's a long shot but with how precious land is at Universal and with all the new parking structure plans having this HUGE flat lot area seems insanely wasteful! They could demolish the lot, push out city walk and re-route! It would expand city walk greatly AND add a bunch of room to the park! Not a bad thing eh? Hey they did it at DCA... why not Uni? 

Welcome to the Forums! 

While I'd love to see Citywalk shifted to make room for the park, they are currently expanding the Universal Studios Store in CW which is a good sign that the current layout will remain the same. 

No one has brought this up but figured it would be interesting to mention since it came from a reputable person. Jim Disney mentioned on Twitter that Diagon Alley will happen in the future (not surprising) but it won't be in Waterworld or in the Lower-Lot. Also mentioned there would be other projects to come before it.  

 

[Chris]

Surprised no one has thought of this really! I know it's a long shot but with how precious land is at Universal and with all the new parking structure plans having this HUGE flat lot area seems insanely wasteful! They could demolish the lot, push out city walk and re-route! It would expand city walk greatly AND add a bunch of room to the park! Not a bad thing eh? Hey they did it at DCA... why not Uni? 

Great post.  I thought of this idea and still thinking about it.  My early issues would be having to eliminate vendors in Citywalk for up to a year.  I am not saying this cannot happen, but it almost seems like more work than other options available.

Welcome to the forums!  I look forward to hearing more from you.

I also feel that we are hearing the "inside" talk of the possible location Universal Creative is considering.  We hear Waterworld, Lower Lot and unknown other area.  Some talk has the Hogwarts Express, others don't.  It sounds to me that nothing has been finalized yet and decisions are still yet to come when the budget for DA is decided upon.

 

[alias8703]

Great post.  I thought of this idea and still thinking about it.  My early issues would be having to eliminate vendors in Citywalk for up to a year.  I am not saying this cannot happen, but it almost seems like more work than other options available.

Welcome to the forums!  I look forward to hearing more from you.

I also feel that we are hearing the "inside" talk of the possible location Universal Creative is considering.  We hear Waterworld, Lower Lot and unknown other area.  Some talk has the Hogwarts Express, others don't.  It sounds to me that nothing has been finalized yet and decisions are still yet to come when the budget for DA is decided upon.

thanks!

I feel like if Diagon is not going on the lower lot or waterworld then it has to be replacing where the studio tour currently is? Such an exciting future ahead with comcast!

 

[Freak]

I don't want to veer too much off topic, but if Jim Disney says its happening, then it is. Since we'll be getting Diagon, then....Kong?

 

[HTF]

3d you say... lol


Also Diagon [HASHTAG]#Podcast[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG]#soon[/HASHTAG]

 

[Allen The Actor]

3d you say... lol

Also Diagon [HASHTAG]#Podcast[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG]#soon[/HASHTAG]

You mean you knew all along?!

haha

I think there are only two "feasible" spots for Diagon Alley at this point. On the Lower lot, replacing a bunch of Soundstages (which are being planned to be removed anyway) but I'm not sure how they'd connect a Hogwarts Express, and Falls Lake area. That's a large flat piece of land that isn't used THAT much, is fairly close to the park, and you could easily connect it to Hogsmeade with Hogwarts Express. Only issue with that is that I'm not sure how guests would be able to get there (too far by foot/isolated) and I'm not sure if trams and/or Supercharged would get in the way.

Either way, there ARE a few decent spots that might work. It's a matter of HOW they'd make it work and the logistics of it, etc.

Ideally I'd like to see Universal focus on Nintendo and other properties first before moving on to Diagon Alley for USH.

 

[Park Man]

I think whatever USH adds next will go on the lower lot. With tour additions, Springfield and Hogsmead, the upper lot will be the focus of visitor attention for the next few years. They'll need to spread things out, get people down to the lower lot. Will it be Diagon Alley? Personally, I believe they'll allow the same 4 year gap between Hogsmead and Diagon Alley that they had in Florida. So, that won't be next. 

I think whatever is next will open in 2018, will be on the lower lot and will not be Diagon Alley. Nintendo is a strong possibility.

I think Diagon Alley will open around 2020. It's not inconceivable that they'll put it where Waterworld is. After all, the concept art for the park they're building in China shows Hogsmead and Diagon Alley side by side. And seriously, how many other options are there?

 

[techmaniac16]

IMO, putting Diagon Alley during 2020 would be stretching it out quite a bit. the question is this: Will potter interest still be there in 2020? I could understand a 6 year gap, but not an overall 10 year gap. If Universal is planning DA, then they should act immediately to capture that Potter interest right away. I'd say an opening in 2018.

Universal is already sure that Nintendo interest is there No matter what year they officially open. I'd wouldn't rush it till 2020.

 

[Rox]

IMO, putting Diagon Alley during 2020 would be stretching it out quite a bit. the question is this: Will potter interest still be there in 2020? I could understand a 6 year gap, but not an overall 10 year gap. If Universal is planning DA, then they should act immediately to capture that Potter interest right away. I'd say an opening in 2018.

Potter interest isn't going anywhere. It's been almost 8 years since the last book was out (4 years since the last movie), and it's still going strong. Plus you have the Fantastic Beasts movie coming out next year, which is supposed to be the first of a trilogy. Even if there is a small drop between now and 2020, the difference between 2018 and 2020 would be hardly negligible.

 

[Allen The Actor]

The focus will definitely be on the lower lot once Hogsmeade and the HoH Replacement are finished.

As for Potter interest? It isn't going anywhere. Ever. It's timeless, it's magical, and has millions of fans young and old, with new generations that will discover the movies, the books, and the new Fantastic Beasts series. The theme park lands will only help keep it more alive. Even for non Potter fans, the theme park lands are amazing and immersive. So I actually don't think that they have to build Diagon Alley ASAP. It would be very smart to add a few other franchises and lands to diversify the park's lineup.