Universal Orlando- Ride Testing Footage and Details about Hagrids Motorbike Adventure

New Details and Ride Testing for Universal Orlando's 'Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure'.

Wow, I still think that name is a mouth-full to say and the same with typing it. From now on, we're just going to shorten that one to 'Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure'.



So  yes, new details have come down the line on what all is included with this newest addition to Wizarding World at Islands of Adventure. Universal has stated that "Race thought the forbidden forest at speeds up to 50mph, moving both forwards and backwards at times. Encounter some of the Wizarding Worlds rarest creatures, including: A Centaur, Cornish Pixies, Fluffy, the three-headed dog and a special new creature that has never been seen in the film series. Plus, you'll have an encounter with Devils Snare along the way".

As expected, Universal is touting this new attraction as their most highly themed, immersive coaster yet. It's also rumored that the list above isn't complete, that the ride will also include seeing a unicorn, threstrals and no one can seem to decide what the 'mystery' creature will be! OrlandoParkStop has posted some amazingly detailed aerial photos with some great shots!

Again, you can see more of these high-res images on OrlandoParkStop. 

Early ride testing video has also been spotted online, showing a few more details of the train and the coaster. We've included the video below. 

Overall, this is looking to be an amazing attraction coming from Universal Orlando and we can't wait to check it out in person! 

Universal Orlando- The 3rd Gate is Happening.

Universal Orlando and the Mystery 3rd Gate.

Because let's face it, we know the money from a certain boy-wizard is what is building this for them.

It seems, Universal Orlando has gone off the deep end of the spectrum with their decisions lately. With more paperwork and permits being filed, Universal has made the leap and is building their 3rd theme park (or 3rd Gate as we often call it) but it's not where you'd expect.

Yes, you read that correctly. Universal Orlando is building a NEW THEME PARK. 

In years past, this has been a long-standing rumor that Universal Orlando intedend to build another theme park but always left us with questions like..
Where? How? With what space?!
We've dived back into our own records and various ancient whispers of times long past to break this down.

My fabulous paint skills.

In the red, you'll see the current proper of Universal Orlando Resort. It's, not exactly huge but is locked land-wise on all sides- A major interstate, A high school, Rich People and Hotels abound the property at all angles.

The Pale Blue blot of land is the former Wet'N'Wild site, which is going to be the location of two more hotel properties owned by Universal.

If you look to the south, you'll find the green colors. We know Universal Orlando owns the chuck of green outlined land, it's the former 'Martin Marietta/Lockheed Martin' property which was sold to them in 1998. This property borders Universal Blvd, the Orange County Convention Center and runs along the backside of International Drive.

In the Yellow, we have another chuck of property- Rumored to be owned by Universal Orlando. There was a large sale of 101 acres in 2017 that runs along Sand Lake Road (that is marked as 482 on the map).

Overall, we know Universal owns roughly 570+ acres of land in this general area. The exact details and property lines, those are harder to pin down but we've given it our best guess with all the information that has been dug out over the last 20+ years.

Image from WFTV

So today when these images dropped from WFTV about construction plans for Universal's next theme park- we went to work.

This image, fits in with the chuck of 'green' property from the map- the former Martin Marietta site that borders the Orange County Convention Center. Access would be gained from Universal Blvd, which was been built up rather substantially in the last 10 years with the expanding of the Convention Center. This image also shows a parking lot structure, which is reported to hold 16,200 spaces as well what may well be access roads into and around a central area. It's then very easy to guess this central area? That is going to be our mysterious third theme park.

Another good thing to point out here, Universal is breaking the unspoken 'Theme Park Rule' which has been set down by Disney- That all your property should connect and be inclusive. Meaning, when you go to Disney, they do everything possible to keep your from leaving that property during your stay. Universal has taken this, tossed it out the window and begun an ambitious project which will span a good chunk of the tourist 'zone' in Orlando.

This also leaves the VERY good question- What will be inside this new park?
Simply put, we've no idea. That's the beauty of a new construction park, you get to discover everything for the first time, along with that 'new theme park' smell.

What we DO guess is that Wizarding World will be heavily involved-  We published an article a two weeks ago pointing how Universal is attempting a new trademark related to the Fantastic Beasts franchise. If you put these two together, then we know at least one part of what will be included in this new adventure.  Along with this, another rumor is this is the area which may host the rumored 'Nintendo Land' expansion which has long been slated for Universal.

