Expert: 'Wizarding World' Impact Could Match Disney's
Orlando-Area Hotels, Restaurants Could See Economic Boost
POSTED: Tuesday, June 15, 2010
UPDATED: 8:13 am EDT June 16, 2010
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The impact of Universal Studios' new "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" could rival the economic impact that Disney's Magic Kingdom had on Central Florida nearly 40 years ago, according to a University of Central Florida theme parks expert. Duncan Dickson, an assistant professor at UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, said "Wizarding World," which celebrates its grand opening on Friday, will give Harry Potter fans a reason to visit Florida, providing a much-needed boost to Orlando-area hotels, restaurants and stores."Right now, it's just a small part of Islands of Adventure. They could grow this thing into huge proportions," Dickson said. "They could build ride after ride eventually, maybe incorporating all of Islands of Adventure, maybe. They've got a lot of spare land over there."Florida's tourism industry is currently struggling because of the economy and the Gulf oil spill."This has the potential to have as big of an impact as the Magic Kingdom in 1971," Dickson said. "It gives people a reason to travel and experience something different."Dickson worked for 20 years at Walt Disney World before he joined UCF's Rosen College in 2001. He said the economic boost from the park could be felt as early as this summer."Restaurants will be busier. Hotels will be busier. Gift shops will be busier. Hopefully Millenia Mall will be busier," Dickson said.Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
Previous Stories:
- June 11, 2010: Visitors Rave About 'Wizarding World'
- June 1, 2010: Universal Store Unveils New Harry Potter Gear
- May 20, 2010: Harry Potter Stars Tour 'Wizarding World'
- May 18, 2010: Invisibility Cloak Lifted Off 'Wizarding World'
- March 25, 2010: World Of Harry Potter Opening Date Announced
- March 18, 2010: Harry Hysteria Building At Universal
- January 28, 2010: 'World Of Harry Potter' Made Lifelike
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