King Kong Speculation Thread

[TylerDurden]

All of you people that say it won't sell enough merchandise are not looking at the fact that having a Kong dark ride will get them more merchandise sold than having a JP dark ride. So I think they will get the merchandise sales they are looking for.

I respectfully disagree, especially with the upcoming Jurassic World movie. I know my kids would rather play with dinosaurs than deranged giant monkeys.

3. Comparing the cartoon style overlays Disney is doing to building a ride on literature is not a fair comparison. It is well known in the public that Epcot Future World is about innovation and learning. So throwing a Nemo overlay just doesn't sit well with the theme of the land for anyone. But IOA really doesn't have that same thought with the general public. I bet you if you did a survey and asked people about it, only about 25% would know it is based on literature. Not like they have a giant book in the park or something like that for people to REALLY get or understand the theme.

Agree completely! It's such a loose theme anyway with Jurassic Park and Harry Potter drawing visual inspiration from their film versions and characters like Poseidon and Sinbad not coming from specific pieces of literature. The theme, in all honesty, is very limiting to the point where if they follow it too closely they will restrict the growth of their park. Weren't the Simpsons supposed to be where Toon Lagoon is now anyway? It seems like the literature theme is more of an excuse for the properties they implemented rather than a concept they set forth from the get-go. In any case, most people don't make that connection nor do they really care.

4. Now when it comes to screens vs. AA. Do we want Little Mermaid or do we want FJ? Because really when you think about it, you can have high tech ride system or AA. You can't have both, why? Money. To do high end AA's cost money, to do high end ride systems cost money. To do high end scenery costs money. So when building a ride and you have 150m to do it, you have to figure out what you want to spend your money on and still give a good ride. While Uni is investing a ton of money into their parks, they also have budgets. The reason being is they want to fix the whole park, not just build one ride. So 500m in a year should not be spent on one ride, but multiple rides, maintenance, and overlays/upgrades to older rides. So if you want them to fix everything and build new rides you need to decide which you would like to have. The slow moving omnimover style ride or a high tech ride system that has some screens to accomplish action.

While I agree with you that fast-motion rides might as well skip out on large animatronics, I disagree that you can't effectively use both. If we are going to start holding Universal to a higher standard and putting them on the Orlando tourism pedestal, then we shouldn't think restrictively about what they can do. If Universal really is going to take the position of best resort in Orlando, then we should expect them to be groundbreaking and innovative. In other words, if someone can blend both technologies it would be Universal.

That being said, Kong may or may not be the ride to do this. You're right, they have a set budget and should push it to make more variety of attractions. BUT, at the same time, we already have two roving simulator 3-D rides in the resort--three might get repetitive. And it sounds like the proposed Kong ride would be a lot more of the same Spidey/Transformers shtick, just with a different theme and apparently live tour guides. I love all that Universal's doing, but I'd have to argue that more rides isn't always the best course of action simply out of fear of being repetitive.

 

[natespf]

Agree completely! It's such a loose theme anyway with Jurassic Park and Harry Potter drawing visual inspiration from their film versions and characters like Poseidon and Sinbad not coming from specific pieces of literature. The theme, in all honesty, is very limiting to the point where if they follow it too closely they will restrict the growth of their park. Weren't the Simpsons supposed to be where Toon Lagoon is now anyway? It seems like the literature theme is more of an excuse for the properties they implemented rather than a concept they set forth from the get-go. In any case, most people don't make that connection nor do they really care.

Yes, I just wanted to add that the old Cartoon World concept was not based on literature. It seemed like it would be tv/movie related characters mixed in with the superheros and Seuss. Then after JP was a big hit at the box office they wanted to add it to the park. So it looks like somewhere when they were nailing down the IPs they had a few that happened to be books before tv/movies. After that point switching up TL to be based on comic strips, and LC comprising of new variations of a diverse collection of mythological writings. Seems likely.

 

[IzzyB]

I respectfully disagree, especially with the upcoming Jurassic World movie. I know my kids would rather play with dinosaurs than deranged giant monkeys.

I think you missed my point. They already have JP in the parks and they have JP stores. Plus they are adding a new coaster (to spark interest) and a new movie (new merchandise). So they are not going to lose any JP sales by adding Kong vs. a JP dark ride. By adding Kong they may get people to purchase from both IPs or if someone is a Kong fan and not a JP fan, they will get those customers to buy something that would not with 2 new JP rides vs. 1 and 1. They also may get someone to purchase something that makes an annual trip and already has JP stuff, but doesn't have Kong stuff. My point is when it comes to Merchandise sales, two IPs is always better than one IP.

