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

[Aaronupsidasium]

Universal has the theme park rights for Dreamworks Animation which includes Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon, all of which could support an E ticket attraction and densely themed environments. Just take a look at the exteriors of Universal Singapore.

 

Hopefully they'll actually bring in the marines at the end of last Jaws voyage

[SharkTums]

Universal has the theme park rights for Dreamworks Animation which includes Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon, all of which could support an E ticket attraction and densely themed environments. Just take a look at the exteriors of Universal Singapore.

 

Hopefully they'll actually bring in the marines at the end of last Jaws voyage

 

I'm assuming we'll see some of those Dreamworks titles at some point update the kids area at USF. ET, Fievel, Barney, Curious George, Woody Woodpecker won't cut it much longer for a nice kids area.

[robbalvey]

One thing I've learned about ride/show removals: nobody gets upset until it is too late. I imagine Universal has done lots of surveys on the matter, and Jaws probably polled pretty low (it may have always had a longer line...but what did the guests think after they waited an hour for it?) for them to remove it.

Except that Jaws has always has a line when we've gone, even during Horror Nights. Remember, we used our express passes for it this year because the line was at least 20 minutes.

 

I dunno, I guess when I think about parks, I like them to have a good balance of rides. Jaws was the only type of ride either of the parks have (sure you can try to compare JP, but that's really different.) Jaws was the only ride that had that kind of "Jungle Cruise" meets "Pirates of the Caribbean" feel to it, and while it was never that popular of a ride, it also was never unpopular. It's not as though they have empty boats waiting around for riders.

 

The other thing is that we don't know what it will be replaced with. I guess I just assume it will be replaced with something that isn't as family friendly and not as unique to the resort as Jaws is.

 

But really, I guess it comes down to the fact that I personally "like" the ride, and I'd rather not see it go because it IS one of the rides that I always ride during each visit to the park, but really, if it's gone, and it's replaced with something I care less about, that just means more time for me at Epcot!

 

--Robb

[ioa geek]

What the heck? First jimmy netroun(which doesn't really matter that much) and now this what's going on! I alwayed wanted to be a skipper for this ride when I got older. I say next ride to go is twister, then disaster, then men in black.

[burningstroller]

I am unable to convey appropriately how disgusted I am at this desicion. Am I the only moron that would fly to FL for several days specifically to ride Jaws when a "fix" was needed? Not that my dollar matters but I really don't see any reason to return to Universal again. Sure, there are a lot of great rides, yadda yadda, but they always took a backseat to Jaws.

 

"Chief, base, call off the Marines *sniff* we're coming home....."

 

And in regards to this...."We've got a couple of things planned to ensure we always remember and honor Jaws". Who wants to bet one of the sharks (or fins) ends up in the Universal Lagoon for a every 5 minute cameo, perhaps a "Beaches closed" sign along the shore.

 

Seriously, though, whatever happened to honoring the best movies of all time, not the best movies this season. Awful, just awful. A completely new ride design, ad campaign, anything would have breathed whatever life they wanted back into Jaws. Now excuse me, I'm going to get really drunk.

[Bryce232]

I've been on Jaws a few times, and it was a nice time-filler ride, like most rides at Universal. I think it is pretty outdated at this point so it does make sense for it to go.

 

As intriguing as the HP expansion sounded (actual Hogwarts Express would be amazing), I don't think it should be expanded to another park. I think that would be going a little too far with the island, and that's coming from someone who is currently wearing a WWoHP t-shirt.

 

I just think that Universal should use the land for something more unexpected, like an aquatrax! (too soon?)

[jjjjustin]

I think it could be a Transformer expansion, that seems like it would go along pretty well with Men in Black... Also I wouldn't have to travel to Singapore to ride it then.

[Aaronupsidasium]

is it safe to assume that HHN will be at IOA next year? Even though there isn't usually a scare zone in that area, the back of the park gets way too packed. Can't imagine how bad it'll be if it's a dead end.

 

Also if the fear factor stage in demolished too, the only other place for Bill and Ted would be at the Toon Lagoon amphitheater or inside a sound stage.

[SharkTums]

^I think it's been mentioned before that the best thing to come out of this could be seeing HHN return to a 2-Park Event.

