Universal's New Park/Site B Blue Sky Thread

[Palutena]

I’m probably one of the only ones who would rather not see Hanna Barbera, aren’t I?

I'm largely indifferent about the idea, but tbh with Nintendo and Dreamworks stuff coming to the parks there isn't really much else i truly want from the park . So it's cool if they brought in something that appeals to a completely different demographic/audience. That said, it's fair to say that pretty much a lot of hanna barbera stuff is outdated now, and it's easy to see a pseudo toon lagoon situation happening down the line if used and if there aren't pushes in other mediums to make them relevant again (beyond straight to dvd releases).

 

[Frank Drackman]

I know why HHN is an upcharge, and I know that events like Mardi Gras & HP Celebration increase attendance. But Universal creating an additional ticketed event is not the craziest idea. More than likely they will avoid an additional Halloween event and might just do a "free" event rather than ticketed. But for the holidays and any ideas they come up with, its totally feasible.

I still think you start off with non hard ticket events. These things were created to bring guest during slower attendance periods.

I do think the one area that Disney went more ‘creative’ was the whole sports thing and then having marathons and stuff for runners.

It never made sense to me to close both IoA and USF for hard ticket Halloween events, but Park 3 would make a lot more sense. I also wouldn't be surprised to see them try a hard ticket Christmas event over there

One thing I wonder though is if it is worth it to have the one park in the area closed to the on site hotel guest in the area (or on a separate ticket/upcharge. I know the new park will be close to the classic parks. For HHN nights at the Studios, you can keep IoA open, but if a new park with on site hotels were to close at 5 PM for a hard ticket event, it could been seen as a cash grab to visitors in that area if there is not much to do at night at the new property.

 

[Magic-Man]

Interesting note I found on ThemeParkUniversity, relating to the inclusion of Universal Studios Beijing concepts potentially popping up in US parks (probably this park): "Could some of these concepts wind up in the United States counterparts? Absolutely. Especially the hotels. More on that later though" Hmmmm.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

That would probably solidify to me, that they are seriously looking (or have in the plans) at having a hotel be attached to the park (either above the entrance [like Beijing and MiraCosta from TDS], or right next to it [Grand Californian Resort and Spa from DLR]).

 

[Magic-Man]

That would probably solidify to me, that they are seriously looking (or have in the plans) at having a hotel be attached to the park (either above the entrance [like Beijing and MiraCosta from TDS], or right next to it [Grand Californian Resort and Spa from DLR]).

I know that it might ruin the immersion for some people, but I'd be completely fine with it. The only issue that I have with it is going to be the insane cost to stay there.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

I know that it might ruin the immersion for some people, but I'd be completely fine with it. The only issue that I have with it is going to be the insane cost to stay there.

It'd be a premier, there is no ifs or buts in that regard.

And to be honest, as long as it's themed with the land it's accustomed with, similar to MiraCosta (or if they do something nice and victorian like similar to Disneyland Paris Hotel); I'd be completely fine with it.

(and just to reference MiraCosta)

 

[Scott W.]

I think Warner Bros. handling of the H-B IPs is criminal. There is no reason The Flintstones, The Jetson's and Yogi Bear couldn't be rebooted on a platform like Netflix.

Wasn’t there talk a few years ago about Seth MacFarlane doing a Flintstones reboot?

 

[Nick]

Is it likely/possible that Universal will go for a Beijing-style layout instead of a hub-and-spoke layout? Beijing’s layout is perfect as for the limited amount of walking time, and the smaller lagoon allows for awesome views without tiring you out.

If I’m remembering correctly, Beijing will look slightly like IOA/World Showcase in how it’s laid out.

The point in doing a hub-and-spoke layout is that it’s a proven concept and it would be a first for a Universal Park, thus differentiating it from USF & IOA easily.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

Wasn’t there talk a few years ago about Seth MacFarlane doing a Flintstones reboot?

Do not try to say that evil here.

 

[Magic-Man]

If I’m remembering correctly, Beijing will look slightly like IOA/World Showcase in how it’s laid out.

The point in doing a hub-and-spoke layout is that it’s a proven concept and it would be a first for a Universal Park, thus differentiating it from USF & IOA easily.

The Beijing layout, from the leaked images, seems to be a non-linear version of the typical lagoon layout that IOA/USF have. There's the typical circle, but there's lands beyond the circle. For example, KFP is behind Jurassic World, Waterworld is next to that, but above Harry Potter, etc.

EDIT: I believe that I can post this here, as it doesn't show any actual leaked info. Just a microsoft paint representation. But if it's against the rules, please delete.

Z2 is Jurassic World. Z3 and Z4 are Waterworld and KFP, respectively. You can enter Z4 through Z6, but not Z2. You can enter Z3 through Z5, but not through Z2. Etc.

 

[Nick]

The Beijing layout, from the leaked images, seems to be a non-linear version of the typical lagoon layout that IOA/USF have. There's the typical circle, but there's lands beyond the circle. For example, KFP is behind Jurassic World, Waterworld is next to that, but above Harry Potter, etc.

EDIT: I believe that I can post this here, as it doesn't show any actual leaked info. Just a microsoft paint representation. But if it's against the rules, please delete.

