Let's play being head of Universal Creative...

[UniversalRBLX]

lol its funny cause its true.

I think we see movement on this relatively soon after Epic opens. The last major attraction for IOA was in 2021. If it is indeed a Nintendo inspired addition that replaces LC, starting in the end of 2025 or more likely early 2026 would put opening a major land into Summer 2028, a full 7 years since VC opened. Which would be the longest stretch between new ride openings in the parks albeit short history.

7 year gap will be fine if USF gets the attention in between, which appears so if Rockit replacement comes to fruition soon.

 

[belloq87]

I think we see movement on this relatively soon after Epic opens. The last major attraction for IOA was in 2021. If it is indeed a Nintendo inspired addition that replaces LC, starting in the end of 2025 or more likely early 2026 would put opening a major land into Summer 2028, a full 7 years since VC opened. Which would be the longest stretch between new ride openings in the parks albeit short history.

Depending on how you define "major," USF is about to be in its sixth year waiting for the next "major" attraction after the Bourne Stuntacular*. And it will probably be seven/eight years once HRRR's replacement opens (assuming it's even still on track to begin in '25).

I think IOA is in a much better position to be able to weather such a period of inactivity (though, obviously, I'd like Universal to be able to address both parks at the same time). In terms of its park offerings, it's just much more fleshed-out and well-rounded, with no real glaring "needs" outside of capitalizing on the closed show spaces in Lost Continent (and the Toon Lagoon theater, but I'm not holding my breath for that to ever become attraction space).

*No, I don't consider VillainCon or DreamWorks "major." VillainCon is a C-ticket at very best, and DreamWorks is (mostly) a cosmetic overlay.

 

[tielo]

7 year gap will be fine if USF gets the attention in between, which appears so if Rockit replacement comes to fruition soon.

But if they put F&F in Rockit's place they should do something meaningful with the current F&F building (and no, a Potter Party Bus is not a viable replacement, the bus/tram has to go).

 

[UniversalRBLX]

But if they put F&F in Rockit's place they should do something meaningful with the current F&F building (and no, a Potter Party Bus is not a viable replacement, the bus/tram has to go).

I agree - the entire F&F building/San Francisco area should be rethought. A combination of Rockit & F&F replacement can give USF life rather quickly until something major arrives at Springfield.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Depending on how you define "major," USF is about to be in its sixth year waiting for the next "major" attraction after the Bourne Stuntacular*. And it will probably be seven/eight years once HRRR's replacement opens (assuming it's even still on track to begin in '25).

Annual reminder that Bourne is the 2nd best attraction at USF

 

[saint.piss]

Annual reminder that Bourne is the 2nd best attraction at USF

 

[Hatetofly]

Depending on how you define "major," USF is about to be in its sixth year waiting for the next "major" attraction after the Bourne Stuntacular*. And it will probably be seven/eight years once HRRR's replacement opens (assuming it's even still on track to begin in '25).

I think IOA is in a much better position to be able to weather such a period of inactivity (though, obviously, I'd like Universal to be able to address both parks at the same time). In terms of its park offerings, it's just much more fleshed-out and well-rounded, with no real glaring "needs" outside of capitalizing on the closed show spaces in Lost Continent (and the Toon Lagoon theater, but I'm not holding my breath for that to ever become attraction space).

*No, I don't consider VillainCon or DreamWorks "major." VillainCon is a C-ticket at very best, and DreamWorks is (mostly) a cosmetic overlay.

Post wasn’t referencing Studios at all. The post was specifically referencing LC. But if you wanna talk Studios, as someone whose been going to the park since 1990, I feel relatively confident in saying the park is in maybe it’s worst spot ever outside of 2006-2012ish time frame.

The best ride in the park opened in 2004. You can make an argument for Bourne cause it is awesome just about 10 years too late, but otherwise it’s pretty difficult to name an attraction that replaced something that is actually better than what it replaced. The over dependence on screens has bitten this park in the butt worse than any other I can think of. Couple that with ROUGH food options, minimal entertainment, empty venues, aging properties etc etc.

So yeah I agree Studios needs help, it’s practically on life support in my eyes. And from what it sounds like (rumors, rumors everywhere) it’s coming in several stages. But that said just cause another park is "good” doesn’t mean you pump the brakes. Keep going cause it’s working.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Post wasn’t referencing Studios at all. The post was specifically referencing LC. But if you wanna talk Studios, as someone whose been going to the park since 1990, I feel relatively confident in saying the park is in maybe it’s worst spot ever outside of 2006-2012ish time frame.

The best ride in the park opened in 2004. You can make an argument for Bourne cause it is awesome just about 10 years too late, but otherwise it’s pretty difficult to name an attraction that replaced something that is actually better than what it replaced. The over dependence on screens has bitten this park in the butt worse than any other I can think of. Couple that with ROUGH food options, minimal entertainment, empty venues, aging properties etc etc.

So yeah I agree Studios needs help, it’s practically on life support in my eyes. And from what it sounds like (rumors, rumors everywhere) it’s coming in several stages. But that said just cause another park is "good” doesn’t mean you pump the brakes. Keep going cause it’s working.

If it weren't for the special events, USF would be in the dumps attendance-wise... and I hate saying that as I love the park.

 

[TheUniC6]

If it weren't for the special events, USF would be in the dumps attendance-wise... and I hate saying that as I love the park.

