What are the most hated words in the theme park industry? I suspect that they are “back to school.” The start of the school year means the end of summer vacation and with that the end of the high season for most theme and amusement parks. The Halloween season provides an extra financial boost for many parks, but scream season does not start bringing in the big crowds until next month.
That leaves August as a time to wind down and say goodbye to many summer friends at most theme park across the country. But not at Universal. This year, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando are hosting the first theme park events I can remember that celebrate the back to school season.
Why would Universal do that? Well, celebrating a return to school becomes a bit easier when your parks’ biggest icons represent what might be the world’s most famous school — the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It’s “Back to Hogwarts” season at Universal this month. As August was the month in the Harry Potter books and films when students filled magical shops to stock up on school supplies, Universal’s back-to-school event is staying on theme by focusing on merchandise.
The resorts are selling “Back to Hogwarts”-themed merchandise bundles, including robes, backpacks and writing journals themed to fans’ selected Hogwarts house. Need a wand or a plush owl to complete your set-up? Universal, as always, will be happy to hook you up for the right price. Universal also wi.