AllEars TV: Harry Potter World vs Disney's Star Wars Land

There’s a lot of talk these days about “immersion” when discussing theme parks, especially in lands like Universal’s Harry Potter World: Daigon Alley and Hogsmead, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney World.

Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios

To try and understand what all the fuss is about, let’s take a look at the definition of the word. im·mer·sion (noun): the action of immersing someone or something in a liquid. Uh, ok cool but we aren’t talking about water parks, Einstein. Ok, ok there’s a 2nd definition here for immersion: a method of teaching a foreign language by the exclusive use of that language, usually at a special school.

Listen, I appreciate the Star Wars-invented language of Aurebesh but I’m not spending my precious time on Batuu LEARNING. Gross. Who wants to learn in a theme park? We saw how it worked out for EPCOT!

Let’s take a look at the definition of the word “immersive” to see if that clears anything up. im·mer·sive (adjective) providing, involving, or characterized by deep absorption or immersion in something (such as an activity or a real or artificial environment). So we are deeply absorbed in an artificial environment…all our attention is focused on things that are fake! That’s it! Immersion means we’re obsessed with fake stuff!!! COOL! So who is the BEST of the FAKEST? We’ll try to work that out today as we pit Orlando’s fiercest contenders against each other: Harry Potter World vs Disney’s Star Wars Land!