Universal to Invest $1.5 Billion in Orlando Resort

[bubbles1812]

I know. And it has kind of put Universal on the map. Growing up in Central Florida, Universal usually wasn't a "hey let's go there!" at least, for me and my family and friends. And I think it would have been great in one of the Disney parks, especially DHS, even if I feel it doesn't fit... If I could have my way, WWoHP would be it's own thing at not at Universal so then I don't have to pay the price of admission for one place haha anyway, I still think that people need to not worry so much about it and enjoy Disney. Corporate structures change, and there will always be a WDW. Seriously, if New Fantasyland is the signs of what to expect for the future parks, then I am not worried at all...especially when the WWoHP novelty wears off.

Out of curiosity, when was the last time you actually visited Universal? You stated you haven't been to Potter yet so it sounds like you are judging the parks based on the experiences you had before. Just an fyi...I'd say the Uni parks have such a different feel now. While rude CMs can be encountered at Universal (as they can at Disney...had a few not so fun experiences with some truly terrible CMs), they are few and far between. Most of the people I met genuinely seemed to like working there. Beyond that, the look of the parks is changing. If you read that article (I'm assuming you did since posting here), they even showed pictures of where Universal is "cleaning up" and repainting things that need painted. They are even blasting off the paint on the ground in Seuss land rather than just laying it on choppy and thick (sorry, but I have to say Disney is extremely guilty of doing that). You seem to have been turned off before but I'd seriously encourage you to give the place a bit more of a chance. They have some great other rides and as the article again said...they have got some mega money and they know exactly how to use it.

I think NFE looks great. It truly truly does. But I don't take as optimistic a stance when it comes to thinking about the future of WDW. Again, it looks very pretty but much of what used to make Disney so great isn't present... what happened to creativeness and ingenuity when it comes to ride design? Or even right down to building their own unique attractions rather than cloning two of them while the third is nothing more than a dressed up family roller coaster. There isn't a single E ticket ride. Now, I don't need an E ticket ride every second of the day but MK hasn't gotten a new one in coming up on 20 years! I'll say that again...20 years! And the thing is, they could have if they'd only been willing to spend the money...but they weren't and still aren't I am sure I will enjoy the new rides but NFE doesn't scream to me that Disney is doing well and investing as they should. They look way too much at what they will make "next quarter" versus what is going to keep them profitable in the long term.

I wouldn't be surprised if the "novelty" to use your word of NFE died off long before the "novelty" of WWOHP died of. Especially considering the massive new expansion they are adding to HP. I also think HP will do well going forward with future generations. Mega fantasy series seem to stick around longer than most others.. Lord of the Rings and the Narnia books as case in point.

That may be true, I just don't think we need to go looking for the lifeboats just yet. There are still people, like me, that will go to Universal once, seeing WWoHP and then taking my happy little butt back down the road to my second home. I do think some of the parks at WDW need some additions, but that is purely from a posterity aspect.

And sorry, I agree it's not time to go looking for the lifeboats. WDW still is a fun place. But to say they only need to add rides purely for posterity's sake...I'd have to disagree with you entirely on this. Future World is a mess. World Showcase hasn't gotten a new country in 20 or so years. DHS has so many empty buildings its ridiculous. Of the attractions it does have, many of them are stale, especially the shows because they haven't been changed or even tweaked in so long. Now Cars may be coming and that will help but it's not official. DAK needs an new addition badly. It's star attraction's selling point is broken with no chance of it being fixed in the near future. It too lacks attractions. MK has less issues but again, it could do with a few more rides. Disney's attendance has stagnated these past four years...1% growth a year is nothing, especially when your competition is leaping up in attendance. And no amount of new hotels or developing a new way for guests to micromanage their vacation (next gen) is going to bring the crowds in that would demonstrate that WDW is healthy again. I love WDW. I truly do. But they have serious problems. Your last sentence reminds me a lot of how TDO seem to see the parks. The "we are on top and are going to stay on top. how could we be topped? we don't have to add things, big things, we don't need to so lets just add another meet and greet" attitude that has resulted in falling maintenance standards and more gouging of guest wallets than ever before. I love WDW. I want to see be better and it deserves better than just adding things for "posterity."

