Future of Dragon Challenge?

[AlexanderMBush]

What will be a dark coaster? In place of Dragons?

To me, that's what I'd think is most likely, as I've stated in posts before.

Yes that is it. The reason why I say its the best is due to the fact none of the seats are locked, you get this weird effect where its literally stuff going on everywhere and a quite a bit of the time where you when its dark enough you can't see or know where the track is taking you. Its a very immersive ride experience which would be an upgrade. I do like the SFX coaster but I have a feeling it will seem redundant after gringott uses some of that technology already.

Perhaps, but I would argue that the only thing that comes even close to that, is the tilt drop in the beginning. Besides that, both are completely different in the type of ride experience, with the SFX coaster potentially bringing more of a thrill factor, hence why I make the statement that if it's a darkcoaster, I'd imagine it's be what happens if Mummy on both coasts had a larger budget.

 

[bandit14]

Perhaps, but I would argue that the only thing that comes even close to that, is the tilt drop in the beginning. Besides that, both are completely different in the type of ride experience, with the SFX coaster potentially bringing more of a thrill factor, hence why I make the statement that if it's a darkcoaster

I will be honest after I watched the whole video an SFX isn't that bad, definitely unique if it did incorporate all those aspects. Also have to agree with quinmac it should have quite a few new and different aspects compared to both parks for me otherwise it might seem redundant. Has there been any talk I might of missed if they would be using the whole entire space for a ride because that truly is a lot of ground to work with. Or will they be be adding more shops to the Hogsmeade area?

 

[bandit14]

Just looked up what newer rides Busch Gardens Tampa has and now wanna apologize to everyone for my previous comments. Yeah I don't think IOA will be trying to compete with them at that level anymore like you all said and I shouldn't expect them to, kinda wish I could delete all my comments. Between Busch Gardens and Sea World they definitely have the thrill ride seekers like myself covered and unless Universal build another park just for that they won't be able to compete and show no desire to compete head to head in that aspect. I would definitely say if they do redo Dragons it probably will be a dark coaster with aspects like Mummy and Gringotts.

 

[Alicia]

Just looked up what newer rides Busch Gardens Tampa has and now wanna apologize to everyone for my previous comments. Yeah I don't think IOA will be trying to compete with them at that level anymore like you all said and I shouldn't expect them to, kinda wish I could delete all my comments. Between Busch Gardens and Sea World they definitely have the thrill ride seekers like myself covered and unless Universal build another park just for that they won't be able to compete and show no desire to compete head to head in that aspect. I would definitely say if they do redo Dragons it probably will be a dark coaster with aspects like Mummy and Gringotts.

I have annual passes for SeaWorld/Busch Gardens AND Universal/Islands of Adventure. That way I get to experience both types of attractions whenever I want.

With the monthly payment option the SW/BG pass is really affordable, I even threw in Aquatica because it's such a great deal. I don't get to BG as much as the other parks because of distance, but with all the newer coasters and rides they've added it's definitely my go-to thrill ride park. I'm glad SW has been adding more thrill rides, so I don't have to travel that far to get my fill anymore.

 

[bandit14]

I have annual passes for SeaWorld/Busch Gardens AND Universal/Islands of Adventure. That way I get to experience both types of attractions whenever I want.

With the monthly payment option the SW/BG pass is really affordable, I even threw in Aquatica because it's such a great deal. I don't get to BG as much as the other parks because of distance, but with all the newer coasters and rides they've added it's definitely my go-to thrill ride park. I'm glad SW has been adding more thrill rides, so I don't have to travel that far to get my fill anymore.

Yeah I just watched the POV for Cheetah Hunt and Falcon's Fury and am all excited now seeing those multiple launch sections and about a 300ft drop for Falcon :clap::clap: Finally don't have to leave the state for both those aspects. Also saw that Sea World San Diego are getting a ride called Electric Eel and wish we were getting it too! Make it another first and only for Florida.

 

[Alicia]

Yeah I just watched the POV for Cheetah Hunt and Falcon's Fury and am all excited now seeing those multiple launch sections and about a 300ft drop for Falcon :clap::clap: Finally don't have to leave the state for both those aspects. Also saw that Sea World San Diego are getting a ride called Electric Eel and wish we were getting it too! Make it another first and only for Florida.

We're getting the new raft ride with tallest rapids drop at our SW, so I'm pretty excited about that. They'll probably add one more coaster within the next 10 years after that I'm sure.

Check out the new water raft ride: Infinity Falls - 2018 Raft Ride | Inside Universal Forums

Okay, back to Dragon Challenge replacement rumors and discussion, already in progress.

 

[bandit14]

Strongly believe it will be use aspects from Mummy and Gringotts but how much of that area will they use where the Dragons are and will Flight of the Hippogriff stay?

 

[Alicia]

Strongly believe it will be use aspects from Mummy and Gringotts but how much of that area will they use where the Dragons are and will Flight of the Hippogriff stay?