Rumors are going to be flying in coming months, but don't worry. We'll keep you posted as  confirmations begin to happen!

Universal Orlando Rumor Alert- A THIRD Park or is this a Wizarding World Expansion?

Universal Orlando Rumor Alert- A THIRD Park or is this a Wizarding World Expansion?

Image from Park Rumors

GOOD NEWS- Universal is attempting and hopefully planning (at some point) to add in Fantastic Beasts to the current Wizarding World line-up.

This leaves a tricky question- Where can they put it?

Universal Studios Orlando- Possible Diagon Alley Opening Date

Universal Studios Orlando- Possible Opening Date for Diagon Alley.

 During a Thursday press conference the Chairman of Lowes Hotels, Johnathan Tisch mentioned a possible opening date for Universal Studios Orlando's newest expansion of their Harry Potter Franchise.

 "Mid-June" is the time frame which was dropped, be it accidentally or on purpose. This fits into the known time-line from Universal Orlando who simply has "Summer of 2014" listed as the opening time frame for Diagon Alley.  This also ties into the same general time frame in which Hogsmeade Village, located in Islands of Adventure opened.

 Universal is not commenting on this, choosing to only say that they have not yet announced anything about an opening day.

 More info is expected next week, when Universal Orlando will reveal more details about the Gringotts ride and possibly the Diagon Alley expansion.

Universal Orlando- Zonko's Closure Confirmed

 Zonko's Closure Confirmed for Hogesmead section of Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

 With the full announcement of Diagon Alley on Thursday, Universal Orlando has confirmed that the joke shop "Zonko's" will closure.

 However, this isn't exactly bad news. With Zonko's closing the constantly busy candy store Honeyduke's will be expanded into the space that Zonko's currently occupies. All the merchandise available at Zonko's will be available over in the new Diagon Alley shop called "Weazley's Wizard Wheezes" which will be three full stories, like in the Harry Potter book series.

So..
Zonko's Closes, Honeyduke's Expands.
Not entirely a bad trade off!

What will the new Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando look like? Have some Concept Art!

Well, news is flying fast out of Universal Orlando today and in the previous two posts we've gotten a look at some of the details surrounding the entire experience as well as a closer look at some of the shops and restaurants. Now, it's time to peek at the concept art that's behind all of this and see just what this amazing addition to Universal Orlando will likely look like!

Universal Orlando posted a ton of these on their Facebook page, but in case you don't feel like going there, we've assembled them all right here for ya! Everything from the Hogwarts Express to a look at the new Gringots ride to pretty much everything else in between can be seen and it's looking like Universal has once again knocked this one out of the park!

First up? Here's what the fully finished entrance to the Diagon Alley area of the park will look like once it's completed. How accurate this will be, who knows, but love the fact that the Knight Bus is there and if rumors are to be believed, the shrunken heads will be interacting with guests too!

The Shops of Diagon and Knockturn Alley!

Well, I gave a bit of a rundown on the shops in the last post, but here's a little more detail about what each of them will offer everyone that visits Diagon Alley or dares to venture into the darkness that is Knockurn Alley.

Unlike the Hogsmeade portion of Wizarding World at Universal, there will be more shops which are bigger and have a lot more selection of goods. Definitely something that's great to see as it's always been something that +Carrie H.C. and myself have wished they would've done in the original attraction within Islands of Adventure. While the ones in Hogsmeade are great, there's not enough and not nearly enough selection, I don't think that'll be a problem with what they're offering here!

I've spent the last little while going through everything that the new website has to offer and tried my best to sum it for everyone below. Here's everything that we could find!

There's a lot to cover here, so let's get   on with the details! First up?

Not only will there be plenty of places to shop and get all of your wizarding needs, but there's also a couple of new places to grab a snack or lunch while you're at it as well! I mean, what would Diagon Alley be without Fortescue's or the Leaky Caulrdon, right?

Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour

You'll be able to indulge your sweet tooth at the long heralded destination for all manner of frozen treats in a variety of unique and interesting flavors. Not much else is really given here, but I'm sure that the ice cream will be fantastic!

The Leaky Cauldron

Located right at the entrance, this popular gathering spot for all manner of witches and wizards is sure to set you right. Traditional British meals include, fish and chips, bangers and mash, cottage pie and of course Butterbeer and pumpkin juice as well!


