A little something I wrote - let me know what you think...
First impressions are everything. Universal parking SUCKS. Walt Disney's parking is BETTER. BUT! Universal's parking lot is ten times better than Walt Disney is. Why? Their themed parking lots with the movie score themes.
Universal Studios Florida is one of my all-time favorite spots. Well, at least it used to been. Every-year, changes are made. Alterations are done. And what was then, changed to the current trend. But before I continue with the park in Orlando, Florida – let me get you familiarize with the company [studio].
Carl Laemmle is the founder of Universal Studios. Before it was a film studio, it started out as a clothing store (out of all things). Within the first quarter of the 20th century, it got turned into a film studio, located in the now Universal City Studios. Universal was the very first to have public tours on their own lot (which was unheard of before that time). And it should be noted a very ambitious and young Walt Disney got his start through Universal – providing shorts for their theatrical runs. But never mind on that.
Fast forward some years – with Universal's rises, and falls – the young Walt Disney creates an empire of his own – when Alfred Hitchcock came from Britain to Hollywood – Disney creates a massive empire, bigger than Universal can ever imagine, including his own theme park - Universal re-opens their lot to the public – Disney buying land in an unrealized place, Kissimmee, Florida – an young ambitious Steven Spielberg directing that little fishy motion picture – blah-blah-blah.
Let's get this out of the way, Universal came first. Disney came second. But the debate that always comes up...Walt Disney opened its doors to the public fall of 1971. Universal Studios Florida did not come to be until two decades later. I am not going to get in the debate of what's better. My preferences of choice will always be Universal first, just on the sheer history the place has as a whole (not to mention some of my most favorite movies of all time). And that's what the company is missing out on. The following is what I would do to reshape, reinvent, and bring the place to its full potential once and for all. Obviously, most are "would's", "could's", and "should's". That's not the point. And some will agree. Most will disagree. I do have my bias here. A lot of what I have in mind wouldn't even be practical, on a business standpoint. But whatever the case maybe, this is the, "if Keith Helinski was in-charged, things would be different" deal. Nothing less, nothing more. So without further ado, let's start in Universal's City Walk.
I dig City Walk. It's different. Mind you, I never been to Downtown Disney (yet). But even if I have – I still dig City Walk. The AMC 20 (which once was called just Universal 20 – a shame AMC bought it, and changed the name). I never have been in the theater itself – but I took a glimpse. I never had seen a theater with an elevator before. Very cool. I dig Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. And I think the highlight of the entire place is Hard Rock Café. Essentially, there is NOTHING I would get rid of. But, there are three things I would add.
One thing I would add for sure, is an added section to the UNIVERSAL STORE – a section that sells NOTHING BUT VINTAGE MOVIE POSTERS. They have these small pin-ups. They are nice. I bought a few in the past. But, I am talking about movie theater sized poster reprints. Another thing I would add, Sammy Hagar's very own club/bar – Cabo Wabo. Would blend well within the scene – and a nice contrast/likeness to both the Hard Rock and Jimmy Buffet's shindig. Lastly, I would add a very unique club/bar called Rick's Café Americain. Fairly obvious where that comes from. *wink*
Let's venture to the left – onto Universal's Island of Adventure – shall we?
It's pretty obvious – with the various themes – how it's circular – and just the layout, it's a straight-on knock off of Disney's Magic Kingdom. And I also have to add, there really isn't much to offer, anyhow. Rumor has it, there is going to be a Harry Potter type theme soon, within 2008. A nice addition (and I have no beef with it). But, there are other tidbits I would add, take out, or just expand.
-Marvel Studios. Marvel films is real hot right now. And the only real draw this part of the park has is Spiderman 3D (Keith's favorite, by the way). Not good. I am surprised there isn't a simulation ride with all the Marvel characters, interacting. That would be nice. Or even make the attempt of buying some rights (just within the theme parks) to DC comics, and have either two small themes – DC and Marvel, or, merged them together – having a much wanted "one versus the other" deal. Either or, is better ideas than what is currently there right now.
-Dr. Seuss. A simulation ride involving either the Grinch, or a nice gathering of all the characters interacting.
-Jurassic Park. This SCREAMS a simulation ride of some sort. I don't even have to think of any ideas here.
-Lost Continent. Get RID OF THIS!
There are two ideas off the top of my head, which I would LOVE TO SEE. First idea, STAR TREK island. There was once a cheesy Star Trek attraction at Universal Studios Florida. I would infuse everything from Las Vegas.
Another idea I have is a little more risky, and iffy at best. But I feel, would SELL once it's off the ground. An AYREON based theme island. Yeah, I know 99.999999999% of people never heard of Ayreon. That would be a great draw, just on the name itself. With that said, I already have ideas for rides. Based on INTO THE ELECTIC CASTLE album, I could see either a walk-in tour (which fits perfectly with where that ________-poor Poseidon is at), or a ride similar to Cat in the Hat – that paraphrases the album/story in a 10-15 period of time. I could see a simulation ride, based on Universal Migrator part one album. I could see an indoor roller coaster ride (similar to Rockin' Roller coaster of Space Mountain) based on Universal Migrator part two album. I could even see a play/production off The Human Equation album. Plenty to do in the universe of the Ayreon concept albums.
All is risky – but worth it. Key thing is EXPAND. I will leave Universal Studios – the main park, for part two. Quite alot just in that area alone.
Anyhow, hope you enjoyed this. Yes, I am a dreamer. But that is why I like Universal the most. I guess I am an escapist.
