Note: I created this thread on another site that isn't Disney Parks savvy, thats why I explained a lot of things (which most of you already know about)
This is something I've been wanting to do for quite some time now but have been putting it off. So now that I have some free time, I'll look at both the Fantasyland Expansion and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Now before I get started, I'm writing this article on fact and opinion mixed in. I will be dividing up the analysis in categories (i.e. Attractions, the discuss that topic in both expansions). I will also be awarding points to FLE and the WWoHP to see which adds up to the most.
Attractions
A look at attractions coming from the FLE & WWoHP
Probably one of the most difficult and easiest subject to talk about. Both additions include one new major "E-Ticket" attraction: FLE has The Little Mermaid Dark Ride and WWoHP has the Forbidden Journey. Both will be highly immersive, fun, and unique.
Both expansions include a remodel of two classic rides. FLE will include major changes to Dumbo including an interactive queueless system, and the WWoHP will include a remodel of the Flying Unicorn, transforming it into the Flight of the Hippogriff. I'm considering these as equal while the changes may be different to each one. Dumbo will get a second spinner, theme change (focusing on the circus) and a queueless interactive system. While the Flying Unicorn will get new ride cars, a full size Hippogriff AA, and a theme change.
The second classic ride for FLE is Barnstormer and for the WWoHP it's Dueling Dragons. Both are roller coasters, both are receiving minimal changes. A name change and theme change to both, and that's about it.
So, as for attractions, it comes down to being equal.
Fantasyland Expansion: 1 point
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 1 point
Theming
A look at the theming of the FLE & WWoHP
Theming is extremely important to many fans of both Disney Parks and Universal Parks. You want the area to feel very immersive as if you are really there. Both of them will do just that. The FLE (named Fantasy Forest) will be taking you into the worlds of Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Pooh, Sleeping Beauty, Dumbo, and Pixie Hollow. The detail will be VERY high, from the walkways and rockwork to the buildings and M&Gs. While as for the WWoHP, it's going to feel like your inside the movie of Harry Potter. You'll see the Three Broomsticks, the Owlery, Ollivanders, and Hogwarts Castle. It will also contain very high amounts of detail. This is equal for me.
Fantasyland Expansion: 1 point
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 1 point
Dinning
A look at the dinner in the FLE & the WWoHP
Both of the expansions will include a major dinning experience. Inside of Beast's Castle, you'll dine among 3 different rooms (West Wing, Ballroom, Gallery) with lots of detail. The restaurant will be a counter service by day and transform to a sit down meal in the evening. The WWoHP will include the famous Three Broomsticks. It will include Britain inspired food and even include Butterbeer from the movie. Right next to the Three Broomsticks is Hog's Head Pub. That levels the playing field for dinning.
Fantasyland Expansion: 1 point
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 1 point
Interactivity
A look at the interactive elements in the FLE & the WWoHP
Interactivity has grown big time in the theme park industry, especially with newer technology. The WWoHP will feature a special wand quest where guests will go to Ollivander's to get their own wand and then continue on a quest throughout the WWoHP. As for the FLE, you're going to be taken into the worlds of the princesses where you'll talk and participate along side of Cinderella, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty. You'll also play in a three ring circus that includes interactive games at Dumbo. If recent rumors are true, the Pixie Hollow "attraction" will be very interactive. Whether it's a M&G, a show, or a ride, nobody knows yet. I'm going to call this one even until I know more information.
Fantasyland Expansion: 1 point
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 1 point
Audience
A look at the audience for the FLE & the WWoHP
Which one has a bigger audience? I'm going to go with WWoHP. Adults, teens (male and female), and even kids will all love this land. The FLE? Maybe parents, little kids (girls and boys), and Disney fans. Obviously WWoHP will attract a larger audience, if marketed correctly.
Fantasyland Expansion: 1 point
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 2 points
The Conclusion
The grand totals are in, and they are quite interesting:
Fantasyland Expansion: 5 points
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 6 points
So the playing field is almost even. There is only a difference in the audience size (WWoHP is larger). I hope TDO and WDI address this issue and try to work on something for teens/males. If they can accomplish that, then everything here is about 100% even. In all honesty, I'm looking forward to both.
