Harry Potter expansion (Universal Orlando)
Views: 682,205 Subscribe

Great article written by the honorable theme park connoisseur Jim Hill:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-hill/the-wizarding-world-of-ha_b_4651060.html

Last but not least, artwork has been released, finally. Courtesy http://www.baynews9.com and Universal Orlando.

The Layout looks quite short... Sure it's an official one?!

Gringotts Bank Coaster layout
Source: http://netdna.orlandoinformer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Gringotts-Bank-Coaster.jpg

Recent picture update by Orlando Parks News:
http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2014/01/universal-studios-update-colorful_15.html



Many more here:
http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2014/01/universal-studios-update-colorful_15.html

Comcast/Universal is serious about their Harry Potter and overseas expansion plans:

The top executive at Comcast Corp. signaled Tuesday that the company expects to win theme-park market share away from industry leader Walt Disney Co. and other rival park owners.

"We're doubling down on theme parks," Comcast Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian Roberts told analysts during a conference in Las Vegas that was broadcast online. "We think that there is a lot of 'there' there in the theme-park business for many years to come and that we have a low market share — and only one way to go."

Source:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-comcast-theme-parks-20140107,0,7714951.story

Diagon Alley facade finishing touches. Update over at MiceChat/Orlando Park Hopper:




The complete update here:
http://micechat.com/53653-universal-orlando-update-goodbye-christmas-beetle-juice-gets-revamped/

“You have these two great parks. Now you have an opportunity to go from one park to another in a one-story experience,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative.

“You go to Universal Studios Florida, you can get on at Diagon Alley, you can get on the Hogwarts Express and take it over to Islands of Adventure, the Wizarding World, Hogsmeade, an unbelievable opportunity.”

Woodbury noted the train will run both directions between the two parks.

“Most people that come to the resort now experience both parks. This will be a great way for them to do that," he said.

And even if guests were to choose just one park, they'd still get a "Harry Potter experience," he said.

He did not say how the parks would handle a one-park ticketholder who wanted to board Hogwarts Express or if a two-park ticket would be required. A Universal official said more details would arrive as the grand opening gets closer.

Source:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/blogs/theme-park-rangers/os-universal-harry-potter-leaky-cauldron-20131212,0,5768659.post

All satellite imagery copyright by Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com