State of USH - What's Next?

[AlexanderMBush]

Musing with Jonathan on it, and I do want to kind of bring it up here; they're making a lot to effective curate the "Universal Bubble", finally closing off the park and Citywalk. Really hoping as a byproduct of this reality unfolding, that USH takes the opportunity and does a massive reinvigoration to CityLoft and the nightclub scene in the middle.

Get shops and dining to stay open till 11PM, get more variety in play to attract guests; but above all else: entertainment must be a critical element. It would be insanely dumb if they curate the bubble, if only to not do anything within it.

 

[KlownzNskullZ]

I would like to see full service dining come inside the park gates. Placing Citywalk inside security just isn’t the same.

My predictions:
2025: Closure of Supercharged in December and new security features for Citywalk.
2026: Hollywood Drift.
2027: New Maintenance Facility and Main Gate Hotel opening.
2028: Simpsons closure after the Summer Olympics.

Sad that a major new attraction does not seem to be primed for 2028 yet. What and where could it be?

Most realistic take on here

 

[Freak]

I would like to see full service dining come inside the park gates. Placing Citywalk inside security just isn’t the same.

My predictions:
2025: Closure of Supercharged in December and new security features for Citywalk.
2026: Hollywood Drift.
2027: New Maintenance Facility and Main Gate Hotel opening.
2028: Simpsons closure after the Summer Olympics.

Sad that a major new attraction does not seem to be primed for 2028 yet. What and where could it be?

Educated guess: I think the Mummy will close right after HHN next year. They need that capacity for Summer ops and they really need that capacity and thrill ride for HHN. I think that will be “close enough” to the opening of F&F so they can get a head start on whatever is going there and get by with only a few months of not having a “real” coaster in the park.

I’m leaning a bit more towards Mummy leaving sooner than later (And by sooner I mean when F&F is ready to go) as I firmly believe that will be our 2028 major addition.

I do think the Simpsons contract expiring in 2028 is sucky timing as they will have to shut down a lot of that area to retheme it, but that’s a major artery of the park. They need that extra space for the Olympics.

 

[bdubsCEO]

We need Kongfrontation back. Kong 4D is fun but really old atp and was only ever a very quick replacement. Kong is such a massive part of USH’s history and I feel his spirit watching over the park every time I step inside

 

[KlownzNskullZ]

Educated guess: I think the Mummy will close right after HHN next year. They need that capacity for Summer ops and they really need that capacity and thrill ride for HHN. I think that will be “close enough” to the opening of F&F so they can get a head start on whatever is going there and get by with only a few months of not having a “real” coaster in the park.

I’m leaning a bit more towards Mummy leaving sooner than later (And by sooner I mean when F&F is ready to go) as I firmly believe that will be our 2028 major addition.

I do think the Simpsons contract expiring in 2028 is sucky timing as they will have to shut down a lot of that area to retheme it, but that’s a major artery of the park. They need that extra space for the Olympics.

I can see that. Plus the ride ops at mummy probably will be able to transfer to F&F.

 

[TheUniC6]

Educated guess: I think the Mummy will close right after HHN next year. They need that capacity for Summer ops and they really need that capacity and thrill ride for HHN. I think that will be “close enough” to the opening of F&F so they can get a head start on whatever is going there and get by with only a few months of not having a “real” coaster in the park.

I’m leaning a bit more towards Mummy leaving sooner than later (And by sooner I mean when F&F is ready to go) as I firmly believe that will be our 2028 major addition.

I do think the Simpsons contract expiring in 2028 is sucky timing as they will have to shut down a lot of that area to retheme it, but that’s a major artery of the park. They need that extra space for the Olympics.

If Mummy goes, I assume that would mean SS 16-24 will also go for that long rumored lower lot expansion. If they go this route for a new land in 2028 instead of a Simpsons replacement it will probably be for two reasons: first, a new land will make a far bigger splash for LA2028 marketing than just a single ride, and second and probably the bigger reason, to counter DLR.

Infinity Defense+Stark Flight Lab and possibly even Coco will be up and running then (both should take two years from their breaking ground dates of 2025 and 2026 respectfully since they are just rides only and Disney can be diligent with construction build timelines when they are motivated) and Universal doesn't want the mouse to steal all the theme park thunder away from USH especially when all eyes should be on it with the LA2028 broadcast center on site.

 

[Jerroddragon]

New Summer event? Paid or not?

I will say I love all the AP stuff, it shows that someone does love the APs and its a nice gesture

My Issues
1) the HP events needs more. Either some new photo ops, characters, shows...something more then just food even Disney when they do food event have something extra like food and Wine have shows and characters in costumes for said event
2) No Lunar New years again? I keep hearing this is a high attraction from people out of the country but from all the AP events...feels like more a locals park like Disneyland because them ignoring this again just confuses me with how busy DCA gets during Lunar New years.


Anyway overall, it looks like a good year. I hope the Fan event is fire and hope they bring it with summer this year, last year event had some great things but more entertainment would be welcome. I will also say once again its nice that USH seems to love its AP two more take over events coming and all these other small AP stuff is nice of them.

 

[Brian G.]