Thanks for reading! :wave:
Fantasyland Expansion vs The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
My analysis of both additions coming to Orlando
My analysis of both additions coming to Orlando
This is something I've been wanting to do for quite some time now but have been putting it off. So now that I have some free time, I'll look at both the Fantasyland Expansion and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Now before I get started, I'm writing this article on fact and opinion mixed in. I will be dividing up the analysis in categories (i.e. Attractions, the discuss that topic in both expansions). I will also be awarding points to FLE and the WWoHP to see which adds up to the most.
Attractions
A look at attractions coming from the FLE & WWoHP
Probably one of the most difficult and easiest subject to talk about. Both additions include one new major "E-Ticket" attraction: FLE has The Little Mermaid Dark Ride and WWoHP has the Forbidden Journey. Both will be highly immersive, fun, and unique.
Both expansions include a remodel of two classic rides. FLE will include major changes to Dumbo including an interactive queueless system, and the WWoHP will include a remodel of the Flying Unicorn, transforming it into the Flight of the Hippogriff. I'm considering these as equal while the changes may be different to each one. Dumbo will get a second spinner, theme change (focusing on the circus) and a queueless interactive system. While the Flying Unicorn will get new ride cars, a full size Hippogriff AA, and a theme change.
The second classic ride for FLE is Barnstormer and for the WWoHP it's Dueling Dragons. Both are roller coasters, both are receiving minimal changes. A name change and theme change to both, and that's about it.
So, as for attractions, it comes down to being equal.
Fantasyland Expansion: 1 point
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 1 point
Theming
A look at the theming of the FLE & WWoHP
Theming is extremely important to many fans of both Disney Parks and Universal Parks. You want the area to feel very immersive as if you are really there. Both of them will do just that. The FLE (named Fantasy Forest) will be taking you into the worlds of Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Pooh, Sleeping Beauty, Dumbo, and Pixie Hollow. The detail will be VERY high, from the walkways and rockwork to the buildings and M&Gs. While as for the WWoHP, it's going to feel like your inside the movie of Harry Potter. You'll see the Three Broomsticks, the Owlery, Ollivanders, and Hogwarts Castle. It will also contain very high amounts of detail. This is equal for me.
Fantasyland Expansion: 1 point
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 1 point
Dinning
A look at the dinner in the FLE & the WWoHP
Both of the expansions will include a major dinning experience. Inside of Beast's Castle, you'll dine among 3 different rooms (West Wing, Ballroom, Gallery) with lots of detail. The restaurant will be a counter service by day and transform to a sit down meal in the evening. The WWoHP will include the famous Three Broomsticks. It will include Britain inspired food and even include Butterbeer from the movie. Right next to the Three Broomsticks is Hog's Head Pub. That levels the playing field for dinning.
Fantasyland Expansion: 1 point
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 1 point
Interactivity
A look at the interactive elements in the FLE & the WWoHP
Interactivity has grown big time in the theme park industry, especially with newer technology. The WWoHP will feature a special wand quest where guests will go to Ollivander's to get their own wand and then continue on a quest throughout the WWoHP. As for the FLE, you're going to be taken into the worlds of the princesses where you'll talk and participate along side of Cinderella, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty. You'll also play in a three ring circus that includes interactive games at Dumbo. If recent rumors are true, the Pixie Hollow "attraction" will be very interactive. Whether it's a M&G, a show, or a ride, nobody knows yet. I'm going to call this one even until I know more information.
Fantasyland Expansion: 1 point
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 1 point
Audience
A look at the audience for the FLE & the WWoHP
Which one has a bigger audience? I'm going to go with WWoHP. Adults, teens (male and female), and even kids will all love this land. The FLE? Maybe parents, little kids (girls and boys), and Disney fans. Obviously WWoHP will attract a larger audience, if marketed correctly.
Fantasyland Expansion: 1 point
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 2 points
The Conclusion
The grand totals are in, and they are quite interesting:
Fantasyland Expansion: 5 points
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: 6 points
So the playing field is almost even. There is only a difference in the audience size (WWoHP is larger). I hope TDO and WDI address this issue and try to work on something for teens/males. If they can accomplish that, then everything here is about 100% even. In all honesty, I'm looking forward to both.
Thanks for reading! :wave: