All things Universal Studios Hollywood

[Disney Analyst]

Thank you; I’ve missed everybody here!

IOA can definitely use more gentle rides in its lineup. I tried to think of a non-thrill itinerary and came up with…The four Seuss rides (Oh, wait, One Fish Two Fish can soak riders ..but still four rides there if you count both Sky Trolley tracks). There’s… Poseidon’s Fury… Exploring Hogsmead… The Forbidden Journey queue… The Velocicoaster queue… Raptor Encounter.. The caves at Camp Jurassic… shopping… eating… Going on the Seuss rides again…

It’s a stretch, for sure. I’d love to see them add a couple more gentle flat rides, a family coaster, another big dark ride and the return of boat transportation in the lagoon.

My number one issue with IOA has always been the sheer amount of outdoor rides.

When Florida decides to... Florida, that park is useless.

 

[waltography]

Disney just needs to go crazy with DTD. Make it weird and unique, not generic outdoor Southern California mall.

Or if Disney must go the Spectrum/Grove route, at least make it more like Disney Springs instead of the nondescript wood and stucco look that's plaguing some of the current redesign.

 

[Professortango1]

Or if Disney must go the Spectrum/Grove route, at least make it more like Disney Springs instead of the nondescript wood and stucco look that's plaguing some of the current redesign.

Nah, Spectrum and the Grove look like every other generic outdoor mall. Dos Lagos in Corona and Victoria Gardens are just a short drive away and look and fell like Spectrum/Grove. Give me an outdoor mall designed by imagineers and artists. Something that becomes an attraction by itself.

Pleasure Island used to be like that at WDW. I couldn't wait to go back and explore more.

 

[waltography]

Nah, Spectrum and the Grove look like every other generic outdoor mall. Dos Lagos in Corona and Victoria Gardens are just a short drive away and look and fell like Spectrum/Grove. Give me an outdoor mall designed by imagineers and artists. Something that becomes an attraction by itself.

Pleasure Island used to be like that at WDW. I couldn't wait to go back and explore more.

I know; I'm just offering an alternative if Disney must go down this route. Disney Springs veers towards generic compared to Pleasure Island, but it's still thoughtfully designed and has its moments.

 

[Californian Elitist]

The Grove is not generic.

 

[Professortango1]

I know; I'm just offering an alternative if Disney must go down this route. Disney Springs veers towards generic compared to Pleasure Island, but it's still thoughtfully designed and has its moments.

I went to Disney Springs and have no desire to head back. Today's world is built on unique experiences. Something to post online and say "you have to see this in person!" They need to think less shops and more exploration. They can still be shops, but give guests room to play. I think of the old Disney Gallery above Pirates. Ascending the stairs, having unique views, exploring the little rooms which wove above the NOS shops. The Harry Potter pop up in NYC with flue powder elevators, a VR experience, Butterbeer, and animated rooms. Obviously they don't want to do Harry Potter, but Disney should be able to have their own explorative experience. Heck, I'd say take the Animation Building ideas and apply it to a Animation Museum built above and around the shops. Give me a reason to come spend 4 hours at DTD.

 

[Too Many Hats]

Loving all the positivity toward Universal Orlando in this thread. IMO the resort's layout and general aesthetic are superior to both DLR and WDW. Strolling from your hotel to the parks is a treat. UO's "bubble" doesn't get enough attention or praise.

Spiderman surpassed expectations even after years of hype. Cat in the Hat shows that a literal book report ride CAN Be fun… though I don‘t recall Thing 1 and Thing 2 trying to kill the kids with a rolling piano in the book.

Love this observation about Cat in the Hat. Such a charming ride. Severely downgraded, however, when they removed the spinning element; it's overdue for a meaningful refurb that compensates for that change.

And yeah, Spider-Man still deserves to be shouted-out as possibly the greatest attraction in the US.

ET called out everyone’s name but mine.

 

[Too Many Hats]

The Grove is not generic.

Yeah, the Grove and the Americana out-Disney Disney. If we're talking great LA/OC shopping/dining complexes, DTD isn't even in the conversation. Not sure why Disney seems okay with this.

 

[BubbaisSleep]

Loving all the positivity toward Universal Orlando in this thread. IMO the resort's layout and general aesthetic are superior to both DLR and WDW. Strolling from your hotel to the parks is a treat. UO's "bubble" doesn't get enough attention or praise.

That’s actually what I’ve always said I love about Univesal Orlando Resort as someone who visits from Cali. Universal captured the resort/vacation feeling of WDW but also manages to pack a lot of rides, hotels, and shopping within a close radius like DLR does very well. It’s the best of both worlds in one resort.

Walking along the river channel from the hotels is so gorgeous. We were so jealous how much nicer resorts are in Florida in general.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

That’s actually what I’ve always said I love about Univesal Orlando Resort as someone who visits from Cali. Universal captured the resort/vacation feeling of WDW but also manages to pack a lot of rides, hotels, and shopping within a close radius like DLR does very well. It’s the best of both worlds in one resort.

Walking along the river channel from the hotels is so gorgeous. We were so jealous how much nicer resorts are in Florida in general.

I agree with this, but after having just visited both Disney and Universal, I was surprised how little there was to do if you don't like thrill rides or simulators. I do- but there was much less for my wife who is not as big a fan. (And shows don't do it for us in general.)

