[🌎 Universal GB] General Discussion

[Benjsh]

JK is incredibly strict in what she allows Universal to do, she would never allow them to build a single attraction. That's the thing Disney wanted to do and she flatly rejected it.

Epic Universe mustn't have got the memo.

A single ride and a show and not only that but they are from different franchises and based in two different countries. Whilst individually they are perfectly fine attractions, together they make very little sense thematically. How did that get the seal of approval if what you're saying is correct?

They have already said that they don't want to replicate what's in Florida and I believe them.

 

[Blackrock]

Epic Universe mustn't have got the memo.

A single ride and a show and not only that but they are from different franchises and based in two different countries. Whilst individually they are perfectly fine attractions, together they make very little sense thematically. How did that get the seal of approval if what you're saying is correct?

They have already said that they don't want to replicate what's in Florida and I believe them.

The Harry Potter (Paris) portal was supposed to have another huge attraction upon opening, that’s rumoured to be one of the next things they’ll be building in the expansion plot.

There’s also multiple shop fronts that are actually shops which haven’t yet been opened that no doubt will be over the next couple of years.

Granted the whole Paris/British ministry combo is weird, I guess the whole floo powder thing gave them a loophole.

If they’re doing potter I can’t see it being a single attraction. Personally I’d like a whole forbidden forest area, we like dark themes over here and it hasn’t been done yet.

 

[Benjsh]

The Harry Potter (Paris) portal was supposed to have another huge attraction upon opening, that’s rumoured to be one of the next things they’ll be building in the expansion plot.

There’s also multiple shop fronts that are actually shops which haven’t yet been opened that no doubt will be over the next couple of years.

Granted the whole Paris/British ministry combo is weird, I guess the whole floo powder thing gave them a loophole.

If they’re doing potter I can’t see it being a single attraction. Personally I’d like a whole forbidden forest area, we like dark themes over here and it hasn’t been done yet.

I just got back from Orlando 3 weeks ago and the Potter area was the weakest bit of Epic Universe for me.

Im sure whatever they come up with will be good. I just think yet another Hogwarts and Forbidden Journey ride would be such an anti climax.

 

[Mick]

I don’t know if anyone knows but was the second Wizarding World attraction in Epic supposed to be Fantastic Beasts related and that’s why they shelved it, due to the films not being popular? Or was it due to any other issues such meeting timescale or budget issues?

If it was due to going back to the drawing board on Fantastic Beasts, I think they need to bite the bullet on that and put an attraction in that fits wizarding Paris rather than try and crowbar in something else HP related that at best is an awkward fit, and at worst is a mess.

 

[Benjsh]

I don’t know if anyone knows but was the second Wizarding World attraction in Epic supposed to be Fantastic Beasts related and that’s why they shelved it, due to the films not being popular? Or was it due to any other issues such meeting timescale or budget issues?

If it was due to going back to the drawing board on Fantastic Beasts, I think they need to bite the bullet on that and put an attraction in that fits wizarding Paris rather than try and crowbar in something else HP related that at best is an awkward fit, and at worst is a mess.

I felt the whole area was soulless personally. Spectacular buildings and sight lines don't get me wrong but it just didn't land for me. Not being a big fan of Fantastic beats obviously didn't help either. Can't help but watch those films and just think you're watching a poorer version of Harry Potter. That's never a good thing is it?

It's too late now of course but I'm sure there are big regrets already of going with Fantastic Beasts. Another Potter dedicated area wasn't needed of course, however I think it would have been better doing that than what they did.

 

[Maelstrom]

I actually really liked the potter area of epic so everyone is different- by far the worse area for me was Nintendo where lots love that area.

The second attraction planned for the Potter area was a VR broom stick attraction. You would have gone through the Paris ministry of magic and then there would been various rooms set up with broom sticks (multiple rooms to help with capacity) you mount the broomstick and put on the attached VR headset. During Covid and the delay at epic they moved the attraction to the studios park as they felt studios needed a major new attraction. IT was planned to replace the fear factor stage show and open in 2024. Personally am glad this never happened as doesn’t sound great.

