Jurassic Park: The Ride (Now Closed)

[steve]

Universal would sooner turn it into Twilight River Adventure rather than upgrade it.

It would take something dramatic for that to happen.

 

[JaySalahi]

If Jurassic World is a huge hit I can see the ride getting a big touch up. They plan on a whole trilogy of new Jurassic Park films. That alone makes the franchise alive and well for at least 15 more years. 

 

[Jeremy12Lopez]

I think this decision will be impacted greatly on how much revenue is generated from the motion picture. I dont see them investing a great deal of money on the IP before the film is launched but if the film puts up substantial numbers I think not only a refurb but a area reboot is in order. IPs are becoming tougher to find and Universal is venturing out rather then using in house brands, so if this film makes a great deal of revenue Universal must make the most of it. Besides it's a classic!

 

[Jon Fu]

I think the only precedent we have is Jurassic Park, and Islands of Adventures' small promotional bit that alludes to the film.


Other than that, has Universal ever successfully modified a ride? Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic Park all say no.

 

[Allen The Actor]

Yeah, but that was all under previous ownership. I think Universal will be smarter about cross promotion now with Comcast.

 

[Jon Fu]

Yeah, but that was all under previous ownership. I think Universal will be smarter about cross promotion now with Comcast.

Still the same management. It's not like Comcast has focused on cleaning house like they have at Universal Pictures and NBC.

 

[Allen The Actor]

But with heavy rumors of new additions to JP in Orlando, I wouldn't be surprised. Afterall, substantial additions or upgrades to a ride can increase attendance and make guests happier and renew interest in a ride without actually building something totally new. It'd be smart.

 

[Chris]

Could Stage 28 be a possible JP expansion to coincide what is happening in IOA?  Blue Sky, I know...

 

[steve]

That would be awesome. I'd love a new JP dark ride.

 

[Miss Betty Juice]

If 28 was JP expansion, they'd have to close and refurb panda express finally, and move the gift shop there. Doable, but a lot of work.

 

[Allen The Actor]

Just playing around with "what if" concept. Probably not entirely the best solution, but I was bored.

Light green: new flat open space (demolished Panda and Universal Experience)

Dark green: two bridges/ramps to and from the new attraction.

Light Orange: previous backstage building, now new gift shop and bathroom with entrance from attraction bridge exit.

Dark orange: existing bathrooms

Dark blue: existing character shop/old Mummy souvenir store

Light blue: new attraction.

I added bridges/ramps to the attraction to provide clearance bellow for the fire exits or whatever clearance apparently needs to be there.

I'm very curious what they'll eventually do.

 

[Chris]

If 28 was JP expansion, they'd have to close and refurb panda express finally, and move the gift shop there. Doable, but a lot of work.

That is exactly my point...

Just playing around with "what if" concept. Probably not entirely the best solution, but I was bored.

Light green: new flat open space (demolished Panda and Universal Experience)

Dark green: two bridges/ramps to and from the new attraction.

Light Orange: previous backstage building, now new gift shop and bathroom with entrance from attraction bridge exit.

Dark orange: existing bathrooms

Dark blue: existing character shop/old Mummy souvenir store

Light blue: new attraction.

I added bridges/ramps to the attraction to provide clearance bellow for the fire exits or whatever clearance apparently needs to be there.

I'm very curious what they'll eventually do.

This is along the lines of what I see happening.  The question remains... is this before 2016?  If it is, we will see demolition soon.  But something tells me this is post Potter era.  Which reaffirms...no Diagon Alley until after 2020.

However, I don't see the current restrooms handling the sizable crowd if we add a show or a ride in the Lower Lot.  Restrooms have to be on the drawing table somewhere.  Plus at Transformers extended queue.

 

[Allen The Actor]

I don't think squeezing in new bathroom facilities should be too difficult, they'll find a place. I mean, they're gonna have to. It's not an "if" anymore, but when! Stage 28 is gone...can't believe that happened still. And I WILL be a new attraction. The lower lot will definitely get some heavy attention after Potter. Wish it was done beforehand but it'll be nice to see them fast track it asap.

Maybe they can start construction and demolition next year and have it open by 2017? That'd be nice.

 

[Jon Fu]

I just find it hard to believe that they're going to expand Jurassic Park as is. After all, I don't think they could have two major attractions adjacent to one another (it's hard to have two attractions in which things go wrong in the same universe) which means they're probably going to port a smaller Jurassic-themed ride from Florida or Singapore.


Whatever is the case, I hope it's something entirely new.

 

[Allen The Actor]

I honestly agree Jon. That's the same reason I don't want Diagon Alley. I don't want an over saturation of one brand in one park. I like variety, especially I our small park.

 

[Chris]

I honestly agree Jon. That's the same reason I don't want Diagon Alley. I don't want an over saturation of one brand in one park. I like variety, especially I our small park.

I agree. Orlando can get away with it because the themes are separated between parks.  Having it all in one park would be too much.

 

[Allen The Actor]

Like, I wouldn't mind something like Pteradon Flyers or another smallish family ride (like another spinner where the JP extended queue is) but I wouldn't want another JP ETicket.

With that said, I also hope we don't see a ride ASAP in the stage 28 spot. I hope they save it and wait for a good theme first for a new attraction

 

[William]

I say move SES down to the Lower Lot (and redo it), then demolish the Castle Theatre and replace it with a family-friendly attraction.

 

[Allen The Actor]

I say move SES down to the Lower Lot (and redo it), then demolish the Castle Theatre and replace it with a family-friendly attraction.

I'd rather they move SES into where Shrek is, and have it look like a Fancy NY/LA theatre that compliments Universal Plaza and can be SES by day, and can be a great looking flex space for Horror Nights and other private/corporate events!

Then have Castle Theatre become a new family attraction to compliment the family atmosphere at nearby Springfield, Despicable Me, and Potter (have the Upper Lot be totally family friendly).

Gut the "Featured" store and the Hollywood Grill, and use that whole side of the entrance as a new slightly larger Universal Experience.

Then demolition Panda and Universal Experience to create open room in the lower lot and easier access to the new mega attraction in Stage 28's spot.

It'd be cool to split the Upper Lot as the "Fantasy" land, and the Lower Lot as "Adventure" land.

 

[Chris]

I like the SES into Shrek theater, but I feel we have already established that Shrek is hanging around for a while and Stage 28 is primed for construction now.