Well, now that the food options have been laid out, let's get to the rest of the shopping before heading off to Hogwarts and Hogsmead!

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringots and Diagon Alley Details!

Kitsune here, and I'll be your guide through all the news and updates coming to us live from Universal this morning! So, with that, let's get on with it, shall we?

During the live webcast, Universal Orlando has released even more information about the Diagon Alley expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The expansion, which takes over where Jaws used to be within Universal Studios Florida, has been watched like a hawk ever since the project was announced.

The live broadcast was done in front of a facade of Gringot's Vault (maybe a mock of to represent part of the new dark ride?) that's the corner stone of the event and judging by the details as Mark Woodbury, Universal Orlando's Creative Director, talked? Holy crap this thing looks awesome! The level of detail has been heralded by stars of the film and it's an amazing immersive experience.

First up? The Hogwarts Express, it's an entirely movie accurate reproduction. Every detail is represented, but is complete unlike a traditional set would be where filming is done in pieces and the like to allow for camera work. Guests will be able to board either at the Hogsmeade or King's Cross stations. Also, the trip from each direction will be completely different experience as well, which only makes sense, as you travel from one area of the park to the other.

In Diagon Alley, several of the shops that were in the movie will be featured. Including the Magical Menagerie, Madam Malkins, an all new Olivander's, Scribullus, Wizeacres Wizarding Equipment, Weezely's Joke Shop and Quality Quidditch Supplies and of course the Leaky Cauldron as well will all be featured.

Each of these shops will be decked out to the nines just as their movie counterparts were on film. Yes, that's right, if it's sold in them on film, it will be available in the shops as well. 

That's right, you'll be able to buy all your Quidditch gear at Quality Quidditch Supplies from robes and other things from your favorite teams along with various stuffed animals and all kinds of things from the Magical Menagerie as well. Guests will also be able to fully outfitted with robes and other wizarding wear at Madam Malkins!  

For more info check out our detailed post about each shop and what they'll offer!

Knockturn Alley will also be featured, in a much darker and mysterious manner, this is extremely important to Universal to bring the forboding atmosphere to the area. One of the biggest features of Notcturne Alley will be Borgin and Burkes, where guests can purchase Death Eater masks and other "dark side" paraphernalia!

Last, but not least, Universal unveiled the official name for the center piece ride for the new Diagon Alley expansion, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringots. It's promised to be like nothing else that's been seen before. It's a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional experience that promises to top even that of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!

There's going to be more details announced in the coming months, so we're just going to have to wait for even more details to be released from the Universal Orlando Creative Team.

Universal Studios- Final Diagon Alley Teaser (Big Reveal Tomorrow)

The Final "Diagon Alley" Teaser Trailer
-The Big Reveal is Tomorrow-

 Prepare to Go- This is the FINAL "Diagon Alley" teaser trailer from Universal Studios Orlando and for very good reason.

 Tomorrow morning is the big event when all the plans for the newest portions of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley" will be revealed.  With tomorrows special "webcast reveal" event, we here at InSanity lurks Inside are going to be bringing you all the news just as soon as possible!

 Stay Turned, The Big News Hits TOMORROW! 

Rumor Alert- Could Zonko's Close?

 Rumor Alert- Could Zonko's Close at Hogsmeade?

 Another new rumor coming from Universal Orlando, this time around their popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas.

 It seems the rumor mill  has been working overtime lately with the opening of Universal Studios Orlando's new Diagon Alley coming into the home stretch. 

 Some are saying that the popular joke shop from the Harry Potter book series, Zonko's could close in the Hogesmeade area. With the new London Area, Diagon Alley opening to the public this summer could that area have it's own joke shop, making two of them rather redundant?

 Diagon Alley is rumored to have it's own joke shop called "Weasely's Wizard Wheezes" which would be larger that the current Zonko's (at least according to the Harry Potter Books). The rumor is stating that Zonko's will close to make way for the newer and larger shop.  This would be the frist closure of anything in Wizarding World.

 Again, this is currently ONLY A RUMOR. Universal Orlando hasn't confirmed or denied any portion of this rumor.

Universal Studios Orlando- Diagon Alley Construction

 Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley Construction- Scaffolding comes down.

 Orlando Theme Park News has some amazing new photos up of the construction at Universal Studios Orlando and their newest project- Diagon Alley.

