Comments on: Rumor round-up for Jan 4, 2013: Middle Earth in Orlando and Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley

By: Taylor Strickland

Taylor Strickland — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:41:22 +0000

In reply to derekburgan. Well said!

By: derekburgan

derekburgan — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:01:31 +0000

In reply to Jerry.

While it’s doubtful anyone will EVER be able to buy the amount of land Walt Disney did (the world has changed in too many ways, too expensive, etc) Universal has a lot more land than most people think it does and has a very good possibility of getting more (it sold a lot during previous ownerships).

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is similar to what happens in the movie world when a small company somehow lucks into a movie like the Blair Witch Project or Twilight blowing up bigger than anyone’s wildest dreams. It gives them money to completely change their business and do projects no one thought possible. The first WWOHP gave Comcast enough reason to sink another Billion plus back into the parks. If they see a similar return when the new WWOHP expansion opens? Look out.

By: Jerry

Jerry — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:34:09 +0000

I dont think it would be wise to have lord of the rings at that park! My main concern is that universal in a way is stuck in the middle of the city or an area in orlando! Other than that if universal had acres and acres lined up for future development I would love to see middle earth there! and also the prices are universal orlando are slightly cheaper than disney! Or what would be very very very out of this world! never will happen but if they closed down universal orlando for a short period or find a way to buy more land or buy the same amount as disney near orlando! but im happy 🙂

By: gbyerly

gbyerly — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:51:23 +0000

Logistical nightmare or not I believe the Lost Continent would not require much updating to change to LOTR. The Mythos restaurant already seems to fit right with part of the movie. The back drop of Hogwarts castle also fits in with the castles of LOTR. For the money it would bring and the lower cost of retrofitting the existing buildings… No brainer.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 19:34:37 +0000

I would make a special trip for sure for a LOTR/Hobbit attraction. That would be so amazing. I just wish they wouldn’t close Ripsaw Falls. I think it’s more fun than Bluto’s. Just my opinion. I will agree to disagree.

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:09:18 +0000

Many people hace cited that Tokein himself loathed Walt Disney and his family will not deal with them due to this…

And some reports are indicating that Universal & Warner Brothers had JK Rowling actually speak with the Tolkein heirs about her relationship with Universal and theme parks and that moved along the conversation

By: PA-RN

PA-RN — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 23:07:01 +0000

I am not certain they purchased just yet,but I read that it included themepark rights.Most rumors at this point still have them negotiating with the Tolkien family..I am not surprised if it moves to Universal , I got a survey from Universal in Jan 2012 asking about feelings on having a Middle Earth attraction in the parks.The Tolkien family from what I read will not deal with Disney and rather have Universal ( if any) themepark involved since they were impressed how willing Universal was to accomodate JK Rowling and how well that turned out.

By: Taylor Strickland

Taylor Strickland — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:49:28 +0000

I read somewhere that, in addition to the success of the Hobbit, the other catalytic for the LOTR buzz this week was that Universal purchased the rights to the LOTR and Hobbit movies. Not sure if that meant all the rights, theme park rights, movie & theme park rights, or some other instrumentation.

Was this substantiated anywhere? If not, who does own the theme park rights?