Why Harry Potter Matters

Image Copyright Universal

Times are changing for the Central Florida theme parks and resorts. It's no Armageddon, but slowly and surely the tides are rippling. Universal Creative is no longer a poor man's Walt Disney Imagineering. Universal has hit a grand slam with their new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Not only has it been a merchandising machine for the Universal Orlando Resort, but the crowds are eating it up. Lines for gift shops exceed 2 hours, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey rarely has a wait under 90 minutes, and extra staff members are on hand to direct the insane crowd flow. This landmark success has people talking and while this doesn't put Disney World to shame, it should put the park on red alert.

When most guests think of Universal Orlando, it's as a second choice in comparison to Walt Disney World. Rides and shows were always seen as inferior to those offered at WDW. Universal Creative was seen as being frugal and not afraid to cut as many corners as possible. That was until Universal's Islands of Adventure opened up next to the Studios. The park was a huge breakthrough for the resort. Quality and innovation unseen in all of Universal's previous work was prominent throughout the park. The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman was a gamechanger in the theme park industry and was honored as being the greatest ride in the world. This began the sudden realization that Universal Creative could be just as competent as WDI.

Since Islands of Adventure opened, Universal also opened the Revenge of the Mummy coaster at the Studios. More than just a rollercoster, its audio-animatronic figures and backstory are comparable to what you are used to seeing in WDW. So slowly but surely, Universal is changing its image from cheap and tacky to ground breaking and awe inspiring.

What does this mean for WDI? It means settling is no longer an option. Resting on past accomplishments can no longer be accepted. Superiority isn't a definite anymore. If they do not produce quality attractions, Universal could very well continue to catch up to WDW. Competition is always good. WDI should not be afraid of Universal Creative. WDI has some of the most creative minds in the world and certainly all the money they need to let their imaginations run wild. Now if only the suits would let them run free so Universal Creative could eat Imagineers pixie dust.