So…looks like the rumors may be true.  It appears that Blackstone Entertainment (the parent company of Universal Studios Orlando) may actually be buying the Busch theme parks.  According to Screamscape,

Sources report that Blackstone higher ups were in Orlando this past week to have big meeting with not only the higher ups at Busch Entertainment, but also with InBev / AB suits as well.  Sounds like final negotiation time to me.

Now, of course, that’s not a guarantee, and the deal could still potentially fall through (though, if it’s gotten this far, I kinda doubt it).  What does this mean for the Busch Parks?  Probably not terribly much, honestly.  I would still imagine they’d be well maintained, fun parks.  However, I don’t think the Blackstone’s Universal ownership will mean that, all of a sudden, Busch Gardens will now be re-purposed as a movie theme park.  Though, it would be pretty sweet to use some of BG Williamsburg’s ride to create a Harry Potter land similar to what’s opening down at Islands of Adventure (a Universal park) down in Orlando, FL.

In other Universal news, it sounds like Sept. 15th will be the magic day for many, as Universal is set to unveil a ton of new info on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure:

Looks like the battle between Disney and Universal has been fired up again, bad economy or not. Many few the purchase of Marvel Comics by Disney almost as a return blow to Universal for stealing the Harry Potter project out from under them. If so, Universal is ready to fire their own shot back at Disney on September 15th when they will finally unveil all new details and images from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sounds like the details on the massive dark ride experience will finally be revealed.

Keep your eyes here for the news as we get it!