How To Improve Universal Orlando

[Turtle]

Here are a few things that would put Universal over Disney World

Universal Studios Park
- Update the Terminator 3D show to a Transformers 3D show

- Put a NEW franchise were Jaws was (NOT Harry Potter Expansion)

- Retheme the Kids section (Curious George, Woody The Woodpecker, ET, etc.) into a Dreamworks land where Shrek 4D is relocated, Woody The Woodpecker is re-themed to Kung Fu Panda, and the ET is re-themed into a How To Train Your Dragon dark ride.

- Add in a new franchise into the old Shrek 4D area



Islands of Adventure
- Add an audio-animatronic safari ride in Jurassic Park

- Add one more dark ride in Seuss Landing (The Grinch or Lorax could do)

- Add a new ride in Toon Lagoon

- Retheme Dr. Doom into Iron Man. Paint the Towers Red and have the top say "Stark Industries"


Thoughts or criticisms?

 

[Tom Morrow]

Good ideas, but its not like Universal isn't already taking big steps in improvement.

 

[Captain Chaos]

Here are a few things that would put Universal over Disney World

Universal Studios Park
- Update the Terminator 3D show to a Transformers 3D show

Maybe... Instead of a show though, just make it into the Transformers ride... They can always build out if need be...

- Put a NEW franchise were Jaws was (NOT Harry Potter Expansion)

Well it is Harry Potter expansion so forget this one... And why not more Potter??? It is HUGE for Universal... The expansion will only bring in more money... It will help spread the crowd out from IOA and Wizarding World... Potter is a great idea...

- Retheme the Kids section (Curious George, Woody The Woodpecker, ET, etc.) into a Dreamworks land where Shrek 4D is relocated, Woody The Woodpecker is re-themed to Kung Fu Panda, and the ET is re-themed into a How To Train Your Dragon dark ride.

Kids Zone is due for a refurb and possible retheme... However, leave E.T. there is nothing wrong with the ride and is still one of the popular rides in Universal... Woody Woodpecker if getting a full length animated movie... So, Woody stays... plus Kung Fu Panda wasn't all that good...

If they are going to retheme it to anything, it will be Nickelodeon...

- Add in a new franchise into the old Shrek 4D area

yes, I agree.. Shrek has run its course...

Islands of Adventure
- Add an audio-animatronic safari ride in Jurassic Park

They don't have the land to add this in... Would be nice if they could, and there was one originally planned, but since they are land locked, sadly, won't happen

- Add one more dark ride in Seuss Landing (The Grinch or Lorax could do)

There is an expansion pad behind Seuss Landing... Grinch already gets an entire season dedicated to him... Lorax?? Haven't seen the new movie, but it could do, especially since it performed well in the theaters...

- Add a new ride in Toon Lagoon

Or scrap Toon Lagoon altogether and make it an Oz land (like they once had in Japan) or Lord of the Ring... If it is to stay Toon Lagoon, then before they get a ride they need to add a show into the empty theater, which is why I said theme the land to Oz... The theater can hold the Broadway show, Wicked, just obviously a condensed version for the theme park...

 

[cheezbat]

There is room for a Jurassic park safari ride....right next to thunder falls terrace. That plot of land is easily big enough for at less a smaller dark ride. I hope to someday see that area utilized.

As for the other ideas, I agree that the Transformers ride would be cooler than a 3-d show.
I like the idea of a dreamworks kid zone, but I dont see that happening. IF they did that(a big if), I'd like to see shrek, Kung fu panda, how to train your dragon and Madagascar all included in the area. Maybe make curious George into a Kung fu panda play area, Barney the new home for shrek 4-d and their meet n greet, woody into a how to train your dragon, and fievels play land into a Madagascar play area.

Oh yeah...and I'd add that king kong boat flume ride between MIB and Simpsons.

 

[Turtle]

I also added this!
- Retheme Dr. Doom into Iron Man. Paint the Towers Red and have the top say "Stark Industries"

 

[FLYbyNITE]

I also added this!
- Retheme Dr. Doom into Iron Man

I maybe wrong but, I believe that Universal can no longer use or expand any Marvel properties now that it is owned by Disney. I think that there is an agreement in place that allows Uni to keep the existing rides they have. So I don't think we'll be seeing any new Super hero rides in Universal.

 

[Captain Chaos]

I also added this!
- Retheme Dr. Doom into Iron Man

I maybe wrong but, I believe that Universal can no longer use or expand any Marvel properties now that it is owned by Disney. I think that there is an agreement in place that allows Uni to keep the existing rides they have. So I don't think we'll be seeing any new Super hero rides in Universal.

Someone may have to correct me but if Universal wants to add anything or retheme something, they need Disney's approval, they cannot just do it... But, I could be wrong...

 

[FLYbyNITE]

O.K., Since someone asked, I’ll throw my 2 cents (actually 3 cents) into the hat if everyone promises to hold down the laughter.

