Universal Orlando Resort (USO, IOA) Discussion Thread

[jackskellington101]

I still see Phase 2 of Harry Potter being the rest of Lost Continent, getting rid of Sindbad (eh), Poseidon (yay) and Mythos (boo), probably for something resembling Diagon Alley and probably resembling what the plans are for the Harry Potter at Universal Hollywood.

 

Though my hopes are with all that it will become Sharktopus and the greatest thing known to man and alien, I think this is more for Transformers. Spielberg already dropped a couple months back when talking about Transformers for Singapore and CA that an Orlando one should be announced soon, and I think the space for Jaws is enough space for the show building they'd want to build. I think the choice was between Jaws and ET and Jaws just had the space needed, though I have a gut feeling ET is next...

[televisedconfession]

I'm a little surprised that they're taking the ride out. I haven't been on it in years, because the line is always at least 45 minutes (and I just can't justify that wait!). It was always really popular, but wayyyy out dated. I'm kinda glad to see it go.

I agree, I think ANOTHER Potterville in ANOTHER park would be beating a dead horse. I hope that doesn't happen.

 

I'm trying to think of something that they could transform the "San Fran Bay" area into, and I could see an easy renovation of that area into a "Transformers" type land all together.

Though I'm hoping for something new we haven't seen before.

 

This is big news because so much land is involved. Looking forward to the upcoming developments.

[doublestufforeo]

I'd honestly like to see them do an overhaul of Kid's Zone and ET, even if they don't tear it down, at the very least give it some TLC and do something with that Animal Planet theater, heck tear it down and make it a meet and greet for Madagascar characters or something.

[David H]

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? They've been saying that they're going to expand that area, but there aren't many other options, besides losing what's left of Lost Continent or cutting further into Jurassic Park. The best thing about expanding the whole area is that it will be easier to get into the whole land if they have a greater capacity. So, if you want to get back there to ride the Dragons while everyone else is waiting for the newer rides, it will be easier.

 

Maybe they'll also put something smaller in Universal Studios itself to partially make up for the loss.

 

Jaws was always a fun ride, but it's a really old ride based on a really old movie that few kids today have seen, so it makes sense that they'd want to get rid of it, even if the rest of us don't agree. Especially if the space can be better used for something more modern and current to bring and keep the crowds these days.

 

Is this the last of the original rides at the park to close? Or was ET there at opening?

[chadster]

I for one will not miss it. It's cool to ride it once or twice, but after that I'm like, whats the point. Of course in general I am that way towards Universal Orlando anyway. To me, the only good rides are Mummy and MIB, HRRR doesn't have a good pace with too many block sections that keep it from being an amazing ride.

 

Plus for the price point nowadays vs what you get, I'm going to pass. I'm not a Disney fan by anymeans, but for something like $5 over the cost of a Universal two park you get four parks at Disney, and Disney has better food....and Star Tours. Factor in the parking fee differences and its a wash. (One Day Pass pricing)

 

Chad "I don't really care that Jaws leaves and want them to put something in that is amazing not named Harry without over inflating the price for a chance that they might persuade me to come back one me time" Carter

Edited December 2, 2011 by chadster

[doublestufforeo]

^^ There is a whole hell of a lot of back lot in the way if you were to connect it. I wonder if they're going to utilize the same ride system as Forbidden Journey has and make it Transformers, I think that'd be a nice twist compared to the spidey version.

 

Whatever they're building I'm assuming it's going to be indoors.

[SharkTums]

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.

[doublestufforeo]

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.

 

The High in The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride?

 

I'm just glad they're doing something with the Potter money they made, and showing some love back to the parks.

[BeemerBoy]

Transformers thrilled me as a kid, but bores me as an adult. And given the possibilities of huge movie franchises out there to pull from, I'm setting my expectations REALLY low on this one. In fact, I'm starting to think it'll be a pretty long time before I'm inspired to visit either of these parks again.

 

I didn't get a response as to whether Universal owns the land adjacent to the Royal Pacific Resort, but I'll go ahead and assume they obviously do. Which, in that case, personally, I'd be much more interested in the company jumping into the water park fray. Realistic? No. But when you think about it, it is rather odd that they're the only ones not doing what all the other cool kids are.

[doublestufforeo]

Transformers thrilled me as a kid, but bores me as an adult. And given the possibilities of huge movie franchises out there to pull from, I'm setting my expectations REALLY low on this one. In fact, I'm starting to think it'll be a pretty long time before I'm inspired to visit either of these parks again.

 

I didn't get a response as to whether Universal owns the land adjacent to the Royal Pacific Resort, but I'll go ahead and assume they obviously do. Which, in that case, personally, I'd be much more interested in the company jumping into the water park fray. Realistic? No. But when you think about it, it is rather odd that they're the only ones not doing what all the other cool kids are.

 

Aren't they already a part of Wet N' Wild?

[BeemerBoy]

^ Ah yes, forgot about that. I stand corrected.

