3. A new tone is set for Universal Studios Florida

When this second Wizarding World opened in 2014, it represented a turning point. For the first time, Universal Studios had a themed land based on one specific brand.  Not only did it have rides, but it had stores, restaurants, at atmosphere themed around an existing property.  What is unique about Diagon Alley, compared to the original theme of the park, is that it truly makes guests think they are in a magical version of London. There is no peaking behind the wall to find a employee or sign explaining how the effect was created. Instead, it pulls out all the stops, making the experience feel as real as possible.

In fact, this can be true of much of Universal's recent development.  When you first walk through the turnstiles and follow the street ahead, you will notice two attractions standing next to each other - Shrek 4-D and Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem.  Shrek 4-D is the older of the two and opened in 2003.  The soundstage that it is housed in does still resemble a soundstage from the outside.  The walls above the queue line have still images of the film along with the words "Soundstage 4-D Universal Studios" painted on the sides.  Meanwhile, Minion Mayhem, which opened in 2012 and is housed in a similar looking soundstage, has a facade entrance that looks like Gru's house, with posters hung on the walls encouraging guests to join the minion union.  All together, Minion Mayhem's decor makes riders feel as if they are really entering Gru's supervillain headquarters, as opposed to just a building with a ride in it.

Although Diagon Alley is the only official land in Universal Studios based on one property, they do have one unofficial land as well: the Springfield area, based on the TV show The Simpsons. Originally, the area was just The Simpsons ride, with a nearby store being themed as Springfield's favorite 7-11 ripoff, the Kwik-E-Mart.  However, in 2013 Universal rethemed the International Food and Film Festival quick service restaurant and reopened it as Fast Food Blvd, a food court type building that houses popular restaurants and bars from the series, like Moe's Tavern, Krusty Burger, and The Frying Dutchman.  Three additional food and drink stands were built in the area, as well as spinning ride called Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl. 

Image: Disney

Meanwhile, Disney's Hollywood Studios has been busy planning more specific, brand-centered lands of their own.  In 2015, Disney announced that it will be building a Star Wars land and a Toy Story land in Disney's Hollywood Studios.  There have also been rumors of a Muppet land as well. Once again, this would  be the first time in the park's history that a section of the park will be dedicated to one specific intellectual property (although Pixar Place, a small area with Toy Story Midway Mania! has been around for years).

4. The studio concept dies for good

Image: Disney

It appears that both parks are deciding to focus on the worlds created by Hollywood, as opposed to how real Hollywood actually functions.  So what does this mean for the future of both parks?  Expect more rides, attractions, restaurants, and shops based on popular characters and properties and the continued decline attractions based on the backstage world. Expect more immersive experiences that make you feel like you are really in the world as opposed to a theme park. And expect both parks to feel like Islands of Adventure, where you go from one themed area to another.

Based on both park's history, it doesn't look like either Universal Studios Florida nor Disney's Hollywood Studios will bring back the behind the scenes theme.  However, that doesn't mean there will never be a behind the scenes attraction again.  Take, for example, Universal's upcoming attraction Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.  Although many details haven't been released yet, Fallon did confirm that parts of the ride where filmed in the legendary Studio 8H, where Saturday Night Live is filmed.  Is it possible that a least part of the attraction will include a behind the scenes look at some of the studios in 30 Rockefeller Plaza?  

Image: Universal

However, it appears this new attraction may be the exception rather than the rule.  If we are to take a broad guess at what the future of both Universal Studios and Disney's Hollywood Studios  would look like, it would probably include some amazing attractions and experiences based on your favorite properties, but guests will most likely will never get a good glimpse behind the scenes again.