Universal Orlando Resort (USO, IOA) Discussion Thread

[ernierocker]

^Nope. This new section is being built on the old footprint of Jaws and the area behind it. It will not have any impact on any adjacent attractions (Disaster, MiB, etc.)

[StLCPfan]

Holy crap! Like Robb said, several people are WAY overthinking this. It feels like the discussion from some right now is "I don't know, everything they've done up until now has been pretty cool and authentic, but I think they'll find a way to screw this up and/or make people feel like they're getting ripped off." Just relax and let the professional planners and designers work this out. That's what they're being paid to do. I also get the feeling some people are assuming for authenticity there will only be one train or how else will this be a capacity nightmare?

 

My biggest curiosity right now is about the Gringott's ride. Did someone at S&S or another manufacturer figure out how to do the hinged vehicles like the freefly, but have the cars be within the track structure like the Togo heartline or Arrow pipeline concepts? That would be COOL if they can get the vehicles to behave like the Gringott's ride to the vaults.

[coasterfreak101]

^I believe - and someone can correct me if there are new rumors on the block - that the leading rumor for Gringott's is that it's a Premier that may or may not use a patent that Universal filed, for a roller coaster that also utilizes a track piece attached to a moving vehicle/pod/podium (can't think of a good word for it) to become a dark ride for a bit, then that meets up with more track and the train continues on as a coaster again.

 

TL;DR: it's gonna be cool as crap.

[GO MUFC!!!]

^Nope. This new section is being built on the old footprint of Jaws and the area behind it. It will not have any impact on any adjacent attractions (Disaster, MiB, etc.)

Thanks,I was wondering If they would incorporate the former Jaws site.

[HTF]

^I believe - and someone can correct me if there are new rumors on the block - that the leading rumor for Gringott's is that it's a Premier that may or may not use a patent that Universal filed, for a roller coaster that also utilizes a track piece attached to a moving vehicle/pod/podium (can't think of a good word for it) to become a dark ride for a bit, then that meets up with more track and the train continues on as a coaster again.

 

TL;DR: it's gonna be cool as crap.

 

It's called Sim Track and several vendors are involved. It will be the most advanced ride system for a dark ride to date.

[goatdan]

I think that all of the confusion about the train system comes more from what Universal says about it, specifically this:

 

"And we've made sure that even your train trip aboard the Hogwarts Express will be part of the ambitious immersive storytelling experience that we're trying to create for our Guests with this Potter expansion."

 

The normal transportation systems (Monorail, boat, or whatever) aren't what most people would consider "ambitious immersive storytelling." If Universal forces you to buy a two-day ticket to ride it, it would essentially become a massive upcharge attraction. The actual movement of people is completely secondary, and an easy problem to solve once the hopper part of the equation is figured out, which I'm certain Universal did before starting work on it at all. They just haven't told us yet.

[Woodie Warrior]

In the end of July, my family is visiting Orlando.

Our original plan was 4 days at Disney, 2 at Universal.

My dad got a really good deal for less than $400 a person that includes 4 days at Disney, 1 at Universal, and 1 at SeaWorld.

We have to choose one Universal park. Which one will be better for us if we get Express Passes?

We have two 60 year old seniors, one 40 year old adult, one teenager, and one ten year old. I would guess IoA would be the one to choose. Am I correct?

[necoastergp]

^I'd say IOA just for WWOHP and the theming.

[robbalvey]

Here's a pretty cool birds eye view of the construction site that the guys from Attractions Magazine did:

[Mrlittle]

^Holy crap they are building fast. I thought they just started the train track. It's looking good so far.

[blade1]

In the end of July, my family is visiting Orlando.

Our original plan was 4 days at Disney, 2 at Universal.

My dad got a really good deal for less than $400 a person that includes 4 days at Disney, 1 at Universal, and 1 at SeaWorld.

We have to choose one Universal park. Which one will be better for us if we get Express Passes?

We have two 60 year old seniors, one 40 year old adult, one teenager, and one ten year old. I would guess IoA would be the one to choose. Am I correct?

 

I'd probably lean toward Studios. There are more shows and less 54" rides. I guess it really depends on if the 10 year old is 54" yet, and if the 60 year olds like pretty significant big coasters. MIB, Simpsons, ET, and even the Mummy are all good tweener attractions, and I believe Transformers will be one too. Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket is 51". At IOA Hulk, and Dragons Challenge are 54" and Dr. Doom is 52". IOA has the better water rides for sure.

[Jew]

They're definitely getting ready for Harry Potter 2.0: Universal Orlando raised their base 1-park ticket prices to $92 for adults and $86 for kids.

[WW1 Flying Ace]

^Perhaps it is for Transformers and then when Potter 2.0 opens they can raise their prices again.

[coasterfreak101]

Sounds like the Simpson's expansion is getting announced finally. From the USO Facebook:

 

We’ve got some exciting news to share tomorrow. D’oh!

