So I had a crazy idea that I don’t think a lot of us would like, but I think would be the best case scenario for this ride. And Uni Creative, if you’re reading this, feel free to use my idea.
Now I would much rather see the ride have a total restoration. ET is a classic ride and could really use an overhaul. Unfortunately, Comcast does not think this way. Yeah, we’ve seen the exception with Jurassic at USH, but that’s because it’s their second biggest franchise behind F&F. Of course they’re going to give it love. ET is outdated despite being beloved and I don’t see Comcast showing much interest in it. It’s in fairly bad shape.
Unfortunately a replacement would be more likely. But you know what would be a good replacement IP? Stranger Things.
Maybe this idea was mentioned before in the thread, but I don’t feel like digging through it. It wouldn’t even need to be a full replacement. It could just be a simple overlay. Change the queue, exterior, and entrance, keep the woods in the first half and change up the other half to the mall/lab/whatever the story of the ride would call for. They can even keep the same track layout and the bikes, maybe even have the same story as ET. Just switch out ET for Eleven and have Eleven use her powers to levitate the bikes. That way the aesthetic and nostalgic factor of the ride will still remain, but with a more relevant IP. Oh, and the gift shop, pizza place, and Spongebob store can be changed into Starcourt mall.
Again, I would rather keep ET and restore it, but with Comcast’s business model, this would be the best case scenario for the spot. We still get our nostalgic flying bikes ride but in good shape and Comcast gets their big IP. Win-win baby.
The only thing is that it would be a bit odd basing a family dark ride on a sci-fi/horror-ish property, but they can keep a light hearted tone. I still see a lot of kids enjoy ST. They can even play Neverending Story as you’re exiting.
Whaddya guys think?