It was then shelved at some point as they decided the attraction wasn’t good enough and wouldn’t meet the standards they wanted.

Current rumours are indicating that a new attraction will be added to Nintendo and then a new second attraction to the potter area as the next two attractions in next few years.

Also there is now talk coming from those well connected to the the parks that Pokémon is looking a strong contender for the lost continent area at Islands rather than the previously rumoured Zelda. With Zelda possible being a long term new portal/expansion at epic.

 

[Benjsh]

I actually really liked the potter area of epic so everyone is different- by far the worse area for me was Nintendo where lots love that area.

The second attraction planned for the Potter area was a VR broom stick attraction. You would have gone through the Paris ministry of magic and then there would been various rooms set up with broom sticks (multiple rooms to help with capacity) you mount the broomstick and put on the attached VR headset. During Covid and the delay at epic they moved the attraction to the studios park as they felt studios needed a major new attraction. IT was planned to replace the fear factor stage show and open in 2024. Personally am glad this never happened as doesn’t sound great.

It was then shelved at some point as they decided the attraction wasn’t good enough and wouldn’t meet the standards they wanted.

Current rumours are indicating that a new attraction will be added to Nintendo and then a new second attraction to the potter area as the next two attractions in next few years.

Also there is now talk coming from those well connected to the the parks that Pokémon is looking a strong contender for the lost continent area at Islands rather than the previously rumoured Zelda. With Zelda possible being a long term new portal/expansion at epic.

I loved the Nintendo area to be in and look at. The rides were somewhat of a let down but the vibe inside felt very on brand.

The Paris area didnt feel magical at all to me. I think it totally missed its objective and obviously the crossing of franchises just made it a bit odd. Cant fault the attention to detail but I think it should have been themed to Harry Potter completely or something else entirely. Fantastic Beasts was such an odd choice.

 

[Bowser]

Also there is now talk coming from those well connected to the the parks that Pokémon is looking a strong contender for the lost continent area at Islands rather than the previously rumoured Zelda. With Zelda possible being a long term new portal/expansion at epic.

I cannot possibly imagine a scenario where either of these appear in the US before they do in Japan and there’s no sign of either atm. USJ is very good at keeping things quiet so it’s possible Pokémon is being built by the old Spider-Man area that’s boarded off but certainly nothing is visible nor anything happening on Nintendo World.

The other rumour for Epic was a Luigi Mansion ride… my guess would be a shooter based on the Minions walkway blaster system would be a natural fit.

 

[tayspru]

I cannot possibly imagine a scenario where either of these appear in the US before they do in Japan and there’s no sign of either atm. USJ is very good at keeping things quiet so it’s possible Pokémon is being built by the old Spider-Man area that’s boarded off but certainly nothing is visible nor anything happening on Nintendo World.

The other rumour for Epic was a Luigi Mansion ride… my guess would be a shooter based on the Minions walkway blaster system would be a natural fit.

I thought Pokemon was all but confirmed for Spiderman in USJ?

It would make more sense to put the “more relevant” IP of Pokémon in IoA as they haven’t had an addition there since Hagrids, and Zelda can then go in as an addition to Nintendo World later on

(I forgot Velocicoaster opened after Hagrids, but even in that case we know which one moved the needle on park attendance()

 

[flyingguitar]

I thought Pokemon was all but confirmed for Spiderman in USJ?

It would make more sense to put the “more relevant” IP of Pokémon in IoA as they haven’t had an addition there since Hagrids, and Zelda can then go in as an addition to Nintendo World later on

I doubt they would change spiderman, it is a great ride and really blends screens and practical effects correctly and if they change it they will never be able to put it back as disney now own marvel and will just reject any proposals universal makes (I understand universal brought a perpetual deal to the license but disney gets to agree / dis agree with any changes)

