Middle Earth coming to UOR?

[MrRoamer]

The more I think about it, the more I would rather not have LOTR at IOA. It seems like it would start becoming too much of the same thing throughout the park with the only areas that stand out being Marvel and Seuss. To me LOTR, Skull, JP/JW, HP, LC, and PoE all have very similar themes and genres of exploratory fantasy and would cause guests to get fatigued with the experience. I like the way that the islands each represent a different vista even if it has gotten somewhat muddy over time.

Plus do we really need Gandalf and Potter supporters battling with each other over who the best wizard is every day.

 

[Hockeyman55]

Im hoping they save LOTR for a third gate to tell you the truth. I would love to see what they can do with that IP from scratch

 

[DragonSlayer]

I think having it at IOA would actually give the park a really nice balance. You'd have LOTR on one side and Potter on the other as anchors, JP and Kong between, and then Marvel / Seuss on either side for a bit of something different. I think it would round the park out really well.

(And obviously, in this perfect vision of IOA, LC stays untouched :happy: )

 

[fryoj]

I think LOTR being a major part of a third gate is really the best way to go, but the problem with that is, do we really know that a third gate is coming? A lot of times things get discussed on this board like they are fact, but then htf or some other insider chimes in saying that is was never discussed and never would happen. If a third gate isn't happening or isn't coming in the next decade or two, then the choice is pretty much shoehorn it into Toon lagoon. I guess another option would be to wipe out everything between Diagon and Simpsons and use that area for LOTR, but IDK how practical that is either. Or I guess some combination of the two, make toon lagoon into the shire and Rivendell and then have the MIB Simpsons plot be Mordor and maybe Moria or some other middle earth land. If they could get some park to park transport like the HE between the two lands it would be a great idea, but the logistics of that one would be really hard to pull off. Board the bus to Mordor. Don't mind the red lights. lol

Now if a third gate is coming in the next decade, I think there is no doubt that Universal will be doing whatever it takes to put LOTR in it.

 

[Milla4Prez66]

I think LOTR being a major part of a third gate is really the best way to go, but the problem with that is, do we really know that a third gate is coming? A lot of times things get discussed on this board like they are fact, but then htf or some other insider chimes in saying that is was never discussed and never would happen. If a third gate isn't happening or isn't coming in the next decade or two, then the choice is pretty much shoehorn it into Toon lagoon. I guess another option would be to wipe out everything between Diagon and Simpsons and use that area for LOTR, but IDK how practical that is either. Or I guess some combination of the two, make toon lagoon into the shire and Rivendell and then have the MIB Simpsons plot be Mordor and maybe Moria or some other middle earth land. If they could get some park to park transport like the HE between the two lands it would be a great idea, but the logistics of that one would be really hard to pull off. Board the bus to Mordor. Don't mind the red lights. lol

Now if a third gate is coming in the next decade, I think there is no doubt that Universal will be doing whatever it takes to put LOTR in it.

I honestly hope LOTR doesn't come unless it is part of the 3rd gate. I don't like the possibilities of where it fits in either USF or IoA. Especially the Toon Lagoon idea. I may be in the minority that likes the island and I don't want Universal to continue losing that classic cartoon feel. I also think USF needs to be left alone for a while with the exception of KidZone. I guess replacing Shrek too, but that likely won't be a major addition.

 

[Accio Butterbeer]

I really like the idea of TL being updated. I would keep the rides and add new characters and sights. The theater would also be a nice replacement, with either a ride or show from a new Toon IP. And if there is indeed a 3rd gate coming I would love nothing more than for it to include LOTR. And in my dreams a Horror/Transylvania themed land. :mummy:

 

[Milla4Prez66]

I really like the idea of TL being updated. I would keep the rides and add new characters and sights. The theater would also be a nice replacement, with either a ride or show from a new Toon IP. And if there is indeed a 3rd gate coming I would love nothing more than for it to include LOTR. And in my dreams a Horror/Transylvania themed land. :mummy:

I would love it if they took the theater and the wasted land between TL and Marvel to expand TL with a 3rd ride and something else neat. The 3rd ride likely as a ride that utilizes water but won't get you as soaked as Popeye and Dudley. As a Marvel junkie, I'd prefer if they could use it to add on something there especially with the brand becoming so popular, but we know that won't happen.

