Check out the concept art above, and the official press release announcing the all-new Universal Beijing theme park and resort:
Ever notice how whenever you see a McDonald’s, there tends to be a Burger King nearby? Now picture this on the billion dollar scale and you have the global theme park tug of war between Disney and Universal.
In this case, a couple of hours separate this new park from Shanghai Disneyland under construction so there should be plenty of breathing room for both parks to thrive in China.
What huge news for Universal, though.
To say the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando is a massive hit would be an understatement. It has been a game changer for them. I wonder if they truly knew when they acquired the theme park rights to this franchise that it would spark a renaissance for their parks, and an impressive global expansion initiative on the scale of what Disney has been doing abroad.
The Harry Potter presence at Universal is on par creatively with anything Disney has put out in recent years. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is one of the most impressive thrill rides ever made, housed in a recreation of Hogwart’s Castle on a massive scale. The surrounding land of Hogsmead is so immersive, so rich with detail, guests truly feel like they are transported to another place. The recent expansion with Diagon Alley and its signature attraction, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at the Universal Studios park in Orlando is no different.
Harry Potter has been proven as a true theme park anchor, guaranteeing their success wherever they may build this experience.
Southern California will soon discover this when its own version of the Wizarding World opens soon. When that happens, Universal Studios Hollywood will transform into a regular must-see from the key local demographic which, up until now, tends to view the park as a “once every few years and the occasional Halloween Horror Nights” destination.
I’ll say it again. Complete game changer.
This is none the more apparent as with Universal Beijing. Towards the top of the concept art, we can clearly see the familiar recreation of Hogsmead and Hogwart’s Castle. While not apparent from the art, insiders are claiming Diagon Alley will be a part of this new land, and if this is true, clearly their intent isn’t just to build a park. Rather, they are looking to make an explosion. Southern California will be getting the Orlando treatment, with a Diagon Alley expansion presumably coming when they need it, several years down the road once the initial buzz has worn off. I have no doubt there are expansion areas already identified in this initial planning at this park.
Beijing seems to be getting it all at once, and that’s not all.
Let’s see what else we can deduce from the concept art.
This park looks to be a “best of” Orlando park with a little Tokyo DisneySea design inspiration thrown in. I see an Egyptian-themed land, presumably for a Revenge of the Mummy coaster, and a Jurassic Park land, both found in Orlando, and predictable areas with this park. There’s an Incredible Hulk coaster from Islands of Adventure as well, although with the transition of Marvel to Disney, it will be interesting to see if they keep a Marvel theming here, or if this will be repurposed to another brand. Several other attractions are apparent, and seem to target a broad demographic, so there will be something for everyone.
Beijing looks to be another impressive expansion for Universal.
Can’t wait to check this out.