Universal Studios Florida: What Do We Think About It?

[belloq87]

Sounds like the heavy rumors are now pointing towards Pokemon not going into this park, but IOA. Beyond the HRRR replacement, the only other existing rumor for this park (an old one, but from a credible source) relates to a Supercharged overlay.

Unless there are still other cards being held very close to the vest (I hope there are), the foreseeable future at this park doesn't sound too inspiring for those of us hoping for big improvements to the park roster.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Sounds like the heavy rumors are now pointing towards Pokemon not going into this park, but IOA. Beyond the HRRR replacement, the only other existing rumor for that park (an old one, but from a credible source) relates to a Supercharged overlay.

Unless there are still other cards being held very close to the vest (I hope there are), the foreseeable future at this park doesn't sound too inspiring for those of us hoping for big improvements to the park roster.

UOR definitely knows there's a need to have USF in a better state. I think their choice to move Pokemon over to IOA is that I don't think they're willing to wait until the Simpsons contract expires.

Maybe Wicked finds it way into one of the two large theaters at USF (FFL or Animal Actors)?

I think Rip Ride Rockit replacement, F&F Supercharge retheme, and something Wicked (even if it's just a scaled down stage show or stand alone attraction) could be enough for USF until they can touch Springfield?

 

[belloq87]

I think Rip Ride Rockit replacement, F&F Supercharge retheme, and something Wicked (even if it's just a scaled down stage show or stand alone attraction) could be enough for USF until they can touch Springfield?

In isolation, over a four-ish year span, that doesn't sound so bad, especially if the WICKED thing could be a (non-screen-heavy) standalone ride of some sort.

But when looked at in the context of the last 10+ years at USF, I think the park still needs to net several additional physical/practical attractions as soon as possible, as well as refreshing general place-making in various areas, and a new land seems like the quickest and most efficient way to accomplish that (as would have been the case with Nintendo, as well).

 

[AustinT]

With whatever is happening over in Lost Continent being the next big project, I really hope something big is coming to USF soon. It needs it so badly. My next thought would be that if Springfield isn't going to become Pokemon, maybe it becomes Far Far Away? The new Shrek movies should surely do gangbusters, and a large Far Far Away land there where Simpsons/Animal Actors is would be positioned nicely next to Dreamworks land. Maybe they can even connect them so Dreamworks isn't a dead end? There's a ton of merch/food options they can do if they lean into the spoof branding like the "Farbucks" coffee shop in the movie if they want to keep the same amount of F&B options that Springfield currently offers the park too.

 

[OhHaiInternet95]

Sounds like the heavy rumors are now pointing towards Pokemon not going into this park, but IOA. Beyond the HRRR replacement, the only other existing rumor for this park (an old one, but from a credible source) relates to a Supercharged overlay.

Unless there are still other cards being held very close to the vest (I hope there are), the foreseeable future at this park doesn't sound too inspiring for those of us hoping for big improvements to the park roster.

As others have said, I suspect they see events as being enough to carry USF. They're going to have to pick and choose projects going forward.

"The other site" is suggesting that Pokemon being owned by three different companies seems is making the rights a headache, and that Nintendo wants Zelda in Epic. So can we safely say that Wicked is going in LC?

 

[OrlLover]

UC is very busy at the moment and I’m sure there some projects exclusivily being looked at for USF.

I feel they are going into a transition period with Epic now in the mix of getting their cadence/project delivery right.

 

[Mad Dog]

UC is very busy at the moment and I’m sure there some projects exclusivily being looked at for USF.

I feel they are going into a transition period with Epic now in the mix of getting their cadence/project delivery right.

Yep. Providing new attractions for three parks is much harder, budget & creative wise, than doing two parks. WDW found that out with
their four parks. Probably best to not over expect.

 

[TheUniC6]

With whatever is happening over in Lost Continent being the next big project, I really hope something big is coming to USF soon. It needs it so badly. My next thought would be that if Springfield isn't going to become Pokemon, maybe it becomes Far Far Away? The new Shrek movies should surely do gangbusters, and a large Far Far Away land there where Simpsons/Animal Actors is would be positioned nicely next to Dreamworks land. Maybe they can even connect them so Dreamworks isn't a dead end? There's a ton of merch/food options they can do if they lean into the spoof branding like the "Farbucks" coffee shop in the movie if they want to keep the same amount of F&B options that Springfield currently offers the park too.

Shrek has so much potential for theme parks. If Pokemon is slated for IOA now, Shrek might be the next best option for a Simpsons replacement.

 

[Lucky Planet]

With whatever is happening over in Lost Continent being the next big project, I really hope something big is coming to USF soon. It needs it so badly. My next thought would be that if Springfield isn't going to become Pokemon, maybe it becomes Far Far Away? The new Shrek movies should surely do gangbusters, and a large Far Far Away land there where Simpsons/Animal Actors is would be positioned nicely next to Dreamworks land. Maybe they can even connect them so Dreamworks isn't a dead end? There's a ton of merch/food options they can do if they lean into the spoof branding like the "Farbucks" coffee shop in the movie if they want to keep the same amount of F&B options that Springfield currently offers the park too.

