Originally posted by MouseRight
This is a little off-topic. But I can't help myself.
We went to USF earlier this year. IMO the entire park needs a rehab. Nothing new in a few years. At the end of the day, we kind of said - Why did we come here? We've seen it all before. I know I am a die-hard Disney fan. Just a little bit prejudice. But at least Disney does things like new parades, celebrations, etc, to change the atmosphere. It definitly appears that they spent all of their money in recent years on IOA and neglected USF. The lack of crowds and lines the day we were there seem to say that the public agrees. We did the entire park - Every ride, by 4 PM.
Back to Topic - I like Kong as a ride, but if it has to go to make room for something new, so be it. They should take out Twister (You stand around and watch it rain and the wind blows - WOW he says sarcastically); update BTTF; put a new show in place of Beetlejuice (Some of the Back Street Boys were in that over 10 years ago); update ET. Should I continue?
I have to agree with you there. Terminator, BTTF, and Mib not withstanding, I have to say the whole park seems lost.
I know that Universal's supposed to be about nostalgia, but theres a line between the classics and the flavor-of-the-decade. Some of USF's attractions straddle that line.
Disney's rides (or at least many of them at MK and Epcot) have a lot of leeway because their material is not based on a movie or tv show that might not be remembered in years to come. Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Space Mt., and others may be dated technological wise, but they can be updated or changed at will because of their classic appeal.
Universal's properties, however, are all based on movies from the 70s, 80s, and so on. In time, some of their movies are forgotten, or leave public consciousness, and the appeal to get people on the ride loses flavor fast. King Kong and Earthquake, to me at least, seem like the forgotten stepchild of USF. I've never seen the 1976 remake of KK, nor have I seen the original, but I do respect its place in movie history. Earthquake I have never seen nor do I know who did the movie itself. While the rides can stand on there own without tie-ins, this is a movie theme park, and theres no room in a movie theme park for forgotten movie based attractions. Unless Universal feels like re-releasing a film in theaters to re-stir interest.
Meanwhile, classic films like Jaws and BTTF are still remembered to this day. MiB will be around for awhile. So will Terminator. I have a feeling that one day (not soon, because of its recent rehab) that Earthquake will be put on the chopping block. And Twister will eventually run its course. Its only remembered for its special effects.
You can bet your bottom dollar Dinosaur will one day be changed because nobody will remember that movie (Heck, I don't even remember the movie, and it came out 2 years ago)
Universal's new overhaul is just what the park needs to become fresh again.
Anyway, thats my two cents.