 This newest addition which has raised up with shocking speed is replacing the former JAWS attraction. The area will feature both Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley from the Harry Potter books and is Universals newest addition to their "Wizarding World of Harry Potter".

 While it looks simply lovely up close, something about this bothers me.

 Orlando Theme Park News is rather famous for having some amazing panoramic images from the theme parks but looking at this one, the flow is bugging me. It doesn't seem to fit, like to much is crammed together with too many styles. I understand their trying to convey London into a very small space, and maybe it IS just me, but I think this may look nicer from across the lagoon if the outside was more uniform.

 Either way, for more photos of the construction of Diagon Alley go check out Orlando Theme Park News. They always have excellent photo updates!

Universal Orlando- Diagon Alley Teasers and News

Diagon Alley Teasers and News- Universal Fires a Warning Shot at Disney


Okay, Universal has officially opened up the "2014 Theme Park Wars" with an opening shot fired directly at Disney World. While Disney is getting ready to start construction on their big "Avatarland" project, Universal Studios Orlando is creeping closure to opening Diagon Alley. Which which be the newest extension of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" that will soon span both of Universal Orlando's Theme Parks.

Universal Studios Orlando- Possible Diagon Alley Animation

Please be patient.. the video is a little bit hinky and takes time to load.


 Possible News Today about the much anticipated "Gringotts" ride going in at Universal Studios Orlando, Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley.

 This video showed up today on Screamscape. Posted on Youtube my Dynamic Attractions, this may or may not be the Gringotts ride. It's simply listed as "Mine Ride Coaster" but seems to share the same design ride cars from the Gringotts attraction. While this may not be the exactly design of the ride, it should give you some nice clues as to what may possibly be included!

 You'll spot a lot of elements which are already in use at other attractions. Two drop sequences as well as a "tilt and switch" track element. Although no one can confirm is this really is Gringotts, it does seem possible since the ride has recently received it's coaster trains.

More information when we find it!

Universal Studios Orlando- Hogwarts Express Arrives

 This afternoon, Universal Orlando shared theme images to the world. The Lifting and Placement of the Hogwarts Express.

 Progress on the expansion of 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' has made big progress today with the engine and cars of the 'Hogwart's Express' locomotive being placed onto it's raised track.

 The 'Hogwarts Express' will travel on a raise track between Universal Studios and Diagon Alley to the Islands of Adventure and Hogsmeade area.  Still no one is sure exactly how the ticketing for this will work as the 'Harry Potter' areas will now be split between the two parks.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley is scheduled to open in Spring 2014.




-All images from Universal Orlando's Facebook Page

Construction Update- Diagon Alley at Universal Studio's Orlando

 As most of you know by now, Universal Orlando is adding in "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" to their Studio's park. This was confirmed in May 2013 after the construction had gone vertical and they could no longer 'hide' what they where up to from the public view.

 If you want to read the press released, please visit: Universal Confirmed Harry Potter and Wizarding World are coming to Studio's for 2014.

 Since then, everyone has had their eyes watching Universal Orlando to see what exactly they've got planned for this "London/Diagon Alley" area which is being placed in the location once occupied by JAWS. While I love Wizarding World and Harry Potter, I'm still not sold that this area needs a presence in the "Studios" theme park.  Rather, I wish it would have taken over the rest of the current 'Lost Continent' area of Islands of Adventure and seen Studio's get something completely new.

 Either way, I can't stop it and I am excited for it because Universal will once again do an amazing job. During a recent visit to the Orlando area we made sure to get plenty of images of the new construction taking place in Universal Studio's. My one concern is the area looks far more cramped then the 'Hogsmeade' area in Islands of Adventure which still has massive crowds.

 We hope you'll enjoy them as much as we enjoyed seeing this new area come to life.

*Pictures under the break for size reasons*

Universal Orlando is just Speeding Up and Building a Waterpark?

 Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that they have no intention of slowing down their building spree at their Orlando and Hollywood properties. The Orlando resort has every intention of making their parks and resorts direct competition to Disney World, who is just down the highway. With opening the Wizarding World of Harry Potter they've proven they can be a full destination resort, not simply an add on to the family vacation.


 Today the Orlando Sentinel published an article stating that the Universal Studios Brand will be spending $500 million a year on their theme parks and that this will be a baseline amount. Already this year they've opened Despicable Me the Ride, The Character Parade, A new laser light nighttime show, The Simpsons retail-theme area and Transformers for the 2013 season. We already know that the newest expansion of Wizarding World themed after Diagon Alley will open in 2014, this makes me wonder what other projects will be coming to the parks next year and in the coming years?


