JT01
TS Member
Five years is nothing in the theme park industry, especially when you consider how long it typically takes the average person to save for a family holiday to Orlando, which is usually anywhere from 2 to 4 years.
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Universal GB - Archived Pre Announcement Discussion
Tim
TS Member
5 years however is a long time to hold on building a Wicked themed land. I imagine that if they want to commit to that IP it will open at one of the existing universal parks first. Kind of like how California beat Orlando to get Nintendo because they decided to put it in Epic. I'm sure had Epic not been in development it would have been Japan > Florida > California.
Also, what I forgot to mention about Wicked in my previous comment is that I'd definitely wait to hear the reaction to part 2 before fully committing to it. For those that havn't seen the Musical (very minor spoilers ahead) Wicked loosely follows a rise and fall story arc, with the second act being a darker and less upbeat journey for the characters. I think the second part is going to be harder to adapt, and there's a higher risk that it won't be as well received (although I'm sure both critically and financially it will do well).
This also supports it being a better fit as an expansion to an existing park. As we've seen with Epic and Shanghai Disneyland when building a new park you often have to lock in themed areas very early, because the development process is longer.
The Ministry of Magic area seems like a bizarre choice now, but when you consider the park was developed as that film was being released they had no idea it would be poorly received. Had they not been locked into it I'm sure we wouldn't be seeing Wizarding Paris (although what they've made looks stunning).
Likewise Disney took a big gamble on Tron being a massive hit when designing Shanghai. And Pirates of the Caribbean, which was by far their most successful live action IP at the time, got a staggering percentage of thr parks budget. Again, not complaining about either attraction as they are amazing, but they were clearly decision made long in advance of the parks opening.
I'm sure Universal will have noticed and learnt from this.
Also, what I forgot to mention about Wicked in my previous comment is that I'd definitely wait to hear the reaction to part 2 before fully committing to it. For those that havn't seen the Musical (very minor spoilers ahead) Wicked loosely follows a rise and fall story arc, with the second act being a darker and less upbeat journey for the characters. I think the second part is going to be harder to adapt, and there's a higher risk that it won't be as well received (although I'm sure both critically and financially it will do well).
This also supports it being a better fit as an expansion to an existing park. As we've seen with Epic and Shanghai Disneyland when building a new park you often have to lock in themed areas very early, because the development process is longer.
The Ministry of Magic area seems like a bizarre choice now, but when you consider the park was developed as that film was being released they had no idea it would be poorly received. Had they not been locked into it I'm sure we wouldn't be seeing Wizarding Paris (although what they've made looks stunning).
Likewise Disney took a big gamble on Tron being a massive hit when designing Shanghai. And Pirates of the Caribbean, which was by far their most successful live action IP at the time, got a staggering percentage of thr parks budget. Again, not complaining about either attraction as they are amazing, but they were clearly decision made long in advance of the parks opening.
I'm sure Universal will have noticed and learnt from this.
Lord of the rings would be popular, but those who own the rights (which are extremely fractured and complicated) aren’t exactly forthcoming with allowing producers etc to do new films.
Amazon’s rings of power had so many restrictions, one of the reasons why it’s so crap. The only reason they’re plowing ahead with it despite falling viewer numbers is due to the sunk cost fallacy.
So whilst a LoTR land would be amazing and could potentially happen there’s no guarantee there’s going to be any new (decent) tv/movies coming out that aren’t heavily restricted by those who own the rights.
You’d be banking on the original trilogy which are timeless, but surely any theme park operator would want to know there’s going to be new movies/shows coming out within the IP in order to keep it fresh and current within people’s minds. There’s not really that guarantee atm. It’s not like we’re talking about a singular ride, we’re talking a whole land.
Like I said ROP is a car crash when it comes to viewing figures, but in fairness to Amazon they were massively hamstrung from the get go.
Still possible, but not guaranteed. Potter by all accounts is not happening, not in its current form anyway revolving around the movies. But who knows, the TV show will undoubtedly be a hit, there’ll be a whole load of new rights to go for in a few years, maybe that will happen for the UK.
Amazon’s rings of power had so many restrictions, one of the reasons why it’s so crap. The only reason they’re plowing ahead with it despite falling viewer numbers is due to the sunk cost fallacy.
So whilst a LoTR land would be amazing and could potentially happen there’s no guarantee there’s going to be any new (decent) tv/movies coming out that aren’t heavily restricted by those who own the rights.
You’d be banking on the original trilogy which are timeless, but surely any theme park operator would want to know there’s going to be new movies/shows coming out within the IP in order to keep it fresh and current within people’s minds. There’s not really that guarantee atm. It’s not like we’re talking about a singular ride, we’re talking a whole land.
Like I said ROP is a car crash when it comes to viewing figures, but in fairness to Amazon they were massively hamstrung from the get go.
