Universal Studios Florida: What Do We Think About It?

[Jake S]

We've discussed the Minion Lands before. USF jumped to replace Neutron with their latest hit, not realizing how lucrative it would end up being, so the other lands are much more fleshed out.

The Minions are truly Universal’s Frozen.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Let me throw out a hypothetical -

10 years from now. 2035. We now have a new coaster in place of HRRR, a Supercharged replacement, and a highly immersive Pokemon land with an E-ticket ride.

Will Central Park still be an issue? Will anyone care that the front of the park doesn't necessarily mesh together perfectly?

 

[belloq87]

I mean, USF will be exactly this once Pokemon is there, right?

Basically. That's why my priority would be attractions over area overhauls.

Let me throw out a hypothetical -

10 years from now. 2035. We now have a new coaster in place of HRRR, a Supercharged replacement, and a highly immersive Pokemon land with an E-ticket ride.

I'd like to see more than that in the next ten years. At least one more project on top of that (replacing the Fear Factor theater, replacing Race Through New York, adding a dark ride to DreamWorks, etc.).

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Basically. That's why my priority would be attractions over area overhauls.


I'd like to see more than that in the next ten years. At least one more project on top of that (replacing the Fear Factor theater, replacing Race Through New York, adding a dark ride to DreamWorks, etc.).

I think that a new coaster, a new dark ride replacing F&F, and a large new immersive land with another E-ticket attraction is fair for 10 years. That gives them time to focus on other things such as expansions for Epic as well as possible Toon Lagoon/Lost Continent replacements at IOA as well.

If anything, I'd maybe expect a Dreamworks dark ride in that time as well. I don't think Fallon is going anywhere anytime soon - and as much as I would love for Fear Factor to go, that has essentially become the HHN Theatre at this point.

 

[SeventyOne]

The Minions are truly Universal’s Frozen.

It's probably the Disney-centric view of kids' culture that no one ever talks about this, but any given week on the Netflix Top 10, there's three or four Despicable Me movies. It's Frozen, Moana and Encanto combined.

I imagine it helps that, like the initial decade of Potter, there's not a mess of merch in Target and Wal*Mart, at least not on the scale of Disney or Marvel/DC. When suddenly presented with the opportunity a variety of Minions merch, fans go nuts.

On the one hand, having your land be more popular than anticipated is a nice problem to have. On the other, having a slapped-together land for such a critical IP (especially compared to Potter, JP, Seuss...) makes USO feel kind of cheap.

 

[Jwhee]

Again, no one is saying that's a bad idea. It's just not something Universal views as a park issue, and judging by the work they've done on the entrance area so far, it's not something they have planned any time soon.

We've discussed the Minion Lands before. USF jumped to replace Neutron with their latest hit, not realizing how lucrative it would end up being, so the other lands are much more fleshed out.

Something interesting to think about- does Minion Mayhem still exist in 10 years? Probably. 20 years? Doubt it. The ride itself is simply not that good.

If the next big thing comes along they can easily replace DMMM or VC, take down the Minion Land sign, and they’re right back to where they started with Production Central.

 

[UPSguy]

On the one hand, having your land be more popular than anticipated is a nice problem to have. On the other, having a slapped-together land for such a critical IP (especially compared to Potter, JP, Seuss...) makes USO feel kind of cheap.

Agreed! I understand they were caught off guard with the success (and continued success) of minions but it does look cheap, I brought my friend to USF for the first time last week, and she said the minion/HRRR area reminded her of her local Six Flags park.

 

[docholiday]

I think if you make the RRR replacement F&F and then replace Supercharged with BTTF or whatever legacy IP and then Fear Factor with something, you are cooking. Simpsons to Pokémon if that’s still a thing (not my cup of tea) would pretty much complete the overall.

 

[belloq87]

Simpsons to Pokémon if that’s still a thing (not my cup of tea) would pretty much complete the overall.