Shrek has so much potential for theme parks. If Pokemon is slated for IOA now, Shrek might be the next best option for a Simpsons replacement.

maybe reinvent the Shrek ride video to have the same story but done again to fit the Simpsons building. ( new video but same plot)
add more jokes

 

[belloq87]

As others have said, I suspect they see events as being enough to carry USF. They're going to have to pick and choose projects going forward.

It's certainly possible that's how they view USF internally.

I could not disagree more with that view, though. Epcot kind of languished for years, in terms of attractions, because management allowed it to be propped up by special events, to such an extent that a massive, multi-billion dollar overhaul was eventually implemented (to lesser or greater effect)... and that park still isn't in the greatest of shape.

Letting eight weeks of HHN dictate that USF is just fine as-is*, and doesn't need serious work because HHN brings in the big bucks, is a terrible strategy for the long-term in my view. The park is open for 52 weeks a year; it should be a world-class experience for all 52.

* I'm classifying "as-is" as things that do not fundamentally shift or rebalance the park's attractions offerings.

UC is very busy at the moment and I’m sure there some projects exclusivily being looked at for USF.

I feel they are going into a transition period with Epic now in the mix of getting their cadence/project delivery right.

Which is part of the reason some of us had been identifying an urgency to see USF course-correct for seven or eight years now, to get out in front of all the other investments (Epic, the U.K. park, Horror Unleashed, the Texas park) that are now taking up more of the company's bandwidth.

 

[Mad Dog]

It's certainly possible that's how they view USF internally.

I could not disagree more with that view, though. Epcot kind of languished for years, in terms of attractions, because management allowed it to be propped up by special events, to such an extent that a massive, multi-billion dollar overhaul was eventually implemented (to lesser or greater effect)... and that park still isn't in the greatest of shape.

Letting eight weeks of HHN dictate that USF is just fine as-is*, and doesn't need serious work because HHN brings in the big bucks, is a terrible strategy for the long-term in my view. The park is open for 52 weeks a year; it should be a world-class experience for all 52.

* I'm classifying "as-is" as things that do not fundamentally shift or rebalance the park's attractions offerings.


Which is part of the reason some of us had been identifying an urgency to see USF course-correct for seven or eight years now, to get out in front of all the other investments (Epic, the U.K. park, Horror Unleashed, the Texas park) that are now taking up more of the company's bandwidth.

and....that's the problem, "all the other investments that are now taking up more of the company's bandwidth". The 2012 to 2015
USF and 2010 to 2020 IOA speedy renaissance is history. Hollywood is in the same boat too......
Started with Beijing and then Epic, Tx., Horror stuff, UK, and an underbuilt Epic again.
There will be new stuff, but not as much and not as often.

 

[Tbad556]

I think I'm once again a little confused about what's desired here.

Between HRRR and LC, both IOA and USF have construction walls up for active projects right now. Especially if both are replaced, Supercharged is replaced after that, and Simpsons is presumably targeted after that, what about that screams "languishing" or being tossed aside to be carried by events?

This seems like the exact same pace as before all of the "Universal Destinations" projects, if not faster. Rockit is coming down at a record pace to get things moving for USF even despite HHN happening at the same time.

 

[Jake S]

I think two things can be true:

Universal appears to be addressing two of the biggest weaknesses at the Studios park (assuming Fast and the Furious is on life support).

The Studios park will still be one of, if not the, worst of the seven Disney/Universal parks in Orlando (imo, obviously).

I don’t think it’s realistic to expect Universal to suddenly throw things into overdrive because… well, that’s just not how these things typically go. But I think it’s more than fair to critique the park as it exists (and will probably exist in the near future).

 

[AustinT]

Supercharged is replaced after that, and Simpsons is presumably targeted after that, what about that screams "languishing" or being tossed aside to be carried by events?

Supercharged is sounding more like an overlay and not a full tear down and replacement. So that seems like a smaller addition. Simpsons was rumored to be closing in 2027/8 so if that got extended by a few years, that replacement is not coming until at least 2031-2033. That's a long wait for what we assume could be the next major ground up build after the F&F coaster.

 

[TheUniC6]

maybe reinvent the Shrek ride video to have the same story but done again to fit the Simpsons building. ( new video but same plot)
add more jokes

Shrek needs a ground up dark ride. The Simpsons Ride is begging to be put down. USF needs a family friendly practical dark ride. This seems to the the logical thing to do. And with the Sprung tents to the left the Simpsons earmarked to go for theme park expansion, you could do a large scale MMRR trackless ride if Universal wants to revisit trackless with that infrared patent.

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

I think their choice to move Pokemon over to IOA is that I don't think they're willing to wait until the Simpsons contract expires.

Been off the forums for some time, was this confirmed or just strongly rumored?

 

[TheUniC6]

Been off the forums for some time, was this confirmed or just strongly rumored?

strongly rumored now.

 

[belloq87]

I think I'm once again a little confused about what's desired here.

A rebalancing of the park's attractions roster away from being as heavily-weighted towards screens and simulators as it is today.

Between HRRR and LC, both IOA and USF have construction walls up for active projects right now. Especially if both are replaced, Supercharged is replaced after that, and Simpsons is presumably targeted after that, what about that screams "languishing" or being tossed aside to be carried by events?

Keep in mind two things:

- I was responding to the train of thought that says it would be okay if USF was carried by events.
- My comparison with Epcot was what I don't want to see happen, not necessarily what I think is happening.

But to the larger point, as I've said elsewhere, the HRRR replacement and Supercharged overlay (should it transpire) are lateral moves in terms of substance and the impact on that park's lineup (but hopefully functional and creative improvements). Neither will/would address what I see as the park's core weakness, and neither did VillainCon, DreamWorks Land, or Bourne (as much as I like it).

Meanwhile, in the last six years, IOA has gotten two blockbuster mega-attractions that are widely-acclaimed (I may not have any personal use for VelociCoaster, but it's good to have it in the park), and is now potentially poised to get the sort of new land that could be really beneficial at USF.

As I've always argued, it's not that Universal hasn't given attention to USF; it's that I don't particularly think the attention it has gotten has been up to par, or has kept pace with the stellar work Universal has done next door or at Epic.

I don’t think it’s realistic to expect Universal to suddenly throw things into overdrive because… well, that’s just not how these things typically go.

I don't think it's realistic, either... which I why thought Universal should try to get out in front the current situation* before their attention became more divided than ever before.

* This is why I was particularly disappointed that Universal didn't take the opportunity with the DreamWorks overlay or the Shrek closure.

 

[Jake S]

I don't think it's realistic, either... which I why thought Universal should try to get out in front the current situation* before their attention became more divided than ever before.

* This is why I was particularly disappointed that Universal didn't take the opportunity with the DreamWorks overlay or the Shrek closure.

To be clear, I'm not disagreeing with you! But they didn't. The pandemic put them in a tough position as they redoubled their efforts on Epic Universe at a much, much higher price tag than it would have been had COVID-19 never existed. They could have made different choices (Comcast could have made less money in the short run, for instance! A novel idea!*) but they did not. So, here we are. Which is a long way to say that while the past is a useful context for viewing the present, I personally have moved on.

*This exact same critique holds for Disney, if that's not obvious.

 

[Tbad556]

A rebalancing of the park's attractions roster away from being as heavily-weighted towards screens and simulators as it is today.


Keep in mind two things:

- I was responding to the train of thought that says it would be okay if USF was carried by events.
- My comparison with Epcot was what I don't want to see happen, not necessarily what I think is happening.

But to the larger point, as I've said elsewhere, the HRRR replacement and Supercharged overlay (should it transpire) are lateral moves in terms of substance and the impact on that park's lineup (but hopefully functional and creative improvements). Neither will/would address what I see as the park's core weakness, and neither did VillainCon, DreamWorks Land, or Bourne (as much as I like it).

Meanwhile, in the last six years, IOA has gotten two blockbuster mega-attractions that are widely-acclaimed (I may not have any personal use for VelociCoaster, but it's good to have it in the park), and is now potentially poised to get the sort of new land that could be really beneficial at USF.

As I've always argued, it's not that Universal hasn't given attention to USF; it's that I don't particularly think the attention it has gotten has been up to par, or has kept pace with the stellar work Universal has done next door or at Epic.


I don't think it's realistic, either... which I why thought Universal should try to get out in front the current situation* before their attention became more divided than ever before.

* This is why I was particularly disappointed that Universal didn't take the opportunity with the DreamWorks overlay or the Shrek closure.

Just to clarify my post/question:

- I fully agree the current state of USF is roooough.
- I fully agree changes need to be made.
- I fully agree Supercharged is dogwater.
- I would trade my third born to replace Simpsons with Pokemon.

My only confusion is the multiple posts (not @you specifically by any means) jumping to things like "Universal has their hands in so many other projects now that USF may not get the attention it needs", "Uni likely thinks USF is good enough as is bc of the events", etc all while multiple Universal Orlando projects are under construction simultaneously (and seemingly at a rapid fire pace at that). That was the only confusion I had because it feels like a big leap & assumption.

I also think there's a lot of big assumptions that just because LC is getting a replacement that nothing else is being considered for Simpsons when that time comes. Personally, I'd rather HRRR and Supercharged go first because I think they're both net negatives to the park. Simpsons replacement excites me, but it's at least a cute land with themed food & drink options that I don't hate in its current state. I truly have no positives left for HRRR and Supercharged. But again, personal preference.

I could argue whether HRRR is a lateral move when it was unthemed garbage that physically hurt to ride towards the end (I fully regretted my final ridethrough). Same with Supercharged seeing as we have genuinely no idea what's going there or how it would be transitioned into a new attraction and it's all a lot of assumptions again, but that's all personal preference and I still see where you're coming from completely.

I appreciate the responses!