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Visitors walk towards the Hogwarts castle at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction in Orlando, Florida. Photo from Creative Commons.
Hogwarts is accepting new students. The Capitol of Panem is preparing for a new Hunger Games. The Kingdom of Arendelle will open up its gates for the first time in forever.
A blockbuster movie is only as good as its fan base. Whether they’re ardent supporters of “Harry Potter,” “The Hunger Games” or Disney’s “Frozen,” fans remain loyal while demanding for more.
More movies? No problem. The “Harry Potter” franchise is in the process of filming a spin-off series called “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” set to be release next year on Nov. 18. “The Hunger Games” has its final film this year set for Nov. 28. “Frozen” has a sequel that’ll be released in 2018.
But sequels and spin-offs do not ward off the fear of a series ending for good. Fans want to envelop their lives inside an expanding and imaginative world, secretly wishing that it were reality.
That is where theme-parks come in.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is set to open it’s protego maxima charm and welcome muggles of all ages to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2016. Although the actual opening day is highly guarded by Universal officials, Potterheads are ready to walk inside Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest to experience magic (and finally taste the addictive nature of butterbeer). Universal Studios is expanding both the park and the parking structure to hold all the upcoming visitors. With less space than the Orlando theme-park, the Wizarding World will probably be composed of Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, or both.
Mockingjays who want to start a revolution against an actual Hunger Games can in Oct. 2016. Dubai Parks and Resorts will open a theme-park with rides and shops inspired by the dystopian country of Panem. May the odds be ever in visitors’ favor.
“Frozen” fans are in for an icy surprise as they will be able to meet Queen Elsa and Princess Anna in 2016. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida will use its Norway pavilion as a meet-in-greet for the Kingdom of Arendelle’s royal sisters. Finally fans can sing “Let It Go” with Queen E in the flesh.
–Tiffany Klein and Alejandra Aguilera