While I agree with you that fast-motion rides might as well skip out on large animatronics, I disagree that you can't effectively use both. If we are going to start holding Universal to a higher standard and putting them on the Orlando tourism pedestal, then we shouldn't think restrictively about what they can do. If Universal really is going to take the position of best resort in Orlando, then we should expect them to be groundbreaking and innovative. In other words, if someone can blend both technologies it would be Universal.

That being said, Kong may or may not be the ride to do this. You're right, they have a set budget and should push it to make more variety of attractions. BUT, at the same time, we already have two roving simulator 3-D rides in the resort--three might get repetitive. And it sounds like the proposed Kong ride would be a lot more of the same Spidey/Transformers shtick, just with a different theme and apparently live tour guides. I love all that Universal's doing, but I'd have to argue that more rides isn't always the best course of action simply out of fear of being repetitive.

I am saying when it comes to budgets and what they can do, not technology and what they can do. I don't think this will be another Spidey, from the descriptions it sounds like the RVs will be much bigger and that the scenario will be much bigger and better. I almost get the impression it will be scenerio heavy at the beginning ending with screen heavy. Spidey and TF are more screens than anything else.

 

[DufflesMcGee]

While I agree with you that fast-motion rides might as well skip out on large animatronics, I disagree that you can't effectively use both. If we are going to start holding Universal to a higher standard and putting them on the Orlando tourism pedestal, then we shouldn't think restrictively about what they can do. If Universal really is going to take the position of best resort in Orlando, then we should expect them to be groundbreaking and innovative. In other words, if someone can blend both technologies it would be Universal.

That being said, Kong may or may not be the ride to do this. You're right, they have a set budget and should push it to make more variety of attractions. BUT, at the same time, we already have two roving simulator 3-D rides in the resort--three might get repetitive. And it sounds like the proposed Kong ride would be a lot more of the same Spidey/Transformers shtick, just with a different theme and apparently live tour guides. I love all that Universal's doing, but I'd have to argue that more rides isn't always the best course of action simply out of fear of being repetitive.

Thank god someone said it...
Look I love Kong, But if its going to be like the one in hollywood but with sets and whatever... Id rather not have it. Call me greedy, I know those in California were happy, But we at UOR are in need of higher standards. If there is no AA, or atleast even 1/4 of an AA Kong (Kuka arm, body doesnt move, but face moves), I won't be happy. I was expecting a lot out of transformers... I experienced it in singapore before the orlando one opened earlier this year. Its spidey with new videos. Wasn't worth them building it. I love 3D rides, as tyler said before it adds to the ride, but from my understanding - correct me if im wrong - Gringotts, Kong and lorax will all be 3d rides....? thats too much 3D, we need AA's.... Sooooo I hate to be that guy, but if thats the case universal is being like disney but instead of doing a slow motion people mover style ride... its basically same concept/same track and same 3d idea....

BEFORE YOU LASH OUT ON ME!! I understand gringotts and kong will be unique and not like spidey... just trying to emphasize how 3d might get repetitive while turning some heads

:wave:

 

[mahnamahna]

Thank god someone said it...
Look I love Kong, But if its going to be like the one in hollywood but with sets and whatever... Id rather not have it. Call me greedy, I know those in California were happy, But we at UOR are in need of higher standards. If there is no AA, or atleast even 1/4 of an AA Kong (Kuka arm, body doesnt move, but face moves), I won't be happy. I was expecting a lot out of transformers... I experienced it in singapore before the orlando one opened earlier this year. Its spidey with new videos. Wasn't worth them building it. I love 3D rides, as tyler said before it adds to the ride, but from my understanding - correct me if im wrong - Gringotts, Kong and lorax will all be 3d rides....? thats too much 3D, we need AA's.... Sooooo I hate to be that guy, but if thats the case universal is being like disney but instead of doing a slow motion people mover style ride... its basically same concept/same track and same 3d idea....

BEFORE YOU LASH OUT ON ME!! I understand gringotts and kong will be unique and not like spidey... just trying to emphasize how 3d might get repetitive while turning some heads

:wave:

Has you ever thought Disney having 15 dark rides with AAs is repetitive? It's not the technology but how you use it.. and ET, MIB: AA, FJ, Cat, and Mummy all use AAs and minimal screen usage except for FJ and NO 3D

 

[DufflesMcGee]

I HAS NOT!

But really, the reason for wanting an AA now more than ever is due to technology changes. You cant compare the AA's in Cat, MIB and ET to the one they could create using Kuka Arms for Kong in order to pick up the Vehicle we ride in and hurl it 20 feet in the air...