 

[BubbaisSleep]

I agree with this, but after having just visited both Disney and Universal, I was surprised how little there was to do if you don't like thrill rides or simulators. I do- but there was much less for my wife who is not as big a fan. (And shows don't do it for us in general.)

You aren’t lying about the simulators/thrills, specifically in USF. I consider USF as my DCA, I’m just there for the greatest hits as it’s easily accessible from the whole resort. I probably wouldn’t visit that park on its own but staying on property I enjoy it as a good appetizer, like DCA is to DLR haha. I feel that way about many WDW parks too but only I didn’t spend thousands to stay far away from the parks and Downtown Disney so I can still enjoy myself after a bad day at the park.

I truly hope USO balances this problem with Epic Universe, which may be a park your wife can enjoy more.

 

[Professortango1]

Yeah, the Grove and the Americana out-Disney Disney. If we're talking great LA/OC shopping/dining complexes, DTD isn't even in the conversation. Not sure why Disney seems okay with this.

The Grove is certainly better than DTD and the best outdoor mall of generic malls, but it's the feeling as Victoria Gardens and countless other outdoor malls.

City Walk always struck me as something I needed to see in person. The Neon Kong specifically.

Go weird Disney. Build in things to do and experience. Mid century modern isn't going to attract crowds.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Yeah, the Grove and the Americana out-Disney Disney. If we're talking great LA/OC shopping/dining complexes, DTD isn't even in the conversation. Not sure why Disney seems okay with this.

100% agreed.

 

[The Grand Inquisitor]

 

[Phroobar]

It's disappointing the we get a dark ride with AR glasses when we could have had real steerable cars.

Could This New Coaster Be Universal’s Mario Kart Ride System?

A new coaster has opened in Japan that seems to have fallen under the radar of many theme park fans. A lesser-known park in Japan called Suzuka Circuit just opened a first-of-its-kind roller coaste…

themeparkuniversity.com

 

[J4546]

yes I agree, that ride system is what mariokart should have been imo and what the speedway should become

 

[Rich T]

I have no problem with the Mariokart ride itself; it looks like a properly chaotic, surreal, sensory overload madhouse—Fun, gameplay-oriented and very, very Nintendo. The only problem is that Universal should have made it very clear from the moment the project was announced that this was going to be a target shooting AR experience and not a thrill ride. The concept art was very misleading, to say the least. I hope the Hollywood version’s pre-launch advertising paints a clearer picture of what guests should expect. Emphasize the attraction‘s competitive gameplay and fun environments instead of insinuating non-existent physical thrills. I still remember my disappointment the first time I experienced the DL Peoplemover’s “Superspeed Tunnel.”

 

[Phroobar]

I have no problem with the Mariokart ride itself; it looks like a properly chaotic, surreal, sensory overload madhouse—Fun, gameplay-oriented and very, very Nintendo. The only problem is that Universal should have made it very clear from the moment the project was announced that this was going to be a target shooting AR experience and not a thrill ride. The concept art was very misleading, to say the least. I hope the Hollywood version’s pre-launch advertising paints a clearer picture of what guests should expect. Emphasize the attraction‘s competitive gameplay and fun environments instead of insinuating non-existent physical thrills. I still remember my disappointment the first time I experienced the DL Peoplemover’s “Superspeed Tunnel.”

I guess the Fast and Furious Supercharged and King Kong segments of the tram tour are the descendances of the Superspeed Tunnel. At least the people mover moved in the tunnel.

 

[Rich T]

My number one issue with IOA has always been the sheer amount of outdoor rides.

When Florida decides to... Florida, that park is useless.

While I’d love to see at least one more big dark ride added, gotta disagree on the “useless” part.

When it pours, there’s still Spider Man, Kong, Forbidden Journey, Poseidon’s Fury, Cat in the Hat, Carosuessel and Storm Force. Plus Hogwart’s Express for hoppers. I’d also include the Discovery Center and Caves at Jurassic Park (and Olivander’s if the crowds are light). Add the shop browsing and a couple of meals at the restaurants and you’ve got a pretty fun day there. In fact, for me, about equal to any U.S. Disney park in the rain (Except for DL, which is an amazingly fun and easy-to-navigate rainy day park). And compared to any Six Flags, Sea World or Cedar Fair park… no contest.

That’s for a worst-case scenario. If/when the rain clears (it usually does) you’ve again got three of the world’s best coasters and three of the world’s best water rides waiting for you.

 

[Professortango1]

While I’d love to see at least one more big dark ride added, gotta disagree on the “useless” part.

When it pours, there’s still Spider Man, Kong, Forbidden Journey, Poseidon’s Fury, Cat in the Hat, Carosuessel and Storm Force. Plus Hogwart’s Express for hoppers. I’d also include the Discovery Center and Caves at Jurassic Park (and Olivander’s if the crowds are light). Add the shop browsing and a couple of meals at the restaurants and you’ve got a pretty fun day there. In fact, for me, about equal to any U.S. Disney park in the rain (Except for DL, which is an amazingly fun and easy-to-navigate rainy day park). And compared to any Six Flags, Sea World or Cedar Fair park… no contest.

That’s for a worst-case scenario. If/when the rain clears (it usually does) you’ve again got three of the world’s best coasters and three of the world’s best water rides waiting for you.

Remember a significant portion of visitors can't ride Forbidden Journey, so that leaves Spider-Man and Kong (bleh) as your "E-Ticket rides," a walkthrough attraction, and a few carnival flat rides. They really need to give Cat a makeover and add another 2 C/D Ticket Darkrides.