That $500 million baseline? That means it can possibly go up with the need to spend more! The same piece has stated that Universal Orlando could have as many as ten thousand hotel rooms, fill them and keep them profitable. This comes on the heels of the resort nearly doubling their hotel rooms in 2014 with the opening of the Cabana Bay Hotel.


 Needless to say Universal Studios Orlando had many problems when they opened in June of 1990. Remember that old joke "Nothing worked"? Well for Universal Orlando it was true, I was there myself as a kid and remember 5 hour lines for one attraction because 3 others simply didn't work right those first years of operation.  Back in those days many suspected that Universal Studios Orlando may close down due to the problems or at the least they could never pose a threat to Walt Disney World. All that began to change with the addition of Islands of Adventure in 1999.

 We haven't seen anything yet and Universal has just confirmed it for us. More is coming and they have no intention of slowing down, they're just now getting to cruising speed. 

Universal Hollywood Confirms Removals to make way for Harry Potter

 Some of us in the theme park world have known for a while that when Universal Studios Hollywood announced they too were getting a "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" area that something would have to give. It seems today that Universal has confirmed what areas have made the chopping block in order to give the boy wizard his new Hollywood home.

 Not giving fans much time, these areas closed TODAY with news only really breaking on August 27th, many of us didn't spot it quickly enough.

 In the list of "GONE" we've got the rather famous but now waning "Gibson Amphitheater" which has held a place of glory inside the park. It opened in 1972 and is still the 3rd largest Amphitheater in Hollywood today.  According to Wiki (I know, not the best) the venue has events listed through October but Universal has decided it closed today.  We knew the Gibson closure was coming, it will make room for the Hogwarts Express and the key attraction, Forbidden Journey.

 Up next is the Flintstones Carnival Games area, which rumor has it will be relocated to the new 'Despicable Me- Super Silly Fun Land" area.  Inside Universal reports these are being removed to make way for the parks new "gathering area" which will include a box office, water feature and shopping/dining.

 Also disappearing, possibly being moved into the new "Super Silly Fun Land" area is the water/play area "Adventures of Curious George".  This isn't surprising as many of us suspected it would either be removed soon or re-themed. It sits directly next to Gibson Amphitheater, so it seems to be falling under the axe also. 

 Last on the list is a part of the "Studio Tour" called "The Mummys Tomb".  I honestly don't know much information about this part of the tour, so I can't really comment on it but a rumor found over on Screamscape states that the tunnel effect of the attraction hasn't been working well over the summer.

Line many not be exact, working in a rather cramped area.

 I've outlined the areas being removed in red, so you have an understanding of how drastic a change this will be for the small but historic park.  When WWoHP was added into Islands of Adventure at the Orlando resort, it wasn't removing anything as large as this nor was it taking out a classic theater (The London/Diagon Alley area is still a sore spot which we won't talk about here).  I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this yet.

Universal Orlando DENIES Harry Potter Expansion in 2014

Not-so-Breaking News

Here we go again, on one of my favorite 'ranting' topics! The rumored 2014 'London' expansion of Wizarding World of Harry Potter supposedly coming to Universal Studios.

Well we all know Universal Orlando is in the middle of a giant boom due to the wild success of Wizarding World of Harry Potter which opened in 2010. We've seen this with the new Despicable Me attraction which replaced the ailing Jimmy Neutron. We've watched a brand new Transformers: The Ride 3D go up in a matter of mere months to the point it's nearly ready to open shortly for the mad summer rush. The rumored "Springfield Project" expansion which is going up outside of The Simpsons Ride which may or may not feature carnival style flat rides.  However, does that really mean that giant construction project in the previous Amity Island location is the much rumored Wizarding World London expansion? 

Image from the awesome folks at OrlandoParkNews.Com

Alright, we can't deny whatever this project is... it's MASSIVE. It's beyond massive, it's makes my mind twist around in giddy circles like a dog chasing it's tale with the unknown possibilities of "WHAT IS IT?!".  Which, as you should know, drives me completely crazy. 

