OMG. It's finally announced....

[Notatourist]

http://media.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/

We're getting Harry Potter.

[Anna]

Well, I'm excited even if no one else is. :p:

[darph nader]

Well, I'm excited even if no one else is. :p:

(crickets chirping) (sorry)

[BirdMom]

Well those of us who are anticipating July 21st as well as July 11th (no explanation necessary if you're one of *us*) are thrilled. There was the rumor a while back that Disney was in negotiation for the park. Too bad - it's Disney's loss. I guess I'll finally have to drag my tail to Orlando...

:harrypott

[Main Streeter]

I guess I'll finally have to drag my tail to Orlando..

Not until mid or end of 2009 according to CBS. I'm very pleased Disney didn't get Harry. Never seemed as though this would fit in @ DLR or DWD.

[Notatourist]

Anna-

It got moved from where I originally put it. I'm happy it's coming. This will be huge for the resort! Just the thought of Hogwarts....WOW!

And yes Birdmom, I know. I was thinking that UPTB (Universal's Powers that Be) would announce this in July. But, it's coming here!

YAY!

[SatisfiedGuest]

My daughter and I are big Potter fans and would love to see this done well, no matter which company got the nod. But I worry that it's going to be done very cheaply after reading quotes from Universal execs who say it's a 250 million dollar project (and I know each of WDW's recent major attractions costs about 100 million each), about how they'll have to do more than "slap paint and a new sign" on their dragon and unicorn attractions (a quote from one of their top people), and how it will be shoehorned into one of their existing "islands." None of that sounds at all promising. I think this would have made a perfect 5th gate in WDW or even at a new site in the midwest, since as someone mentioned HP really doesn't 'fit' Disney's existing oeuvre. And besides, no park tops Disney's CMs in terms of customer service and staying in character.
Oh, well. We'll see in 2010 or so.

[Notatourist]

Have you been to IOA? Nothing there was done cheaply. Sure things were taken out of the plan, but nothing was done cheaply.