[Woodie Warrior]

In the end of July, my family is visiting Orlando.

Our original plan was 4 days at Disney, 2 at Universal.

My dad got a really good deal for less than $400 a person that includes 4 days at Disney, 1 at Universal, and 1 at SeaWorld.

We have to choose one Universal park. Which one will be better for us if we get Express Passes?

We have two 60 year old seniors, one 40 year old adult, one teenager, and one ten year old. I would guess IoA would be the one to choose. Am I correct?

 

I'd probably lean toward Studios. There are more shows and less 54" rides. I guess it really depends on if the 10 year old is 54" yet, and if the 60 year olds like pretty significant big coasters. MIB, Simpsons, ET, and even the Mummy are all good tweener attractions, and I believe Transformers will be one too. Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket is 51". At IOA Hulk, and Dragons Challenge are 54" and Dr. Doom is 52". IOA has the better water rides for sure.

The 10 year old is 54". I believe we are leaning towards IoA. The seniors aren't into big coasters, but are wanting to see Harry Potter.

[triggernel]

Harry Potter and Spiderman are the only reasons to choose IOA over the Studios, but since you are going in July, Transformers will be open. This should balance out Spiderman.

 

If the seniors aren't into coasters, you can knock out Hulk, Dragon Challenge, and probably Dudley and FJ, which really only leaves Spiderman, Popeye, and Jurassic Park in terms of main attractions. Removing coasters at USO still leaves you with T2:3D, E.T. Men In Black, Simpsons (with its new fleshed out land), and Transformers. FJ and Mummy being the two wild cards in terms of medium level of intensity.

 

I also prefer rides like Despicable Me, Twister, and Shrek, to Cat in the Hat, Poseidon, and Sinbad, but that's just me.

[Mrlittle]

I'm excited to hear more on the Simpsons area that might be announced today. (even though it just a few facades to the stores) I want to know how much I will have to pay to eat a Krusty burger with a Flaming Moe.

[necoastergp]

Sounds like the Simpson's expansion is getting announced finally. From the USO Facebook:

 

We’ve got some exciting news to share tomorrow. D’oh!

 

About time, wonder if they will release all the details or just announce a Simpson's themed expansion coming soon.

[triggernel]

Sounds like the Simpson's expansion is getting announced finally. From the USO Facebook:

 

We’ve got some exciting news to share tomorrow. D’oh!

 

About time, wonder if they will release all the details or just announce a Simpson's themed expansion coming soon.

 

They're filming the Today Show there in the morning, so I would expect a big announcement. And based on the fact that the restaurant side of the expansion is almost done, I would lean towards a full announcement.

[cfc]

*I hope all the Today Show people are drinking Flaming Moes.

[Top Thrill Dragster]

 

Woo Hoo! Springfield, hometown to America’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons, comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort launching this summer.

 

The expansive, new area within Universal Studios will be anchored by the mega-attraction, The Simpsons Ride, and will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before. It will be the only place in the world where guests can walk the streets of Springfield. It will include a brand-new outdoor attraction, places and foods pulled right from the show and two new Simpsons characters who will make their debut with the new area – Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob.

 

And yes – there will be Duff Beer, brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando.

 

For the first time ever – anywhere – fans will be able to walk down Fast Food Boulevard and visit the places that helped Springfield stake its claim as “Shelbyville by the Sea.” They will be able to grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, snatch the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman, get a slice at Luigi’s Pizza, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, enjoy a “Taco Fresho” with Bumblebee Man and imbibe at Moe’s Tavern.

 

The new attraction – called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – will take “foolish humans” on an intergalactic spin designed to send them into orbit.

 

“This will be a must-see experience for Simpsons fans all over the world,” said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative. “For the first time ever, they’re going to be able to enter a world that they’ve only seen on television – and we’re really excited to bring that world to life.”

 

“This new expansion will broaden and deepen the already incredible experience at Universal, by bringing to life the iconic landmarks of Springfield that fans have grown to love,” said Jeffrey Godsick, President, Fox Consumer Products. “Fans will literally be able to live and breathe Springfield as they visit the statue of Jebediah, enjoy a Krusty Burger, and have a seat at Moe’s Tavern, which are just a few of the great experiences awaiting at Universal.”

 

"It has been an honor to bring the world of the Simpsons to life in such a letter-perfect way,” said Denise Sirkot, President, Worldwide Brand, Gracie Films. “Truly this is the Krustyest place on earth."

 

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Edited May 23, 2013 by jedimaster1227

[simtanic8]

You beat me to it! I'm mostly excited about Moe's Tavern, also Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl just because it's another ride to get on.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

That looks great!! I hope Universal Hollywood gets creating and adds some Simpsons stuff like this!

[televisedconfession]

Looks just like my town in Tapped Out!

 

Very cool! Excited for this project! Great addition.

[cfc]

Lard Lad Donuts and Duff Beer--I'm sold.