I came across an interesting rumor on Screamscape recently. Apparently there may be plans for a Hobbit-themed area at Islands of Adventure. And according to this article, Universal even used the success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to convince the Tolkiens that they could create a successful project that’s true to the source material.
Could Harry + Hobbits = Too Much Fantasy?
I hadn’t thought of this until Lance mentioned it, but would having the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings and a Harry Potter-themed area in the same park be too much fantasy for some? I have friends that can’t get into anything based on fantasy. They prefer their adventures to be more ‘realistic’, cop shows, courtroom dramas, etc.
In my opinion, Universal would benefit so much from fans of Tolkien’s work so much that it would off-set the loss of potential guests that don’t like the fantasy genre. Those guests can still enjoy the movie and TV-themed attractions found next door at Universal Studios. That’s my take. What do you think?
Where Would Middle Earth Be Built?
Where in the Islands of Adventure would they build Middle Earth? It may be tough to guess until we know where the second phase of the Wizarding World will be built. I’m not following that park’s developments closely, so if it’s already known, let us know in the comment section below. Screamscape mentions Toon Lagoon as a possible location for this Hobbit-themed area.
While it looks awesome, I’ve thought that the Lost Continent area between Suess’ Landing and the Wizarding World could be used for something that people could identify with more. But, I’m not sure that it’d be a good idea for these two fantasy-themed areas to sit right next to each other. We won’t have no for quite some time as it’s said that this new land won’t be created until 2015 or 2016.
What’s Your Take?
Should Universal Studios Islands of Adventure create a Hobbit-themed Middle Earth area? Where would you like to see them build it? Leave a comment below.
January 6, 2013 at 14:50
It would make more sense to replace Marvel Superhero Island with it. Hulk could become Smaug/Nazgul. Dr. Doom's Fearfall could be Sauron. Potter phase 2 is going in at Universal Studios (gringotts coaster is taking over Jaws Area). Remainder of Lost Continent is becoming Hogwarts Express train station.
January 6, 2013 at 16:55
The way I see it, some people already aren't huge fans of Islands of Adventure due to the fact that they tend to focus more on the fantasy side of the park. I've never been, so I'm not saying this for sure, but it also seems like the park would become a little too cluttered with another large themed area. A Hobbit-themed attraction or two would be seemingly fitting, but they shouldn't go all out with this opportunity like they did with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It would repel too many anti-fantasy visitors.
January 7, 2013 at 14:05
Nothing in the world of Middle Earth exactly screams “theme park attraction” to me. Just in my opinion as an Orlando local, I don’t think Marvel Superhero Island should be touched. The Hulk and Spider-Man rides are IoA’s bread and butter (next to WWoHP now). Universal has the rights to keep those rides indefinitely so it’s not like there’s a need to change anything there.
My vote would be to swap out Jurassic Park Island. I still don’t know why it’s even there. We’re talking about a hit movie from 20 years ago. Yeah, kids like dinosaurs, but that section of the park is terribly outdated. I think the world of Middle Earth could translate well to that area. Instead of velociraptors and T-Rexs, dilos, and compys, you can have orcs, trolls, and dragons. The Jurassic Park River Ride could easily be incorporated to a LoR or Hobbit ride (the indoor section could be converted into the Mines of Moria perhaps? T-Rex turned into the Balrog? Gandolf’s classic “YOU SHALL NOT PASS!!!” before the final drop? That would be awesome.
Pteradon Flyers could easily be converted into Eagle flyers. There’s nothing else really of note in Jurassic Park Island that would need to be kept. The Visitor Center and Nature Trail could be swapped for Rivendell perhaps? At the very least, I don’t think there needs to be a huge area of the park dedicated to Hobbit/LoR. And with Jurassic Park being the most outdated section of the park and also with the fewest content, I don’t think people would care one way or the other if it a replacement was “fantasy” or not.
What do you guys think about that?
January 7, 2013 at 14:37
Oh yeah, and while my creative juices are flowing, does anyone here NOT think that the iconic “lighthouse” at IoA be changed to the Eye of Sauron if this Hobbit thing does happen? Just saying…
January 7, 2013 at 15:39
Screamscape mentioned that too.
January 9, 2013 at 21:23
I don't think it is a good idea. I like the park the way it is. Universal should focus more on putting new rides and attractions to the already existing lands than making new lands. And it would be crazy to have both Harry Potter and the Hobbit in the same park. And they better not replace Superhero Island with it, that would be a terrible decision. Superhero Island is, in my opinion, the best part of IOA, and without the superhero theming, regardless of what theming would replace it, it just wouldn't feel right. I think Harry Potter and The Hobbit have too many similarities to have both of them in the same park. They both have wizards, strange creatures, and much more in common. I think they should leave IOA the way it is. Just put in new rides.
January 10, 2013 at 07:16
Roller coasters? Theme Parks? The Hobbit??? The geek inside me is starting to cry tears of joy
January 20, 2013 at 06:15
Sounds like how I felt at the top of Titan at SFOT overlooking the Cowboys stadium in the distance.
January 25, 2013 at 20:02
Cowboys fan?
January 29, 2013 at 22:57
Yes. Please don't stop reading though.
January 30, 2013 at 17:34
….I'm a Steelers fan…Haha….
We can still be friends, right?
May 23, 2013 at 02:13
Dillion, were gonna have a bigger problem… Im a browns fan.
January 11, 2013 at 17:21
Doesn’t Disney own marvel now?? That actually would make sense for them to rethink something for superhero island. Also, hell no it’s not too much fantasy. It’s a theme park what would you expect? Superhero island, dr Seuss, toon lagoon all = fantasy. I don’t understand how that question even got brought up.
January 12, 2013 at 07:47
I think Lance meant fantasy in the sense of dragons, magic, and wizardry, etc. You know, old-world fantasy of that nature. Not the larger umbrella of fantasy that you mentioned.
May 23, 2013 at 02:11
I think toon land would be a good spot, because i can easily see like the rip saw falls, and popeye water rides converted into the hobbit. That area also lacks some good themeing that appeals to today’s generation.