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Theme park fans have had a lot to talk about in the past month or so. Whilst a lot remains speculation, leaked information is beginning to find it's way onto the internet. I have searched through the endless threads and websites of information to bring you up-to-date.

Avatar: Coming to Animal Kingdom 2016?

To begin with, Disney announced it's plans to bring James Cameron's mythical world of Avatar to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Responses to the plans were surprisingly mixed considering Avatar (2009) is currently the highest grossing film of all time, receiving over $2 billion at the box office - the first film ever to do so. However, the added charge of viewing the film in 3D, which was the film's biggest selling point, would arguably have increased box office revenue and not necessarily reflect public opinion. However, this is also contrasted as reviews of the film seem to be mainly positive - so why the mixed reaction?

The general view from those who are disappointed with the Avatar project is because of the supposed 'lack of storytelling' of Cameron's visual spectacular. In contrast, Disney have always prided itself on its ability to tell a great story - this is reflected in many of its unique and franchise-based attractions. Instead, Avatar arguably relies on its visuals to charm and impress audiences - something Disney also does well. 

Regardless of its mixed reception by the theme park community, Avatar is currently in it's 'blue sky phase' meaning it is currently undergoing design. Sceptics believe that Disney's announcement of Avatar was rushed - as no plans have actually been decided. They believe the announcement was a retaliation of the success and prosperity of Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Avatar is expected to begin construction in 2013, with possible opening dates varying between 2016-2018. This would make it a direct competitor with Universal's rumoured plans.

Universal: Harry Potter is going to Hollywood!

Universal Creative announced in December that Harry Potter is coming to Hollywood - but what does this have to do with Avatar? At the time of the announcements, rumours were rife that Harry Potter was to expand at Universal Orlando. However, nothing was mentioned at the time of this announcement. Around the same time, Universal revealed it was closing its iconic and classic attraction 'Jaws' on January 2nd 2012. This was when the rumour mill really started.

Prior to the Jaws announcement, it was the general idea that any Harry Potter expansion would take place in the Lost Continent. However, the rumours then began that Harry Potter was to come to Universal Studios, replacing the Jaws and Amity section of the park. How would this benefit Universal?

Firstly, Universal would capitalise further on the phenomenon that is Harry Potter, which has boosted their merchandise sales substantially and their attendance figures by 30%. Secondly, guests who visit Universal to only visit 'Harry Potter World' would be forced to purchase a two-park ticket. Not only increasing average ticket sales but also increasing the amount of time that the consumer spends on Universal property and for many people, reducing the amount of 'Disney days' in their vacation. 

Gringrotts: New attraction to replace Jaws?

Moreover, on January 2nd Theme Park Insider posted a fantastic article about some 'leaked' Harry Potter plans. Whilst these aren't 100% guaranteed to happen, the article does suggest the expansion into Universal Studios will include the long rumoured Gringrotts ride, similar to the existing Revenge of the Mummy ride. There are also plenty more shops proposed for Potter fans to enjoy (and Universal to reap the economic awards of-course!) as well as a larger Ollivander's that would be able to accommodate more people. 

Will this happen? Only time will tell...

Streetainment!

The first thing that comes to a person’s mind when they think of theme parks, is certainly not street entertainment. Street entertainment comes in all shapes and sizes – whether its character greeting, impromptu shows or even a talking tree – it’s often these smaller aspects that give that feeling of ‘magic’ or awe that enthusiasts thrive on.

Lights! Camera! Action!: Hollywood Boulevard at DHS
is often the location of street entertainment.

For instance, the two theme parks in Orlando that are based on the movies – Universal Studios and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, seem to understand the importance of the smaller details. At Universal, you will frequently see old Hollywood stars like Monroe and the I Love Lucy Cast on the streets and posing for photos. Disney’s Hollywood Studios often have impromptu shows along Hollywood Boulevard which showcases a director trying to spot ‘talent’. Often these guest interactions make for life long memories at the parks.

How Devine!: Performance Artist at Animal Kingdom

Of-course there is the obvious character greeting, which some visitors make an art form! There are tonnes of websites out there that are devoted to snapping a photo with these characters. However, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a kind of ‘character greet’ that is slightly more unusual. ‘Devine’ is a performance artist who blends in to the shrubbery and trees, only to be seen when she makes a slight movement. The intricate and small details just show how much Disney values theming and guest interaction. Disney claim that Devine is used to try and encourage guests to question their opinion on nature, and make them see that ‘nature is not always what it seems’. However, personally I think Devine is a small detail of a park, that will stay engraved in people’s minds.

