I don't know. We're talking 17 tons here, that's 6 Chevrolet Tahoes. I think they're going to need something much stronger than whatever FJ or GMR has. Plus, as you said, those are all track based.
(Full Disclosure I'm new here, LOL)
Given that 18% of the $1.1 billion expansion and redevelopment of DCA was devoted towards RSR (18% is about $200 million give or take) and we know that the $1.1 billion was never increased, that's what I'm basing the 200 figure on. Also, Disney was very happy to keep that project on budget, hence why Bob Weis is the new head of WDI. Also, it's been rumored that WDI wanted more money for Avatar after seeing Diagon Alley, they wanted to make it much more competitive. So the rumored ballooning budget could simply be the "new budget" rather than "over-budget".
Are you certain that Nintendo is coming to UOR in 2020? I simply can't imagine that being the case. US Beijing+Nintendo Japan costs are already enough pressure on the budgets to force other parks to concede to smaller attractions within the 2018-2020(maybe even 2021) timeframe, not to mention the possibility of a DA expansion at USH (I'm bearish on the idea myself, but who knows, could happen). Add to that the vastly different levels of interest in Nintendo between Japan and the US. Nintendo has lost a whole generation of fans through their failure to expand into outside platforms, like mobile, and insist that their games be played on their own platforms (Wii U, 3DS, neither of which are performing well at all; Microsoft and Sony really cleaned house this generation of consoles). I mean, when having a Wii U today is an insult you know something is wrong. However, Japan is Nintendo's home turf and maintains strong nostalgic feelings. In the US/western world, Nintendo/Mario is a household name, but it's height is long past even a distant memory to many. Given this I don't think Nintendo in Orlando is very important to Universal. Especially as an IP to replace KidsZone, when the overwhelming majority of pre-teens today have no emotional connection or experience with Nintendo's characters. As we've seen with the other recent transplants the sharing of development costs doesn't necessarily mean less money spent. According to LA Times, HP at USH is costing Universal $500 million, whereas it cost just above $250 million at UOR (CNN article).
TL;DR
Moving on:topichaha love the emoji's on this site)
I have a few questions about the Kong attraction.
1. Given the huge costs of implementing trackless tech, what about the ride experience makes trackless a necessity?
2. If one of these 17 ton ride vehicles malfunctions, how exactly are they going to clear the path quickly?
(Full Disclosure I'm new here, LOL)
Given that 18% of the $1.1 billion expansion and redevelopment of DCA was devoted towards RSR (18% is about $200 million give or take) and we know that the $1.1 billion was never increased, that's what I'm basing the 200 figure on. Also, Disney was very happy to keep that project on budget, hence why Bob Weis is the new head of WDI. Also, it's been rumored that WDI wanted more money for Avatar after seeing Diagon Alley, they wanted to make it much more competitive. So the rumored ballooning budget could simply be the "new budget" rather than "over-budget".
Are you certain that Nintendo is coming to UOR in 2020? I simply can't imagine that being the case. US Beijing+Nintendo Japan costs are already enough pressure on the budgets to force other parks to concede to smaller attractions within the 2018-2020(maybe even 2021) timeframe, not to mention the possibility of a DA expansion at USH (I'm bearish on the idea myself, but who knows, could happen). Add to that the vastly different levels of interest in Nintendo between Japan and the US. Nintendo has lost a whole generation of fans through their failure to expand into outside platforms, like mobile, and insist that their games be played on their own platforms (Wii U, 3DS, neither of which are performing well at all; Microsoft and Sony really cleaned house this generation of consoles). I mean, when having a Wii U today is an insult you know something is wrong. However, Japan is Nintendo's home turf and maintains strong nostalgic feelings. In the US/western world, Nintendo/Mario is a household name, but it's height is long past even a distant memory to many. Given this I don't think Nintendo in Orlando is very important to Universal. Especially as an IP to replace KidsZone, when the overwhelming majority of pre-teens today have no emotional connection or experience with Nintendo's characters. As we've seen with the other recent transplants the sharing of development costs doesn't necessarily mean less money spent. According to LA Times, HP at USH is costing Universal $500 million, whereas it cost just above $250 million at UOR (CNN article).
TL;DR
Moving on:topic
I have a few questions about the Kong attraction.
1. Given the huge costs of implementing trackless tech, what about the ride experience makes trackless a necessity?
2. If one of these 17 ton ride vehicles malfunctions, how exactly are they going to clear the path quickly?
And that's where having the Hulk comes in handy...Hulk strong!!! Hulk move 17 tons easily!!!
Finally, the three year olds are going home & I can relax again.
