Future of Jurassic Park River Adventure

[Jake S]

So you'd rather Popeye be closed for 6 months instead of just removing some minor elements of the ride for refurb while remaining open? I think it's just not possible to do that at a theme park that is open year round, different rides would be closed for long periods of time at random times for minor things if that were the case.

I think theme parks that charge more than $100 for entry should do their best to keep attractions in working order. I also think you're begging the question by suggesting a lightly themed raft ride would need to go down for half a year to get to that place.

 

[OrlLover]

So you'd rather Popeye be closed for 6 months instead of just removing some minor elements of the ride for refurb while remaining open? I think it's just not possible to do that at a theme park that is open year round, different rides would be closed for long periods of time at random times for minor things if that were the case.

I’ve asked a couple times on this very thread on how would the logistics work on a project like this. Nobody seems to really know and instead blames Universal for decades old animatronics for breaking down every couple days.

I also think people forget Comcast wasn’t the original owner of this park so they are essentially playing catch up on maintaining these attractions.

 

[GAcoaster]

I would hope that since Universal is currently building a bunch of animatronics, they should be looking to replace/improve the 20+ year old JP at the same time. I'd also guess that since they are working with contractors to build and maintain animatronics, they could "get a deal" on quantity.

 

[belloq87]

I would hope that since Universal is currently building a bunch of animatronics, they should be looking to replace/improve the 20+ year old JP at the same time. I'd also guess that since they are working with contractors to build and maintain animatronics, they could "get a deal" on quantity.

I would like to know definitively if that's the case.

The lack of clarity (either from Universal or insiders with their ears to the ground) only adds to the frustration, and the sense that there is -- seemingly -- no plan here.

 

[biggerboat16]

This is from twitter, at least they’re acknowledging the problem but I find it weird that they’re outright saying they don’t know instead of a “coming soon” blanket statement.

 

[GAcoaster]

Chances are the social media and operations/maintenance departments don't have a direct conduit for a "real" answer. I'm still thinking the idea is the off season rehab will fix several of the elements.

 

[belloq87]

Discouraging stuff, all the way around.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

While closing an entire ride for just a figure or 2 is questionable… I do think that there’s a bit of a double standard in the fandom when it comes to upkeep with Universal. They’ve gotten away with some pretty poor maintenance at their parks (thankfully, it’s being addressed now) over the last few years.

Dinosaur and JPRA at this point last year were both in awful shape, but Dinosaur has since then improved (even with an imminent closure) and JPRA is just embarrassing.

 

[OrlLover]

I’m definitely think it’s time for Universal to go ahead and spend the money on a huge refresh of this attraction.

How much will a project of this magnitude cost ?

That’s what I’m curious to know because it must be a pretty penny for them not to bite the bullet yet. With the Japan version getting new boats I sure hope they are preparing for a similar update here in Orlando.

I also believe Creative is still trying to decide whether or not the keep the JP theme or fully transition into JW.

 

[ibanezjp]

I would like to know definitively if that's the case.

The lack of clarity (either from Universal or insiders with their ears to the ground) only adds to the frustration, and the sense that there is -- seemingly -- no plan here.

It’s scary and I find it odd too that no insiders have heard any plan which means they just seem to be content letting it rot.

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This is from twitter, at least they’re acknowledging the problem but I find it weird that they’re outright saying they don’t know instead of a “coming soon” blanket statement.

Haha, that’s my tweet! A few posts ago in this thread someone mentioned about calling out Universal and anytime I’ve ever asked them stuff like this on Twitter this is always the response. At least they respond and are very nice, but I doubt it ever reaches the right people.

I’m definitely think it’s time for Universal to go ahead and spend the money on a huge refresh of this attraction.

How much will a project of this magnitude cost ?

That’s what I’m curious to know because it must be a pretty penny for them not to bite the bullet yet. With the Japan version getting new boats I sure hope they are preparing for a similar update here in Orlando.

I also believe Creative is still trying to decide whether or not the keep the JP theme or fully transition into JW.

I really think they want to convert the whole land to JW by duplicating the Hollywood ride and converting camp Jurassic to camp Cretaceous. I’m starting to think they are just waiting it out until it’s time.

Last thing I’ll say is that while we all say it just needs new animatronics is that really even possible? Aren’t these older ride systems kind of stuck with what they have and all they can do is fix the current ones or replace parts because a new one can’t be dropped in and programmed to this old ride system? I wish they would just re-program it and put all new animatronics in, even if it has to go down for a year. Same for E.T. My biggest frustration with Universal is their lack of maintenance on old rides. It’s so opposite of their new rides which they have been absolutely knocking out of the park. I see those amazing raptor animatronics in the queue for velocicoaster and think how amazing would RA be with things like that!!!