Still possible, but not guaranteed. Potter by all accounts is not happening, not in its current form anyway revolving around the movies. But who knows, the TV show will undoubtedly be a hit, there’ll be a whole load of new rights to go for in a few years, maybe that will happen for the UK.
pluk
TS Member
I think the world is ready for a reboot of the Jaws film franchise, and I am ready for Jaws the ride UK.
I watched Wicked last week and so many moments looked transferable to themepark rides and areas. Boat ride, emerald city, flying monkeys, hit air balloons. All achievable as experiences. I imagine the money being made will mean the franchise rumbles on beyond the first two films as well, maintaining its relevance to visitors.
I watched Wicked last week and so many moments looked transferable to themepark rides and areas. Boat ride, emerald city, flying monkeys, hit air balloons. All achievable as experiences. I imagine the money being made will mean the franchise rumbles on beyond the first two films as well, maintaining its relevance to visitors.
tayspru
TS Member
Plus, the CEO has said there’s already plans in the works so it is happening somewhere
Vekoma Flyer synced to Defying Gravity is a no brainer
Tim
TS Member
I am surprised we haven't seen anouther Vekoma Flyer yet. I've not been on F.L.Y but by all accounts it sounds like it is a fantastic ride, on par if not better than other flyers even if unthemed.
Then again it's been a while since any park has built a flying coaster (besides Phantasialand) so maybe there just isn't demand for them at the moment. They must be quite expensive rides to build and maintain.
Then again it's been a while since any park has built a flying coaster (besides Phantasialand) so maybe there just isn't demand for them at the moment. They must be quite expensive rides to build and maintain.
The_bup
TS Member
The funnest part to me is the seats turning into flying position. It gives you a really nice opportunity for dark ride scenes. In fact, I think that for a dark ride, being strapped to the wall similar to F.L.Y would be really neat. Imagine Droomvlucht, but instead of those bulky, noisy ride cars, you went through the scenes with your legs dangling right over them..
Makes the brake run and getting off nice and comfy though!
Bowser
TS Member
Sounds pretty much like the Harry Potter dark ride at Universal which is one of the most incredible ride experiences I’ve ever been on, praying we get something like that at Universal UK.
Haven’t been on it but Arthur at Europa seems to fit the bill too.
George W
TS Member
Meh maybe unpopular opinion but hardware wise I much prefer a B&M flyer over FLY as it's uncomfortable on my chest and if you plonked FLY down in a field it would be a 5/10 at best it's just a boring layout and doesn't really have any elements.
However because of the thematical masterclass of Rookburgh I do rate FLY as a 9/10 its more focused on taking you on a journey than the ride it'self which is fine.
Taron however is a 9.5/10 as it has the fun layout and the insane theming, it would even be a 10/10 if I hadn't rode velocicoaster.
Universal do a even better job at making incredible rides and making it a full package experience, velocicoaster is enough said, hagrids would still be the best family thrill coaster with light theming but it's the best themed package in the world.
And forbidden journey if we could get that ride system in the UK I'll shut up and they can take my money!
However because of the thematical masterclass of Rookburgh I do rate FLY as a 9/10 its more focused on taking you on a journey than the ride it'self which is fine.
Taron however is a 9.5/10 as it has the fun layout and the insane theming, it would even be a 10/10 if I hadn't rode velocicoaster.
Universal do a even better job at making incredible rides and making it a full package experience, velocicoaster is enough said, hagrids would still be the best family thrill coaster with light theming but it's the best themed package in the world.
And forbidden journey if we could get that ride system in the UK I'll shut up and they can take my money!
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Tim
TS Member
Here's a thought. Let's say they decide not to build Forbidden Journey and so that ride system doesn't come over to the UK. What if they brought over Monsters Unchanged. But not as a clone. Strike a deal with Hammer Horror (I just googled them and surprisingly they do still exist) and update the ride to be a parallel British version with all the tropes from the Hammer series.
Probably won't happen but a neat idea.
I was having a discussion with the missus about the possible IP's we will have if this park goes ahead
I honestly think we will get a Harry Potter IP but perhaps a different ride to what's in the other parks? Like Orlando is the only Harry Potter land in any of Universals parks that has Hagrids, Same with Jurassic World Adventure at the Universal park in Beijing! It's the only one of it's kind in any Universal park even though the Jurassic World/Park IP is in various Universal parks worldwide! Same with Donkey Kong ride only being in Orlando and Japan
So we might get the same IP's as other Universal parks but not necessarily the same rides
I honestly think we will get a Harry Potter IP but perhaps a different ride to what's in the other parks? Like Orlando is the only Harry Potter land in any of Universals parks that has Hagrids, Same with Jurassic World Adventure at the Universal park in Beijing! It's the only one of it's kind in any Universal park even though the Jurassic World/Park IP is in various Universal parks worldwide! Same with Donkey Kong ride only being in Orlando and Japan
So we might get the same IP's as other Universal parks but not necessarily the same rides
Benjsh
TS Member
I think Harry Potter is nailed on to come tbh in some shape or form as it's a license to print money. However they may decide to not replicate the Hogwarts / Hogsmeade areas because UK tourists going over to Florida is a huge huge market for them. Instead they could do something new in that universe to both encourage local and international visitors.
