Universal Orlando Resort Expansion (Part 1)

[fryoj]

I disagree. You think for a second people didn’t start planning a trip for SWL?

Or that TDL and USJ didn’t announce their 2020 projects for the olympics?

People absolutely plan- maybe not “book”- but earmark it for sure.

:wave:

I'm example A1 for this. We are currently looking at doing a cruise next Winter specifically because we are putting off Disney till SWL opens. If not for SW, I guarantee we'd be booking a Christmas Disney trip this year. We were on the fence for doing it this past Christmas as well and put it off for the same reason.

 

[Scott W.]

A lot of people are already planning/saving for their 2019 trip because of Star Wars. Universal needs to give those same people a reason to also stop at Universal on that trip.

In theory they already have as the Pottter coaster should be open by then. They just haven’t shown their cards yet but it’s widely known that it’s coming.

 

[Mad Dog]

In theory they already have as the Pottter coaster should be open by then. They just haven’t shown their cards yet but it’s widely known that it’s coming.

and Terminator replacement, though that's not really a destination attraction, more like a fill in attraction like Fallon was. Anyway, it helps by adding something to the Studio's park while the Potter expansion will surely be an attendance draw..

 

[Magic-Man]

Since this kinda seems like it could belong in 3 different Universal threads, I'll just post this here.

Is it possible that 2019 could bring in the Harry Potter coaster in IOA, the Volcano Bay expansion, and SLOP/Villain-Con, all in the same year? Is that too much to hope for?

 

[Viator]

Since this kinda seems like it could belong in 3 different Universal threads, I'll just post this here.

Is it possible that 2019 could bring in the Harry Potter coaster in IOA, the Volcano Bay expansion, and SLOP/Villain-Con, all in the same year? Is that too much to hope for?

I would imagine this is the wrong place for that to be brought up.

I would think the definites right now is Potter and the T2 Replacement. Anything else is up in the air, as they have bigger fish to fry.

In the meantime, I think we should watch the Stan Thomas case carefully for the next few months, before we assume of anything else.

 

[Disneyhead]

I cruised by Nassal Co. a little while ago. Curiously quiet.

As in "dead as a door nail".

 

[Scott W.]

Since this kinda seems like it could belong in 3 different Universal threads, I'll just post this here.

Is it possible that 2019 could bring in the Harry Potter coaster in IOA, the Volcano Bay expansion, and SLOP/Villain-Con, all in the same year? Is that too much to hope for?

I think it’s maybe possible but you also need to add the T2 replacement which would be a lot of new things being added but on the other hand, you also have the new WnW hotel which should add a lot more guests.

With Universal just now, it seems like anything is possible.

 

[Magic-Man]

I think it’s maybe possible but you also need to add the T2 replacement which would be a lot of new things being added but on the other hand, you also have the new WnW hotel which should add a lot more guests.

With Universal just now, it seems like anything is possible.

And you also have to think about their competition. DHS is getting a big expansion that year, plus whatever might be opening in the other Disney parks and possibly even Seaworld and BGT. 2019 could be a big year.

 

[jtsalien]

I cruised by Nassal Co. a little while ago. Curiously quiet.

As in "dead as a door nail".

Personally, I'm way more interested in what Creature Technology may or may not be up to.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Since this kinda seems like it could belong in 3 different Universal threads, I'll just post this here.

Is it possible that 2019 could bring in the Harry Potter coaster in IOA, the Volcano Bay expansion, and SLOP/Villain-Con, all in the same year? Is that too much to hope for?

Don't assume anything at this point that isn't announced with a date.

 

[Disneyhead]

 

[Viator]

Wait, did NBCU/Comcast reach a settlement with Stan? If that's the case, that's fascinating to hear.

If it's the project up north, that still brings intrigue.

 

[Mad Dog]

I've always felt it would be a better business decision to fast track the new theme park (for 2022 apx.) and just add a few new attractions to IOA & Studios to keep them fresh, rather than add a lot of new attractions/lands to IOA & Studio's and have the new park six to eight years away. Both IOA and Studios are already full day parks with more ride attractions individually than any of the non MK WDW parks.

 

[Viator]

I've always felt it would be a better business decision to fast track the new theme park (for 2022 apx.) and just add a few new attractions to IOA & Studios to keep them fresh, rather than add a lot of new attractions/lands to IOA & Studio's and have the new park six to eight years away. Both IOA and Studios are already full day parks with more ride attractions individually than any of the non MK WDW parks.

To say this also, they are really seeming to want to make sure that both USF and IOA through these past few years, have been greatly improved to sustain a third park. The last major thing for north should be Super Nintendo World - Mushroom Kingdom, as that should also help get people away from the southern property.

And to mention, it could be a good way to get even more people from WDW's 50th to come to the new park, so it could make sense to why Universal and Comcast may be desiring a faster timeline.

 

[Mad Dog]

The Northern parks will always be strong since they have Harry Potter to sustain them. They can always add fairly inexpensive tweeks to Potter,( shows & entertainment & food/restaurants), to keep it fresh.

 

[Disneyhead]

Wait, did NBCU/Comcast reach a settlement with Stan? If that's the case, that's fascinating to hear.

If it's the project up north, that still brings intrigue.

No. Nope.

And yet...

 

[UK-Trigg]

No. Nope.

And yet...

 

[Scott W.]

I've always felt it would be a better business decision to fast track the new theme park (for 2022 apx.) and just add a few new attractions to IOA & Studios to keep them fresh, rather than add a lot of new attractions/lands to IOA & Studio's and have the new park six to eight years away. Both IOA and Studios are already full day parks with more ride attractions individually than any of the non MK WDW parks.

With this thought, what would you do with Nintendo?

I’m still of the opinion that Universal are trying to get IOA and USF in the best shape they can before building the new park.

 

[Mad Dog]

With this thought, what would you do with Nintendo?

I’m still of the opinion that Universal are trying to get IOA and USF in the best shape they can before building the new park.

Basically, I'm looking at Nintendo & Shrek replacement as a given. I'm mostly referring to any other non Potter attractions. The two parks are on the whole in pretty good shape. Plenty of fairly new attractions already, especially Studios' park. .... This is just my opinion. I have absolutely no info to back that up with.

 

[anihilnation]

With this thought, what would you do with Nintendo?

I’m still of the opinion that Universal are trying to get IOA and USF in the best shape they can before building the new park.

To me that makes the most sense as well, if the rumors for Studios are true, SLOP, Ministry of Magic and Nintendo; then I find it it would be odd to leave IOA as it is.
In any case, I think Universal might suffer a little from having trouble making up its mind, they have the money, the land and the ideas, so as great a shape as they are in, this might also mean it is harder to make final decisions.
Also, add to this that transportation between the two resorts will be an issue that will have to worked out; even if it is just busses, they will want to best route for them.