 

[Accio Butterbeer]

I would love it if they took the theater and the wasted land between TL and Marvel to expand TL with a 3rd ride and something else neat. The 3rd ride likely as a ride that utilizes water but won't get you as soaked as Popeye and Dudley. As a Marvel junkie, I'd prefer if they could use it to add on something there especially with the brand becoming so popular, but we know that won't happen.

I'm stuck on Scooby Doo as an idea. I really love the concept that WB has at one of their parks. It's the Scooby Doo themed coaster that's inside. That would be perfect for that spot.

 

[Milla4Prez66]

I'm stuck on Scooby Doo as an idea. I really love the concept that WB has at one of their parks. It's the Scooby Doo themed coaster that's inside. That would be perfect for that spot.

I'm not sure he really fits in Toon Lagoon, since it takes it's theme from old time cartoons that started in comic strips. Honestly, I like Rocky & Bullwinkle as the theme of a 3rd Toon Lagoon ride but I'd take anything over an empty theater and worthless game area.

 

[Lucky Planet]

I honestly hope LOTR doesn't come unless it is part of the 3rd gate. I don't like the possibilities of where it fits in either USF or IoA. Especially the Toon Lagoon idea. I may be in the minority that likes the island and I don't want Universal to continue losing that classic cartoon feel. I also think USF needs to be left alone for a while with the exception of KidZone. I guess replacing Shrek too, but that likely won't be a major addition.

Is there a reason The Lord of The rings stuff can't go on KidZone?
Seems like there is enough space to make rides there and theme that area. (the only thing that would ruin it is ET and the Spongebob store there)
I've always wondered why they don't do that there.

 

[mahnamahna]

I'm not sure he really fits in Toon Lagoon, since it takes it's theme from old time cartoons that started in comic strips. Honestly, I like Rocky & Bullwinkle as the theme of a 3rd Toon Lagoon ride but I'd take anything over an empty theater and worthless game area.

Mr. Peabody and Sherman would be a great choice if it's a box office hit... but Rocky and Bullwinkle would be more reliable

 

[fryoj]

I'm not sure he really fits in Toon Lagoon, since it takes it's theme from old time cartoons that started in comic strips. Honestly, I like Rocky & Bullwinkle as the theme of a 3rd Toon Lagoon ride but I'd take anything over an empty theater and worthless game area.

Rocky and Bullwinkle, and by default Dudley Do-Right, did not start in comic strips. They were on tv before they went to comics.

 

[kimlovesfl]

Why does no one see this as a great fit for a re-do of Marvel? I often wonder how long Universal will be willing to pay rights to Disney to use the Marvel name, and it could easily slip in there with just a retheming of rides and buildings. The only thing I would change in Toon is the theme; the rides are great (well, better scenes for Dudley but it kind of fits with the cheesiness of the cartoon). However, I would love to see this as a 3rd gate, or at least part of one. I can see the lands as Hobbiton, Rivendell, Mordor, perhaps Loth Lorian, and maybe Bree (?).

 

[natespf]

Why does no one see this as a great fit for a re-do of Marvel? I often wonder how long Universal will be willing to pay rights to Disney to use the Marvel name, and it could easily slip in there with just a retheming of rides and buildings. The only thing I would change in Toon is the theme; the rides are great (well, better scenes for Dudley but it kind of fits with the cheesiness of the cartoon). However, I would love to see this as a 3rd gate, or at least part of one. I can see the lands as Hobbiton, Rivendell, Mordor, perhaps Loth Lorian, and maybe Bree (?).

I don't see them dumping Marvel while it's hot. Not only is it good to have a popular brand in your park, it blocks the competition from using the brand in the area.