1. A New Harry Potter Ride: Yes FJ is awesome and the Gringrots ride has potential, but just TWO new rides in two new lands. Forget about the re-themed rides and a lame sounding train ride. Potter needs more. How about “Magic Broomsticks ”, a ride much smaller, but similar to Soarin, where riders ride on suspended broomsticks encountering great English scenery and Potter characters and events. I would enhance this ride with not just a front screen, but with screens on each side, and one on the floor (not as hard as it sounds, either use a roll away floor or a transparent hard plastic covering the screen). Since “broomstick flying” is such a big part of the Potter stories this would be a perfect fit.

2. A Scooby Doo Dark Ride: I never figured out why Uni made a Jimmy Neutron attraction in the first place (he was never that popular) and where will “Despicable Me’’ be in 10 years. NO ONE has endured the test of time like the Mystery Inc. group. Just picture riding in coaster car through a haunted house or fun house, encountering classic Scooby Villains and sub plots . To make this ride even better, you ride with one of the characters in your car on a computer screen, making comments about the ride. Each time you ride you never know which character you’re going to get, making you come back for different experiences. Just imagine gy asking your party if anyone has a “Scooby Snack”.

3. Jaws Millennia: Out with the OLD and in with the NEW and Jaws 2000 just doesn’t quite say it. Never really a big fan of the old Jaws ride, but I was a big 20,000 Leagues under the sea fan, so why not combine the two, except make it terrifying. You submerge in a submarine and are attacked by huge Great White shark. The sub is damaged and you start to sink, the lights go out, water starts spraying in, emergency lighting comes on and you find yourself surrounded by a school of sharks and …….. (O.K. I really have no idea how to actually do this, but I guess they could do something similar to Spiderman with an underwater theme).

So there are a few of my many ideas, but remember someone asked for them.

 

[HenryMystic]

a lame sounding train ride. .

I dare say you'll be proven wrong with this one. It has the chance to be the most special.

 

[Captain Chaos]

1. A New Harry Potter Ride: Yes FJ is awesome and the Gringrots ride has potential, but just TWO new rides in two new lands. Forget about the re-themed rides and a lame sounding train ride. Potter needs more. How about “Magic Broomsticks ”, a ride much smaller, but similar to Soarin, where riders ride on suspended broomsticks encountering great English scenery and Potter characters and events. I would enhance this ride with not just a front screen, but with screens on each side, and one on the floor (not as hard as it sounds, either use a roll away floor or a transparent hard plastic covering the screen). Since “broomstick flying” is such a big part of the Potter stories this would be a perfect fit.

What you described is a copy of FJ... If brooms were so easy, then they would have done it in FJ... but benches made more sense, capacity wise... I'd much rather have a balance of screen/real sets... Soarin has been done.. Universal is now in the practice of stepping up the game... A soarin kind of potter ride would take a step back... Gringotts will push the bar even further... And there actually is a rumor of a second attraction for Diagon Alley, possibly Weasley's store, either being a dark ride or walk through...

And as for the train ride, well, I will say you'll be eating those words when all is said and done..

 

[FRC Team 180]

How could Weasely's store become a dark ride? I could see a walk-through, but a dark ride?
Just curious...

 

[JT3000]

The Potter expansion could very well have a walkthrough attraction of some sort. I wouldn't expect any rides beyond Gringotts and the train.

 

[scoobygirl39541]

- Add an audio-animatronic safari ride in Jurassic Park

Yes!

If it is to stay Toon Lagoon, then before they get a ride they need to add a show into the empty theater, which is why I said theme the land to Oz... The theater can hold the Broadway show, Wicked, just obviously a condensed version for the theme park...

Yes!

2. A Scooby Doo Dark Ride: I never figured out why Uni made a Jimmy Neutron attraction in the first place (he was never that popular) and where will “Despicable Me’’ be in 10 years. NO ONE has endured the test of time like the Mystery Inc. group. Just picture riding in coaster car through a haunted house or fun house, encountering classic Scooby Villains and sub plots . To make this ride even better, you ride with one of the characters in your car on a computer screen, making comments about the ride. Each time you ride you never know which character you’re going to get, making you come back for different experiences. Just imagine gy asking your party if anyone has a “Scooby Snack”.

and YES!

 

[Captain Chaos]

There is room for a Jurassic park safari ride....right next to thunder falls terrace. That plot of land is easily big enough for at less a smaller dark ride. I hope to someday see that area utilized.

Are you talking about the backstage plot of land that looks like an expansion plot? How big od a show building can you fit in there to make it a worth while Jurassic Park safari ride?? Or are you thinking something along the lines of Dinosaur???

 

[Captain Chaos]

How could Weasely's store become a dark ride? I could see a walk-through, but a dark ride?
Just curious...

Only saying what I had read elsewhere online... But as to how can they do it?? Well, the Weasleys' take you on a tour of their shop, and shockingly, something goes wrong... And then all is fixed by ride's end... You exit into, you guessed it, Weasley's gift shop...

 

[JT3000]

Are you talking about the backstage plot of land that looks like an expansion plot? How big od a show building can you fit in there to make it a worth while Jurassic Park safari ride?? Or are you thinking something along the lines of Dinosaur???