[printersdevil78]

I'm assuming we'll see some of those Dreamworks titles at some point update the kids area at USF. ET, Fievel, Barney, Curious George, Woody Woodpecker won't cut it much longer for a nice kids area.

 

Wait, I think we're all missing the real story here... Fievel is still around? Really? Was he even popular enough to be a draw when he actually was, er, "popular"?

 

I've been to USO twice, rode the Jaws ride both times. Thought it was kind of lame the first time; really hated it the second time because I got splashed pretty good and temperatures were in the 50s that day. It was nice knowing that it was there... but this is one of those rare occasions when I don't really have a strong opinion whether they take it out or leave it in. My favorite part of the attraction was the fake daytime TV talk show segments and commercials they played on the TVs in the cue.

 

That said, my stepdaughter probably would have enjoyed it to some degree. She's a big "Jaws" fan. But she also loves "Harry Potter" and "The Mummy," so I think if we can make it to Orlando before both of those attractions close, we're still safe.

 

We've never been able to get her to actually sit all the way through "An American Tail."

[Masquerade]

Alien. The fact that nobody thought of this years ago disturbs me. The Jaws plot of land is right there next to the Expo area, and I doubt most people will remember (or want to remember) Micheal Bay's Explosions anyways.

[krakenmaniac]

500 foot aqua trax... no just kidding i like the idea of space fantacy because it goes with the expo

[Mrlittle]

Universal should keep the attraction like it is but instead of Jaws, bring in the Piranha. I mean it can be 3D, you can just have to change a few things, add a few effects. This is more of my joking idea.

 

I doubt its going to be Transformers. As far as Harry Potter Expansion. Yes it makes sense to make it 2 days. But really more Harry??? I mean its not star wars where in 10 years, we will still be quoting the movie.

 

Here is my really crazy idea. You take out Jaws and build a Fast and The Furious (using Test Track track) ride. It will be faster and more thrilling then Car land and Test Track. Hit Disney hard. Universal Studios can become the thrill side since Harry will probably take over IOA.

[Jew]

Except that Jaws has always has a line when we've gone, even during Horror Nights. Remember, we used our express passes for it this year because the line was at least 20 minutes.

 

That's the thing though...a line doesn't automatically signify it is popular. People can wait an hour and then still give it low scores on the surveys.

 

I'm totally with you though...I probably won't get excited for this expansion unless it is a kick ass credit, as I enjoyed Jaws with a good skipper. I would always ride it w/ express passes or a short wait. Your comparison to Jungle Cruise/Pirates is spot on. By taking out Jaws, the studios park loses a big part of its original identity.

[Jay20016]

I glanced through most of the posts and haven't seen it really mentioned...

 

The actual attraction space for the Jaws boats is pretty big, especially if filled in for a structure... you add in the land behind it (as seen on Google Maps) and you start to get a nice section for a new theme... what I'm wondering is... with Jaws going away, what is going to happen to Amityville's July 4th celebratory games and shops? When you pass Disaster, you're technically in the Jaws area along that main path... all of that midway section up to the theater could be (and hopefully is) on the chopping block with the removal of the ride.

 

We've seen what Universal is willing to do with construction fences and building new bridges throughout a massive project like WWoHP...

[Erik Johnson]

Wow, kind of surprised about this. While it is true that Jaws has closed in the past for a while during the off-season, I never thought that it would go for good. Sad to see this go.

[The SETGO Guys]

I just want to point out this.

 

Why would Universal choose to close a ride that was built on so much infrastructure and includes a lagoon when on either sides are two rather "Lackluster attractions"?

 

I think they are going to use the water again. Wouldn't be very expensive to fill in that water, remove the existing infrastructure. I just can't see them plopping down a big warehouse in that area.

[Chroniq]

My guess is that they'll use most of the space for an expansion of Harry Potter stuff in IOA. Aren't those spaces relatively adjacent?

 

Not at all, the rumor is that they'll run whatever the hell the special magical train is called between the two lands.

 

 

Is that ACTUALLY a rumor? Doesn't sound legit at all to me. "Take a ride from Hogwarts through a magical land of defunct soundstages and current venues for pro wrestling"

[alpengeist04]

It seems like whenever they take out these older attractions, the newer replacements lack that "magic of the movie" feeling.