Also, this is a AA puppet they made for a broadway... im sure they can come up with something.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvVyN67wxH0

song sucks... skip to 2:35

or this one which shows more of facial expressions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP1BaYAoBkk

- - - Updated - - -

Go to 1:25...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STkMCwJ0Swg

BOOOM! there he is KONG... AA... in Universal... Maybe.... showin his teeth

- - - Updated - - -

"omg thats not possible, Hans that is so expensive and will take 5 years to make"

Um, no it won't, just like the reason they did the transformers ride, it is cheaper and fast to recreate something that is already done... Hence.. they can use the same company and same animatronics for the kong on the ride... but then they will have their people add hair and whatever else is needed.

 

[TylerDurden]

Has you ever thought Disney having 15 dark rides with AAs is repetitive? It's not the technology but how you use it.. and ET, MIB: AA, FJ, Cat, and Mummy all use AAs and minimal screen usage except for FJ and NO 3D

A great point. However, like I said, if Universal is to become the new standard, then we shouldn't have to compare them to Disney. 3-D most definitely suits a lot of attractions. In my opinion, Kong is not one of them. Spider-Man, Transformers, and Harry Potter are all about fast-moving action that can't be replicated with anything but 3-D technology. In those cases, 3-D immerses the riders and heightens the experience.

I think Kong is a different story quite honestly. In Transformers, Optimus Prime isn't the main attraction, the action he's surrounded by is. King Kong is much more about the monkey than the dinosaur fights and the biplane battle. When I think of Transformers, I think of robots kicking each other's asses. When I think of King Kong, I think of his reveal, how he felt about Ann, etc...it's very much his story. And I think that focusing on seeing him come to life in the flesh would be preferred to watching him battle a bunch of dinosaurs in 3-D. There are several iconic moments in the King Kong films that could be realistically replicated entirely using physical sets.

I'm sure that it'll be a super cool ride anyway. But as much as I usually defend 3-D's place in the parks, this is one instance where Universal could've really wowed us with something different, and it's a shame that they're going the same route they have been for the past few years.

 

[ynnoj]

Thank god someone said it...
Look I love Kong, But if its going to be like the one in hollywood but with sets and whatever... Id rather not have it. Call me greedy, I know those in California were happy, But we at UOR are in need of higher standards. If there is no AA, or atleast even 1/4 of an AA Kong (Kuka arm, body doesnt move, but face moves), I won't be happy. I was expecting a lot out of transformers... I experienced it in singapore before the orlando one opened earlier this year. Its spidey with new videos. Wasn't worth them building it. I love 3D rides, as tyler said before it adds to the ride, but from my understanding - correct me if im wrong - Gringotts, Kong and lorax will all be 3d rides....? thats too much 3D, we need AA's.... Sooooo I hate to be that guy, but if thats the case universal is being like disney but instead of doing a slow motion people mover style ride... its basically same concept/same track and same 3d idea....

BEFORE YOU LASH OUT ON ME!! I understand gringotts and kong will be unique and not like spidey... just trying to emphasize how 3d might get repetitive while turning some heads

:wave:

How can you say Transformers wasn't worth building when it was essentially built in place of an unused sound stage (not replacing an existing attraction)? Not only that but, correct me if I'm wrong, Universal/Comcast also avoided a large tax bill in the process?

The ride had proved popular in both Hollywood and Singapore and the IP clearly has huge merchandising potential, which is what this resort is now all about. Yes there are similarities to Spider-Man, but that ride is in a different park.

Transformers is another popular IP attraction in the park built on an improved ride system with great reliability and capacity. It's a winning scenario considering the crowds HP will bring next summer.

 

[IzzyB]

Transformers is another popular IP attraction in the park built on an improved ride system with great reliability and capacity. It's a winning scenario considering the crowds HP will bring next summer.

I guarantee you this reason was at the top of their list for reasons to build transformers. They needed a way to balance out the crowds. They needed another E-ticket that people will go to, because they realized with Phase 1 they didn't have enough other star IPs to get people to leave the HP area. Now they will have 3 e-tickets and 2 of them are people eaters. Transformers would probably have the biggest name and allow people to actually stop and ride some things before and after they leave HP.

 

[JungleSkip]

I HAS NOT!

But really, the reason for wanting an AA now more than ever is due to technology changes. You cant compare the AA's in Cat, MIB and ET to the one they could create using Kuka Arms for Kong in order to pick up the Vehicle we ride in and hurl it 20 feet in the air...

Okay...this post is a whole bag of crazy.

I'm not even going to touch the "KUKA arms throwing a ride car" part. You're right, AA technology has come a long way. And you know who the last company was that tried to create a big, life-like AA? Disney, the KING of AAs. And what is that doing now? Nothing. It's sitting in a cave with a strobe light on it. Because having a large, realistic AA that needs to move quickly and effectively every 15 seconds in the same manner is a logistical and engineering nightmare.

