Universal Takes On Disney World With Harry Potter

(MoneyWatch)  Universal Orlando Resort will debut its 20-acre Harry Potter-themed attraction, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure this spring, and to add more hype, Universal has bought a Superbowl XLIV commercial spot advertising the new $265 million project.

The idea of a Harry Potter-themed attraction has garnered a lot of notice, especially from die-hard fans of the boy wizard created by J.K. Rowling. Now that it released photos showing an almost-finished Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry Harry attends, it's stirring up more interest. Apparently Universal knows how to whet the appetites of Rowling's fans because they're releasing only small bits of information, mostly artist's renderings on its Web site. The attraction will have feature detailed reproductions of the book and film series' staples such as Hogsmeade Village, Ollivander's Wand Shop, pubs that sell butterbeer and will use actors to portray dueling wizards.
While many expect this is Universal's strongest competition against Disney World, others say that Universal may have tapped into some serious and lucrative geekdom. It's almost a purely interactive fantasy world that will probably have as much appeal for adults making a pilgrimage to the Orlando theme park as it will for children. (Disney must be aware of the geek factor, since it is currently readying its weekends devoted to Star Wars also beginning in May.)

With all the Internet buzz, I think Universal definitely hit it out of the park on this one and it can truly be a worthy rival for Disney World. However, I think that Universal's first foray into literature (yes, there are films, too, but ... ) -- a book series that has sold 375 million copies worldwide and created passionate fans -- may be smarter than anyone thinks.

Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort