The Old KidZone Thread

[natespf]

It's not right next to it. It tucked away a little. It's one of the only kid shows out there that everyone somewhat knows. All those other kiddie shows on nick are awful. Spongebob and fairly odd parents are the only old school shows left.

Come on, you know what I mean by right next to it.

But I am leaning away from Nick right now, it's just not as strong as it once was. It seems like Uni has bad timing with the KidZone, Barney and Fivel were popular when their attractions were built but they fizzled quick. It is just hard to tell what the future may have for most of the popular kids brands.

 

[canobie#1]

I know lol

Spongebob is still strong. But that's really it. Almost every new kids show ends after the first or second season because their God-awful.

 

[mahnamahna]

Come on, you know what I mean by right next to it.

But I am leaning away from Nick right now, it's just not as strong as it once was. It seems like Uni has bad timing with the KidZone, Barney and Fivel were popular when their attractions were built but they fizzled quick. It is just hard to tell what the future may have for most of the popular kids brands.

Hence why it's more likely they'll look to properties that have been around for a while (15 years or more)... SpongeBob and TMNT have proven they're as timeless as Simpsons and Transformers. Almost everyone I know quotes old-school SpongeBob (1999-2004) frequently and can recall the plot of near every episode from that time. A recreation of Bikini Bottom up to Potter-levels of theming or even Springfield would bring in plenty of guests. Of course, they'd probably want to incorporate another property or two to have mini-lands of their own.

 

[Accio Butterbeer]

Hence why it's more likely they'll look to properties that have been around for a while (15 years or more)... SpongeBob and TMNT have proven they're as timeless as Simpsons and Transformers. Almost everyone I know quotes old-school SpongeBob (1999-2004) frequently and can recall the plot of near every episode from that time. A recreation of Bikini Bottom up to Potter-levels of theming or even Springfield would bring in plenty of guests. Of course, they'd probably want to incorporate another property or two to have mini-lands of their own.

I'm not a huge fan of SpongeBob, but I am a huge fan of TMNT. And these are definitely smart and realistic IP's for Universal. I also want them to keep the Curious George setting. They can change the theming but I really enjoy the way it's set up. Maybe a TMNT overlay? And SpongeBob taking over Fievel's?

 

[natespf]

Hence why it's more likely they'll look to properties that have been around for a while (15 years or more)... SpongeBob and TMNT have proven they're as timeless as Simpsons and Transformers. Almost everyone I know quotes old-school SpongeBob (1999-2004) frequently and can recall the plot of near every episode from that time. A recreation of Bikini Bottom up to Potter-levels of theming or even Springfield would bring in plenty of guests. Of course, they'd probably want to incorporate another property or two to have mini-lands of their own.

Spongebob has not quite proven himself as timeless. It is still a strong brand after many years, but it is definitely out of peak. We'll see if it fizzles or pops again in the future. Not ruling it out but I would worry about having another Barney situation on their hands ound:

TMNT, Simpsons, and Transformers all span multiple generations, and the popularity goes in cycles. If they hit TMNT in an upswing they can ride it out, and it would still be a timeless brand during the lows.

 

[canobie#1]

Spongebob has not quite proven himself as timeless. It is still a strong brand after many years, but it is definitely out of peak. We'll see if it fizzles or pops again in the future. Not ruling it out but I would worry about having another Barney situation on their hands ound:

TMNT, Simpsons, and Transformers all span multiple generations, and the popularity goes in cycles. If they hit TMNT in an upswing they can ride it out, and it would still be a timeless brand during the lows.

Yes but despicable me, the smurf movies and other speculations are not timeless either. At least most people know spongebob. I would hate to see something like despicable me because not as many people know about it and they already had their 2nd movie, so after the third or fourth go it will be finished. It would then end up like what kidzone is today. Except a lot quicker.

 

[Milla4Prez66]

SpongeBob has shown it can be timeless if Nick is actually committed to the show going forward and not the preteen girl sitcoms they love to do now. But, the whole Universal/Nickelodeon relationship has deteriorated over the years. I wonder if StorePants is safe in the KidZone re-do, I personally hope so it is one of the best theme park gift shops I've seen.

 

[canobie#1]

I think if Universal came to Nick with this idea, they would work together fine.

How about a mario theme. He kinda blew up on the wii, DS and Wii U lately. They could have a mario kart ride! lol

 

[mahnamahna]

I think if Universal came to Nick with this idea, they would work together fine.

How about a mario theme. He kinda blew up on the wii, DS and Wii U lately. They could have a mario kart ride! lol

Mario would be great as an anchor for the 3rd gate (video game theme!! )

 

[universal_fanatic]

I wonder if StorePants is safe in the KidZone re-do, I personally hope so it is one of the best theme park gift shops I've seen.

I'm pretty sure it's sticking around since it got the re-do only a year or 2 ago.

 

[SeventyOne]

Spongebob has not quite proven himself as timeless. It is still a strong brand after many years, but it is definitely out of peak. We'll see if it fizzles or pops again in the future. Not ruling it out but I would worry about having another Barney situation on their hands ound:

I think an argument can be made SpongeBob is that rare character, like Scooby Doo, who's recognition goes beyond his initial TV show(s). He has achieved icon status even among people who never saw an episode.

That said, I agree with the overall point it's hard to pick which cartoon properties will be evergreen (except Disney princesses). Would people in their 30s mark out as hard for the original voice of Lion-O as Peter Cullen? I doubt it, but Thundercats was as big as Transformers back in the day. Why didn't Fievel or The Land Before Time enter the canon the way Simba did? Even the Loony Toons--which I grew up assuming would be around forever--seem to have fallen out of favor. Do kids in high school even know what a Road Runner or Tasmanian Devil is? In a way, Curious George and Dr Seuss are probably the most timeless kid IPs because they primarily come from books, not TV/movies.

 

[natespf]

I think an argument can be made SpongeBob is that rare character, like Scooby Doo, who's recognition goes beyond his initial TV show(s). He has achieved icon status even among people who never saw an episode.

That said, I agree with the overall point it's hard to pick which cartoon properties will be evergreen (except Disney princesses). Would people in their 30s mark out as hard for the original voice of Lion-O as Peter Cullen? I doubt it, but Thundercats was as big as Transformers back in the day. Why didn't Fievel or The Land Before Time enter the canon the way Simba did? Even the Loony Toons--which I grew up assuming would be around forever--seem to have fallen out of favor. Do kids in high school even know what a Road Runner or Tasmanian Devil is? In a way, Curious George and Dr Seuss are probably the most timeless kid IPs because they primarily come from books, not TV/movies.

Yes that is true, and timeless is not a requirement. I just worry if SpongeBob goes the way of Thundercats instead of Transformers, especially since that's what has happened with other KidZone brands. It is just hard to tell what people who are not even born yet are going to like over the next decade

 

[mahnamahna]

Yes that is true, and timeless is not a requirement. I just worry if SpongeBob goes the way of Thundercats instead of Transformers, especially since that's what has happened with other KidZone brands. It is just hard to tell what people who are not even born yet are going to like over the next decade

Well the thing is... Thundercats was a 3-5 year phenom while SpongeBob has been on the air for 15 years now He's got a new movie coming out next February. I'd reckon he has a few years after after the movie which would make him a 20 year property.

When you've last 15 years or more (The Simpsons lasted 19 before Universal gave them a ride, Transformers lasted almost 30 years.

SpongeBob is similar to Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Mario, Pikachu, and Scooby-Doo in that even people over the age of 50 will likely recognize him if they are shown a picture.

That's why I would say SpongeBob, TMNT, and even My Little Pony have reached timeless status. Other kids shows barely last three years. To last more than 7 is remarkable and to survive over a decade is to be iconic.

I know I'd pay good money to walk through Bikini Bottom (Mrs. Puff's Boating School, the houses, Sandy's treedome, the Krusty Krab, Glove World, Jellyfish Fields, Rock Bottom, The Chum Bucket, etc) plus there's plenty of room for unique merchandise and attractions.

Fievel and Barney don't compare to SpongeBob because one only had two moderately successful movies and the other had a successful kids show that died off after 3-4 years (now it's just an average TV show)... SpongeBob was Simpsons popular in its prime. Even today, it's higher rated than a large majority of kids shows.

I'd like to see E.T. relocated to Hollywood, Curious George kept (he's timeless and a nice revamp of his area and possibly a small train ride or carousel could do wonders), Woody Woodpecker's coaster gets torn down for a nice, well-themed FAMILY coaster. Barney and Animal Actors can just be torned down as can Fievel - use the remaining unused nooks and crannies within KidZone and this area could be a solid place everyone can enjoy

 

[Gillman]

A lot of people on here seem to want Super Silly Fun Land and like the facades that cover the Despicable Me building. It also seems like our DM attraction could benefit for the increased capacity Hollywood will be getting with their version. So I wonder if Universal could move DM and make it part of this KidZone revamp. I could even see them taking Woody's Nuthouse Coaster and theming it to look like the coster from the movie as part of our SSFL area since we already a have a spinner.

