Universal Orlando Resort (USF, IOA, Epic) Discussion Thread

[jedimaster1227]

^^There is no documented proof of JK Rowling's "hatred" of Dragon Challenge. Like Joey mentioned, if she wanted it axed or excluded from Hogsmeade, it would have been removed or the queue would have been reworked to leave it as a part of The Lost Continent (which up until the Hogwarts Express was built, was still feasible). The area needed extra capacity to balance out the insane queues they expected for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and the shops of Hogsmeade. Now that crowds have leveled out, the likelihood of the coaster being removed is significantly greater--but that isn't by the choice of JK Rowling alone, it would be up to Universal to dictate how they use that plot of land.

 

It should also be noted that just because the coaster could be taken down in the future, it doesn't mean that couldn't be rebuilt somewhere else... Universal does have a South Korean park, Beijing, Moscow and Dubai all still technically in the works in one way or another.

 

Do I see Dragon Challenge getting removed at some point? Yes. Do I see that happening in the near future? No. Do I see Universal scrapping the ride entirely? Not a chance. Selling it? Why sell when you can market it as brand in an alternate destination owned by the same company?

[cfc]

^Dragon Challenge is an excellent inverted coaster that any park would be happy to have. If Universal is planning to remove it, I sure wouldn't mind if it ended up in another park and it was allowed to duel again.

[Nitro1118]

I'd be so disappointed if they took out Dragon Challenge. I haven't ridden it since the trasformation/neutering, but both sides were excellent coasters with unique layouts for inverts. I don't see why they couldn't just do a massive facelift to the theming, and add enough on-ride elements (fire, fog, maybe a tunnel) to garner interest from the GP and fit in with Harry Potter. It'd be such a shame if it was removed.

[EastCoastn07]

What blows my mind is that dueling still can't happen, even though each rider now submits to a full, comprehensive rectal examination to be sure that no objects can fly out and injure someone.

 

You'd be surprised at how many people still manage to get cell phones, cameras, etc. on the rides even with all the new security.

[Dom497]

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[Jcoaster]

I was never really partial to DC, but I don't think it should be removed. Its still a fun ride and a people eater.

[FeelTheFORCE]

It will probably be removed for another ride that just plops you in front of a screen, spits out a few effects, and shakes you around a bit.

[blk_mamba]

DC is a great roller coaster I hope it is not removed. It is a very forceful B&M Invert. It is taking up alot of real estate though but if it is removed I don't want more screen! I feel like maybe it can be rethemed more to an actutal dragon challenge.

 

1. They should duel again

2.Maybe a pre-show explaining that this is a dragon holding area

3. Better trains, that look like dragons

4. Some other theming that suggest the coaster area is a dragon pit like a large net or something

 

How can JK not like Dragon challenge but like the silly Hippogriff coaster.... lol

[I love pie]

DC is a great roller coaster I hope it is not removed. It is a very forceful B&M Invert. It is taking up alot of real estate though but if it is removed I don't want more screen! I feel like maybe it can be rethemed more to an actutal dragon challenge.

 

1. They should duel again

2.Maybe a pre-show explaining that this is a dragon holding area

3. Better trains, that look like dragons

4. Some other theming that suggest the coaster area is a dragon pit like a large net or something

 

How can JK not like Dragon challenge but like the silly Hippogriff coaster.... lol

I think the trains should remain the same.

[RandomUser90]

Anybody think Universal is gonna be adding more to the Jurassic Park section after the success of Jurassic World?

[KBrylczyk]

It will probably be removed for another ride that just plops you in front of a screen, spits out a few effects, and shakes you around a bit.

 

It really is sad that this has been the general state of all new attractions ever since Comcast took over. That was back in 2009. Since then we've had -

 

Uni Hollywood - Kong 360, Transformers, Despicable Me, Fast & Furious.

Uni Florida - Despicable Me, Transformers, Hogwarts Express, Escape From Gringott's

IOA - Forbidden Journey

 

Don't get me wrong, they're fun enough attractions, but minor variations of the same idea is getting horrendous.

[Garet]

It will probably be removed for another ride that just plops you in front of a screen, spits out a few effects, and shakes you around a bit.

 

It really is sad that this has been the general state of all new attractions ever since Comcast took over. That was back in 2009. Since then we've had -

 

Uni Hollywood - Kong 360, Transformers, Despicable Me, Fast & Furious.

Uni Florida - Despicable Me, Transformers, Hogwarts Express, Escape From Gringott's

IOA - Forbidden Journey

 

Don't get me wrong, they're fun enough attractions, but minor variations of the same idea is getting horrendous.

 

Try having a whole country where apart from re-themes or replacements of existing rides with a newer version, 90% of the new additions have been media based since around 2008

 

Everland - K Pop Hologram, Pororo 3d, Pororo 3D Season 2, Rio 4D, Pride in Korea 4D, Charactorium (Interactive screens)

Lotte World - Desparados 2 3D, Beluga Talk, Wild River, Wild Wings, Wild Jungle, Underland 4D shooting, Lotte's Balloon Ride (circle-vision), Dragons shooting (although at least this has physical sets to house the screens) This on top of their already existing dynamic theater and 3D ghost house.

 

Then again Legoland is coming soon and Universal is in development again so it's not all doom and gloom.

[KBrylczyk]

^ You shush, you have an aquatrax. You have no right to complain.

[Garet]

^ Hahaha just a trax for the last 4-5 years I think. I think last time I got a ride with the water on was 2010 but you are correct it is still a lot of fun and worth admission on it's own

[chargersmichael]

Anybody think Universal is gonna be adding more to the Jurassic Park section after the success of Jurassic World?