I'm pretty sure the original jeep tour idea would have strongly resembled Dinosaur, which might be one of the reasons it never came to pass. That plot is a pretty decent size, although something more along the lines of the also ditched Helicoptours concept might be more realistic than an E-ticket dark ride, considering Universal likes to go completely bonkers with those in terms of scope.

On a somewhat related note, there have recently been rumors of a(n) (amber) mine train coaster replacing the shuttered Triceratops Discovery Trail.

 

[captainkidd]

To me, it's all logistics.

Their payment policy on their on-site resorts is absurd. To pay off your balance you have to fill out a form, copy your license and credit card and fax it over. It's stupid. Yeah, I know it's Loews but it reflects poorly on Universal.

Lack of knowledge by operators. Disney CM's are poorly trained, but Universal's are absolutely clueless.

Refunds for charges. My wife (after being given wrong information) booked a character meal this morning with her credit card. She called back when we realized info was wrong to cancel. Now she has to wait 10 days to get refund. She works at a bank and knows for a fact this is ALL the vendor. It's very unprofessional.

Website. It looks nice, but is actually completely disorganized. You click on one item, and it brings something else up.

Customer service on phones. They will not let you speak to a supervisor about anything. Again, very unprofessional.

To me, the biggest problem is that Universal seems to be run more like a Six Flags then a world class resort like Disney. Disney has it faults, and they don't do all of the above perfect all the time, but the majority of the time, you don't run into ridiculous problems like that with them.

 

[Spideyfreak110]

To me, it's all logistics.

1. Lack of knowledge by operators. Disney CM's are poorly trained, but Universal's are absolutely clueless.

2.Website. It looks nice, but is actually completely disorganized. You click on one item, and it brings something else up.

3.To me, the biggest problem is that Universal seems to be run more like a Six Flags then a world class resort like Disney. Disney has it faults, and they don't do all of the above perfect all the time, but the majority of the time, you don't run into ridiculous problems like that with them.

1. Can you elaborate on this? Was it just one TM, or a few? I can assure you they aren't clueless, and most of them love their jobs and are very knowledgeable about the ride systems. Disney and Universal employee training is very extensive, and I have never seen a product of poor training.

2. Again, can you elaborate on this? I click on "hours" and i get the operating hours. I click on "rides" and I get a complete list of all the rides etc... What was the problem? Everything seems to be in order.

3. I've been to the armpit of all Six Flags parks: Six Flags America. There are even some really awesome Six Flags parks like Great America. I see no reason to compare Universal and Six Flags, but to each his own I guess. It's your opinion.

 

[captainkidd]

1. Can you elaborate on this? Was it just one TM, or a few? I can assure you they aren't clueless, and most of them love their jobs and are very knowledgeable about the ride systems. Disney and Universal employee training is very extensive, and I have never seen a product of poor training.

2. Again, can you elaborate on this? I click on "hours" and i get the operating hours. I click on "rides" and I get a complete list of all the rides etc... What was the problem? Everything seems to be in order.

3. I've been to the armpit of all Six Flags parks: Six Flags America. There are even some really awesome Six Flags parks like Great America. I see no reason to compare Universal and Six Flags, but to each his own I guess. It's your opinion.

First, let me say, I am not some Disney nut that is bashing Universal. I mean, I AM a Disney nut, but I also LOVE Universal. We go there every year for a few nights, and I think the resorts and parks are on par with Disney's. I'll be at Royal Pacific in July for 5 nights, and August for 2 nights. That being said:

1.Lack of knowledge by operators - I posted another thread about this. Universal is beginning a new character meal to coincide with the new parade. You book the breakfast and then get special seating for the parade. I called last week, and the operator I spoke to knew nothing about it. My wife called yesterday and was told, reservation would not begin until today. So, she called this morning explaining exactly what she wanted. She got the email confirmation, and the operator had booked us at Confisco's at IoA, which is the incorrect character breakfast. We called back and the operator on the phone said they did not know when they would be taking reservations for the new breakfast. This thing, supposedly starts in under a month. How can they have no information? Then, they informed her she'd have to wait 10 days for them to process the refund. I hate companies that do that. It's like a car dealership. My wife works at a bank and knows all about how this stuff works. There is NOTHING stopping them from refunding the money immediately other than their own discretion. Plus, when she asked to speak to a supervisor, she was flat-out denied.

2.The website - Again, referring to the new character meal. Check out this link: http://www.universalorlando.com/Restaurants/Character-Dining.aspx

It clearly lists the new meal and it says "Begin Purchase". You click on it, and all it does is take you to a page with information about vacation packages, nothing to do with the new meal.

 

[Skip]

I realize that the situation was frustrating for you, but I don't see how one issue with a phone operator makes an entire park and all of its (I believe 16,000) TM's on par with Six Flags :shrug:

I'm with you here. The fact that the ONE issue you had with the Universal website also involved this character breakfast suggests that there was a communications breakdown regarding the new breakfast in both telephone and website operations - a mistake, to be sure, but not a reason to condemn the entirety of the resort and its staff.