not WDW news but IoA news that could hurt WDW

[BeastlyKingdom?]

IoA have broke ground for the Harry Potter Land and the pictures are on JimHillMedia.com and it will open mid 2009 i am a harry potter fan but not really a fan of Universal i hope this doesnt hurt disney

[Sorria]

Disney has held its own for so long and have been at the top of thier game. Harry Potter's popular, but there's only so far you can take one subject idea. That's why Disney has four seprate parks, each with a different theme, and furthermore, with each park having different "lands" for even more themeing possibilties. I think they will only be able to go so far with Harry Potter.

For one thing, I know Disney won't be loosing a customer with me.....I can't stand Harry Potter.

[MandaBella]

I like Harry Potter, but I don't forsee this hurting WDW for the reasons already mentioned.

[echoscot]

Yeah, this will probably spike Universal and IOA's attendance for a time, but overall Disney won't see an impact. People might make a side trip while at WDW to see Harry Potter, but I think once the last film is out people will be looking for something new. I am a big Harry Potter fan, so I am not saying that lightly. But I think it is just coming close to being over. A lot of HP fans may disagree and others may secretly agree but are having a hard time coming to terms with it...LOL

[princessariel]

I don't see this as being able to hurt WDW. I am not a fan of HP either.....and never have had the desire to go to Universal

[Mickey's#1Fan]

i do like HP but i cant stand universal!!!!! and i do agree there is only so far you can go with one concept! disney has its loyal fans and they will always keep coming back, universal may have increased attendance but when HP is over it will be back to normal again! either way disney will always be on top lol!!!

[djmasterscooter]

In no way will this harm Disney in any way, shape or form. Disney's product has been around for so long, and has had the chance to build such a niche in the market that the only thing that can harm them is themselves and overdevelopment. Harry Potter, (and yes I am a huge HP fan) when it comes to being a theme park has such a limited concept, thus a limited marketing appeal. Universal is on the right track to being true direct competition to Disney, but it is still a long way off.

[albino_pygmy]

This isn't going to hurt Disney, don't worry though, but it will definately help their parks get back up on it's feet again. It is looking pretty sad now when it used to be comparable to Disney, possibly even better than Disney in some parts but sadly most of Universal's 'magic' has gone and left.

I do have one thing to say to those who "can't stand Universal," If it wasn't for Universal to come down next to Disney, do you think that Disney would have tried to be bigger and better if it didn't have any competition? If Universal hadn't come over with their parks and trying to compete with Disney, Disney wouldn't need a reason to keep trying to top what Universal does. So next time you visit MK again and notice several new attractions or shows that were added since your last visit a year ago, you could thank Universal for helping Disney get a little bit better. I like visiting both parks just fine, I don't favor one over the other because they're both great places to visit each with awsome attractions and shows that deliver, and I love the competition that keeps them working at trying to come up with bigger and better things before the other guy. So please, let's try to keep the Universal bashing down to a minimum please, thanks.

[mini-V]

Actually, something new at Universal may help WDW attendance since people might come to FL to see HP, but will take in WDW as well. Comparing the two parks is like comparing apples to oranges. They are both fruit (entertainment), but they definitely offer different flavors.

[echoscot]

both ?fruit? LOL that could have a double meaning....

[DisneyDreamer13]

I'm planning on taking in as many theme parks as possible when i visit FL, but HP at IoA wont mean any less days in WDW for me.

[Caribbean Lady]

Even if I was a Harry Potter fan (which I'm not) I wouldn't let a Harry Potter theme park hinder my going to Walt Disney World! One theme gets so boring, and besides, I don't think the people who work at Universal really care about the people who go to the park. At WDW, cast members work super hard to make sure your trip magical and special!

[echoscot]

That is one thing I have noticed...Disney beats any other park hands down at Guest Service. Universal has great thrill rides, but they still don't get the whole Guest Service thing..

[albino_pygmy]

That is one thing I have noticed...Disney beats any other park hands down at Guest Service. Universal has great thrill rides, but they still don't get the whole Guest Service thing..

I have to disagree with you, because I have worked at both Universal and Disney and I deliver the same service at Universal as I would at Disney, and there are a few that have worked both parks and deliver Disney service at Universal. Now I'm sure you're reffering to some of those at counter service resteraunts or food carts, or even merchandise, but that doesn't mean the rest of the park doesn't give excellent service, afterall, we're all human and some of us can't handle stress or anger as well as others, and unfortunately that shows as bad service towards you, the guest. There have been times I've had bad service at Disney, and there have been times I've had excellent service at Universal that I feel go above and beyond Disney service, it just depends on the cast member you meet.

[Pigeon]

I'm a Disney fanatic, and I also LOVE Harry Potter. I definetly plan on going to see it when it opens, But its one area, in one park. Its not like its going to be an all day experience. Disney had the option to create a Harry Potter land/area, but they opted not to because of the obvious flaws in the design that J.K wanted. I don't think Disney should be worried, but if they are...think about it! They're going to come up with something to trump Harry Potter...which could be bigger and better than anything IoA puts out. It'll be 2009....time for a new celebration at WDW. So who knows? Skies the limit!