Agreed. Mummy being the only exception.

 

 

I second that. Mummy and MIB are by far my two favorite rides at Universal. I could just ride both over and over again and be more than satisfied with my visit that day.

 

 

 

As for this announcement, first they F*** up Dueling Dragons and now this. I have to admit that I'm not too thrilled at the moment. I know Jaws isn't the best ride, but it's still one of my favorites. Hopefully what they replace it with is worth it. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

 

 

 

 

BTW, if they ever were to take out MIB, USF would be dead to me!!!

[ernierocker]

 

 

Is that ACTUALLY a rumor? Doesn't sound legit at all to me. "Take a ride from Hogwarts through a magical land of defunct soundstages and current venues for pro wrestling"

 

Yes. It is a legitimate rumor.

[Chroniq]

Just some random thoughts to share-

 

In order, the highest grossing films of all time (not adjusted for inflation) that don't have a theme park attraction or aren't currently slated to build one are-

 

Titanic (water)

Lord of the R i n g s (never saw a film or read a book but I bet this would be a huge hit)

Inception (great film, but maybe too adult or specific for a theme park)

Independence Day (that ship has sailed)

2012 (that film was really a hit? )

Davinci Code (not a theme park ride)

Matrix (awesome but too dated)

Twilight (phuck)

 

So just off the top of my head, if not a harry potter expansion, they are building a *Twilight* or Lord of the Ri ngs Ride.

Edited December 3, 2011 by Chroniq

[-Edge of Beast-]

I loved the ride when it was open. Sure, it was a little restricted on the newer technologies, but I enjoyed it. So yeah its kinda sad to see a classic ride go, but I guess we could be seeing new attractions in the future!

[alpengeist04]

So just off the top of my head, if not a harry potter expansion, they are building a *Twilight* or Lord of the Ri ngs Ride.

 

Honestly, what the heck would they do for a Twilight themed land and/or ride???

 

 

 

 

If it's between those two, PLEASE, PLEASE give me Lord of the Ri ngs!!!

[RoCo]

Forgive me if this was already posted (checked quickly, didn't see it) but apparently Robert Niles, AKA Theme Park Insider, spoke briefly with Thierry Coup of Universal Creative and Transformers is NOT what's replacing Jaws (see comments on this page: http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201112/2773/).

 

Interesting. Maybe this two-parks Potter experience isn't so crazy... if they made the "train ride" between them a really special experience... even thought Niles calls this his "favorite silly rumor."

 

It is kind of silly, but it's growing on me. Pretty ballsy if they were to pull it off.

[Chroniq]

Reasons Harry Potter World isn't expanding to the Jaws spot

 

-This would require an elimination of the universal single park ticket and price point. Eliminating their cheapest theme park ticket option.

-Assuming the transportation system was VIA train, this would require about 1.2 miles of themed tunnel. I'm completely speculating at this point, but a project of that nature would cost over a 100 million dollars.

- I don't know much about Harry Potter, but doesn't the Hogwarts Express only travel between the real world and Hogwarts/wizard world?

- Expanding into the rest of lost continent is much easier, cheaper, (occams razor) and continues to make IOA a destination, rather than a park the general public isn't familiar with because of the bad marketing in the early 2000's.

 

Reasons Why Harry Potter World is expanding into the Jaws spot-

-This would require an elimination of the universal single park ticket and price point. Eliminating their cheapest theme park ticket option.

-I'm sure there is a whole sect of the potterverse community that would sell a kidney to ride the hogwarts express.

- By pushing the expansion this far out, they have the luxury of space. Something they didn't have at IOA.

-Harry Potter has been the best thing has happened (attendance wise) to Universal Orlando Resort since.. well.anything.

 

 

 

I'm still not convinced. I'm thinking new franchise and a new draw. The expansion spot is located at the back of the park. It has a huge amount of land available and I think Universal (now with more hot comcast money, extremely higher attendance, and per capita guest spending) would love to trump DIsney's Avatar announcement. You are all going to hate me when they announce TWILIGHT LAND.

 

 

Chris "should have written this like Jim Hill and pretended I have inside sources" Connolly