Now, the LONG KNOWN problem I have with this being Wizarding World Part 2 (WWp2 for short) is the fact that in February of this year Universal Spokesmen have flat out said that a "A Harry Potter Expansion is NOT coming in 2014" nor have they leaked a word to the press of what this huge building project could be. Now this peice doesn't deny it's WWp2 but it doesn't confirm it either. Frankly I'm still fence sitting on this project no matter how much supposed 'intentional leaking' is done through certain other websites. Personally, I still see entirely to many logistical problems around moving WWp2 into a second park and that's it's about the dumbest idea I've heard since Kings Island tore out the loop on Son of Beast and magically expected it to work right... but again, that's just me. I'm sure you've heard my "Separate Parks Harry Potter Problem" rant before so I won't bore you with it again.

Universal Orlando Resort is a master of misdirection and lately have proven to be even more stealthy then Walt Disney World with their internal secrets. Let's be serious, those of us who flow within the Theme Park circuit tend to know what Disney World is doing before Disney signs the contact papers (the exception being Avatar because NONE of us guessed that one or if we did, we thought it was a nightmare). Now I will admit, This thing has (in my opinion) about a 75% chance of being WWp2 (GROAN) because my husband KitsuneHazard and I have done some fishing and came up with one disturbing image.

Left image from OrlandoUnited.Com. Right image CallyLabourCouncillors.org.uk

Yeah. I know. It looks a LOT like Kings Cross Station in London. That alone makes me bump up my normal odds of 50% on this construction being WWp2 up towards a more respective 75%.  I'm not thrilled as I'd much rather see a new, unique 'movie themed attraction' going into this spot but I know Harry Potter is a giant money machine right now for Universal.  Although with the announcement from the Orlando Business Journal it won't be in 2014 at all, so the soonest we could see this still mysterious area open would be 2015 or later.

However, I still stand fully by my complete and utterly motionless fence sitting ways. Until someone from Universal Orlando steps out onto a platform and tells the world "Okay, you got us. It's Wizarding World of Harry Potter London Edition" I'm not moving from this fence post! So take this rather late breaking news as you will just know whatever it is that is being built, it probably won't be opening for the 2014 season if Universal Spokespeople are telling us the truth.

Universal Orlando Harry Potter Expansion- Speculation ABOUND!

SPECULATIONS ABOUND

Universal Orlando and Harry Potter Edition

Alright, in case you haven't noticed I'm a severe fence sitter on this matter.

I don't think (and I hope) that Universal Orlando is NOT this stupid, however since NOTHING has been officially announced I'm allowed to cling the that silly hope.

No clue what I'm talking about? 

Let me explain. Please get comfortable, this is probably going to take some time!

On December 31, 2011 Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider shook the internet pretty hard by announcing he had an inside source that gave him full images and information on what is replacing the JAWS attraction and all of Amity Island at Universal Studios Orlando. It also involved the next expansion of 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' or as Jeff Elliott (also of Theme Park Insider) likes to put it "The Race to Spend Potters Gold". 

Okay this didn't just shake the internet theme park community, it blew the damn doors off the server and people went wild. All this based on speculation and no official announcement on behalf of Universal Orlando Resort. 

YES, You DID read that correctly. THIS IS NOT OFFICIAL PEOPLE! 

The fat lady hasn't sung, the cigars haven't been passed out. Universal has neither confirmed nor denied what is going into the Amity Island space at this moment in time.  Everything at this moment is still just rumors until the day Universal Orlando Resort comes public and says it. 

The rumor is that JAWS and all of Amity Island will be completely replaced with the Harry Potter Expansion. Now I've got into this before and how I think it's just about the most LUDICROUS IDEA EVER, it's a logistics nightmare and Harry Potter doesn't belong in Studios.  

Included in this speculation is the much rumored "Gringotts Bank Coaster" as well as "Diagon Alley", "Hogwarts Train Ride" and some form of a small 'walk-threw attraction' yet to be named or known. 

 Picture from Theme Park Insider

Now before you jump down my throat let's try to get an understanding here.  Please don't get me wrong, I love Harry Potter (Both books and movies) and I thought Wizarding World was amazingly well done. In fact, so well done my Visa card was smoking by the time my long suffering husband managed to haul me out of there with one last butterbeer in hand.

However, I don't believe Harry Potter has a place outside of Islands of Adventure.

Let me rephrase what I'd said before on this matter and how exactly it's a logistical nightmare.

