Epic Universe Expansion Speculation

[LPCaptainDeath]

For me it’s simple: a practical sets version of Soarin, using the same ride system as Jurassic Flyers in Beijing/Arthur at Europa (simulating eagle talons). You would fly over and through all the most iconic locale—Rivendell, Moria, Isengard, Argonath, Minas Tirith, the Black Gate and of course Barad-dur/Mt Doom!

The entrance would of course be Bag End and would transition to the woods where Gandalf leaves Frodo and Sam, where guests would board. However, idk how to hide a show building here, unless Bag End is actually on the second floor. I also don’t know how it could be made ADA friendly.

The unload would have to be a separate environment, likely simulated to be outdoors to make going back into the Shire feel more natural. Throw in Green Dragon restaurant and wa-la!

I don't mean to be that guy, but "voila"
And, honestly, i love this idea.

If i were to give this the full BLUE-SKY treatment, i'd say to convert Toon Lagoon/Comic Strip Lane in IoA into Middle Earth. Have the above concept take over the spot where the unused theatre and Dudley's currently sits. Make it one BIG expansive attraction with a singular facade of The Shire for the entry and then Rivendell for the exit, and -if anything- use that new ride system where you start in a boat and then something comes along and picks it up, and you start "flying." I always thought that ride system would work for LotR or Legend of Zelda best.

And I know people may balk at it, but the river-escape-barrel-riding-scene from Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug is ASKING to be translated to a river-raft ride; so we retrofit that concept for Popeyes. You start in a Mirkwood fortress facade (which can double for a small walkable section connected to Rivendell if you want a semblance of style/continuity), Bilbo greets you as a visitor trying to sneak in to help the dwarves escape. You load into "barrels" and ride down the river with little scene imitations from the movie, full of static orcs and light animatronics of dwarves/bilbo, and end the ride in Fishtown market, which wouldn't be hard cause it be vaguely medieval looking enough to blend into anything around it (Bree/Prancing Pony).

I would've loved to have an Erebor style dark-ride with Smaug segments, but we may be going too "Gringotts/Forbidden Journey" with that.