 

EDIT: Still, I'd rather see 'em do something unique on their property, similar to what they're trying with that new miniature golf course they're opening. Not every water park needs tropical theming. I'd love to see Universal have fun, and put a new spin on the water park experience.

[doublestufforeo]

^ Ah yes, forgot about that. I stand corrected.

 

EDIT: Still, I'd rather see 'em do something unique on their property, similar to what they're trying with that new miniature golf course they're opening. Not every water park needs tropical theming. I'd love to see Universal have fun, and put a new spin on the water park experience.

 

Do a hi-tech water park consisting of Disco H20 and Brain Wash type rides, with a laser/LED lazy river and different color glowing wave-pool.

 

The worlds first rave water park.

[hydra]

GodD*mn Harry Potter.

Also, isnt the large lot along Vineland Rd. (behind Jaws and Fear Factor) the site of the employee apartment buildings?

[RoCo]

First, THIS SUCKS! I love this ride.

 

Second, I agree with other comments regarding the Lost Continent. The un-Potterized areas there feel very weak these days and I would have to guess that the long-range Potter plans were ALWAYS to eventually remove that only area of the park that wasn't based on existing IP. C'est la vie...

 

So I think they've got other schemes in mind for the Studios park. Maybe a gitanic Transformers land/attraction? That feels right.

 

Bruce, godspeed, buddy.

[rollin_n_coastin]

Maybe with the money they're saving from no Jaws gas bills, they can fix the flying cow in Twister? Apparently I missed that technological marvel since it doesn't work in every show.

 

If it's an awesome replacement like Mummy was for King Kong, I'm all for this. I still love the cheese factor in Jaws and people seem to really love it.

[vuurvogel]

I say replace it with king kong the ride. An partly outdoor, partly indoor ride which brings you to the island. Maybe a zierer coaster, darkride, drop system with 3d effects and real stages. Would be cool.

[RoCo]

^If only! I love this idea, but it'll never, ever happen. But, again, LOVE IT!

[eddytheviper]

Very upset at this announcement, I make sure every time I go I visit the attraction as it's just... Universal Studios to me.

 

I'll also miss the varying quality of the skippers, I somewhat think the rides best when they really really under-do the fear aspect, it's great

 

Regarding what is coming in place of it... I really hope it's not a transformers copy, we already have Spiderman, surely that's good enough... plus we have enough indoor rides already at UO, right?

 

It kind of feels like they are taking away some of the soul of the park, it's like getting rid of Pirates of the Carribbean at MK, it's just not right

[Jakizle]

For one, this will make part of Horror Nights very different next year...

[crazydaveh]

While JAWS is always a good time, I am 50/50 on it going away. We lost Kong and got Mummy... that's not so bad in my opinion.

 

I do say that when Universal Orlando closes JAWS on Jan 2, it will ROCK if on the final voyage, they let JAWS win one for all the sharks who have been blasted by that grenade launcher over the years! And have someone getting video of it.

 

I don't think they''ll put Potter in UO. I think it will be an indoor thrill ride. What kind? Who knows. Who will build it and what kind of nuts and bolts will they use? Only time will tell! At least the Uni side is getting some love after Rockit has left us all a bit sore in more ways than one!

 

Being a parent of a younger kid, I'd love to see some love put in to a new kids area with more for little ones to do. I know many of you will blast this idea, but you probably don't have a 3 year old who loves the parks and cries because she's too short to ride the green (Hulk) roller coaster!

[masportster]

"I'll find him for three, but I'll catch him and kill him for ten"

 

Wow, this truly is sad news. Cheesy, yes...but I'm really going to miss that ride!! Twister is 10 times cheesier! This will definitely change HHN next year.

 

Reality is, I was sad when King Kong went,and I stilll miss it, but I do love Mummy. I'm not big on Transformers and IOA already has Hairry Plopper. I think another HP attraction would be overkill. Hoping for an all new concept.

 

I'll miss the fish and I won't get to ride it again. Farewell old friend.

[gisco]

Doesn't bother me that this ride is being removed. It just means there is potential for something even better.

[coasterfreak101]

I would think the most probably thing to take it's place would be Transformers. But they have all that water to work with...

 

Shame to see this go. I agree with everyone else - it's cheesy, but it's a good time. I hate that it's closing just a few days before I'll be there though!

[Brandy524]

I've only ridden Jaws once, but it's iconic. Like someone else said, I always thought of Jaws and Back to the Future as synonymous with Universal.

 

By the way, the one and only time I've been to Universal was in 1998, when Twister was brand new. But we didn't get to ride it because the opening was delayed due to the tornadoes that had swept through Florida a few weeks before opening date. We missed it by a week or so.

[Chris Benvenuto]

I've only ridden Jaws once, but it's iconic. Like someone else said, I always thought of Jaws and Back to the Future as synonymous with Universal.

 

By the way, the one and only time I've been to Universal was in 1998, when Twister was brand new. But we didn't get to ride it because the opening was delayed due to the tornadoes that had swept through Florida a few weeks before opening date. We missed it by a week or so.

 

 

Hm...Twisters going through the state when an attraction themed to twisters premieres. Coincidence, anyone?