 

[kimlovesfl]

I don't see them dumping Marvel while it's hot. Not only is it good to have a popular brand in your park, it blocks the competition from using the brand in the area.

True, but I still see how it could work in that space. If TL was taken over, I think too many changes would have to be done. The water rides there are really great and I would hate to see them go, but it would be nice for something to be done with Toon Amphitheater. We use it only a handful of times a year for special events, and I could never understand why another show or something wasn't put there. Such a waste of space.

 

[Milla4Prez66]

Is there a reason The Lord of The rings stuff can't go on KidZone?
Seems like there is enough space to make rides there and theme that area. (the only thing that would ruin it is ET and the Spongebob store there)
I've always wondered why they don't do that there.

I mean, they could. But I just don't like the fit in that park. USF has lost enough of the movie studio feel, I don't want it becoming another IoA with different lands everywhere themed to a brand.

I'd rather they just build a LOTR land in a 3rd gate, they could start from scratch and have more options. I don't like the fit it has in either of the existing parks. But that is just my personal taste. Universal is after the $$$ right now (can't blame them) and it wouldn't shock me if they shoved the IP in one of these parks.

Rocky and Bullwinkle, and by default Dudley Do-Right, did not start in comic strips. They were on tv before they went to comics.

I did not know that, but still...it doesn't feel like Scooby-Doo really fits in with the other characters we see in Toon Lagoon. I mean, if Universal announced today they are tearing down the theater for a dark water ride themed to Scooby-Doo, I'd be excited but I would go with something else first. It doesn't seem like a natural fit to me.

 

[Lucky Planet]

I mean, they could. But I just don't like the fit in that park. USF has lost enough of the movie studio feel, I don't want it becoming another IoA with different lands everywhere themed to a brand.

I'd rather they just build a LOTR land in a 3rd gate, they could start from scratch and have more options. I don't like the fit it has in either of the existing parks. But that is just my personal taste. Universal is after the $$$ right now (can't blame them) and it wouldn't shock me if they shoved the IP in one of these parks.



I did not know that, but still...it doesn't feel like Scooby-Doo really fits in with the other characters we see in Toon Lagoon. I mean, if Universal announced today they are tearing down the theater for a dark water ride themed to Scooby-Doo, I'd be excited but I would go with something else first. It doesn't seem like a natural fit to me.

well the third gate is just a rumor and it might take years and years, It might take forever.

as for the studio feel, Kidzone itself doesn't really have that studio feel either. I mean, I don't think it does.

 

[kimlovesfl]

Kidzone needs to remain a place for small children, because there is nowhere else in the Studios for them. True, it wouldn't hurt to retheme it, but I would not overhaul it so much that the ones to small to ride anything have nowhere to go.

 

[KRAKENvsMANTA]

I am a huge fan of anything Middle Earth-related! With that said, I HATE the idea of re-theming Toon Lagoon for 2 reasons:
1. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love Dudley and Bluto. They are two of the best water rides in Florida, and during the warmer months, are extremely popular. I know it's capacity isn't the greatest, but there's been times when I visited IOA and Dudley has the longest wait time in the park. If you don't like being soaked don't ride them; but I know a lot of people who do enjoy them both immensely. And besides, don't people complain about the lack of family-friendly rides in IOA already? Killing those two would be a poor decision.
2. Middle Earth deserves a land of epic proportions. Toon Lagoon simply isn't big enough to to contain Hobbiton/The Shire, Mirkwood, The Misty Mountains, The Mines of Moria, Rivendell, The Lonely Mountain, Laketown, Rohan, Gondor, Isengard, Fangorn Forest, and of course, Mordor/Mount Doom. This property deserves to be done properly. The only way I see that is through a third gate. What Universal has done with the Harry Potter franchise has me salivating for what's possible with Middle Earth. I don't want to wait that long, but if they do build a third gate, and LOTR/The Hobbit is a big part of it, I believe the wait will be well worth it.

 

[DufflesMcGee]

This needs an update


From Parckscope sean via twitter

"FWIW Martin Smith is reiterating that Uni got LOTR."