It appears that with the closure of Dragon Challenge and the construction of a new Harry Potter-themed family-friendly ride in its place, Universal will not be replacing everything from the ground up. A permit filed this month for the Wizarding World attraction seems to be for the re-theming of an existing building onsite.
The permit for Project 942, the assumed code name for the new ride, is described as being for “architectural and structural design of attraction scenes associated with the existing building, including modifications to the building envelope of existing building.”
This adds to an engineering permit that covers “full design of the attraction scenes that are not associated with existing buildings” and a previous permit filed late last year that referenced a pre-engineered metal building with three motor control centers; demonstrating that Universal won’t simply be renovating older structures, but will be using both new and existing elements to complete the setting. Although these permits have yet to give us a clear idea on exactly what the attraction will look like upon completion, details are presenting themselves bit by bit.
Universal promises the attraction will “redefine the category and transport you to thrilling places, drawing you into even more exciting adventures within the Wizarding World.”
Source: City of Orlando Permitting
I think this a smart move by Universal. It’s a great coaster and this will bring it back in its newly themed glory sooner rather than later.
Universal is doing great things and doing them fast!
The speed in which Universal does things (like open attractions) may seem faster in relation to what happens over at the Disney parks but that’s simply a function of the type of attractions. Universal tends to open attractions that are mostly/totally simulator based while Disney builds actual rides. That difference translates out to 1-2 years Vs. 3-4 years respectively
I hope it is an adventure into Newt’s suitcase full of Fantastic Beasts!
I think that the new ride will somehow entail the Ministry of Magic, and in another area, the Forbidden Forrest! I think it’s exciting. I don’t think they need another “Roller Coaster”…..but a cool ride that moves you all around, would be great! I really enjoy the ride in Hogwart’s, but it is (in my Opinion) Just a little too fast. I wish they would slow it down, just a bit. If it’s the need for speed you have…..then ride Rip It Rocket. But IF you enjoy everything that is connected to Harry Potter, then please, just slow it down a little bit, so we can enjoy the ride! I am totally amazed at the AWESOME job that Universal has done, in making anything Harry Potter, so REALISTIC, to the movie. When you are in Hogsmeade…..it feels like you REALLY are in the movie. Same goes for all the rest of the places there. But…..I have one other bit of advice for the Big Wigs, at Universal…….DO NOT raise the price of admission, or a lot of merchandise you offer, just because DISNEY does! You have a Great Opportunity here, to show your real Fans, that you hear them, and you will support them, by keeping prices the same, when Disney Raises their’s. You may even create more customers that way too. Just sayin’.