 

I certainly hope so! I would like to see an update of the area to match Jurassic World. However, the old Jurassic Park is hidden there (queue entrance). Then you board Jurassic Park jeeps (test track like) and go on a wild ride through Jurassic World (with lots of animatronics)

[Garet]

Anybody think Universal is gonna be adding more to the Jurassic Park section after the success of Jurassic World?

 

I certainly hope so! I would like to see an update of the area to match Jurassic World. However, the old Jurassic Park is hidden there (queue entrance). Then you board Jurassic Park jeeps (test track like) put on your 3D glasses, and go on a wild ride through Jurassic World (with lots of dinosaur footage)

 

Fixed that for you

[Jew]

It will probably be removed for another ride that just plops you in front of a screen, spits out a few effects, and shakes you around a bit.

 

It really is sad that this has been the general state of all new attractions ever since Comcast took over. That was back in 2009. Since then we've had -

 

Uni Hollywood - Kong 360, Transformers, Despicable Me, Fast & Furious.

Uni Florida - Despicable Me, Transformers, Hogwarts Express, Escape From Gringott's

IOA - Forbidden Journey

 

Don't get me wrong, they're fun enough attractions, but minor variations of the same idea is getting horrendous.

 

I would say that you are painting an incredibly broad picture if Gringotts, Forbidden Journey, and Transformers are considered "minor variations of the same idea." Fast & Furious, Kong, and Despicable Me are what I would consider "minor variations," since those are just motion bases+3D. Gringotts, Forbidden Journey, and Transformers at least use unique and technically impressive ride systems.

 

I'd like to see more practical effects as well, but I do at least give Universal some credit for using unique ride systems in some of those rides. Spiderman proves what you can do with a cool ride system, 3D, AND practical effects. Forbidden Journey also does a real good job combining the three, though the storytelling leaves a lot to be desired if you have no idea what the things attacking you are!

Edited January 20, 2016 by Jew

[DirkFunk]

I would say that you are painting an incredibly broad picture if Gringotts, Forbidden Journey, and Transformers are considered "minor variations of the same idea."

 

Yeah, to me it's kinda like arguing that Cobra's Curse, Shiekra, and Montu are "all minor variations on the same idea." Disney made their name building parks that primarily consisted of slow moving dark rides, if you want to talk "minor variation."

[StealthFan]

I'd like to see more practical effects as well, but I do at least give Universal some credit for using unique ride systems in some of those rides. Spiderman proves what you can do with a cool ride system, 3D, AND practical effects. Forbidden Journey also does a real good job combining the three, though the storytelling leaves a lot to be desired if you have no idea what the things attacking you are!

 

I do think that is a good point and may be what bugged me about the amount of simulator based attractions at the park. I really enjoyed Spiderman and I think that was down to the mix of practical and visual effects. I also agree you can't fault them for using very impressive ride system and taking the risk with them. The Potter rides are a fantastic example for that they are amazing pieces of technology, it was only due to the fact I'm not a fan of Potter stuff that I don't think I appreciated it fully as an over all experience. I could see how people who are a fan of the brand would enjoy it though.

[Masquerade]

Imagine if Disney ended up buying Dueling Dragons and put it in Animal Kingdom.

 

I would laugh myself into depression. Nothing a vile of Lexapro and some alcohol won't fix though.

[snoflake15]

Some trip advice please if you don't mind?

 

Travel in Mid-may with wife (not a theme park person generally but loves HP) and a nearly 5 yr old and a 20 month old. My questions are;

1) how long are the lines in May? Will I need an express pass?

2) if I'm using an EP and child swap do you need 2 EPs or just one? Do you need a child EP?

3) are the HP trains pram/stroller friendly?

4) are the Forbidden Journey/Escape rides ok for a 4/5 year old?

[A.J.]

4) are the Forbidden Journey/Escape rides ok for a 4/5 year old?

Forbidden Journey has a 48" height restriction, so your child might possibly not be tall enough, though Escape from Gringotts is 42", so they might be good there.

 

Escape from Gringotts is much more of a traditional forward-facing attraction than Forbidden Journey is, but it still has a little bit of spinning. It's also a "start-stop" attraction where you basically move, have a show scene sitting still, and then move again. Though, while it's definitely less of a toll on the body than Forbidden Journey, I would argue that Escape from Gringotts is a much "scarier" attraction.

[snoflake15]

^ thanks. I think he'll just make the 48" by the time he arrives there. I'll have big shoes on him!

[jarmor]

Some trip advice please if you don't mind?

 

Travel in Mid-may with wife (not a theme park person generally but loves HP) and a nearly 5 yr old and a 20 month old. My questions are;

1) how long are the lines in May? Will I need an express pass?

Well, schools are still in until the end of may/early june so it shouldn't be too bad.

 

2) if I'm using an EP and child swap do you need 2 EPs or just one? Do you need a child EP?

Yes, everyone will need the express . . . minus the 1 year old.

 

3) are the HP trains pram/stroller friendly?

I think you take them with you unless its a universal studios issued one, you would then take everything out and get a new one on the other side.

 

4) are the Forbidden Journey/Escape rides ok for a 4/5 year old?

Escape, yes. Forbidden is kinda a wild ride and the dementors could be quite frightening.

[SharkTums]

^Excellent advice.

 

I'll add my $0.02 about Forbidden Journey. It's also very dark and you can't really touch or look at the person next to you to see if your kid is alright.