1. Location
JAWS is completely on the opposite side of the Universal Orlando Resort from WWoHP.
2. Shit is in the way!
There is also a lot of important things back there which would need replaced and moved. Central Casting, Human Resources, Wardrobe, Cafeteria 1, Maintenance, Employee Parking and the Props Department all sit in between these two.

3. See Picture!

 So for this to even begin to be true and for them to really be building this, I'd have to hope that Universal Orlando has already begun the process of moving all those key backstage areas to other buildings.  However, there is a catch here. 

THEY HAVEN'T!

Calm down, I'll explain.

The most open rumor I've seen yet is a few pavement markings from backstage, which don't follow the area supposedly for the "Hogwarts Train Ride". Plus none of these buildings have been torn down, relocated to either new or re-used buildings either. 

In fact, other then the area around and behind jaws (As well as Sound Stage 44) nothing on the Universal Studios land has been removed. Now I've seen some proof the permits have been filed to demolish a few buildings just outside of Wizarding World where in bumps into what's left of "Lost Continent" but that's really all. Nothing for any of those backstage buildings and for demolition Central Florida requires more permits and hoops-to-jump-threw then other places.. it's enough to halfway boggle your mind.

Now, let me tell you why I think this is an EPICALLY BAD idea from the business side of the park.

1. You'll be required to have a two-park ticket (think Park Hopper) to access one of the big ticket attractions, the "Hogwarts Train Ride" which is rumored to move between the current WWoHP and the Amity Island Space. That just seems silly to split your major attraction between two parks and completely separate 'lands'.

2. How are they going to even PULL it off?! Trains are big folks, they need BIG spaces to turn around in unless they plan to run it similar to Disney Worlds Monorail system. Which also brings in the problem of HIDING the second conductors area! You'd have to hide in inside of a tunnel or other building, which also brings in the problem of getting people loaded on and off while not spotting the second drivers space. 

3. Your gonna SEE stuff outside the windows, backstage stuff which is going to completely ruin the illusion that Universal and Rowling worked so hard to create. Okay so you put in video screens or TVs to show false images, this would also be ruined by exiting the train and hitting a MASSIVE turn style gate to get into the next park which brings up another problem..

4. People aren't going to want to BUY a second ticket to see what should be an expansion within the same park. Which now creates anger and traffic going back, which will probably take up a good 1/3 of your open seating space on the "Train" which then in turn creates a flow problem.  Because yes, you can say it a million times that you need a 'Two Day Ticket" and people won't listen thus a nice loop of anger from guests. 

5. Space is LIMITED. Where are they even going to stuff the train stations? Okay so a few building in Lost Continent are being demolished, that's not going to be NEARLY enough room. You've probably need to take out everything up to the Sinbad theater to facilitate the lines and the space needed. Have you see the train and monorail stations at Disney World? Their HUGE.

And those are just a few of the dozens of problems Universal is going to face if this rumor is, in fact true. I'm completely FOR Harry Potter being expanded but I believe it should stay within Islands of Adventure and take over the now sadly lacking, Lost Continent area.  While Harry Potter would fit into "Ride the Movies" you would think they would put "Forbidden Journey" into Studios, this is simply because Gringotts is such a small part of both the Harry Potter books and movies it wouldn't be a good fit for Studios. Plus there is something else to consider, all the "Lands" of Univeral Studios are in the United States.

Again, Let me Explain.

Amity Island was supposed to be off Long Island, New York.

Disaster! Is located in San Fransisco.

Some of the back streets such as where the 'Blues Brothers' are Chicago. 

Mummy is a Museum supposedly in 1940's New York City.

Terminator 3D and the Monster Make-up show are Old Hollywood, California.

Men in Black, ET and Simpsons where all originally an area called "The Expo Center".

.....even the Rumored "Transformers" attraction would also be State-side.

So adding in a London, England part simply doesn't fit with the long standing theme Universal has had for ages in their Orlando Park. I personally can't speak for the Hollywood Park but if I remember correctly they've got some of the same theme layout as Orlando does. 

It just doesn't fit!

Granted, this is just my opinion.  I hope I'm right and frankly if I am, I'll enjoy feeding out a nice piece of "Eat Crow" pie.. if it is true I'll just shake my head and watch the chaos it creates from a safe distance.  However, until something comes directly from Universal Orlando Resort in an official capacity of a press announcement  on this matter... I shall keep sitting on my fence. All while hoping that this isn't what the future of Studios is going to look like.