Movies Spawn 'Big' Children

Over its 100+ year lifespan, the movies have begot any number of offspring, from DVDs - to TV networks - to toys and merchandise - but the biggest and most favored children are the theme parks.

Entrance to Universal's  Harry Potter attraction

Disney started it all and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.  There are now 6 major Disney resorts/theme parks: Land, World, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Although in the shadow of Disney, Universal is also very much into themed entertainment. Disney was always about fantasy whereas Universal was reality - offering back-lot tours and featuring the how-tos of movie making. But as these siblings mature into adulthood all are taking reality and turning it into fantasy.

The current goal of the movie inspired theme parks is to put visitors inside the action.  For example, at Universal, which uses trams to transport visitors, the entire tram goes inside a gigantic simulator where riders are made to think they are inside a 'Fast and Furious' movie that involves a 120 mile-per-hour chase through downtown Los Angeles - combining fantasy with reality.

Big money is being spent on up-grading these fantasy parks.  Universal , which is owned by Comcast Communications, is spending $1. 6 billion to modernize its Hollywood park which includes the hugely popular Harry Potter attractions. Last year Universal Hollywood  had 6.8 million visitors. Disney Land - Los Angeles, 16.8 million attendees.  At its Florida location, Universal Orlando, runs second to Disney World but is growing in double digits.

Globally, Disney is by far the biggest movie themed park operator, followed by Merlin Entertainments which owns European parks and the LegoLand chain. Universal is third.
For its part, Disney is spending $1 billion to expand Disney Land  to accommodate the new 'Star Wars'  attractions.  Despite huge labor needs and required upkeep movie theme parks deliver in dollar terms.  Universal's parks generated $1.2 billion in income last year, in fact, the parks are much more profitable for Universal then its movie division (Universal Pictures).

Disney is betting big on  'Star Wars' Land

The movie inspired theme park attractions strive to put riders in fake peril to obtain the 'wow' factor: a natural disaster such as a flood or earthquake, or an up-close encounter with a robotic T-Rex. The studios are also introducing night time visits to the parks which will be a necessity given the high volume of visitors new attractions like Harry Potter and Star Wars will draw.

The movie industry has spawned many offspring during its 100+ years but none are more exciting, more real, more fantastic than movie theme parks, and it looks as though these children are growing up to rival their parent.

Best
Jim