Yesterworld: Disney’s Cancelled Harry Potter Land in the Magic Kingdom

Disney and Harry Potter’s relationship goes back over two decades - even including an unbuilt Harry Potter Land in the Magic Kingdom. Today, we explore the full theme park history of Harry Potter - the franchise Disney desperately wanted in their parks, but ultimately missed out on to Universal Studios. We discuss Harry Potter from his inception with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone all the way to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.

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[OakViewFilms]

I love Disney, but I'm glad Potter ended up going to Universal instead. Clearly, they had the better approach of how to handle the franchise, and Wizarding World gives Disney some much needed competition. 

Had Universal not built Wizarding World, who knows how Disney would have (if they would have) done Star Wars Land.

[SharpDesign]

Oh no, it's Aragog. The Giant spider. What are we going to do!

[ToucanLDM]

This is beyond fascinating how Disney keeps shooting themselves in the foot when it comes to the Harry Potter rights.

[JustinCoasters]

Dumbo Dore?

That sounds like a bad joke in an SNL Sketch, Not a Real idea.

[Zveebo]

I'm honestly glad that Disney messed up so disastrously on this, because Rowling giving Universal the chance has ended up raising the whole bar for the theme park industry. Pre Wizarding World, Disney were coasting, and things like Galaxy's Edge and Pandora would never have been done to standard they have been if it wasn't for Universal's Potter efforts blowing everyone away.

[billygarcia]

It’s crazy how Disney managed to screw up losing the rights to Harry Potter at every. Single. Step in the franchise’s history.

[chaseosborn]

After what I've heard, it was definitely for the better that the plans for a Harry Potter themed land went to Universal instead of Disney. Disney's idea sounded so lazy and lackluster.

Plus with Universal having The Wizarding World, it defined the concept of immersive themed lands, which Disney is taking influence to with Pandora and the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. So these lands probably wouldn't exist if it wasn't for Universal.

[davidfeltheim]

I can truly say that I don't think the Harry Potter Franchise would be as good if Disney had done it. One of the key elements of Harry Potter is Rowling's vision, which is incompatable with Disney's method. The magic of Harry Potter is a lot different then the magic of Disney, I feel like they would clash. Universal valued Harry Potter much higher then Disney, and I think Disney has done far better with Pixar then they would have ever done with the Wizarding World. Also, Universal's theme park attractions pushed Disney to build Galaxy's Edge, so it may be better with the competition. But bruh, Michael Eisner again...

[chrisk]

We've enjoyed visiting WDW a couple of times in the mid-2005-8's with our two children.
Both of them became Harry Potter "addicts" reading their books each several times and going to the films.
My daughter even did some theme sewing including making Hogwarts scarves.
With much "lobbying" we went to Universal Studios (parental units also enthusiastic) for the first time. We were "blown" away the magnificent recreation of Harry Potter's village. Made Disney's WDW efforts pale in comparison. We all loved it. We went back again the next year (we're from Milwaukee Wisconsin).
It was glorious once more.
My son spent a couple of hours at the wand shop trying to decide which one to buy!
We were finding Universal Studios a much more suitable fit for our teenage family.
Good work! Thanks!

[brycevo]

That moment when Disney's biggest threat was caused because of Disney

[GojiBoiEarth]

Disney: *scraps the Harry Potter attraction*

Universal: *ima do what is called a pro gamer move*

[canyonmoonbeads]

with the names of some of these rides its no wonder jk rowling stormed out of the room LOL

[exist_much]

Disney just ASSUMED everything. They didn't actually think about what could happen if they had actually considered accepting the opportunity. Assumptions are like first impressions. They can be wrong.

[DrVagax]

Universal actually made a absolute marvel of engineering and theming with Harry Potter, the way you are really 'transported' from the Universal Park to what seems a whole different section is breathtaking and something I have never experienced before.

Universal definitely deserves praise for this. Disney is good at making themed rides and lands but in my opinion quite some parks have already came on-par or surpassed Disney, looking at Universal Studios and Efteling

[zillauniverse]

Man imagine an alternate universe were the Harry Potter movies were made by Disney, it would be hard to tell if they would've been successful or not

[tcraiford]

While I respect Rowling's vision of smaller stores and walkways, that is my number one complaint when I go to that section of the park. It is often VERY over crowded tho that has never stopped me from going

[elyon]

While I was traveling to Universal Studios, our driver (who has been driving people to and from Universal for years) said that Harry Potter changed that park for the better. He said (and I quote) “I don’t know who Harry Potter is, but I thank god for him every day."

[dustinwashere]

Universal changed the game. And woke Disney up. We are all winners in that!

[lanceturley]

It's kind of amazing how much of an impact The Wizarding World has had on the theme park industry. Almost as amazing as the fact that some people still refuse to believe that Cars Land, Pandora, and Galaxy's Edge are a direct response to that impact.

[GirlOnFire]

I’m a huge Disney and Harry Potter fan, but I’m glad that Disney didn’t get the rights to HP. I think it was more about the money than giving the fans what they want. I would have been lackluster, I think, if they would have gotten it. And we wouldn’t have New Fantasyland because that’s where Harry Potter would have been. Universal had/has the space and ability to make Harry Potter a priority.