Sudden News Break

On January 12th, we will mourn the loss of an old friend:

RIP, Bruce. We'll miss you.

On the other hand....

More Harry Potter attractions! Squeeee!!!


Oh, but those of us in Florida have to wait for them. Well, that's a bummer...

Here's what Universal had to say:

Hey fans, we want you to be the first to know… JAWS! and the Amity area will officially close on January 2 to make room for an exciting, NEW, experience we’re planning for you. We know you love JAWS! and we do too. It has been an amazing attraction and after terrorizing the waters of Amity here at Universal Orlando for 20 years, it’s a VERY important part of our history. So, we’ve got a couple things planned to ensure we always remember and honor it. We know it’s hard to say goodbye, but we can’t express how EXCITED we are about the new, innovative & amazing experience we’re going to be bringing you.


Well, I know I wasn't excited when I first heard the news. Jaws is a big part of their heritage and the park's older identity as a showcase of classic films. However, if we get a big expansion in its place just like we did with Wizarding World, this could be interesting. The landscape of the Florida market could be changed yet again. 


However, we now have this to debate: the possibility of several new locations of Hogwarts around the globe. On one hand, more fans will be able to experience this great attraction. On the other hand, will this cheapen the Florida location? Having only one Wizarding World really makes one feel like this is THE real thing. But, it might be nothing. This reminds me how many scoff at old reports from 1955 that address the harm of many "little Disneylands" placed throughout the globe. Then again, maybe they still have a point...


Here's the official press release:

“NBCUniversal is planning to expand its Los Angeles theme park with a section devoted to the “Harry Potter” franchise, according to people familiar with the matter, hoping to repeat the success of a similar attraction at NBCU’s Orlando, Fla., resort.

The new “Harry Potter” addition in the Los Angeles park, Universal Studios Hollywood, will likely resemble the one in Florida, these people say, which includes a Hogwarts Castle, roller coasters, and several Potter-themed restaurants including the Hog’s Head tavern, which serves butterbeer, as in the books. If the new section succeeds, more “Potter” attractions could open in other parts of the world where Universal has theme parks, including Japan, Singapore, and Spain, say people close to Universal.”