Transformers: The Ride - Summer 2013

[Jwhee]

Should I record the ride?

 

[romo]

I'm like right middle counting 5 in will try to keep track

 

[rotcav]

So how do I post pics from my iPhone?

 

[BrianC]

I use the photobucket app, then paste the image code

 

[Starwarsfan13]

When she opening, the doors arn't open yet

 

[Gambit]

They moved everyone waiting into the line due to complaints from other guest just trying to get through. LOL.

 

[Codeblak]

It's open.

 

[ulto]

They moved everyone waiting into the line due to complaints from other guest just trying to get through. LOL.

That would be hilarious if true.

 

[romo]

Ok officially happening

 

[Gambit]

It's open! 90min wait.

 

[romo]

 

[BJCool]

From Universal News

 

[TylerDurden]

That overflow line is going to be very interesting this Summer. Everything I've heard states the entire queue can only hold up to ninety minutes worth of guests. This Summer, we are definitely going to see this line go much longer than that. Heck, DM had longer wait times than that last summer. I have heard some people talk about there being holes drilled into the actual street to allow for even more queue, but I haven't gone and seen it with my own two eyes. Yet.

I wouldn't be too worried. You guys are wayyyy overhyping the crowds that will be seen this summer. I would actually expect crowds only slightly larger than DM. Here's why:

1. The appeal of Transformers does not travel far past North America. Parts of Asia love it, and that's about it. South America and Europe are not as into Transformers, at least not enough to warrant an international trip.

2. Now that you know who Transformers' fans are, let's think. In North America, the people who really wanted to ride the ride would've gone to Hollywood to ride it. So the West Coast theme park fans have already experienced and aren't going to bother coming all the way to Orlando just yet. Harry Potter is still coming. This goes for Asians too, who travel to California more than Florida anyway, so they won't justify a trip either. The way I see it, you're going to see a lot of Floridians and people from the East Coast who are fans, but not die-hard enough fans to go see it in Hollywood.

3. Even to locals, Transformers hasn't quite proven it's draw. I have it on good authority that merchandise has been underselling big time, especially when compared to Despicable Me. Transformers also doesn't quite have the mass appeal of Despicable Me, with a PG-13 rating and more intense nature in the attraction itself. So even the local people you think are going to flock to it will come in lower numbers than you all are probably expecting.

Honestly, the overflow queue should be just fine. I could be completely wrong, but it's my best guess (which is a good one considering who I know) that the Transformers summer will not be the summer to end all summers. Especially with Harry Potter down the road.

 

[Hatetofly]

Freaking sweet, love this ride!!

 

[USO92]

Quite happy for all of you! Hopefully will see you guys out there tomorrow!

 

[BrianC]

Anyone done riding wanna meet up?

 

[SinkoM]

I wouldn't be too worried. You guys are wayyyy overhyping the crowds that will be seen this summer. I would actually expect crowds only slightly larger than DM. Here's why:

1. The appeal of Transformers does not travel far past North America. Parts of Asia love it, and that's about it. South America and Europe are not as into Transformers, at least not enough to warrant an international trip.

2. Now that you know who Transformers' fans are, let's think. In North America, the people who really wanted to ride the ride would've gone to Hollywood to ride it. So the West Coast theme park fans have already experienced and aren't going to bother coming all the way to Orlando just yet. Harry Potter is still coming. This goes for Asians too, who travel to California more than Florida anyway, so they won't justify a trip either. The way I see it, you're going to see a lot of Floridians and people from the East Coast who are fans, but not die-hard enough fans to go see it in Hollywood.

3. Even to locals, Transformers hasn't quite proven it's draw. I have it on good authority that merchandise has been underselling big time, especially when compared to Despicable Me. Transformers also doesn't quite have the mass appeal of Despicable Me, with a PG-13 rating and more intense nature in the attraction itself. So even the local people you think are going to flock to it will come in lower numbers than you all are probably expecting.

Honestly, the overflow queue should be just fine. I could be completely wrong, but it's my best guess (which is a good one considering who I know) that the Transformers summer will not be the summer to end all summers. Especially with Harry Potter down the road.

I am going to just say this...

You are vastly underhyping the expected crowds this Summer.

Just saying. We'll see who is right at the end of Summer.

 

[Felipe]

According to OrlandoInformer, about 15 minutes ago there was a posted 75-minute wait time, and currently a 60-minute posted wait time. Also, Single Riders open.

Have an awesome time all of you guys who are there right now!!

 

[Clive]

I am going to just say this...

You are vastly underhyping the expected crowds this Summer.

Just saying. We'll see who is right at the end of Summer.

Yeah, I dunno, I'm inclined to agree with you. The Transformers films had exceptionally strong international grosses, in addition to strong national box office results...

I guess I'm wondering, Tyler, where you're getting your info on South America and Europe. I don't have any info that contradicts what you're saying, but it's also not a commonly accepted fact that Transformers are *only* popular in America and Asia. South American tour groups are likely to come to Florida for the season anyway... if they see "big new thrill ride opened at Universal Studios," I think it's highly likely they'll make a stop there in addition to Disney or Sea World or wherever else.

As for traveling... keep in mind Transformers The Ride has only been open a couple of years in Cali. For a lot of people in the United States, at least, it takes a lot of planning and $$ to travel there (myself included), so many haven't had a chance to check the ride out in that state. Thus, everyone who might've been considering a pricey trip to Cali will now maybe instead travel to a closer, more inexpensive Orlando for their vacation since one of Hollywood's biggest draws is now here, too.

Harry Potter I think is a nonfactor for now. It was announced so recently and so suddenly that it'll have a minimal impact on vacations made this summer - they're already booked, and the locals who MIGHT've held off will come for Transformers. Holidays, yeah, I could see crowds being adversely affected. By how much, who can say, but a lot of vacations for that are probably booked already, too.

Merchandise-wise... I have no insight there and won't argue. I could see that being the case, as I personally don't see a lot of appeal in the merchandise on hand. (I'm also just not a big fan of the Transformers as a brand, though I enjoy the films as popcorn entertainment and am excited for the ride). I will say the Chocolate Allspark and Bumblebee Souvenir Cups are really cool, unique gifts. I expect Energon will be a big hit, too, when it's finally introduced.

 

[ulto]

BrianC - I'm up for it, I'm walking through the entrance to city walk now