 

[Mad Dog]

It’s scary and I find it odd too that no insiders have heard any plan which means they just seem to be content letting it rot.

Haha, that’s my tweet! A few posts ago in this thread someone mentioned about calling out Universal and anytime I’ve ever asked them stuff like this on Twitter this is always the response. At least they respond and are very nice, but I doubt it ever reaches the right people.

I really think they want to convert the whole land to JW by duplicating the Hollywood ride and converting camp Jurassic to camp Cretaceous. I’m starting to think they are just waiting it out until it’s time.

Last thing I’ll say is that while we all say it just needs new animatronics is that really even possible? Aren’t these older ride systems kind of stuck with what they have and all they can do is fix the current ones or replace parts because a new one can’t be dropped in and programmed to this old ride system? I wish they would just re-program it and put all new animatronics in, even if it has to go down for a year. Same for E.T. My biggest frustration with Universal is their lack of maintenance on old rides. It’s so opposite of their new rides which they have been absolutely knocking out of the park. I see those amazing raptor animatronics in the queue for velocicoaster and think how amazing would RA be with things like that!!!

The summer before Velocicoaster was started, there were some insider rumors going around that JPRA was going to be completely refurbished and some ride changes made. Then the VC plans unfolded. There were some then that said Universal was considering going in two directions, redoing JPRA or building VC, and ultimately chose VC. If that rumor was true, then there were serious thoughts of revamping the ride. Perhaps we're back to that step, and UC is either going to do an expensive serious revamp, or just do a budget friendly refurb. Time will tell.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

A massive refurb with improvements to the ride (whether keeping the JP theme or not) would be a great way to keep IOA refreshed for the expected attendance boom in 2025. Not that IOA won't need to convince people to visit, but it'd be nice.

 

[Tomfoolery]

I’m definitely think it’s time for Universal to go ahead and spend the money on a huge refresh of this attraction.

How much will a project of this magnitude cost ?

For reference the USH Jurassic World retheme was roughly $150M ,

 

[Mad Dog]

For reference the USH Jurassic World retheme was roughly $150M ,

Myself, I'd prefer a strong refurb of JPRA at a reasonable budget. I don't really care much for the new beginning they did in Hollywood, where they had space restraints in a smaller attraction, that also had sightline issues. The beginning of JPRA, when the AA's are working, and the gates opening to that scene, with the fabulous music, is one of my fav moments in any theme park.

 

[OrlLover]

For reference the USH Jurassic World retheme was roughly $150M ,

Thanks for the response.

Myself, I'd prefer a strong refurb of JPRA at a reasonable budget. I don't really care much for the new beginning they did in Hollywood, where they had space restraints in a smaller attraction, that also had sightline issues. The beginning of JPRA, when the AA's are working, and the gates opening to that scene, with the fabulous music, is one of my fav moments in any theme park.

I absolutely agree and it’s definitely my favorite attraction at IOA. It just needs a major facelift that will extend its life a little.

 

[Rhian]

I'm still pro-keeping the entrance as is, just refurbished with maybe an extra dino or two.

It may have been mentioned in passing somewhere along the way, but I would be up for having the lift hill portion be the tank scene instead. The encounter would have to be different but if Universal were to surround the tunnel with a mix of screen/projection it could work, and we exit out of the top of the tank at the top of the tunnel. Something like Reef Plunge at Aquatica with a boat instead of a person where the boat climbs up out of the tank scene, leaving the t-rex encounter at the end the same. It would also help differentiate the two rides.

Story-wise say it's a maintenance tunnel for the tank to inspect the tank without divers going directly into the water. And with that there's more thought put into that design than JP usually has for its exhibits and guest/staff safety. lol


Part of me wants to believe the dinos missing are going through a refurb now and will be put back in during the seasonal maintanence. How likely is that to be the case?

 

[JohnHammondsCane]

If a transition to JW theming got us new animatronics, similar in quality to those in the Velocicoaster queue, then I'm ready for that change. Short of that, give me a facelift while keeping the JP theme

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Pretty late on this, but we were there from 9/8 to 9/15.

My avatar will tell you how much I love this ride ... and it's just sad now. It feels so empty and barren.

It also didn't open at all on 9/15, which is weird.

 

[Dinoman96]

Yeah I'm at the point where I think I'm ready for the entire JP land to be reimagined into JW. Gimme that Indominous animatronic!

 

[Nico]

I’d be fine if a JW retheme focused on the original trio from the JP movies. Feels like a good bridge. I don’t need another ride with Pratt.