Also, this is a AA puppet they made for a broadway... im sure they can come up with something.

Again, you don't understand the differences here. The Kong puppet in the show is human controlled and only has to work for 4 hours a day with 20 hours of maintenance time if problems arise. Not 9-12 hours a day every 15 seconds for 356 days in the year.

Um, no it won't, just like the reason they did the transformers ride, it is cheaper and fast to recreate something that is already done... Hence.. they can use the same company and same animatronics for the kong on the ride... but then they will have their people add hair and whatever else is needed.

The animatronics for that application would be completely different for the theme park use. I get you want an AA, but you clearly don't understand the engineering hurdles it takes to have a realistic AA of that size in a theme park attraction.

 

[UNIrd]

I'm still hoping for AA's in some of the new attractions, which hopefully Lorax and Gringotts will provide. Otherwise, I think 3D glasses might be Universal's Magic Band. We should get them in different colors, accessorize them, use them to pay for stuff..

 

[wizwit]

I thought the new Kong/Skull Island attraction was rumored to have an "outdoor" portion with AA's (I assumed that it would be similar to the begining of JPRA). But then it was revealed that there would also be a portion of the ride with screens/3D.

If this is true, it seems as if the new Kong could be a logistical first; An attraction in which riders are required to put on their 3D glasses midway thru the ride?

 

[TylerDurden]

I thought the new Kong/Skull Island attraction was rumored to have an "outdoor" portion with AA's (I assumed that it would be similar to the begining of JPRA). But then it was revealed that there would also be a portion of the ride with screens/3D.

If this is true, it seems as if the new Kong could be a logistical first; An attraction in which riders are required to put on their 3D glasses midway thru the ride?

The comparisons to Jurassic Park did suggest AA's but I guess theyre similar only in aesthetic theming...

As to the glasses, maybe this will be where that glasses-less 3-D technology comes into play.

 

[Skubersky]

If this is true, it seems as if the new Kong could be a logistical first; An attraction in which riders are required to put on their 3D glasses midway thru the ride?

You mean logistical second -- the first being the USH tram tour featuring King Kong 360-3D ;-)

 

[wizwit]

You mean logistical second -- the first being the USH tram tour featuring King Kong 360-3D ;-)

Ah. I did not know that.

So, on the tram tour is it just as simple as an announcement from the guide: "Ok, folks - Time to put on your fancy glasses." ?

 

[Ash]

Yeah, it's a recorded announcement from Peter Jackson saying it.

 

[LikeMike]

I can see the glasses issue being along the lines of "put your protective goggles on as we go through skull island" or an announcement similar to that by the tour guide.

 

[martymcflyy85]

No disrespect intended, but why does everyone bring up Little Mermaid as an example of AA? That ride sucks. There are much better examples of AA rides to use. Also, screens are fine...but why does it have to be 3-D? Can't you do the screens without the 3-D? When I think of a good example of a dark ride I think of Haunted Mansion. Lots of great effects, no stupid glasses to wear, and great atmosphere, not dependent upon a huge expensive AA. Universal has the ability to create an awesome atmospheric dark ride, even without a big AA....but definitely without 3-D!!! Enough with the 3-D already.

 

[ChrisM]

No disrespect intended, but why does everyone bring up Little Mermaid as an example of AA? That ride sucks. There are much better examples of AA rides to use. Also, screens are fine...but why does it have to be 3-D? Can't you do the screens without the 3-D? When I think of a good example of a dark ride I think of Haunted Mansion. Lots of great effects, no stupid glasses to wear, and great atmosphere, not dependent upon a huge expensive AA. Universal has the ability to create an awesome atmospheric dark ride, even without a big AA....but definitely without 3-D!!! Enough with the 3-D already.

How about a giant Musion/ Eyeliner King Kong effect? Incorporating it with live sets and practical effects. Would be pretty neat IMO. Id be happy with that.

 

[Hatetofly]

No disrespect intended, but why does everyone bring up Little Mermaid as an example of AA? That ride sucks. There are much better examples of AA rides to use. Also, screens are fine...but why does it have to be 3-D? Can't you do the screens without the 3-D? When I think of a good example of a dark ride I think of Haunted Mansion. Lots of great effects, no stupid glasses to wear, and great atmosphere, not dependent upon a huge expensive AA. Universal has the ability to create an awesome atmospheric dark ride, even without a big AA....but definitely without 3-D!!! Enough with the 3-D already.

People bring it up because its the last ride built at WDW in the last like 8 years, their really isn't much other Disney (the Kings of AA's) to compare to within todays tech limits.