Flight of the Hippogriff will not be moved or removed. It is staying right where it is.

There's been no confirmation of absolutely anything regarding a Dragons replacement. Rumors around the web have been for a new type of dark ride with some outside elements that may include an interactive wand/magic casting ability. It could use a Floo powder premise that allows us to teleport between famous locations in the books/movies including, but not limited to the Forbidden Forest. These rumors are partly based on patents recently filed by Universal, (however parts of this have shown up in possible Zelda/Nintendo Land concept art so who knows if they were ever meant for Potter at all.)

New rumors, originating on this forum, are pointing towards a different (hyper) coaster replacing dragons as an extension of a Lost Continent overlay/replacement. This is still completely unsubstantiated and appears to be based on rumors heard through a friend who knows someone (hearsay.)

The area currently used for Dragon Challenge is close in size to Diagon Alley, so it's entirely possible that an extension of Hogsmeade could be created to coincide with the opening of a new attraction, with new shops and dining options. Given the space, they could even add a second new attraction in the space, maybe another kiddie ride to balance out the park. But all of that, and I mean ALL of it is just us guessing based on size on proximity to the area.

I usually get some inside info on new attractions at Universal, and personally have no details on a Dragon replacement myself. Perhaps because all of this is just made up, being kept well under wraps at this time, or plans are still very much in flux. Until recently much of the rumors have been from Team Members saying the coaster is closing in the fall... However, that was a rumor passed around from LAST FALL as well, so take it all with a grain of salt.

 

[Quint]

What do red and orange flags/paint indicate? Asking for a wizard friend.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

What do red and orange flags/paint indicate? Asking for a wizard friend.

Like Hogwart's Houses, or like Markings around the vicinity of Dragon Challenge?

If it's Hogwart Houses, Gryffindor; but markings lead to the one point of where Dragon Challenge isn't long for this world.

 

[bandit14]

If it's Hogwart Houses, Gryffindor; but markings lead to the one point of where Dragon Challenge isn't long for this world.

Nothing is official till the walls go up around the perimeter.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

Nothing is official till the walls go up around the perimeter.

Not necessarily true. Markings could be a possibility as it stands now, as they can plan on the location of the land without having to remove anything in due process.

It's possible, and I wouldn't rule it out completely.

 

[bandit14]

Not necessarily true. Markings could be a possibility as it stands now, as they can plan on the location of the land without having to remove anything in due process.

It's possible, and I wouldn't rule it out completely.

It is possible because from what I saw Japan is supposed to get Ninendo Land first in 2020 so that leaves us with 2021 possibly so that is some time. Leaves time open to edit other parts of the park in the meantime as well.

 

[bandit14]

Is it true though that JK Rowling has to approve of any changes or additions in either park regarding anything Harry Potter related?

 

[Mad Dog]

What do red and orange flags/paint indicate? Asking for a wizard friend.

Nice hint.

 

[anihilnation]

Is it true though that JK Rowling has to approve of any changes or additions in either park regarding anything Harry Potter related?

Yes, and she is very picky

 

[AlexanderMBush]

It is possible because from what I saw Japan is supposed to get Ninendo Land first in 2020 so that leaves us with 2021 possibly so that is some time. Leaves time open to edit other parts of the park in the meantime as well.

I would imagine that they can do Dragon Challenge's Replacement for 2019, especially if they close it by Labor Day.

As for 2020, that depends. I think IOA could have another project for the park, so that there is an offset for when SNW opens in 2021.

Meanwhile, Orlando Park News is back, as they saying that TM's apart of Dragon Challenge are now being trained for other attractions around the park; presumably for the future closure.

 

[GadgetGuru]

I would imagine that they can do Dragon Challenge's Replacement for 2019, especially if they close it by Labor Day.

As for 2020, that depends. I think IOA could have another project for the park, so that there is an offset for when SNW opens in 2021.

Meanwhile, Orlando Park News is back, as they saying that TM's apart of Dragon Challenge are now being trained for other attractions around the park; presumably for the future closure.

I could potentially see this ride opening 2020 as offset for SNW

 

[AlexanderMBush]

I could potentially see this ride opening 2020 as offset for SNW

And don't get me wrong, I could see it; but to me, because it is going to replace a coaster and not an entire land, especially if it closes on Labor Day weekend; I can see a Summer 2019 for the Forbidden Forest. I think 2020 would be better for another project for Islands, one that I think is going to happen sooner than later.

 

[GadgetGuru]

And don't get me wrong, I could see it; but to me, because it is going to replace a coaster and not an entire land, especially if it closes on Labor Day weekend; I can see a Summer 2019 for the Forbidden Forest. I think 2020 would be better for another project for Islands, one that I think is going to happen sooner than later.

If there is a 2020 ride, I would imagine it would be the off-again/on-again Seuss ride. The new Grinch movie opens in late 2018. If the ride was greenlit and construction started immediately around then, it could open for 2020.