We all can argue back and forth every day about the longevity of each and every kid-centric IP, as well as the plausibility of the idea of it coming to Universal, until we die. But like many have said, there isnt one magic IP thats going to just 'cure' the drab KidZone.
The problem with this guessing game is that we are arguing the popularity and longevity of franchises without thinking of how they translate into theme park attractions. For example, My Little Pony may be popular right now--it may have huge viewership and tons of merchandise potential, but does that make it right for a theme park attraction? Would it attract the audience that Universal wants to attract? Or are we just suggesting it incessantly because its the only franchise at the top of our heads that has popularity with children at the moment?
What we arent considering is that many theme park rides can be based on IP's that arent neccesarily catered TO children but can still work as great kids rides. I know theres a great Sesame Street ride in Singapore, but think about who that kind of property attracts in America...little kids who probably dont appreciate large-scale dark rides anyway. Then think about something like Transformers, a property that is most certainly not kid-friendly by most standards yet has lent itself to a ride that is enjoyed by all ages. Its not about the property, but about the ride that is created. My daughters favorite attraction (besides Despicable Me) is Storm Force Accelatron, and she doesnt give a rats tail about the X-Men. My other daughter is really partial to Men in Black, though she hasnt seen the movie and probably wont until shes a little older. But both those properties, though they wouldnt really come to peoples mind at first as making great kid rides, offer themes that everyone, even children, can relate to, and lend themselves to solid ride systems that arent super intense. Its about the story and attraction itself, not the IP, IMO.
So we can all talk about how great My Little Pony is...in the TV forum. Because Im sure lots of people do like it and think its successful. But HERE, I feel like the focus shouldnt be on the popularity or G-ratedness of each and every property, but moreso what properties will lend themselves to solid rides that can be enjoyed by children.