All things Universal Studios Hollywood

[Henry Mystic]

DK was rumored for USH but was scrapped. Capacity was the culprit.

It’s going to be a problem at Japan in particular but also Epic.

I believe USH didn’t have a larger land for Nintendo partially because they didn’t want to lock themselves in with only a few franchises given a lack of land. It obviously was cheaper as well but that was the approach they took. Regardless, besides the lower than expected GSTAT scores for Mario Kart (despite me personally loving it), the land as a whole is a slam dunk success basically on the level of Potter.

Expect all of the Lower Lot to receive aesthetic updates over the next few years alongside an entire new land that I can’t mention quite yet.

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

It’s going to be a problem at Japan in particular but also Epic.

I believe USH didn’t have a larger land for Nintendo partially because they didn’t want to lock themselves in with only a few franchises given a lack of land. It obviously was cheaper as well but that was the approach they took. Regardless, besides the lower than expected GSTAT scores for Mario Kart (despite me personally loving it), the land as a whole is a slam dunk success basically on the level of Potter.

Expect all of the Lower Lot to receive aesthetic updates over the next few years alongside an entire new land that I can’t mention quite yet.

Over on the IU forums, posters have said SS 16-24 are earmarked for theme park expansion. I personally think that with the stuff currently of Universal's plate from the F&F coaster, a Simpsons replacement with the contract up in 2028, and getting the park in its best state possible for LA2028, any expansion in the lower lot will not be until 2030 or beyond.

 

[Henry Mystic]

Over on the IU forums, posters have said SS 16-24 are earmarked for theme park expansion. I personally think that with the stuff currently of Universal's plate from the F&F coaster, a Simpsons replacement with the contract up in 2028, and getting the park in its best state possible for LA2028, any expansion in the lower lot will not be until 2030 or beyond.

Multiple soundstages are indeed slated for park expansion with some closing for studio-use relatively soon.

Simpsons is slated to close before the contract is up. Those are true.

any expansion in the lower lot will not be until 2030 or beyond.

That's not what I heard.

 

[Nland316]

Expect all of the Lower Lot to receive aesthetic updates over the next few years alongside an entire new land that I can’t mention quite yet.

A new land that we’ve seen elsewhere or something entirely new and exclusive?

 

[Professortango1]

I'd imagine that Mummy would be up for consideration soon as I doubt they want to pay to retrack it given the mid draw it is and the value of space at USH.

 

[eddie104]

I'd imagine that Mummy would be up for consideration soon as I doubt they want to pay to retrack it given the mid draw it is and the value of space at USH.

What do you think should replace it?

 

[mickEblu]

I'd imagine that Mummy would be up for consideration soon as I doubt they want to pay to retrack it given the mid draw it is and the value of space at USH.

Yeah and it seems even more expendable now that the FnF coaster is coming. Granted Mummy is a themed indoor coaster and much more family friendly. I wonder if they would get rid of it or retheme it.

 

[Nland316]

Yeah and it seems even more expendable now that the FnF coaster is coming. Granted Mummy is a themed indoor coaster and much more family friendly. I wonder if they would get rid of it or retheme it.

I feel like the placement of the coaster really gridlocks any meaningful placemaking / expansion opportunities.

Getting rid of that coaster opens up so many new pathway configurations that aren’t limited to its current layout — especially if they demo those few soundstages behind it.

Personally, I’d love to see a lake or body of water make its way down there — no matter how unlikely it is.

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

I'd imagine that Mummy would be up for consideration soon as I doubt they want to pay to retrack it given the mid draw it is and the value of space at USH.

If they want to expand the park into SS 16-24, you would almost have no choice but to knockdown Mummy.

 

[Rich T]

I'd imagine that Mummy would be up for consideration soon as I doubt they want to pay to retrack it given the mid draw it is and the value of space at USH.

If they get rid of Mummy… that would make extra sense if by any chance they’re considering adding the Epic Universe Monsters ride….

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

There have also been talks of the studio tram tour moving. If that is true, Maybe they are planning on the Simpsons replacement expanding into the spot?

 

[AlexMBush]

Multiple soundstages are indeed slated for park expansion with some closing for studio-use relatively soon.

Bringing up (ohai everyone~ I be lurking); when they announced the series of soundstages that was to be built on the former Red Sea--they've always had it planned that it would eventually allow the park to expand into the cluster of 16-24. I know they tried scooping it up during the Pandemic early; but I don't believe it worked out then.

Maybe with the Barham stages complete, and the number of soundstages lost would put them back to where they'd be without Barham--gives USH the opportunity to scoop up the land around the cluster?

 

[Phroobar]

Well they ever remove SS-15 behind Transformers? That is where they've been putting mazes lately. I believe it is also the old special effects show building back in the 80s where the tram would dump you off for the show.

 

[AlexMBush]

Well they ever remove SS-15 behind Transformers? That is where they've been putting mazes lately. I believe it is also the old special effects show building back in the 80s where the tram would dump you off for the show.

