Universal Studios Florida: What Do We Think About It?

[GA-MBIT]

It's definitely curious. The park needs new developments ASAP. I understand logistically why EU expansion is important to keep that initial hype going for a longer period of time, but USF is so clearly struggling in so many different ways.

Pokemon in Simpsons, if done appropriately and with the same MO they seem to be taking with Mine Kart Madness, MoM, and Monsters, could be an incredible draw that really elevates the backside of the park. A proper daytime replacement for FFL is the least we can ask for. Supercharged, HRRR, and I'd argue Minion Mayhem are all prime spots for redevelopment. I would hope there'd be some pressing desire to see at least a good chunk of that figured out by 2030, when Disney's current expansion timeline seems to end.

We've talked forever about the faults of USF. Lack of variety and overuse of simulators/screenz, half-hearted additions, a number of the full-chest additions not living up to the hype, weird structure, lack of thematic cohesion. I'd argue the park has gotten better with time, but I really would love to see a full USF 3.0 as it were take place, and I think it's relatively necessary to keep it up to snuff with EU and IoA long-term.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Alicia has hinted that it's possible the HRRR replacement may not be on track (pardon the pun) to get rolling next year.

IF that's the case, Universal would not appear to feel any urgency to address this park's deficits as soon as possible post-Epic Universe. Their initial ticket offerings for Epic imply they're worried (to at least some degree) about attendance here, but there does not seem* to be a corresponding desire to get new (significant) projects into an active state... again, IF the HRRR replacement isn't materializing quickly.

*Based on what we know, which isn't everything, because none of us are in the rooms where the discussions are taking place.

I think Pokémon is going to be a Potter level, if not larger space wise, project than a new attraction. Feels like they’re waiting for construction to wind down on Epic before they commit to any timelines. That’s how it feels from a far. I don’t doubt Universal wants to continue building and building, but seeing a response to their biggest project in decades, as well as only having so many construction workers available, I can’t say I’m shocked.

We underestimate how massive of a project Epic Universe is and that unfortunately means uncertainty for the other 2 parks that have been open for 2 decades. Stinks but they’re next to get the bump, whenever that is.

 

[TheUniC6]

think Pokémon is going to be a Potter level, if not larger space wise, project than a new attraction. Feels like they’re waiting for construction to wind down on Epic before they commit to any timelines.

Perhaps this means maybe Universal (hopefully) is considering fast tracking Pokemon. Perhaps this may have something to do with the terms of the contract considering it seems like the version at USH will be the next thing addressed once Hollywood Drift comes online there.

 

[GAcoaster]

I have heard there is active development on two projects— HRRR and Fast & Furious. I don’t have any timelines, just word that work is happening to replace both in the not too distant future.

My suspicion is the new coaster is themed to F&F and the existing ride gets replaced with a new IP/ride system. Just a hunch…

 

[belloq87]

Getting rid of Supercharged for a completely different kind of attraction would be a great start.

 

[OrlLover]

I think Pokémon is going to be a Potter level, if not larger space wise, project than a new attraction. Feels like they’re waiting for construction to wind down on Epic before they commit to any timelines. That’s how it feels from a far. I don’t doubt Universal wants to continue building and building, but seeing a response to their biggest project in decades, as well as only having so many construction workers available, I can’t say I’m shocked.

We underestimate how massive of a project Epic Universe is and that unfortunately means uncertainty for the other 2 parks that have been open for 2 decades. Stinks but they’re next to get the bump, whenever that is.

Yea I think this discussion would be more interesting once Epic is finally open and running smoothly.

Their main focus is making sure that park is as successful as possible.

 

[OhHaiInternet95]

Getting rid of Supercharged for a completely different kind of attraction would be a great start.

If not SLoP, Twisters or Beetlejuice works!

 

[TheUniC6]

I have heard there is active development on two projects— HRRR and Fast & Furious. I don’t have any timelines, just word that work is happening to replace both in the not too distant future.

My suspicion is the new coaster is themed to F&F and the existing ride gets replaced with a new IP/ride system. Just a hunch…

Glad to hear that ridding the park of F&F has jumped up the priority list. Hopefully once Epic is up and running rumors as to what those would be will leak out.

 

[Legacy]

F&F gets replaced with Wicked…

 

[TheUniC6]

F&F gets replaced with Wicked…

That would definitely be a way to fast track it for the parks, but part of me hopes they go for a full on land to do the IP justice rather than a standalone ride in the SF section of USF.

 

[Crypt Keeper]

If not SLoP, Twisters or Beetlejuice works!

I will forever advocate for a large-scale Scooby-Doo dark ride to replace Supercharged.

 

[belloq87]

I will forever advocate for a large-scale Scooby-Doo dark ride to replace Supercharged.

I'd prefer it on the Toon Lagoon theater plot in IOA, but I'd take one in USF, sure.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Fast is a functioning ride, whether you like it or not (it even has a sponsor). Lost Continent has to be the priority, followed by Rip and Simpsons, systems nearing the end of their lifespan.

 

[GA-MBIT]

Fast is a functioning ride, whether you like it or not (it even has a sponsor). Lost Continent has to be the priority, followed by Rip and Simpsons, systems nearing the end of their lifespan.

I just can't agree unfortunately. RRR and Simpsons should probably be figured out before Supercharged, if only because SC is relatively young, but Lost Continent is a pure non-issue to me atm. Current IoA without Poseidon's is an infinitely better park than the current state of USF.

 

[belloq87]

At the very least, I think we can agree there are many areas that need work.

 

[DodgsonHere]

Islands latest additions have just been absolute mega hits so I’m in the camp with being fine with Lost Continent sitting a little while longer. It’s still a nicer area to be in than around HRRR or around the FFL theater.

A *good* big coaster to replace HRRR will be a huge draw for USF, I’m excited to see it regardless of which IP they go with.

 

[Legacy]

 

[TheUniC6]

Apparently the stretch that includes the FFL stage and MIB is about 4-5 ish acres about the size of Dragon Alley. You could make pretty immersive land in this plot. This might be next on the to do right after Pokemon.

 

[belloq87]

Getting rid of one of the two best rides in the park would be a horrible, tragic mistake.

Replacing a dark ride with a dark ride is not what the park needs. It needs (some) simulator/screen-heavy rides replaced with (some) dark rides, or built on under-utilized areas.

USF needs to gain non-screen-intensive rides.

 

[TheUniC6]

Getting rid of one of the two best rides in the park would be a horrible, tragic mistake.

Replacing a dark ride with a dark ride is not what the park needs. It needs (some) simulator/screen-heavy rides replaced with (some) dark rides, or built on under-utilized areas.

USF needs to gain non-screen-intensive rides.

As said before Pokemon will more than likely give USF that family level dark ride, and one that will probably even exceed Pets as well in terms of quality. And it's certainly coming before they touch MIB/FFL.