Z2 is Jurassic World. Z3 and Z4 are Waterworld and KFP, respectively. You can enter Z4 through Z6, but not Z2. You can enter Z3 through Z5, but not through Z2. Etc.

I still see nothing interesting about that, especially because, as seen in USF and IOA, the lagoons make it so you can basically see the whole park from anywhere.

A Hub and spoke design hides areas of the park from each other much better.

 

[Scott W.]

Do not try to say that evil here.

It will be interesting to see how Fanily Guy fits into the whole Disney buying Fox situation.

He’ll be onto a new project sooner or later.

 

[eXvute]

I have a thought that might seem crazy but here it is.

Do you think Universal will partner with the Genting group to build a casino/resort on a parcel of the new land. They have already partnered with them in Singapore. Universal Singapore is in the same resort as Genting's casino. Genting is heavily involved in the new Florida gambling bill. Universal has been nowhere in sight for lobbying against it where as Disney just threw $15 million to lobby against. If Universal decided to build a casino do you think it would help or hurt them? I for one would be very excited. I travel to Vegas twice a year and Orlando once. I would travel to Orlando 3 times if this happened. I don't think I am the normal theme park fan but I am curious to see what everyone thinks. I have attached three links to some articles I have found on the matter. What are your thoughts?

Disney vs. the World's Richest Casino Magnate: How a Battle in Florida Could Soon Heat Up -- The Motley Fool

Universal Orlando casinos: As Walt Disney World fights casinos in Florida, Universal sits on the sidelines - tribunedigital-orlandosentinel

Walt Disney World Spends $15 Million on Blocking Casinos in Florida - Theme Park University

 

[Disneyhead]

I have a thought that might seem crazy but here it is.

Do you think Universal will partner with the Genting group to build a casino/resort on a parcel of the new land. They have already partnered with them in Singapore. Universal Singapore is in the same resort as Genting's casino. Genting is heavily involved in the new Florida gambling bill. Universal has been nowhere in sight for lobbying against it where as Disney just threw $15 million to lobby against. If Universal decided to build a casino do you think it would help or hurt them? I for one would be very excited. I travel to Vegas twice a year and Orlando once. I would travel to Orlando 3 times if this happened. I don't think I am the normal theme park fan but I am curious to see what everyone thinks. I have attached three links to some articles I have found on the matter. What are your thoughts?

Disney vs. the World's Richest Casino Magnate: How a Battle in Florida Could Soon Heat Up -- The Motley Fool

Universal Orlando casinos: As Walt Disney World fights casinos in Florida, Universal sits on the sidelines - tribunedigital-orlandosentinel

Walt Disney World Spends $15 Million on Blocking Casinos in Florida - Theme Park University

If casino gambling is legalized in Florida, I feel confident that Universal would build one near the convention center.

 

[GAcoaster]

Absolutely! Easy revenue stream from conventioneers.

 

[Teebin]

Disney, and their fight against “adult-oriented” pastimes. How much booze do you sell at Epcot on a given day Disney and how many of your patrons get blitzed and stagger all over hell with the wacky tall beer tubes.

That said, Universal would make a KILLING with a casino!

 

[Magic-Man]

Surprised Disney hasn’t tried to ban strip-clubs yet. It takes away too much revenue that can be spent at DHS

 

[Scott W.]

I have a thought that might seem crazy but here it is.

Do you think Universal will partner with the Genting group to build a casino/resort on a parcel of the new land. They have already partnered with them in Singapore. Universal Singapore is in the same resort as Genting's casino. Genting is heavily involved in the new Florida gambling bill. Universal has been nowhere in sight for lobbying against it where as Disney just threw $15 million to lobby against. If Universal decided to build a casino do you think it would help or hurt them? I for one would be very excited. I travel to Vegas twice a year and Orlando once. I would travel to Orlando 3 times if this happened. I don't think I am the normal theme park fan but I am curious to see what everyone thinks. I have attached three links to some articles I have found on the matter. What are your thoughts?

Disney vs. the World's Richest Casino Magnate: How a Battle in Florida Could Soon Heat Up -- The Motley Fool

Universal Orlando casinos: As Walt Disney World fights casinos in Florida, Universal sits on the sidelines - tribunedigital-orlandosentinel

Walt Disney World Spends $15 Million on Blocking Casinos in Florida - Theme Park University

It's interesting seeing Disney's view on gambling; that people gambling will have less money to spend in the parks.

Gambling and Disney don't go together obviously but if people are prepared to travel to Vegas to gamble and do whatever else is there, they would be prepared to travel to Florida and head to the parks.

Vegas is a funny place and I know stories of people winning a lot of money and blowing 50k in a single day. Spending even 10% of that in Disney would be difficult. You can't just walk into the expensive restaurants, the expensive suites and hotels are usually fully booked and although money talks in Disney, it's not the same as Vegas.

Edit: Actually, scratch that. I've just remembered about the WDW VIP tours.

 

[Imperius]

Disney against gambling is hilarious while they have no issues pouring alcohol down people’s throats during food and wine.

 

[Magic-Man]

Isn’t there a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa? Why is that allowed?