Yup--since 2018 they've been using 15 for HHN as a primary venue typical for what they'd consider a "Headliner" (elephant doors actually just opened up last week I think as they're about to gear up for work in there again).

When I've looked into it; I believed the Park scooped that up due to it's close proximity to Transformers, as there is now proper gating that separates James Stewart Avenue and the area around SS15. Whether or not that'd mean they are looking at the next step of removing it; that I doubt due to how prominent they use it for HHN (and I believe for certain buyouts).

 

[Phroobar]

Yup--since 2018 they've been using 15 for HHN as a primary venue typical for what they'd consider a "Headliner" (elephant doors actually just opened up last week I think as they're about to gear up for work in there again).

When I've looked into it; I believed the Park scooped that up due to it's close proximity to Transformers, as there is now proper gating that separates James Stewart Avenue and the area around SS15. Whether or not that'd mean they are looking at the next step of removing it; that I doubt due to how prominent they use it for HHN (and I believe for certain buyouts).

It's very weird standing in front of it looking around and realizing you've been here before your youth. We would go in and work our way from one set demonstration to another.

 

[mickEblu]

Well they ever remove SS-15 behind Transformers? That is where they've been putting mazes lately. I believe it is also the old special effects show building back in the 80s where the tram would dump you off for the show.

Speaking of Transformers, I remember all the stuff that used to be there. Backdraft, the Special Effects show and at one point I even remember a huge set for Scream (or Scream 2) and Small Soldiers you could walk through. A necessary evil I suppose to draw guests at a park where land is at a premium but they’ve definitely hacked away at the soul of the park. Animal Actors- gone. Special Effects Stage/ Conan on the upper lot- gone too. It’s crazy to think that the only thing left from 1995 and earlier is the Studio Tour which also looks very different.

 

[mickEblu]

It's very weird standing in front of it looking around and realizing you've been here before your youth. We would go in and work our way from one set demonstration to another.

That’s the one that would have 3 parts right with one where they chose someone to play Doc from the audience to redo the famous scene at the clock tower? But I don’t remember the tram dropping you off there. We would just walk in from the lower lot.

 

[Phroobar]

That’s the one that would have 3 parts right with one where they chose someone to play Doc from the audience to redo the famous scene at the clock tower? But I don’t remember the tram dropping you off there. We would just walk in from the lower lot.

Back in the 70s and 80s, the tram was a two hour plus ride. When you entered the park, they assigned a time for the tram. You then watched the stunt show and animal actors shows while you waited.

The tram took you through Battle of Galactica (where Simpsons building supports are now) and burning house (where the fire station is now). Then you got off on the lower lot for the Special Effects show. It had four parts. You moved from demonstration to demonstration. You got back on the tram for the New York city area and collapsing bridge.

Then they dropped you off at prop plaza for restrooms and snacks. Basically holding you hostage for a half hour. Prop Plaza is right above the Jurassic Park dino attack part of the tram. They had large props you can play on and some moving scenery rides. You could lift a van too.

Then you got back on the tram to finish out the tour. Universal Studios didn't have any real rides back then. Just the tram and three or four shows.

2010 Special Effects Stage - theStudioTour.com

Dates: 1984 – 1990 Riding the anticipation for the long-awaited sequel to the classic ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1984), the World of Cinemagic was rethemed...

www.thestudiotour.com

 

[Phroobar]

Does anyone remember the A-Team stunt show? It was were Water World is now.

A Team Live Action Stunt Show - theStudioTour.com

Dates: June 16 1984 – ?1987 The first show in the arena currently the home of WaterWorld. The show was written by John Peale, Gary Goddard and...

www.thestudiotour.com

 

[mickEblu]

Back in the 70s and 80s, the tram was a two hour plus ride. When you entered the park, they assigned a time for the tram. You then watched the stunt show and animal actors shows while you waited.

The tram took you through Battle of Galactica (where Simpsons building supports are now) and burning house (where the fire station is now). Then you got off on the lower lot for the Special Effects show. It had four parts. You moved from demonstration to demonstration. You got back on the tram for the New York city area and collapsing bridge.

Then they dropped you off at prop plaza for restrooms and snacks. Basically holding you hostage for a half hour. Prop Plaza is right above the Jurassic Park dino attack part of the tram. They had large props you can play on and some moving scenery rides. You could lift a van too.

Then you got back on the tram to finish out the tour. Universal Studios didn't have any real rides back then. Just the tram and three or four shows.

2010 Special Effects Stage - theStudioTour.com

Dates: 1984 – 1990 Riding the anticipation for the long-awaited sequel to the classic ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1984), the World of Cinemagic was rethemed...

www.thestudiotour.com

Wow that’s interesting. That must have all ended in the early to mid 80s? Don’t remember any of that from my trips in the late 80s. Maybe I forgot. I was pretty young.