This Just In - Current USH Happenings

[Jonathan]

According to AECOM in their 2013 Theme Index, which estimated that USH had an increase of 200,000 guests from 2012 to 2013. That's an increase of 4%.

 

[Jon Fu]

More information: http://insideuniversal.net/2014/06/universal-posts-modest-4-gain-in-attendance-based-on-estimates/

 

[transfo]

More information: http://insideuniversal.net/2014/06/universal-posts-modest-4-gain-in-attendance-based-on-estimates/

Hey, we're in the top 10!

 

[RyanTTD]

Man, SeaWorld/Busch parks look like they are in serious trouble. I think this is the third year in a row where all their theme parks saw attendance losses. 

Really sucks too, they have some of the best parks in the world.

 

[William]

This is when we really start to see Comcast's efforts really pay off.

 

[transfo]

Man, SeaWorld/Busch parks look like they are in serious trouble. I think this is the third year in a row where all their theme parks saw attendance losses. 

Really sucks too, they have some of the best parks in the world.

Yes it is, and a shame too. I always had a thing for San Diego, more specifically, Journey to Atlantis. I doubt that'll stay open for long, though.

 

[Jon Fu]

IMG_4462 by InsideUniversal.net, on Flickr

 

[William]

Meant to share a photo of that new sign, oh well. Major improvement from the former sign. Better placement, 3D visuals, bright text.

 

[transfo]

On the topic of signs, I visited today and noticed that the lettering for the big WAIT TIMES sign at the front of the park has changed to a new font with red outlining, and the ones at the beginning of both ends of the StarWay have changed their font as well. I'm not able to say this for sure, I don't really pay much attention to fonts in the park, so cab someone confirm/deny this?

 

[Allen The Actor]

I think they changed it a while ago as far as I know...

 

[transfo]

I think they changed it a while ago as far as I know...

Oh alright thanks.

 

[RyanTTD]

The Buy a Day, Get 2014 free pass has switched over to Buy a Day, Get a YEAR free.

They have also increased the number of Blockout days associated with that pass. All but two days in July and most of August is now blocked.

https://secure.universalstudios.com/webstore/shop/ItemDetailPopUp.aspx?SalesChannelDetailID=35513406

 

[BernardMesa]

Wasn't sure where to put this but USH isn't even in the top 5 for this. 

http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-theme-park/universal-studios-hollywood-los-angeles/

 

[William]

Might I point out that this is a poll for top theme parks, and Six Flags parks take the top two spots?

Theme parks are not the same as amusement parks, people!

 

[Bonkers]

BLASPHEMY!!!!! How does Six Flags have the top 2 spots?

Great adventure and Magic Mountain are fun parks, but they shouldn't be in the top 5.

Six Flags in general should only be #1 when it comes to thrill rides (inc. coasters), crappy theming, and bad management.

 

[BernardMesa]

BLASPHEMY!!!!! How does Six Flags have the top 2 spots?

Great adventure and Magic Mountain are fun parks, but they shouldn't be in the top 5.

Six Flags in general should only be #1 when it comes to thrill rides (inc. coasters), crappy theming, and bad management.

I only found out about the poll because Six Flags posted about it on Facebook. That's probably why they are in 1st. 

 

[Bonkers]

Theme parks are not the same as amusement parks, people!

William (or somebody else) can you explain the difference? I always thought they were just different names. (i.e. Film and Movie)

And with Universal/Disney being theme parks, and Six Flags being amusement parks, where do parks like Legoland, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Dollywood, and Knott's lie?

 

[William]

William (or somebody else) can you explain the difference? I always thought they were just different names. (i.e. Film and Movie)

And with Universal/Disney being theme parks, and Six Flags being amusement parks, where do parks like Legoland, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Dollywood, and Knott's lie?

This is how I define them: Theme parks have differently themed areas, and their main goal is immersion. Amusement parks, on the other hand, are all about thrills. They don't put forth much effort toward theming or immersion.

In my opinion, parks like Knott's or Busch Gardens (which I'm not super familiar with) are a cross between the two. SeaWorld is a lousy excuse of entertainment which showcases tortured animals, so I won't even get into that. Haha.

No offense to those who are fans of SeaWorld. I just don't think they're for everyone, and the idea of a cross between an aquatic zoo and a theme park boggles my mind.

 

[Allen The Actor]

I think the names "theme park and "amusement park" are kind of even self-explanatory!

Theme park is about theme and immersion (which can be done through thrills, shows, grand sights, slow rides or other attractions), like Disneyland (and all its sister parks), Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, and all the Universal Parks, as well as a few of the "none famous" parks in Europe and Korea.

Amusement parks are parks with mostly generic thrill rides or carnival/off the shelf rides and occasionally have a licensed brand name/character slapped on the entrance to make it more themed. Basically, Six Flags and any other similar park.

I still count a park like IOA or DCA a theme park even if it has a few amusement park thrill rides since they're still more themed than not. (Although DCA was borderline amusement park in 2001...)

Parks like Knotts, SeaWorld, and Disney's Animal Kingdom are hybrids. Knotts is trying to return to its theme park roots, and SeaWorld/DAK are zoo/theme park hybrids (even if DAK always claimed "NaüghtAhZoo" or whatever when it opened lol)

 

[Bonkers]

This is how I define them: Theme parks have differently themed areas, and their main goal is immersion. Amusement parks, on the other hand, are all about thrills. They don't put forth much effort toward theming or immersion.

In my opinion, parks like Knott's or Busch Gardens (which I'm not super familiar with) are a cross between the two. SeaWorld is a lousy excuse of entertainment which showcases tortured animals, so I won't even get into that. Haha.

No offense to those who are fans of SeaWorld. I just don't think they're for everyone, and the idea of a cross between an aquatic zoo and a theme park boggles my mind.

I think the names "theme park and "amusement park" are kind of even self-explanatory!

Theme park is about theme and immersion (which can be done through thrills, shows, grand sights, slow rides or other attractions), like Disneyland (and all its sister parks), Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, and all the Universal Parks, as well as a few of the "none famous" parks in Europe and Korea.

Amusement parks are parks with mostly generic thrill rides or carnival/off the shelf rides and occasionally have a licensed brand name/character slapped on the entrance to make it more themed. Basically, Six Flags and any other similar park.

I still count a park like IOA or DCA a theme park even if it has a few amusement park thrill rides since they're still more themed than not. (Although DCA was borderline amusement park in 2001...)

Parks like Knotts, SeaWorld, and Disney's Animal Kingdom are hybrids. Knotts is trying to return to its theme park roots, and SeaWorld/DAK are zoo/theme park hybrids (even if DAK always claimed "NaüghtAhZoo" or whatever when it opened lol)

Thanks guys!!!