Universal Studios Hollywood has shared their slate of Special and Seasonal Events for 2025, including the all-new Universal Fan Fest Nights, Halloween Horror Nights 2025 dates, and a Soon-to-be-Announced Summer Event.

Universal Studios Hollywood shares schedule for 2025's Special and Seasonal Events

Universal Studios Hollywood has shared their slate of Special and Seasonal Events for 2025, including the all-new Universal Fan Fest Nights, Halloween Horror Nights 2025 dates, and a Soon-to-be-Announced Summer Event. At a glance, here’s what guests can expect in 2025: February 1 - March 2

www.insideuniversal.net

 

[AlexanderMBush]

USH marketing team is finally getting their stuff together, in front of my salad!?!

In all seriousness, adore the transparency and I hope this is something that is permanent going forward. Having an event calendar like this is great for USH.

 

[Jerroddragon]

USH marketing team is finally getting their stuff together, in front of my salad!?!

In all seriousness, adore the transparency and I hope this is something that is permanent going forward. Having an event calendar like this is great for USH.

I also have to assume they got wind of Disney doing this again and wanted to hype their AP's up

 

[Rideguy70]

I'm glad there's a lot of AP stuff, but I also really hope they up their game of the AP events. I've generally been pretty underwhelmed by them, and find it hard to see what's "special" about them other than the regular park being open for people who may otherwise have a blackout date then.

We never seem to get the Orlando AP level of attention, merch, and special events. Like, I'd love to ride Mummy with the lights on. That would be something unique at APs could really appreciate. Or being able to eat at the VIP dining area (even if an upcharge). Or more exclusive, deep cut characters to meet (there was a time where Lucy had an Ethel to interact with). Having a sort of "pop up" museum type display of props and costumes from various movies. Like, there's a lot they could be adding to make the event feel a little more "special" without having to spend a ton of money.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I'm glad there's a lot of AP stuff, but I also really hope they up their game of the AP events. I've generally been pretty underwhelmed by them, and find it hard to see what's "special" about them other than the regular park being open for people who may otherwise have a blackout date then.

We never seem to get the Orlando AP level of attention, merch, and special events. Like, I'd love to ride Mummy with the lights on. That would be something unique at APs could really appreciate. Or being able to eat at the VIP dining area (even if an upcharge). Or more exclusive, deep cut characters to meet (there was a time where Lucy had an Ethel to interact with). Having a sort of "pop up" museum type display of props and costumes from various movies. Like, there's a lot they could be adding to make the event feel a little more "special" without having to spend a ton of money.

I think for sure many AP's agree with this

Many keep wanting more exclusive stuff but will say this last event seemed pretty packed...most people were in line for the grinch or shows but it did sell out

So its one of those things we want but I guess USH doesn't feel like they need but would love more at these events like mummy with its lights on, live musical and exclusive photo ops and characters

 

[bdubsCEO]

I loved the passholder takeover on Tuesday. They could definitely do more exclusive and fun little things, but it’s awesome just being able to walk onto everything. I had a Jurassic Park boat completely to myself. Grinchmas was really fun too

 

[BriefCasey]

IFly is going to be torn down for a security related project.

So damn, that means once that happens, the only other location it'll have here in SoCal is in Ontario. I wonder if they'll announce when it's expected to close.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

So damn, that means once that happens, the only other location it'll have here in SoCal is in Ontario. I wonder if they'll announce when it's expected to close.

I don’t think they’re gonna announce the closure date. I brought it up in passing on the new thread for P294, the overall security project; but IFlys final flights will be on January 5th.

Everything after that has been effectively greyed out.


While it’s a bummer that IFly is going, atleast the wait won’t be long until we get our new “experience” to CityWalk.

If only it was bowling or mini golf…

 

[Rideguy70]

If you get nostalgic, iFly is in the plans for the Area 15 expansion in Vegas, just next to Universal Unleashed.

 

[TheUniC6]

If you get nostalgic, iFly is in the plans for the Area 15 expansion in Vegas, just next to Universal Unleashed.

What a coincidence.

 

[Freak]

I'm glad there's a lot of AP stuff, but I also really hope they up their game of the AP events. I've generally been pretty underwhelmed by them, and find it hard to see what's "special" about them other than the regular park being open for people who may otherwise have a blackout date then.

We never seem to get the Orlando AP level of attention, merch, and special events. Like, I'd love to ride Mummy with the lights on. That would be something unique at APs could really appreciate. Or being able to eat at the VIP dining area (even if an upcharge). Or more exclusive, deep cut characters to meet (there was a time where Lucy had an Ethel to interact with). Having a sort of "pop up" museum type display of props and costumes from various movies. Like, there's a lot they could be adding to make the event feel a little more "special" without having to spend a ton of money.

I had no idea how much I need this until you just brought it up. An AP exclusive after-hours ride in the Mummy would be RAD.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

I don’t think they’re gonna announce the closure date. I brought it up in passing on the new thread for P294, the overall security project; but IFlys final flights will be on January 5th.

Everything after that has been effectively greyed out.
View attachment 24226

While it’s a bummer that IFly is going, atleast the wait won’t be long until we get our new “experience” to CityWalk.

If only it was bowling or mini golf…

I’m honestly impressed iFly stuck around this long. They were there for a long time.