Harry Potter changed the theme park game. Adding the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” in both California and Florida gave Universal Studios intellectual property (IP) that rivaled Walt Disney's biggest brands.
Before Potter, the Universal Studios theme parks were clearly secondary to Disney World and Disneyland. People can visit for a day or two during a visit to Walt Disney. (DES) vacation, but they didn't build their entire vacation around visiting Comcast-owned theme parks.
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It wasn't just adding Harry Potter to the Universal Studios parks that changed the game. That's how the company did it. Universal Studios opened the first “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Islands of Adventure in 2010.
The theme park terrain was a game changer. “Wizarding World” wasn't just a collection of attractions, shops and businesses, it's an immersive world where you literally can't see the outside world. At “Wizarding World,” which opened at Universal Studios Florida in 2014, Comcast (CMCSA) He continued that theme. He even interconnected the two lands with the “Hogwarts Express”, which departed from the famous Platform 9 3/4.
It was a revolution that ultimately forced Disney to invest billions in its theme parks. You can directly credit “WIzarding World” for forcing the Mouse House to add the Pandora-themed land at Animal Kingdom, “Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge” at both Disney World and Disneyland, and many other new attractions.
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Universal Studios adds more Harry Potter
Universal Studios plans a third Harry Potter-themed land as part of its Epic Universe park set to open at Universal Studios Florida in 2025. Before that new land opens, the company will bring more Harry Potter to its existing lands from the ” Wizarding World”.
The expansion will be based on butterbeer, the famous drink from the Harry Potter books and movies that can only be found at Universal Studios theme parks.
“For the first time, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will celebrate Butterbeer season, offering fans and guests the opportunity to enjoy Butterbeer in all-new ways inside 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,' open now through April 30. “, 2024,” the company shared in a press release.
Prior to the expansion, Butterbeer was sold from carts and stands within the “Wizarding World,” in cold, hot, and frozen versions.
“The celebration also marks the introduction of Florean Fortescue's ice cream counter inside 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' at Universal Studios Hollywood. Opening on Friday, March 29, the new location, located in Honeydukes, will feature 10 decadent and tasty soft serve flavors, including Butterbeer, Banana, Chocolate, Mint, Orange, Vanilla, Caramel Pecan, Granny Smith Apple, Pistachio and Caramel Apple, served in a cup or waffle cone,” Universal Studios explained.
Butterbeer Season will also feature new treats including “a frozen lolly featuring the rich flavor of Butterbeer in popsicle form, as well as new Butterbeer candies that will only be available at Universal Orlando Resort.
A new magical world is about to arrive
Comcast hasn't actually shared many details about Epic Universe, its third theme park in Orlando that's designed to compete with Disney for people taking weeklong vacations.
“This third 'Wizarding World' for Universal Orlando is expected to explore a final location from the original Harry Potter books and films, the British Ministry of Magic. This land's main attraction will likely be set within this iconic location, located within of a structure that will make it the largest indoor attraction in Epic Universe”, Orlando Park Stop reported.
The new land is expected to be connected to the other two “Wizarding World” facilities, but Universal Studios has not shared how it will work.
The company did issue an official statement regarding the Ministry of Magic and the terrain issue.
“The legendary iconography of the British Ministry of Magic will come to life in Epic Universe, but in an exciting way, it will be combined with the magical Paris of the 1920s, which, as we know from the Fantastic Beasts films, has its own unique adventure. And for the first time. Guests can also immerse themselves in other areas of the 'Wizarding World.'” Magic World.com reported.
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