Universal Orlando Resort Expansion (Part 1)

[UniversalRBLX]

If the new south park is envisioned by Universal to be it's answer to Magic Kingdom, an expanded SNL concept as the park's anchor will be a natural, and definitely the right long term business decision. This all hinges on a fast tracked new park. If that is indeed the case, Comcast/Universal executives would be greatly remiss if they didn't utilize their strongest IP, besides Potter, as the anchor.

Bingo. It'd be a waste of an IP to push it into USF just because it will be a year or two earlier rather than expand on the concept as the anchor it deserves to be. It also recognizes the fact that there is no other 'major' family IP out there big enough as an anchor.

 

[Mike S]

USF's and Hollywood's Nintendo was always planned to open after Japan. Not the same time.

Great. Even longer.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Great. Even longer.

I would not be surprised if they end up fast tracking Zelda into IOA after Potter coaster for 2020/21 while they wait for new park?

 

[Mike S]

I would not be surprised if they end up fast tracking Zelda into IOA after Potter coaster for 2020/21 while they wait for new park?

Do we even know if they’ve started thinking about these lands?

 

[captainmoch]

@captainmoch said a year delay. 2022 is two years.

There's not a chance in hell it opens in USF by 2020. Considering nothing has closed yet, that's literally an impossible timeline. The (theoretical) choices we have here are USF in 2021 or new park in 2022.

 

[JungleSkip]

I would not be surprised if they end up fast tracking Zelda into IOA after Potter coaster for 2020/21 while they wait for new park?

I think you have a better chance of Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon all opening in Park 3 than any multi-ride lands opening up at USF/IOA before Park 3. Nintendo seemed to be it. If it moved, you're not getting anything more than a ride here or there.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I still believe it'll be in USF

 

[jtsalien]

I think you have a better chance of Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon all opening in Park 3 than any multi-ride lands opening up at USF/IOA before Park 3. Nintendo seemed to be it. If it moved, you're not getting anything more than a ride here or there.

I'll take that bet. I wouldn't be surprised if IOA coasts. But I'm still all on for Kidzone.

 

[JungleSkip]

I'll take that bet. I wouldn't be surprised if IOA coasts. But I'm still all on for Kidzone.

We'll see. If Fievel really does get the extensive refurb that I've heard bandied about, I'm not holding my breath

 

[Mad Dog]

Predictions are all over the map. We need a bookie to handicap the odds. ....Kind of points out what little solid info anybody has.

 

[jtsalien]

We'll see. If Fievel really does get the extensive refurb that I've heard bandied about, I'm not holding my breath

I mean, they don't really have a choice there. If they think they need it open, they have to spend the money. They are/will put in a lot of money to Curious George already this year. That's the nature of operting these types of play areas. That's really part of why I'm confident it'll be going away.

 

[Scott W.]

I'd be perfectly happy to see Nintendo moved to the new park. I never really liked the idea of Nintendo in USF as I don't think it made any sense for the theme of the park plus of all the ideas I've heard for the new park, I think Nintendo trumps them all as the biggest draw.

 

[Mike S]

There's not a chance in hell it opens in USF by 2020. Considering nothing has closed yet, that's literally an impossible timeline. The (theoretical) choices we have here are USF in 2021 or new park in 2022.

I was going by Japan which is in 2020. You said the new park would mean a year delay after the others open.

 

[jrn14]

Is any of this based on insider information are we all just theorizing logically? I feel like everyone is agreeing it would make more sense at the third gate, but is there any indication that Universal is leaning this way? Besides Kidzone still being open?

 

[JungleSkip]

Is any of this based on insider information are we all just theorizing logically? I feel like everyone is agreeing it would make more sense at the third gate, but is there any indication that Universal is leaning this way? Besides Kidzone still being open?

I've heard it both ways at this point. Some are claiming up and down KidZone is still the location, others are adamant it's Park 3. My gut feeling is after those walls came down in KidZone, it's moved.

 

[Viator]

I've heard it both ways at this point. Some are claiming up and down KidZone is still the location, others are adamant it's Park 3. My gut feeling is after those walls came down in KidZone, it's moved.

Pardon me asking, but what walls? The ones next to ET that were at HHN at the time?

If that's what you are referring too, I have thought briefly about that before.

 

[jtsalien]

Is any of this based on insider information are we all just theorizing logically? I feel like everyone is agreeing it would make more sense at the third gate, but is there any indication that Universal is leaning this way? Besides Kidzone still being open?

Both

Everone is working off their best info. But that's always fluid.

 

[JungleSkip]

Pardon me asking, but what walls? The ones next to ET that were at HHN at the time?

If that's what you are referring too, I have thought briefly about that before.

Yea. The walls that multiple people were told were "the first steps to closing KidZone during HHN". And then it didn't close. Then the walls came down. And nothing changed. *shrug*

 

[Mad Dog]

And in situations where Universal/Comcast is reevaluating their options, info that may have been fairly reliable a few months ago may no longer be valid. If Universal/Comcast is unsure of what they're doing, or just now changed plans, any previous insider info would be moot.

 

[Scott W.]

And in situations where Universal/Comcast is reevaluating their options, info that may have been fairly reliable a few months ago may no longer be valid. If Universal/Comcast is unsure of what they're doing, or just now changed plans, any previous insider info would be moot.

To add to this, was there not a lot of misinformation getting pushed out about 6 months ago to try and fix any leaks?