Now what do we do with DM's old location. I'm thinking I would like to see a revamped a Back to the Future with brand new ride HD ride film with multiple time lines that could be visited much like Disney's revamp of StarTours. I also think it would be fun to include a virtual Marty like Max Headroom(think about the virtual waiters in the Cafe 80's in BTTF II) in the ride car.

The reason I suggest bringing the Future back is because of the buildings small size, I feel like they are kind of stuck with it because of the HRRR and the concert plaza. If Universal was to grab another large IP for that building they would just be doing the same thing all over again. I know this would please the fans of both properties and be a win win.

 

[Dodgernole05]

I dont see them moving DM. It just recently opened theres no way that would spend that much money just to move the ride.

 

[natespf]

Well the thing is... Thundercats was a 3-5 year phenom while SpongeBob has been on the air for 15 years now He's got a new movie coming out next February. I'd reckon he has a few years after after the movie which would make him a 20 year property.

When you've last 15 years or more (The Simpsons lasted 19 before Universal gave them a ride, Transformers lasted almost 30 years.

SpongeBob is similar to Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Mario, Pikachu, and Scooby-Doo in that even people over the age of 50 will likely recognize him if they are shown a picture.

That's why I would say SpongeBob, TMNT, and even My Little Pony have reached timeless status. Other kids shows barely last three years. To last more than 7 is remarkable and to survive over a decade is to be iconic.

I know I'd pay good money to walk through Bikini Bottom (Mrs. Puff's Boating School, the houses, Sandy's treedome, the Krusty Krab, Glove World, Jellyfish Fields, Rock Bottom, The Chum Bucket, etc) plus there's plenty of room for unique merchandise and attractions.

Fievel and Barney don't compare to SpongeBob because one only had two moderately successful movies and the other had a successful kids show that died off after 3-4 years (now it's just an average TV show)... SpongeBob was Simpsons popular in its prime. Even today, it's higher rated than a large majority of kids shows.

I'd like to see E.T. relocated to Hollywood, Curious George kept (he's timeless and a nice revamp of his area and possibly a small train ride or carousel could do wonders), Woody Woodpecker's coaster gets torn down for a nice, well-themed FAMILY coaster. Barney and Animal Actors can just be torned down as can Fievel - use the remaining unused nooks and crannies within KidZone and this area could be a solid place everyone can enjoy

That's not the point I was trying to make, but I don't want to keep explaining only to be misunderstood again and again.

 

[blue180]

A lot of people on here seem to want Super Silly Fun Land and like the facades that cover the Despicable Me building. It also seems like our DM attraction could benefit for the increased capacity Hollywood will be getting with their version. So I wonder if Universal could move DM and make it part of this KidZone revamp. I could even see them taking Woody's Nuthouse Coaster and theming it to look like the coster from the movie as part of our SSFL area since we already a have a spinner.

Now what do we do with DM's old location. I'm thinking I would like to see a revamped a Back to the Future with brand new ride HD ride film with multiple time lines that could be visited much like Disney's revamp of StarTours. I also think it would be fun to include a virtual Marty like Max Headroom(think about the virtual waiters in the Cafe 80's in BTTF II) in the ride car.

The reason I suggest bringing the Future back is because of the buildings small size, I feel like they are kind of stuck with it because of the HRRR and the concert plaza. If Universal was to grab another large IP for that building they would just be doing the same thing all over again. I know this would please the fans of both properties and be a win win.

Yeah that's just not realistic though. I mean DM has only been open for a bit and it would be a fortune to move that. Plus even though the capacity is rough p, I feel like that's a good space for it.

 

[Milla4Prez66]

If they want to fix the capacity issues of Minion Mayhem, maybe they could just tear down Shrek across the street and use both buildings for the ride. Doubtful, but I'm just looking for reasons to tear out Shrek.

 

[mahnamahna]

If they want to fix the capacity issues of Minion Mayhem, maybe they could just tear down Shrek across the street and use both buildings for the ride. Doubtful, but I'm just looking for reasons to tear out Shrek.

Or just tear out Blue Man Group, put SSFL there, add the neighborhood facades to block out HRRR queue, tear out Rockit for a rethemed family coaster (maybe 95-100 ft lift hill instead?) and use Shrek and Lucy's space for a nice peopleeating Omnimover :thumbs: it'd spread the family crowds around, give USF a SSFL without relocating Minion Mayhem, and give the park an all-ages dark ride near the front of the park.

 

[Gillman]

Yeah that's just not realistic though. I mean DM has only been open for a bit and it would be a fortune to move that. Plus even though the capacity is rough p, I feel like that's a good space for it.

But that's kind of my point. It has been open a while now and the wait times don't really seem to be going down.