Seen a few early Fan suggestions that they could build rides themed to the Chamber of Secrets, the Tri-wizard Cup or a Quidditch match.
As amazing as the OG Potterverse is with the castle etc.....I think it would be a bit of a shame if they just replicate it all for the umpteenth time.
Seen a few early Fan suggestions that they could build rides themed to the Chamber of Secrets, the Tri-wizard Cup or a Quidditch match.
As amazing as the OG Potterverse is with the castle etc.....I think it would be a bit of a shame if they just replicate it all for the umpteenth time.
Bowser
TS Member
Somewhat related in that John Lithgow revealed he's going to be in the new series and it's scheduled for 10 seasons. It would be insane not to incorporate the IP if that pans out.
Of course there is the chance it gets cancelled far earlier.
John Lithgow: Playing Dumbledore in Harry Potter TV show will 'define me'
The Oscar-nominated star is reportedly "in final talks" to sign up to play the Hogwarts headmaster.
www.bbc.co.uk
ZeldaAlton
TS Member
Tbh I think Harry Potter has to be at the park. I’m sure JK insisted that the actors had to be English and to be filmed in UK. I’ve been on a walking tour around London where you visit those places. They have a Harry Potter shop at Kings Cross station.
Then there’s the Harry Potter studio at Watford (again I’ve been to a few times). It would make sense that Harry Potter fans would visit Watford & Universal in Bedford.
Personally I think it doesn’t make sense and there would be an uproar if they don’t have Harry Potter in the UK. UK is the home of Harry Potter.
I agree that they might not have the same rides but imo Harry Potter is a given. I’ve probably jinxed it now lol
Plus I really want the Forbidden Journey ride because the one in Japan was amazing!
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Then there’s the Harry Potter studio at Watford (again I’ve been to a few times). It would make sense that Harry Potter fans would visit Watford & Universal in Bedford.
Personally I think it doesn’t make sense and there would be an uproar if they don’t have Harry Potter in the UK. UK is the home of Harry Potter.
I agree that they might not have the same rides but imo Harry Potter is a given. I’ve probably jinxed it now lol
Plus I really want the Forbidden Journey ride because the one in Japan was amazing!
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GooseOnTheLoose
TS Member
Regular reminder that any Wizarding World property decisions are out of Universal's hands. Whilst they have a licence agreement to allow them to build Wizarding World themed attractions, it is not an exclusive contract and Warner Bros. Discovery retains the right to refuse the licence for any proposed new attraction.
Warner Bros. Discovery has already submitted plans to extend the Studio Tour London attraction, and it's more than likely that this is to tie in with the Harry Potter Max Series. They are unlikely to cannibalise their own attraction and plans in the UK market, especially as they can have exclusivity.
Any Universal development in the UK, if it does indeed go through, is likely to be successful without Wizarding World attractions. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London would likely falter without the exclusivity.
Props and sets are cool when they're the only thing around, immersion tends to win out. If you need an example of this, look no further than the Universal and Disney parks, which themselves have stripped back their original "studio" and behind the scenes elements, to a point that they barely exist.
Warner Bros. Discovery has already submitted plans to extend the Studio Tour London attraction, and it's more than likely that this is to tie in with the Harry Potter Max Series. They are unlikely to cannibalise their own attraction and plans in the UK market, especially as they can have exclusivity.
Any Universal development in the UK, if it does indeed go through, is likely to be successful without Wizarding World attractions. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London would likely falter without the exclusivity.
Props and sets are cool when they're the only thing around, immersion tends to win out. If you need an example of this, look no further than the Universal and Disney parks, which themselves have stripped back their original "studio" and behind the scenes elements, to a point that they barely exist.
tayspru
TS Member
The flip side of this is that WB in general are short on money, and could potentially have Universal pay over the odds to use the brand.
That being said, if we go back to the concept art HP was nowhere to be seen. It’s not as though they’re short on concept designs of Hogwarts to copy and paste onto it; so the most likely outcome is there’s little will to include HP in this project
Bowser
TS Member
I don’t believe there was any identifiable IP on the concept art (for obvious reasons) nor was it ever shown to be a legitimate piece?
tayspru
TS Member
Definitely identifiably a Jurassic World area, if I remember correctly minions were spotted and there was a copy paste of both Hulk and Stardust Racers too. It was found by Alicia Stella who broke the whole project way before anything was public so no reason to doubt it