Wizarding World of Harry Potter

     Last week I went on vacation and visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWHP) at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. It’s funny how you don’t think about things until it is brought to your attention. That happened to me while I was at WWHP. I went there to relax and have fun. While I did do that, I also found myself noticing all the ways Universal Studios uses product management in the everyday running of WWHP.

     Universal Studios new that WWHP would drive business results. They had a product Islands of Adventure, and WWHP was the perfect addition. They jumped at the chance to have something that Disney World did not. They also realized what a huge following Harry Potter had from both the books and the movies, and wanted to give an experience to these fans that nobody has ever done.

     WWHP delivers results through people with their employees. These employees are not only dressed like wizards, they speak to the guest like wizards. It is a really strange experience to be called a muggle, especially if you have never read the books or seen the movies.

     WWHP ensures market-driven direction through everything they offer from rides to merchandise. Islands of Adventure is first and foremost a theme park. Theme parks are known for rides. WWHP is known for “The Forbidden Journey” ride through Hogwarts. They knew that the public wanted a way to visit Hogwarts in real life, and they provided the first and currently only way to do that. The same can be said for everything else in HHWP. It is the only place that you can walk the grounds of Hogsmeade, eat at the Three Broomsticks, drink butterbeer, and have Moaning Myrtle talk to you in the bathroom.

     HHWP is the perfect Fit and Function for Islands of Adventure. It is a great addition to sections of the part that it already has such as: Dr. Seuss, Jurassic Park, and Marvel Super Heroes. Universal Studios knows what WWHP as a product has to do. It has to entertain, and transport guest into the world of Harry Potter. It has to be authentic and provide physical objects to purchase. Such as wands and chocolate frogs. WWHP does all of that and more.

     If you have never been there I highly recommend it, especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. This small part of Islands of Adventure far outshines the rest of it. I have one piece of advice the frozen butterbeer is better then the regular kind, and a must have when visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Island of Adventure.

Reference

Product Manager's Field Guide (pp. 3-15). (2011). N.p.: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

I recently saw the Broadway play “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, staring Darren Criss. Criss is known for playing Blaine Anderson on the hit TV show Glee. Before Glee, Criss founded StarKid Productions with his fellow classmates and friends at the University of Michigan. He stared in their productions of “A Very Potter Musical”, and “A Very Potter Sequel” playing the role of Harry Potter. Millions have viewed these plays on YouTube.

     As it happens, Criss replaced Daniel Radcliff, who played Harry Potter in all eight movies, in the role of J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed. That was a really smart promotional move on Ricky Rollins part. Rollins manages Criss. The hype that surrounded Criss for his three-week run on Broadway brought in major box office dollars to the tune of over four million.

     Criss made his Broadway debut in How to Succeed. This three-week run proved that Criss is leading man material. He can hold his own with the best in Broadway. Criss has an endearing quality that makes the character of Finch likeable, instead of being portrayed as a shark. He also has the spirit and energy needed to pull off such a demanding role, and make it look easy. Criss is also very humble and appreciative of his success.

     How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a great show. This is the third production of this show on Broadway. The set is more elaborate then every before with it’s six sided windows to the World Wide Wicket building. The choreography and music is high energy and catchy. The core cast is outstanding, and that is why the show continues to be a success even with the rotating leading men. Next up to fill the role of J. Pierrepont Finch is Nick Jonas. Jonas will fill the role until the middle of July. This is a show worth seeing. For tickets visit their website.