It was announced earlier this week that Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando will get a new “theme park within a theme park” that will include a famous fantasy castle to rival those iconic structures of the Disney parks. Given the worldwide phenomenom of J. K. Rowling’s bestselling books and the blockbuster movie adaptations, it was inevitable that someone–and it wasn’t going to be Disney–would create this park. “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” has a target opening date of late 2009, so all those Muggles out there who’ve always wanted to taste butterbeer should start saving golden ingots. While for some this will be provide further proof that the boy wizard’s propagation of the forbidden arts continues in the culture, those (like me) who see them as mere literature that uses fanciful magic as a device for looking at moral character will look forward to visiting the park’s version of Hogwart’s castle, the Forbidden Forest and the nearby village of Hogsmeade. But no Diagon Alley?
After going to the official announcement site, I had to wonder what it will be like to walk through the snowy streets of Hogsmeade in the sweltering July days of central Florida. No one but real wizards will be wearing their school robes that day.
Ah, yes. I remember this story. (No Diagon Alley? How sad!) I thought it was, well, neat in a way. At least people are thinking a wee bit outside the box. (Wee bit, mind you)
Yes, yes, it’s commercialism at it’s worst. But, in a way, I can’t help liking it. Maybe it’s just my fascination with “old world charm”. Perhaps the cheap backdrops of the forbidden forest (Assuming the park isn’t put together very well, which, having been to Islands, I can tell you it won’t be.) just match the rather flat settings of the book. (Not that I find the characters very multi-dimensional, either. Though I do enjoy the books). Either way, young Harry and friends have slipped from my culture radar for the time being. I’m not even that interested in the next film.
Actually, what I’m waiting for is the next Narnia film. I’ve been listening to Focus on the Family’s radio theater version all week (For the millionth time!) and it’s filled me with a hunger for more!
What do you think are the chances of a Narnia theme park? Not that I actually want one. Lewis’s writings are to deep for something that cheesy. I’d just be curious to see a concept model. What are your thoughts?
Comment by Ashley — June 12, 2007 @ 6:19 pm |
Not “golden ingots.” “Galleons.”
Comment by Dan Berger — June 25, 2007 @ 10:24 am |
Right you are, Dan! Ingots was the source of the bank’s name.
Thanks
Comment by Alex — June 26, 2007 @ 7:03 pm |
Actually , the bank’s name its called “Gringots” not “Ingots”
Comment by alejandra — September 4, 2008 @ 7:12 pm |