I would argue against that, the whole of studios feels quite dated, as all of the recent good rides (appart from maybe diagon alley) has gone to IOA and a lot of the duds have ended up in studios (minions, simpsons, fast and furious, etc) currently (when I went a few weeks ago) IOA feels quite fresh and in a reasonable space (also IOA has had velocicoaster) although the whole lost continent area needs something going there but it isn't too noticeable due to its location in the park (although they probably have the money to start 2 big area projects at the same time)

 

[tayspru]

I doubt they would change spiderman, it is a great ride and really blends screens and practical effects correctly and if they change it they will never be able to put it back as disney now own marvel and will just reject any proposals universal makes (I understand universal brought a perpetual deal to the license but disney gets to agree / dis agree with any changes)

I would argue against that, the whole of studios feels quite dated, as all of the recent good rides (appart from maybe diagon alley) has gone to IOA and a lot of the duds have ended up in studios (minions, simpsons, fast and furious, etc) currently (when I went a few weeks ago) IOA feels quite fresh and in a reasonable space (also IOA has had velocicoaster) although the whole lost continent area needs something going there but it isn't too noticeable due to its location in the park (although they probably have the money to start 2 big area projects at the same time)

Hate to break it to you but Spiderman closed in Japan some time ago.

Studios is getting its new coaster next so Islands would be “due” a new addition regardless

 

[flyingguitar]

Hate to break it to you but Spiderman closed in Japan some time ago.

Studios is getting its new coaster next so Islands would be “due” a new addition regardless

true, but they also would likely have to get ride of the whole marvel area, (or at least retheme it) and Hulk wasn't too recently retracked, and if they rethemed it I really don't think it is suitable for pokemon (it is far too intense, the only ride I have gotten close to passing out, like 20 secs of sustained positive G after that 0 G roll

the reason I say they would likely have to get rid of marvel as there isn't much room between them and toon world to add a land, only a stage and restaurant really in between, it would be a very small land if it dosn't take marvel, in addition they have a whole land that is currently sitting empty with 2 massive atteactions that currently sit empty (a massive stage show (which had a pirate ship) and the walk through thing which is also very larg, in addition to the resturant) it really wouldn't make sense to close a ride when you have such a large plot essentially empty

 

[tayspru]

true, but they also would likely have to get ride of the whole marvel area, (or at least retheme it) and Hulk wasn't too recently retracked, and if they rethemed it I really don't think it is suitable for pokemon (it is far too intense, the only ride I have gotten close to passing out, like 20 secs of sustained positive G after that 0 G roll

the reason I say they would likely have to get rid of marvel as there isn't much room between them and toon world to add a land, only a stage and restaurant really in between, it would be a very small land if it dosn't take marvel, in addition they have a whole land that is currently sitting empty with 2 massive atteactions that currently sit empty (a massive stage show (which had a pirate ship) and the walk through thing which is also very larg, in addition to the resturant) it really wouldn't make sense to close a ride when you have such a large plot essentially empty

Again, Pokemon is heavily rumoured to replace Spiderman *in Japan*, nothing to do with Marvel Superhero Island in Orlando

The changes in IoA relate to lost continent. Pokemon has been in consideration for many sites in Orlando, if I recall correctly it went from the initial rumour being that SNW was moved to Epic to allow Pokemon to be built in USF. Then it was rumoured to be an audition to Epic, then a Simpsons replacement, and now rumoured that they have settled on Lost Continent

Marvel superhero island won’t be touched for a long time. The stadium at Toon Lagoon will be kept for a while as well as it’s a big source of income for Universal for private events

 

[flyingguitar]

Again, Pokemon is heavily rumoured to replace Spiderman *in Japan*, nothing to do with Marvel Superhero Island in Orlando

The changes in IoA relate to lost continent. Pokemon has been in consideration for many sites in Orlando, if I recall correctly it went from the initial rumour being that SNW was moved to Epic to allow Pokemon to be built in USF. Then it was rumoured to be an audition to Epic, then a Simpsons replacement, and now rumoured that they have settled on Lost Continent

Marvel superhero island won’t be touched for a long time. The stadium at Toon Lagoon will be kept for a while as well as it’s a big source of income for Universal for private events

ah, I missed the J off USJ, I thought it said in the US :/