The Future of PortAventura

[AlexanderMBush]

The problem with the UK is Brexit. It would have totally worked in the UK ten years ago, but now their travel and work restrictions have just made the prospect of building a competitive resort almost impossible.

I feel like that's partial projecting towards that of the country in politics; especially as I don't think Tourism has been diminishing (or maybe it is, and I am just an idiot).

I also will reaffirm this: they don't need a full on Universal park in Europe. Lest they wanna bleed into international tourism trekking to UOR; I would genuinely argue there would be more of a benefit for an indoor version of Universal Kids debuting in Frisco. It's a core family market that would not really enroach into either HHN or Universal Orlando proper.

 

[Dan Cooper]

Plus a good weather spot that doesn't have cold winters like Paris. UK'ers, as an example, love to vacation in Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Greek Islands/Greece.

Some leaks seem to indicate they would be taking a mixed approach. For example, both Italy and Turkey were being surveyed by Universal for the construction of beachside hotel resorts.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I feel like that's partial projecting towards that of the country in politics; especially as I don't think Tourism has been diminishing (or maybe it is, and I am just an idiot).

I also will reaffirm this: they don't need a full on Universal park in Europe. Lest they wanna bleed into international tourism trekking to UOR; I would genuinely argue there would be more of a benefit for an indoor version of Universal Kids debuting in Frisco. It's a core family market that would not really enroach into either HHN or Universal Orlando proper.

I don't believe a full Universal Park will take away from tourism to Orlando. They could ignore Potter in Europe (as odd as it sounds with the UK close by) and offer some of the typical Universal attractions as a teaser of what could be found at UOR. Give them Transformers, Minions, Jurassic World, Water World, etc.

 

[Disneyhead]

I have no info regarding this but it wouldn't be the first time Comcast bought back something that was sold off during the Blackstone years.

 

[Dan Cooper]

I feel like that's partial projecting towards that of the country in politics; especially as I don't think Tourism has been diminishing (or maybe it is, and I am just an idiot).

I also will reaffirm this: they don't need a full on Universal park in Europe. Lest they wanna bleed into international tourism trekking to UOR; I would genuinely argue there would be more of a benefit for an indoor version of Universal Kids debuting in Frisco. It's a core family market that would not really enroach into either HHN or Universal Orlando proper.

Brexit ‘massively damaged’ inbound sector and UK reputation | Travel Weekly

Industry leaders highlight impacts on youth market and mobility

travelweekly.co.uk

French and German tourists turn their back on Brexit Britain

Industry leaders fear new entry restrictions and the UK’s tarnished image among some Europeans have caused a decline in EU visitors

www.theguardian.com

Even if this wasn't true, Spain remains the n°1 country in terms of touristic appeal and visitors. I do agree that a Frisco like park would benefit London, but I feel like that market cap has already been occupied by Legoland Windsor and Chessington.

Perhaps Paris would be a better location for such park, as it could easily complement the Disneyland Paris offerings. Have a Universal Park dedicated to the little ones, just a few train stops away from the resort.

About the full blown Universal park... Yes, we need it. Our parks are filled to the brim and Disneyland Paris has little to no real competition. Just for reference, PortAventura cannot handle the crowds it's currently getting, and the same goes for Puy du Fou Spain.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I have no info regarding this but it wouldn't be the first time Comcast bought back something that was sold off during the Blackstone years.

how the turn tables

Brexit ‘massively damaged’ inbound sector and UK reputation | Travel Weekly

Industry leaders highlight impacts on youth market and mobility

travelweekly.co.uk

French and German tourists turn their back on Brexit Britain

Industry leaders fear new entry restrictions and the UK’s tarnished image among some Europeans have caused a decline in EU visitors

www.theguardian.com

Even if this wasn't true, Spain remains the n°1 country in terms of touristic appeal and visitors. I do agree that a Frisco like park would benefit London, but I feel like that market cap has already been occupied by Legoland Windsor and Chessington.

Nobody is suggesting Spain isn't the place to be, we're just trying to wrap our heads around the legitimacy of it all. Universal is a market shaker, they have strong brands that could easily compete.