First impressions are everything. Universal parking SUCKS. Walt Disney's parking is BETTER. BUT! Universal's parking lot is ten times better than Walt Disney is. Why? Their themed parking lots with the movie score themes.
Universal Studios Florida is one of my all-time favorite spots. Well, at least it used to been. Every-year, changes are made. Alterations are done. And what was then, changed to the current trend. But before I continue with the park in Orlando, Florida – let me get you familiarize with the company [studio].
Carl Laemmle is the founder of Universal Studios. Before it was a film studio, it started out as a clothing store (out of all things). Within the first quarter of the 20th century, it got turned into a film studio, located in the now Universal City Studios. Universal was the very first to have public tours on their own lot (which was unheard of before that time). And it should be noted a very ambitious and young Walt Disney got his start through Universal – providing shorts for their theatrical runs. But never mind on that.
Fast forward some years – with Universal's rises, and falls – the young Walt Disney creates an empire of his own – when Alfred Hitchcock came from Britain to Hollywood – Disney creates a massive empire, bigger than Universal can ever imagine, including his own theme park - Universal re-opens their lot to the public – Disney buying land in an unrealized place, Kissimmee, Florida – an young ambitious Steven Spielberg directing that little fishy motion picture – blah-blah-blah.
Let's get this out of the way, Universal came first. Disney came second. But the debate that always comes up...Walt Disney opened its doors to the public fall of 1971. Universal Studios Florida did not come to be until two decades later. I am not going to get in the debate of what's better. My preferences of choice will always be Universal first, just on the sheer history the place has as a whole (not to mention some of my most favorite movies of all time). And that's what the company is missing out on. The following is what I would do to reshape, reinvent, and bring the place to its full potential once and for all. Obviously, most are "would's", "could's", and "should's". That's not the point. And some will agree. Most will disagree. I do have my bias here. A lot of what I have in mind wouldn't even be practical, on a business standpoint. But whatever the case maybe, this is the, "if Keith Helinski was in-charged, things would be different" deal. Nothing less, nothing more. So without further ado, let's start in Universal's City Walk.
I dig City Walk. It's different. Mind you, I never been to Downtown Disney (yet). But even if I have – I still dig City Walk. The AMC 20 (which once was called just Universal 20 – a shame AMC bought it, and changed the name). I never have been in the theater itself – but I took a glimpse. I never had seen a theater with an elevator before. Very cool. I dig Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. And I think the highlight of the entire place is Hard Rock Café. Essentially, there is NOTHING I would get rid of. But, there are three things I would add.
One thing I would add for sure, is an added section to the UNIVERSAL STORE – a section that sells NOTHING BUT VINTAGE MOVIE POSTERS. They have these small pin-ups. They are nice. I bought a few in the past. But, I am talking about movie theater sized poster reprints. Another thing I would add, Sammy Hagar's very own club/bar – Cabo Wabo. Would blend well within the scene – and a nice contrast/likeness to both the Hard Rock and Jimmy Buffet's shindig. Lastly, I would add a very unique club/bar called Rick's Café Americain. Fairly obvious where that comes from. *wink*
Let's venture to the left – onto Universal's Island of Adventure – shall we?
It's pretty obvious – with the various themes – how it's circular – and just the layout, it's a straight-on knock off of Disney's Magic Kingdom. And I also have to add, there really isn't much to offer, anyhow. Rumor has it, there is going to be a Harry Potter type theme soon, within 2008. A nice addition (and I have no beef with it). But, there are other tidbits I would add, take out, or just expand.
-Marvel Studios. Marvel films is real hot right now. And the only real draw this part of the park has is Spiderman 3D (Keith's favorite, by the way). Not good. I am surprised there isn't a simulation ride with all the Marvel characters, interacting. That would be nice. Or even make the attempt of buying some rights (just within the theme parks) to DC comics, and have either two small themes – DC and Marvel, or, merged them together – having a much wanted "one versus the other" deal. Either or, is better ideas than what is currently there right now.
-Dr. Seuss. A simulation ride involving either the Grinch, or a nice gathering of all the characters interacting.
-Jurassic Park. This SCREAMS a simulation ride of some sort. I don't even have to think of any ideas here.
-Lost Continent. Get RID OF THIS!
There are two ideas off the top of my head, which I would LOVE TO SEE. First idea, STAR TREK island. There was once a cheesy Star Trek attraction at Universal Studios Florida. I would infuse everything from Las Vegas.
Another idea I have is a little more risky, and iffy at best. But I feel, would SELL once it's off the ground. An AYREON based theme island. Yeah, I know 99.999999999% of people never heard of Ayreon. That would be a great draw, just on the name itself. With that said, I already have ideas for rides. Based on INTO THE ELECTIC CASTLE album, I could see either a walk-in tour (which fits perfectly with where that ________-poor Poseidon is at), or a ride similar to Cat in the Hat – that paraphrases the album/story in a 10-15 period of time. I could see a simulation ride, based on Universal Migrator part one album. I could see an indoor roller coaster ride (similar to Rockin' Roller coaster of Space Mountain) based on Universal Migrator part two album. I could even see a play/production off The Human Equation album. Plenty to do in the universe of the Ayreon concept albums.
All is risky – but worth it. Key thing is EXPAND. I will leave Universal Studios – the main park, for part two. Quite alot just in that area alone.
Anyhow, hope you enjoyed this. Yes, I am a dreamer. But that is why I like Universal the most. I guess I am an escapist.
) In fact, it's perfect for the ISLAND'S theme.