Thats what makes this frustrating. If I were calling the shots at Comcast, EU would not get any new expansion until USF properly gets addressed. Heck , I don't see why you couldn't work on both the HRRR replacement and Pokemon at or around the same time to ensure the latter opens before 2030. USF attendance is going to be in the toilet anyways outside of HHN due to EU.

 

[Hatetofly]

Thats what makes this frustrating. If I were calling the shots at Comcast, EU would not get any new expansion until USF properly gets addressed. Heck , I don't see why you couldn't work on both the HRRR replacement and Pokemon at or around the same time to ensure the latter opens before 2030. USF attendance is going to be in the toilet anyways outside of HHN due to EU.

studios in 2012 had construction walls everywhere. They can do it, just not sure they will.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

studios in 2012 had construction walls everywhere. They can do it, just not sure they will.

In my opinion, the park needs to do more than the 2012 revamp. Not just new additions/replacements, but an overall aesthetic overhaul. Epic Universe is going to outshine USF's park atmosphere by miles on day one.

 

[belloq87]

Annual reminder that Bourne is the 2nd best attraction at USF

I cannot go quite that far, but I think it's easily the best attraction they've opened there since Revenge of the Mummy.

I feel relatively confident in saying the park is in maybe it’s worst spot ever outside of 2006-2012ish time frame.

In terms of pure attractions offerings, I think it's much worse than the '06 - '12 era (still had Jaws, Earthquake/Disaster, Beetlejuice, Twister, etc.).

That certainly felt like the low point for upkeep, cleanliness, corner/cost-cutting, though. Turning off the fire effects on Jaws to save money (and didn't they even attempt to close it seasonally?) is emblematic of that whole period for me.

 

[Map Monster]

Could Universal be turned into the "Retro" park? I've always felt like the classics could hold their own and are among the most desirable properties in the Universal arsenal. Not only for the enthusiast but also the general public. Just look around the parks on any given day and what people are wearing. Give me Universal Studios: Retro

- NY/Ghostbusters
- Hill Valley/BTTF
- Amity Island/Jaws
- Bikini Bottom/Spongebob

 

[Hatetofly]

Could Universal be turned into the "Retro" park? I've always felt like the classics could hold their own and are among the most desirable properties in the Universal arsenal. Not only for the enthusiast but also the general public. Just look around the parks on any given day and what people are wearing. Give me Universal Studios: Retro

- NY/Ghostbusters
- Hill Valley/BTTF
- Amity Island/Jaws
- Bikini Bottom/Spongebob

I don’t know why they don’t revisit that drive in movie concept and put all the classics as scenes within the ride. Pure gold

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Yes

I'd go
1. Mummy
2. Bourne
3. Gringotts
4. Horror Makeup
5. MIB

Controversial, I know lol

 

[DodgsonHere]

Annual reminder that Bourne is the 2nd best attraction at USF

super valid take

 

[tielo]

I liked the old Universal a lot but in the end these ride got old. Take earthquake, the end part is fun but the rest gets a chore and a lot of these rides where there for decades and less people visited them. I never liked BttF as the thing was too rough too long for me and I got sick on it every time and the area looked horrible. We have rose tinted glasses on for those rides and yes a ton of them where fun for 20 years but I'm happy with some of the replacements like Mummy and Potter. Yes it's the park that needs to most work but I'm sure they move forward soon.
I hope Universal will pay tribute to their movies in the form of a movie ride that holds the best parts of the old rides with new tech thrown in there but I can not see them go back to a whole classics park.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

I think one thing we can probably all agree on, I wish they made the 30 Rock area more movie based than Fallon. It’s aged poorly, and the Spielberg attraction in Beijing could’ve replaced Twister. Could also have been the closest we get to a “best of Universal” attraction with 30 Rock being the hub/museum queue for all things retro Universal.

 

[TheUniC6]

I wish they made the 30 Rock area more movie based than Fallon. It’s aged poorly, and the Spielberg attraction in Beijing could’ve replaced Twister.

I mean, what's going to happen to Fallon when he steps down hosting the tonight show? I guess that means they would have to retheme or replace the entire thing.

If that happens, maybe they could put a dark ride in there.

 

[DrStarlander]

Entering USF and heading straight toward Minion Land seems so "specific" to me -- it's a popular property no doubt but it also has a particular tone that doesn't appeal to everyone. Perhaps that IP should be a more secondary or separated location, not greeting every guest at the entrance. (I'd say the same thing if you entered Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney California Adventure, or Animal Kingdom, heading right into any particular IP whether Monsters Inc. or Pandora or Toy Story, but especially a "fart jokes" property.)

I'd rather have the entrance experience have some space to set the tone and premise of the whole park. I also wonder if USF is missing an iconic landmark within the park, something that transcends any particular land or attraction but serves to identify the park visually, and as a representation of the park's premise.

Perhaps both these issues could be addressed by reconfiguring the entire entrance area and re-orienting the entrance and main axis so it aims down Hollywood (instead of running along the edge of the park somewhat strangely). This new axis would bi-sect the park and while not the sublime hub-and-spoke-ish layout of Epic Universe, could still help to elevate USF so it doesn't seem so opportunistic and quite as un-considered in its layout.

Then, a landmark could be built on the shore where Simpsons is now. It could even be an elevated Universal Globe at this spot (perhaps a bigger version) where it is central to the park -- a statement about the brand being "the center of this incredible world of movies and entertainment". It could also be incorporated and highlighted within logon shows.

Here's a quick image to depict what I'm describing. The new Globe could be like the Sphere in Vegas, capable of displaying imagery/content.