How Magical: A cheeky fountain at Universal
interacts and splashes guests!

Similarly, Universal has also adopted this approach with their talking fountain, known as ‘The Mystic Fountain’ which is located in now the much smaller island of the Lost Continent. Universal’s website includes a comment from a guest who describes the fountain as “Magical”*. ‘Magic’ is often a word used by Disney enthusiasts to describe the X-factor that Disney has over ‘amusement parks’ such as Universal – however, this clearly suggests Universal are more than capable of doing this too! In fact, this has been happening more frequently in the theming of the exterior of their attractions, such as The Simpsons ride where a telephone outside might give a guest a laugh or two! More recently, the toilets in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter reportedly have Moaning Myrtle sounds playing in the toilets – now that kind of thinking is Universal at its best!

I Kid You Not: A talking bin pulls in the crowd's at DisneyWorld

Finally, Disney could be claimed to be the pioneers of such intricate street entertainment. For a long time now, one of Disney’s main stars has been “Push” – The bin! This talking bin even has its own scheduled times that it will be making ‘an appearance’. What a load of rubbish…. ;)

Universal Orlando: A Look to the Future

With the huge success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and expected huge increases in the annual theme park attendance report, what we can expect for the future?

Spiderman Replacement: Will the beloved Spiderman be 'transformed'?

My personal predictions? I do not think Universal will be adding a third park anytime soon. They have A LOT of updating to do in their current parks. For instance, the Marvel contract will at some stage run out, and with Disney having the rights to Marvel, Universal are going to want to most likely re-theme the whole of Marvel section of the park. Perhaps replacing Spiderman with the new Universal Hollywood attraction, Transformers.

Jeep Tours: Concept art, courtesy of Orlandorocks

There have also been a lot of rumors over the past 10 years about a Jurrassic Park concept, the "Jeep Tours". However, the ride concept sounds extremely similar to DINOSAUR at Animal Kingdom and the premise of the ride where "something goes wrong", is already done on the JP attraction 'River Adventure'. So I think we can forget about this attraction for the time being, unless the new JP film is extremely successful.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
Expansion already?

Now, here is what I think will most certainly happen. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has so much more potential - and the land to go with it too! This would certainly bring in the crowds. However, for how long? Will Harry Potter pass the test of time, and retain its cult status like other timeless series such as Star Wars? Only time will tell, and with the last film coming out this year, I would personally prefer Universal to concentrate their efforts else where and cater to others. Harry Potter has bought in so many visitors who would usually spend their vacation at Disneyworld, however, not all of Disneyworld's visitors also like Harry Potter. So perhaps Universal would benefit by creating a bigger focus on another ride...

Asta La Vista Baby: Will the 1996 attraction be soon replaced by Camerons' Avatar franchise?

Within the next ten years, I can also see a lot of Universal's attractions being replaced. Terminator 3D in my opinion is extremely outdated and is also the rumored position for a new Avatar ride. The likelihood of this happens could be perhaps determined by the success of the future Avatar sequel. Shrek 4D is also becoming a little rundown, it doesn't seem to run as smoothly as it once did. The film itself is set after Shrek (2001), which is now over 10 years old and 3 sequels behind. However, Shrek may also pass the test of time and also may increase in popularity as the franchise appears to be releasing more films based on its minor characters.


What would I love to see replaced? Twister. Words do not describe my hatred for this ride. Sure, it is a cool experience the first time or so. But why on earth does this ride still exist? It's effects, which are the attraction's selling point, are way outdated and far less impressive than other shows. However, it is one of few attractions, like Disaster, that compliment Universal's tagline of 'Riding the movies'.

Madagascar: Would it be a 'crate' replacement?

"But what could replace Jaws?" I hear you ask. Well, perhaps it could be the new Universal Singapore attraction, a family dark ride based on Madagascar. Would this fit into the theming? No! But Universal have disregarded the local themeing before and I'm sure they wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Personally, I wouldn't like to see this attraction at USO because not only is it tame and boring (from what I have seen), I like it when theme park companies keep successful attractions in different parks (like Journey into the Centre of the Earth at Tokyo DisneySea). However, there are a lot of families who argue Universal doesn't cater enough towards young children, and this could be the perfect answer.


For now, however, we will simply look forward to the upcoming Despicable Me attraction and the hopefully amazing updates to Spiderman...