The Future of Lost Continent

[TheUniC6]

I don't know that any USF project rumor beyond the HRRR replacement has any more traction/life than Lost Continent replacement rumors do at this point.

Rather than booked, I'd say the next five years sound more barren than not (at the existing parks).

Something probably will happen at Simpsons if the contract is indeed up in 2028.

 

[belloq87]

Something probably will happen at Simpsons if the contract is indeed up in 2028.

That still puts whatever might open after that at the tail-end of this decade at best.

 

[TheUniC6]

That still puts whatever might open after that at the tail-end of this decade at best.

To me I think the thing that will come after the Simpsons replacement will be Wicked at IOA. (not counting what might be on the docket at EU) But then again Universal is more diligent than Disney when it comes to working on multiple projects at once and having them open on a decent timeframe. So maybe things at USF (like the Simpsons replacement) and EU phase 2 additions can break ground around the same time.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Disney's slate of projects starts strong in 2027, UOR should be ready to compete.

Yes, I know WDW is responding to Epic Universe... but UOR can't just settle. They obviously know USF needs desperate work. We should be seeing multiple projects around the park ala 2012-2013

 

[GAcoaster]

Disney's slate of projects starts strong in 2027, UOR should be ready to compete.

Yes, I know WDW is responding to Epic Universe... but UOR can't just settle. They obviously know USF needs desperate work. We should be seeing multiple projects around the park ala 2012-2013

And the replacement for HRRR should come online in 2027, and (theoretically) F&F replacement in 2028.

If the second installment of Wicked does even better than the first (and it may since people are now watching it on repeat on Peacock), a Wicked land could be fast tracked in that timeframe as well.

So much will depend on the economy and how Epic does meeting the financial targets.

 

[belloq87]

So much will depend on the economy and how Epic does meeting the financial targets.

This is why some of us advocated for significant projects to already be in the works, as Universal did when they had MIB ready for the year after IOA opened.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

This is why some of us advocated for significant projects to already be in the works, as Universal did when they had MIB ready for the year after IOA opened.

They did with VelociCoaster, Villain-Con, Cinesational, Parade, DreamWorks and now RockIt.

The issue is that the quality on Villains and DreamWorks is not great, so it feels like we haven't gotten anything substantial since VelociCoaster in 2021.

But yes I agree, there should always be projects in the parks no matter what is being worked on elsewhere.

 

[Jake S]

The issue is that the quality on Villains and DreamWorks is not great

agreed on the former but i think that’s a bit harsh on the latter.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

agreed on the former but i think that’s a bit harsh on the latter.

I just wish we got a proper dark ride/headliner for the area along with a flat ride or two to round things up.

Also not a fan of how the Shrek play area came out.

 

[Tbad556]

While leaks have slowed down/been cracked down on, I see no reason to jump to any pessimism towards the future. If anything, I feel like they're being unusually vocal about the future right now. They literally dropped a video 3 weeks ago saying they have a full slate of new attractions in development for all four parks. Then, they hyped up that they're exploring the potential for a Wicked land. They've given attractions like ET, Cat in the Hat, and Popeye big touch-ups. Kong's outdoor track has been completely redone. Restaurants/bars like Mel's, Circus McGurkus, and Chez Alcatraz have gotten complete refurbs and menu redos. Entrance signs have gotten upgraded. The wands got a 2.0 upgrade with effects being added throughout multiple lands. USF got a completely revamped music loop. The HHN tents got a long overdo upgrade. They upgraded the ticketing/entrance process. Etc.

Just because USF/IOA aren't massive active construction zones right now, doesn't mean everything is stagnant. HRRR is being demolished for a new ride in 6 months. Assuming it's replaced with F&F, Supercharged likely sees movement soon after. That would be two major USF problem children dealt with.

Plenty of other rumors have been floating around (Wicked, Luigi, Great Hall, Pokemon, Zelda, etc.) showing various signs of life for quite a while now. And so on. The concern feels incredibly premature.

 

[belloq87]

I'm moving this aspect of the conversation to the "Universal Studios Florida: What Do We Think About It?" thread, where I've replied to several of you.

Trying to keep this thread uncluttered by non-Lost Continent talk!

 

[OrlLover]

While leaks have slowed down/been cracked down on, I see no reason to jump to any pessimism towards the future. If anything, I feel like they're being unusually vocal about the future right now. They literally dropped a video 3 weeks ago saying they have a full slate of new attractions in development for all four parks. Then, they hyped up that they're exploring the potential for a Wicked land. They've given attractions like ET, Cat in the Hat, and Popeye big touch-ups. Kong's outdoor track has been completely redone. Restaurants like Mel's and Circus McGurkus have gotten complete refurbs and menu redos. Entrance signs have gotten upgraded. The wands got a 2.0 upgrade with effects being added throughout multiple lands. USF got a completely revamped music loop. The HHN tents got a long overdo upgrade. They upgraded the ticketing/entrance process. Etc.

Just because USF/IOA aren't massive active construction zones right now, doesn't mean everything is stagnant. HRRR is being demolished for a new ride in 6 months. Assuming it's replaced with F&F, Supercharged likely sees movement soon after. That would be two major USF problem children dealt with.

Plenty of other rumors have been floating around (Wicked, Luigi, Great Hall, Pokemon, Zelda, etc.) showing various signs of life for quite a while now. And so on. The concern feels incredibly premature.

Thank you for this huge roundup.

For those who prefer not having to read several threads with hundreds of pages this is very refresher.

 

[MrRoamer]

agreed on the former but i think that’s a bit harsh on the latter.

We haven't done everything in Dreamworks land, but my son loved the old Kidzone and isn't thrilled with Dreamworks. I wouldn't say its a horrible area, I love the theming of it but

Trollercoaster needed to be more than a retheme of NutCoaster
Shrek's Swamp playground is way too small and Fievel was better with more to do
Po's Dojo or whatever is a big building just to have a Turtle Talk like experience especially when The Ball Factory was a ton of fun

 

[Amity6]

 

[Mad Dog]

"The Odyssey" The quest to find meaning, and an open attraction, in IOA's Lost Continent

 

[rabbitsmoon]

Would be quite a twist if Uni sat on this plot long enough for Nolan to turn Greek mythology into Comcast’s hottest IP.

Funny, for such a successful and influential blockbuster director, the only ride Nolan’s ever gotten was that indoor wild mouse Six Flags built for the Dark Knight.

We know he’s an analog auteur— I wonder what his thoughts on the screenz debate would be. Would it have to be all practical? Would he allow media if they used 16mm projectors like Disney used to do in If You Had Wings?