AOL has posted Universal Orlando's Harry Potter Super Bowl commercial on its WalletPop website.
It looks like the broomsticks are not for Dragon Challenge, as you see those ride vehicles, briefly, under the dragon's fire. Given that the commercial ends with Harry and the two kids flying into Hogwarts Castle, I now question whether the broomsticks are ride vehicles. Could be, but maybe not.
Thoughts? More importantly, do you think that this commercial will inspire people to book trips? There's still no opening date announced, nor is there a "come on" or solicitation in the ad.
Tweet
Looks like just a commercial... If Universal had a great new Virtual attraction I believe you would have seen it displayed here, while millions are watching the game (or pissing)…hahaha
It's an effective commercial. It doesn't reflect what the ride inside Hogwart's is like, because Universal wants to surprise everyone, just as they did with Spiderman. Obviously guests won't be getting on broomsticks, so hopefully the fact that the commercial is a fantasy will mean that it doesn't mislead people into incorrect expectations.
Universal's problem is actually going to be that initially the Wizarding World will be overwhelmed in terms of capacity, so this piece isn't trying to get people to book short term trips for specific dates; instead, it's trying to leave people with an impression that they'd like to visit when vacation time rolls around.
It's a good ad. I like how the dragon turns into some kind of ride or coaster as he's zooming by. Obviously they can't put an official opening date because they don't know for sure, and yes, don't be too surprised if there are delays.
My concern would be people thinking that the land is open now - then arriving for Spring Break, only to be disappointed. But I don't think that would be a huge issue, for I hope the ad will encourage people to log online to find more information... and maybe finding their way around to here!
At 16/17 seconds, you can see the dangling coaster.
I agree, Robert: A "Coming to Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in May 2010 - book your Wizarding vacation now" would have improved things.
As it is, the commercial appears to target people already familiar with Universal instead of being aimed at the legions of Harry Potter fans who have never been to Orlando. I won't call it an epic fail, but it sure left me wanting.
I suppose I should disclaim that this might not be the final version of the ad. Universal could tweak it between now and air, or this could have been a cut created exclusively for leaking to fan sites and such.
Maybe this is the final version, but it's not like I got a copy sent to me from Universal with official corporate word that this was what folks will see on Sunday.
Pretty lame commercial. It just seemed very fake, which, considering the budget for the films et al., it shouldn't have.
The rumor is (I believe) something about a robot arm coaster,
"Robocoaster" is the current hot thought in regards to the mystery Hogwarts ride. At least that would be the buzz from:
http://www.thecoastercritic.com/2009/07/robocoaster-comin-harry-potters-wizarding-world.html
However as of this moment, there is utterly nothing listed for any kind of new coaster going into Universal's IOA-HP according to the Roller Coaster Database.
Frankly the ride in the had has to be the re-theme from Dueling Dragons in my opinion. I can't possibly see them building another inverted coaster when they already have two, besides someone.. someplace would have spotted track being moved threw even in the dead of night.
As for people coming? Naturally! It's Harry Potter, millions of children (and not exactly children) grew up and fell in love with these books. Not to be to horribly cliche but "If you build it, they will come".
That is Dueling Dragons rethemed under the dragon. The inside ride is something different and not represented at all. Hopefully it's the robot-arm coaster!
This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.
It seems to me like Soarin at EPCOT.