 

[Dan Cooper]

I have no info regarding this but it wouldn't be the first time Comcast bought back something that was sold off during the Blackstone years.

Universal was in China way before Disney, with an "experience" in Downtown Beijing. A shopping district of sorts and a film exhibition.

Universal seems to be pursuing the same objectives they had under Vivendi. In the last 15 years they have purchased Orlando and Japan, and they have returned to Beijing. Universal Mediterranea is the only one left. Considering it was the first resort to be directly developed and managed by today's Universal Destinations and Experiences higher ups (such as Mark Woodbury), a return to the resort would just make sense.

 

[Dan Cooper]

how the turn tables


Nobody is suggesting Spain isn't the place to be, we're just trying to wrap our heads around the legitimacy of it all. Universal is a market shaker, they have strong brands that could easily compete.

Comcast is planning an european takeover. They have been hiring workers all over Europe, both for their cable and mobile network offerings. The theme parks and other experiences appear to just be the tip of the iceberg.

Edit: The film procution side of the company also appears to be involved.

 

[Mad Dog]

Weather like in UK wouldn’t be a problem with many indoor attractions and facilities,,

Sure,,,but the Brits like to go on holiday in the sun.

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

Has anyone here who's from the States been to Port Aventura?

 

[Nico]

I feel like that's partial projecting towards that of the country in politics; especially as I don't think Tourism has been diminishing (or maybe it is, and I am just an idiot).

I also will reaffirm this: they don't need a full on Universal park in Europe. Lest they wanna bleed into international tourism trekking to UOR; I would genuinely argue there would be more of a benefit for an indoor version of Universal Kids debuting in Frisco. It's a core family market that would not really enroach into either HHN or Universal Orlando proper.

I’ve been thinking about this as well. What could be a smaller offering based on the direction of Destinations & Resorts. Is it a Universal Kids park, a buy out, or just a straight up brand new park?

 

[Dan Cooper]

Has anyone here who's from the States been to Port Aventura?

Those who have been to both Islands of Adventure and Port Aventura say they have an extremely similar / almost identical vibe to them. From the transitions between areas, their layout and detail.

PA's Poseidon's Fury (called Templo del Fuego) is still operating too

 

[Dan Cooper]

For those asking "Why not Madrid?", here's why

 

[Mad Dog]

Just looked at the website. Beautiful park, though heavy on flat rides and coasters. The main thing I liked is there were lots and lots of shows. Unfortunately, if Universal does buy it, they'll probably shut down most of them.

 

[Dan Cooper]

Just looked at the website. Beautiful park, though heavy on flat rides and coasters. The main thing I liked is there were lots and lots of shows. Unfortunately, if Universal does buy it, they'll probably shut down most of them.

The shows are... not that good. They used to be more varied and even fit thematically with the land they were in. However, the current "artistic director" prefers to spend 80% of his department's money into a "big show" (directed by him, changes every 4 months) rather than diversifying the show variety or buying good quality decorations.

They have recently brought back Universal's street performers though; Far West citizens, border patrol (between Far West and Mexico), a lost explorer in the Mexico jungle, etc.

Edit: Most of the shows are from the Universal era, but over the years they have been twisted until becoming almost unrecognizable.

Edit 2: Most high ranking executives of the park have already been told they will be replaced by the new owners.


Source of the pics

 

[Dan Cooper]

 

[Mad Dog]

Thanks for the info and pics.

 

[TheUniC6]

I'm all for a Universal park in Europe, but it should be built from the ground up. I also think it should be fully fledged and not a Frisco scale project.

 

[wutisgood]

I watched the video and am still confused. Some certification? They make it sound like they bought portaventura. It sounds like a multi level marketing video.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

I watched the video and am still confused. Some certification? They make it sound like they bought portaventura. It sounds like a multi level marketing video.

someone can and will correct me--but it is a certification of measures they are taking going forward to reduce carbon.

Think like, Green Is Universal; but not at all affiliated with them.