[🌎 Universal GB] General Discussion

[Quantum]

I'm not sold on Wicked coming to UGB, but that's mostly cos I want LOTR and feel it's the perfect IP for our Park. As much as people insinuated the BBC was touting twitter rumours, they did state LOTR, Bond and Paddington was part of UGB, there was no mention of Wicked and I'm of the mind BBC had an actual source and wasn't spreading conjecture.

*edit* Reading the article it very much hints at Epic being the place for Wicked. UGB was just a comment on where we're at in the process and there was nothing about IP's or anything of that sort.

That's pretty much my feelings also. The OZ IP is very American so it would be odd to see it happen in UGB first. It's not an IP that excites me like LOTR which lends itself more to big showpiece rides

 

[Bowser]

That's pretty much my feelings also. The OZ IP is very American so it would be odd to see it happen in UGB first. It's not an IP that excites me like LOTR which lends itself more to big showpiece rides

Same. But then BTTF is very American too so i think much of it is down to personal preference. Personally i'd prefer LOTR as i like the franchise but i've no doubt a Wicked themed land executed with the quality of Universal would be a joy even without any knowledge of the franchise.

 

[Benjsh]

Isn't there some big Wicked Extravaganza taking place at Epic Universe in the next few months? It's only one day ahead of the release of the new film but I'd wager the fact they are doing it at Epic points to the future perhaps. Maybe they will announce a Wicked Land off the back of it? Who knows.

Epic Universe and LOTR wouldn't work that well either for me. Not because of the popularity because Americans are mad on it but from the aspect that they already have Dark Universe AND Harry Potter in that park. A LOTR area would seem overkill for me. Too much Wizardry and Dark powers at play in one park for sure. At least with Wicked it's a little more light hearted and the Wizard isn't actually a real wizard at all.

 

[GooseOnTheLoose]

At least with Wicked it's a little more light hearted and the Wizard isn't actually a real wizard at all.

Though the witches are real witches and with it being a Wicked themed land, not Wizard of Oz, the focus would be on them.

 

[Benjsh]

Though the witches are real witches and with it being a Wicked themed land, not Wizard of Oz, the focus would be on them.

True but it's definitely something that little girls and boys go mad for. Not scary in the slightest really compared to some of the darker characters in Lord of the rings. Sauron, Witch King, Balrog etc.

I don't see Epic getting a 5th portal for at least 8-10 years. I believe all the rumours on expansion point to extensions to Nintendo, Potter and Dark Universe before they think about adding a new portal. 2035 for the 10th year anniversary would be my guess for the 5th Portal.

 

[KolonelKlink]

Something not quoted in that Deadline article is Woodbury’s desire not to “cannibalise” demand among UK tourists to the Orlando parks:


From: https://x.com/boardwalktimes/status/1963608222075376074?s=46&t=OuG-53CJRHzzDVEPmDXGSg


Make of that what you will.

 

[Benjsh]

Something not quoted in that Deadline article is Woodbury’s desire not to “cannibalise” demand among UK tourists to the Orlando parks:


From: https://x.com/boardwalktimes/status/1963608222075376074?s=46&t=OuG-53CJRHzzDVEPmDXGSg


Make of that what you will.

I think we've all already accepted that would likely be the case. The last thing they are going to do is give Brits (and other Europeans) less reasons to go to Orlando so they are going to have to make it different enough.

Jurassic and Minions not so different of course, however instead of the Jurassic boat ride i think we're more likely going to get something similar to what Beijing have. That would be unique enough.

The other 2/3 lands will have to be unique and things you dont find in Orlando or Hollywood.

 

[Ted]

Something not quoted in that Deadline article is Woodbury’s desire not to “cannibalise” demand among UK tourists to the Orlando parks:


From: https://x.com/boardwalktimes/status/1963608222075376074?s=46&t=OuG-53CJRHzzDVEPmDXGSg


Make of that what you will.

I think Universal said this when the plans first came out iirc

It makes perfect sense, but it also has the other perspective of getting people to the UK from other countries to visit as well