Universal Orlando (Studios/IOA/Epic Universe) : General Discussion

[Sazzle]

Unfortunately @Machin that's quite common! Happened to me during my 2010 trip and I was SO angry after a 90 minute wait! Bland coaster ftl.

BUT enjoy your trip there's so much to see out there!

 

[Machin]

Unfortunately @Machin that's quite common! Happened to me during my 2010 trip and I was SO angry after a 90 minute wait! Bland coaster ftl.

BUT enjoy your trip there's so much to see out there!

Thanks Saz! I haven't had much luck, got stopped mid-ride on Forbidden Journey for about 15 minutes which was uncomfortable to say the least!

Is there any hidden gem "must do" rides at the Universal and Disney parks? I haven't read in to much, I walked in Epcot, rode Test Track and Mission: Space then left lol.

 

[AirFAN]

Interesting video by Universal

 

[jon81uk]

I prefer the concept for the new entrance but the old one was faithful to the comic book theme of the area whereas this is not.

I have seen rumours that the whole area might be getting a retheme soon and there is the possibility of a new Avengers ride. It wouldn't be a shock if the whole area started to look closer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe look rather than the 90s comic books.

I think it has something to do with the licence between comcast and Disney.

Under the agreement I believe that Disney have agreed not to build anything to do with marvel in the Orlando area. But for this to happen comcast have to keep all there marvel rides in tip top condition.

If Disney believe that say for example the hulk coaster is not in top condition they can take the licence off them!

It sounds extreme but I think that is how the agreement works.

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

The agreement doesn't just state that Universal have exclusivity for Marvel in the Orlando area, its anywhere East of the Mississippi. So Disney can use Marvel in all their parks except WDW, but it does also stop them building another Marvel east coast park. Also don't forget the contract was made in 1997, it has nothing to do with Disney, so it also stopped Marvel partnering with Legoland or anyone else to build a park on the east coast.
The contract is between Marvel and Universal and yes it does have minimum standards for the condition of attractions, I don't think the quality of the ride of the coaster would be a deal breaker, I think the appearance of characters etc would be a bigger issue.

Universal also have the contract with Marvel in perpetuity, so as long as they don't mess up they will never give up the rights.

In general Disney (as an overall company) are pretty happy as they make most of the money from merchandise. So every toy for sale in IoA gives money to TWDC.

If you want to read the contract, its here https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1262449/000119312510008732/dex1057.htm
But there are lots of good articles on this including http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201307/3558/

Also Disney are free to use Marvel in California, Paris and China. But seem to be quite slow. There are rumours of changes at California Adventure (Tower of Terror themed to Guardians of the Galaxy and some new rides) and WD Studios, Paris (RocknRoller Coaster to Spiderman, Apocalypse to Fantastic Four) though.

 

[Jables]

Screens.. Why does it have to be screens?

 

[Maelstrom]

It was always going to be screens, as the main part is based on Kong 360 from the hollywood park. I have heard good reviews from the Previews that have taken place and having been on the hollywood version I am looking forward to this expanded stand alone version. Although I don't mind screens in rides, I am a little unsure about them adding fast and furious as well as that uses a very similar ride system and while ok, I preferred kong. Hopefully they expand and improve fast and furious for a standalone ride, but as the hollywood version has two pre-showrooms It will prob be a direct clone.

Not going to watch the video though as gong to orlando in Oct and always great to experience a dark ride without knowing every detail from a video before hand.

 

[siralgenon]

I have to say I am quite shocked at the ride length given the gigantic queue line and facade. I was expecting a mammoth attraction but once inside the building ride is quite short, (removing the motion on the screens). Also from the queue line I was expecting to see a larger amount of theming on the ride itself, with the experience not relying so heavily on screens.

All in all a world class attraction however.

 

[Rob]

Universal have now confirmed that the new Fast & Furious: Supercharged ride at Universal Studios Florida will open in 2018 rather than 2017 as originally planned. Soarin' Over New York with Jimmy Fallon (not official name) will still open in 2017.

Meanwhile the new Saphire Falls Resort hotel complex will officially open on July 14th.

In other news, light testing on the Hulk has now begun:

 

[Rob]

The new entrance for Hulk:

Pretty damn cool!

 

[DiogoJ42]

Cue people claiming it is in bad taste after the M&D's accident in three... two... one...

 

[Martin]

*fires up photshop*

 

[PeteB]

Given how quickly the track construction went I would have thought this should be open by now? Like wtf is actually taking so long.

 

[Rob]

The queue/station are not yet complete.

 

[Rob]

Good news - Hulk has re-opened!

Bad news - if you're going to Florida after mid-September you will likely miss out on Dragon Challenge!

There are strong rumours that Dragon Challenge is set to close next month although the exact reasons for this are not yet known. It could just be for a major re-furb although the most common thought that the moment is that both B&M coasters will be removed and replaced with a new ride, probably another coaster.

It's been known for a while the Universal have had some plans for Dragon Challenge and Rowling has never been a fan of the ride so it's removal would not be a surprise. It has not made an appearance in the Hollywood or Japan versions and there have not been any complaints of its omission from guests. It also takes up a lot of space that could be seen as valuable when it comes to a further Harry Potter expansion.

If a September closure is on the cards I would imagine that we will hear something very soon.

 

[Ted]

Surely both Dragon Challenge coasters will be relocated if the rumours of it closing are true? It'd be a massive waste of two great B&Ms if they were to be scrapped completely. The ride has not been the same since they stopped duelling so I don't think both coasters would be relocated to one park. If it is closing, then I'd be interested to see what's going to replace it and I can't see it not being another coaster.

 

[Maelstrom]

Hopefully doesn't happen until after my visit in October!

The rumour has been going around for a while now so wouldn't be surprised if it happens. Ever since the Harry Potter area reopened it never gets a big queue, often 5-10mins. On the few visits I have had since the retheme other rides in the park can be 30-60mins but dragon challenge is only 10 mins. Plus they could use the space well and fit a new coaster plus additional other attractions in the coasters large footprint.

 

[RyanY]

I hope they don't close them in September as I go on the 21st. I'd of though they'd wait until after Halloween to close them as I've heard it can be a very busy period for the park.

 

[Rob]

I hope they don't close them in September as I go on the 21st. I'd of though they'd wait until after Halloween to close them as I've heard it can be a very busy period for the park.

We thought that with Hulk last year but nope! The rumours have come from very reliable sources over on Orlando United.

 

[Rick]

Surely both Dragon Challenge coasters will be relocated if the rumours of it closing are true? It'd be a massive waste of two great B&Ms if they were to be scrapped completely.

If they're in the same condition as Hulk was before they had to almost completely rebuild it, I'm not sure what they would be wasting? I guess it's a decision that goes something along the lines of...

We can spend $x million fixing up Dragons for the next 20 years and have virtually nothing to new to market against that expenditure, or we could spend $y million building a new marketable attraction.

 

[Maelstrom]

There isn't really that many quiet times of the year now in Orlando, the parks have used events and offers such as free dining to ensure resorts remain busy through the year! Chances are when ever you visit their will be a ride or two closed for refurb. Disney have shut 3 big rides this month, during August which is a peak month- Its a small world (until 15th sept) Big thunder mountain is now closed until 18th Nov and dinosaur is closed until 16th October.