I have no affinity for Pokemon as a property, but if it brings the park a new dark ride filled with animated creature figures, I will be converted.

 

[docholiday]

I have no affinity for Pokemon as a property, but if it brings the park a new dark ride filled with animated creature figures, I will be converted.

It’s about a balance for me… If they bring back some of the classic IPs and add something like Pokemon, its
Not only more to my personal tastes but better for the park’s identity. IMO

 

[Mad Dog]

The BTTF experience at Universal Hollywood's Fanfest seems to be an immense hit. This seems like something, with a few alterations, would be an almost perfect fit for the empty, except for HHN, former Fear Factor theater.

 

[docholiday]

The BTTF experience at Universal Hollywood's Fanfest seems to be an immense hit. This seems like something, with a few alterations, would be an almost perfect fit for the empty, except for HHN, former Fear Factor theater.

I’d urge them to have a larger appetite. Supercharged into the clock tower.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

The BTTF experience at Universal Hollywood's Fanfest seems to be an immense hit. This seems like something, with a few alterations, would be an almost perfect fit for the empty, except for HHN, former Fear Factor theater.

Only concern with Fan Fest at UOR is how it fits within the resort's schedule with more prominent Grad Bash/Gradventure events than USH and HHN in April-May.

HHN starts their setup for stage shows/zones late June nowadays and the houses earlier on in the year. USF's advantage over USH is that there are more venues to host stage shows, so they can lean more on entertainment versus immersive experiences that require a house/tent venue.

With Epic, there is less concern over closing USF early for standard guests, but HHN already takes a significant chunk of back of house areas.

 

[Mad Dog]

Only concern with Fan Fest at UOR is how it fits within the resort's schedule with more prominent Grad Bash/Gradventure events than USH and HHN in April-May.

HHN starts their setup for stage shows/zones late June nowadays and the houses earlier on in the year. USF's advantage over USH is that there are more venues to host stage shows, so they can lean more on entertainment versus immersive experiences that require a house/tent venue.

With Epic, there is less concern over closing USF early for standard guests, but HHN already takes a significant chunk of back of house areas.

I'm not really in favor of Fanfest for USF, due to your same concerns. Since Orlando sent some of their mgt. to observe it at Hollywood, they might be looking at it for Florida. But my BTTF comment was only intended as a show for the vacant theater at USF.

 

[Jake S]

Since Orlando sent some of their mgt. to observe it at Hollywood, they might be looking at it for Florida.

This is possible, but my hunch is they were primarily there to support / give feedback on the event.

 

[belloq87]

USF does not need another special event.

Hopefully Universal observes the popularity of the BTTF offering in Hollywood and decides to go ahead with the rumored year-round attraction in USF.

 

[Mad Dog]

This is possible, but my hunch is they were primarily there to support / give feedback on the event.

I hope so. I'd rather have a Summerfest event at USF that's similar to Mardi Gras or the Epcot Festivals. Not a special night ticketed event.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I hope so. I'd rather have a Summerfest event at USF that's similar to Mardi Gras or the Epcot Festivals. Not a special night ticketed event.

I've been calling for an International Food & Film Festival at USF for a few years now. Keep the park operating late into the evening with special meet & greets, smaller entertainment acts and "themed zones" to IPs not at the park full time.

 

[HHN Maddux]

Got a fun plan for the 22nd, rope drop to close: Doing every single ride in both main parks. Not only as a fun challenge/celebration of Epic opening, but for the critical side of me, seeing how much is in top condition for the incoming flock of crowds, quite a few of whom will likely be visiting the resort for the first time.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Got a fun plan for the 22nd, rope drop to close: Doing every single ride in both main parks. Not only as a fun challenge/celebration of Epic opening, but for the critical side of me, seeing how much is in top condition for the incoming flock of crowds, quite a few of whom will likely be visiting the resort for the first time.

With the exception of JPRA, I think the parks are in decent condition. However, guests will easily notice the vast difference in quality between a park like USF and Epic.