New King Kong movie buzz causing any regrets over at USO?

[Timekeeper]

As most of you know, Peter Jackson and company won 11 Academy Awards this month for Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King.

And, as many of you may know, Mr. Jackson's next film endevor is going to be a "remake" of King Kong. Obviously, this film will get huge buzz as we get closer to post-production not to mention marketing, marketing, and more marketing.

Imagine the line of King Kong toys that will be released in conjunction with the new film.

Do you think that, having decided to close Kongfrontation at *least* 3-4 years ago, Universal Studios regrets making that decision?

People seem to be divided over the Kongfrontation attraction. Some love it as much as fans of the Carousel of Progress love that. Others are as bored with it as some people are bored with the Carousel of Progress. (OKay, not a completely valid comparison, but it illustrates the point.) I, personally, like it a lot. I think a major rehab could have made it "modern" enough to draw more crowds.

Timekeeper

P.S.

Does anything know if the King Kong - Jackson film will have any affiliation with Universal Studios (the film production and distribution company, that is)?

 

[NemoRocks78]

I personally loved Kongfrontation and it was one of my favorite rides in the park. I was so mad when it was announced that it was closing. I loved it as much as I love the Carousel of Progress!!

Kong fit perfectly in the New York area, unlike Revenge of the Mummy, which sort of doesn't. There was something about it that made it different from all of the other rides, as it used an amazing set and the Kong animatronics were spectacular back in the day. A heavy rehab to give it modern touches would have been the perfect thing to do. A fresh new look, some enhancements to the Kong animatronics, set design, and more could have made it a favorite of many and one of the best rides in Universal Orlando. But what? It's gone now. Revenge of the Mummy could have been placed perfectly in the large piece of land between Back To The Future....The Ride and Men In Black: Alien Attack. I still can't wait for RotM to open, but I would have liked Kong to stay and Mummy be put somewhere else.

Hopefully the new King Kong coming out in 2005 (by the way, it is being released by Universal Studios) will make Universal think twice about what they had done. Maybe a new Kong attraction can even be put in place somewhere in the park. I remember seeing plans for a King Kong roller coaster in a Universal Studios park for Spain I think it was, maybe that would be a nice addition.

Kong forever!!!

 

[Timekeeper]

Yes, yes, and yes.

I agree with everything you said.

If the new Kong movie is big enough, it would be neat to see a new attraction featuring the movie legend. However, like you said, it "fit" really well in the New York section of the park. The ride does, after all, take place in New York.

I think it would have made more sense to give Kongfrontation a major rehab - or gut it out and build a new one. By doing that, they could have build a new show building (soundstage) for Mummy - with a heigher ceiling for more "thrill" as the track appears to be quite large (like the Hulk coaster track) and thus take up alot of room.

I think that the Mummy exterior would have made more sense if they kept the natural concrete color of the building instead of making it look all goldish-yellow. That way, it could better represent a museum in New York city - which there are - in a more realistic manner. Although I cannot yet judge the ride, the color of the exterior doesn't sit well with me.

Also, I saw the lockers (for personal bags) all installed out front - I don't like that. They should be more off to the side (i.e. Dueling Dragons, Hulk). Right now, it's obtrusive to the view of the main entrance.

As a final thought, regardless of the debate between Mummy and Everest - Mummy has one thing that Everest does not have - and that's appeal to an audience through the series of movies. I think it presents opportunity for stronger theming - much like how many people feel the Tower of Terror is the best-themed WDW attraction (...based on a tv series that many are familiar with.)

Just my thoughts,

Timekeeper

 

[MKCustodial]

This just goes to show you that what goes around comes around.

Next up: "Disney Regrets Forsaking Traditional Animation After 'Home on The Range' Proves To Be A Huge Success".

A guy can dream, can't he?

 

[DisneyFan 2000]

Originally posted by MKCustodial
Next up: "Disney Regrets Forsaking Traditional Animation After 'Home on The Range' Proves To Be A Huge Success".

A guy can dream, can't he?

Yes you can dream, but when the movie flops you'll hear Eisner shouting out: "I told ya so!"... Why is 2D animation gone???

 

[NemoRocks78]

Re: Yes, yes, and yes.

Originally posted by Timekeeper
Also, I saw the lockers (for personal bags) all installed out front - I don't like that. They should be more off to the side (i.e. Dueling Dragons, Hulk). Right now, it's obtrusive to the view of the main entrance.

I haven't seen those yet in person (last at USF Feb 28th-29th for Mardi Gras, probably won't go back until Mummy AP Previews), but I have seen pictures, and they look way out of place. I can't believe they decided on that spot. They could have placed them somewhere else. I don't know where, but somewhere.:lol:

I think a nice little location would have been next to the Express Machines, which are actually going to be located next to where Twister's Express Machines currently are. At least there, the exterior wouldn't have that tent-like structure obstructing a good view.

 

[The_CEO]

The lockers couldn't be in a more perfect spot. They provide their purpose, and everyone moves on. Don't get me started on all the disney locations and their ' out of placements. '

Considering the entrance is through the theater. Not much attention will be on the lockers. Everything is perfect.

 

[Atta83]

Dont even get me started on those stupid lockers!!!!! AHHHHHHH. I am so going to love this ride being a big Mummy fan and even bigger egyptian fan... I never really cared for King Kong the ride ..:drevil:

 

[The_CEO]

Either the lockers stay and you with baggage ride. Or they go and you all stand outside wondering why the signs say no carry ons.

 

[Atta83]

Well if i knew there were lockers i would of brought my pack and believe me i can hold my purse on anything i wrap that sucker around my wrist it dont go anywhere. But thats my two cents.. If only you did not have to pay, shouldnt the admission cover it as well cause basically you are screwed if you are over the 45 minute wait in line....

 

[The_CEO]

Originally posted by Atta83
Well if i knew there were lockers i would of brought my pack and believe me i can hold my purse on anything i wrap that sucker around my wrist it dont go anywhere. But thats my two cents.. If only you did not have to pay, shouldnt the admission cover it as well cause basically you are screwed if you are over the 45 minute wait in line....

They are free.

They use fingerprints, and are free.

 

[Atta83]

No you have to pay the locker after 45 minutes. I looked at it, its nice you get it free for the first 45 minutes then after that you have to pay :brick: