Wizarding World of Harry Potter News...

[Oswald the Rabbitt]

Universal only let these details out so they could battle all the D23 Details

[ZeekSlider]

Even if that's the case, the news about the Wizarding World is more exciting than the news about meeting your favorite Disney Princesses in their own world.

Though that "Be Our Guest" resturant does look attractive if they can pull it off...

[BC_DisneyGeek]

Originally Posted by RandySavage

Regarding the budget... analysts place the cost of Potterland at $265mm, but rumors are that the Hogwarts attraction alone is costing around $300mm.

Yeah, I heard $200 million for the whole thing. That won't even buy an E-ticket ride nowadays. The numbers you have there sound more reasonable.

Still, I've seen articles refer to this as a "Harry Potter Theme Park". One new ride in a well-themed land will be nice, but I'm not that excited over a relatively minor expansion.

[Anime Nut]

While I love all of the concept art that has been released, that video clip is cheesy beyond belief. Watching those 3 dudes talk and talk and talk in the Common Room made me feel like I fell asleep with the TV on, and this was the infomercial crap I woke up to. When Tom Felton came out, I half-expected him to offer a testimonial on the wonders of Extenze. "Things become bigger!"

[JtnOrl]

Originally Posted by NeverNeverland

Well, I am excited! It will make IOA a park actually worth going to.

Err.... it already is.

[ZeekSlider]

There are only so many coasters than an individual can handle. Sometimes, a little ambiance and shopping is needed to balance out the high-speed loopping and diving.

[flynnibus]

Originally Posted by RandySavage

Regarding the budget... analysts place the cost of Potterland at $265mm, but rumors are that the Hogwarts attraction alone is costing around $300mm.

Uni has made statements in their financial reports about how much they are spending. They have set the expectations and would need to correct those if overspending. They can't mess with investor relations too much. I need to find the quote I posted awhile back in one of the other IOA threads.

Originally Posted by naumoney

BTW: Is Dueling Dragons still open? How long will it be open? The website just says "A portion of the Lost Continent is closed," but not which portion.

No, it's been closed for awhile and is already all under construction.

[flynnibus]

Here is the stuff I found from previous Uni financial filings (in 2007). I haven't bothered to lookup newer ones yet

We estimate our total capital investment in these attractions and the previously announced Simpsons™ attraction to range from $230.0 million to $265.0 million. This includes all capital expenditures to build these attractions. This also takes into account the net present value of all license fee payments, including license fee payments to WB that would become payable during the renewal option periods, but does not include merchandise royalties. During 2007, we expect to spend from $75.0 million to $85.0 million on these attractions.

Only 260 mil spent between Simpsons and all of HP land including up front fees.

UNIVERSAL CITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS LTD (Form: 8-K, Received: 05/31/2007 11:13:28)

[flynnibus]

And here are more recent estimates from Uni..

We estimate our capital expenditures, including intellectual property rights, to be approximately $110.0 million during 2009. Our capital expenditures in excess of the amount permitted by the capital covenant in our senior secured credit agreement will be funded through partner equity contributions made in 2008. A large portion of this cost relates to the design and construction of the upcoming Hollywood Rip Ride RockitSM coaster and Wizarding World of Harry PotterSM themed area which we anticipate opening in summer 2009 and no later than the summer of 2010, respectively. We estimate our total anticipated capital investment in The Simpsons RideTM, which opened in May 2008, and these two unfinished attractions will range from $275.0 million to $310.0 million. This includes all capital expenditures to build these attractions except capitalized interest. This also takes into account the net present value of all license fee payments made during the initial terms of the applicable licenses, while excluding license payments made during renewal periods or merchandise royalties.

SEC Info - Ucdp Finance Inc, et al. - 10-Q - For 6/28/09

[JtnOrl]

Originally Posted by ZeekSlider

There are only so many coasters than an individual can handle. Sometimes, a little ambiance and shopping is needed to balance out the high-speed loopping and diving.

IOA only has three coasters -- the same number as MK.

Originally Posted by flynnibus

No, it's been closed for awhile and is already all under construction.

Dragons is still open.

[flynnibus]

Originally Posted by JtnOrl

Dragons is still open.

Did they move the entrance then?

[JtnOrl]

It basically starts at the JP arch now. They even set up lockers over there. You go over the bridge and everything is walled off except access to the ride.

[flynnibus]

ok, that's where I was confused... I've seen all the photos about the entrance being disassembled, etc.

[mainejeff]

Personally, I think that Universal spends their money much better than Disney does.

[GhostHost2]

Originally Posted by ZeekSlider

There are only so many coasters than an individual can handle. Sometimes, a little ambiance and shopping is needed to balance out the high-speed loopping and diving.

Because we all go to theme parks to shop. Universal has ambiance, even if it isn't as much ambiance as DL and TDS.

Anyone know if Dueling Dragons will be open in January?