 

[ishmael0316]

I will say that Disney is always first in my heart. When I came to Orlando on vacation, I always said there was no way I would ever give Universal any of my precious Disney time. I moved to Orlando right before school started as I got a teaching job here. The first park I stepped in was Islands of Adventure, as I am a huge Potter fan. I can tell you that the first FL resident annual passes I purchased were that day. Universal is amazing. It is not the same as Disney, but it does not try to be. While I love my princesses and everything Disney does to make you forget about the outside world, I find the rides much more fun at Universal. Forbidden Journey, Spiderman, and the Hulk are just amazing! I would not wait in line for any meet and greets at Universal, but would wait forever to see my girls. 2 different amusement parks with different philosophies and they are both amazing in their own right. I hope they never try to be the other place. I love them both for what they already are!

 

[TalkingHead]

Judging from those pictures, Suess Landing and Toon Lagoon are looking great after their new coats of paint.

 

[HTF]

My job has allowed me to visit all the parks for several years and while I am fond of Universal for my own reasons I like all the parks for different reasons. Regardless of personal preference i would never be close minded enough to say i will never go their because its not Disney. Each park coast to coast has its pros and cons. Each park has had ups and downs. Universal fell flat on its face after it first multi billion dollar expansion. This left Universal in a financial strain with debts, multiple buyouts, and consistent cutbacks in every way possible. This left Disney to think well we can't be touched, were Disney. With Universals attendance steadily declining Disney adapted a new policy of cost cutting to maximize profits. During this time they invested less money into their parks than ever before and still has increases in attendance. Few knew then, what consequences would lie ahead.

Fast forward and now were on the flip side. The boy wizard has rejuvenated an entire company and has forced Disney to finally realize maybe we can be hurt by our competition. Universal is seeing record attendance increases and Disney is seeing people spend one less and in some cases multiple days less at Disney in favor of visiting something new, Universal Orlando. Comcast realized instantly when they got access to the books they had a diamond in the rough. Now their pouring it on to take this resort from a side show to the mouse house to a true contender in offerings and quality.

This 1.5 Billion dollar expansion plan has gotten the mouse house very concerned. Most of their concern is focused on two things they know are coming. Cabana Bay which terrifies them, and the tip of the sword Mr Potter. Hmmm could it be Disney keeps holding back Avatar because they know nothing can go head to head with the boy who lived? What was once planned for 2015 just seemed to go backwards once Amity turned into a pile of magical dirt.

What makes this even more interesting is that Universal for the first time ever has the buzz. The ball is in their court and they are doing something with it, EXPANDING! Disney on the other hand had the ball in their court from 2004-2009, and chose to etch in record profits at the expense of their infrastructure and offerings. Now Disney will have to put all that money back they saved over the years back into the resort to give it new life. It's estimated that Disney is so dated in some areas like hotel rooms, attractions, operations, and new offerings it could cost them upwards of 4-5 billion dollars to bring it back to glory.Not a figure TDO is even willing to consider.

My overall point is that Universal learned the hard way and now has a plan to solidify them as a true destination for tourists visiting Florida. Does Disney have a plan or are they already learning the hard way?

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Out of curiosity, when was the last time you actually visited Universal? You stated you haven't been to Potter yet so it sounds like you are judging the parks based on the experiences you had before. Just an fyi...I'd say the Uni parks have such a different feel now. While rude CMs can be encountered at Universal (as they can at Disney...had a few not so fun experiences with some truly terrible CMs), they are few and far between. Most of the people I met genuinely seemed to like working there. Beyond that, the look of the parks is changing. If you read that article (I'm assuming you did since posting here), they even showed pictures of where Universal is "cleaning up" and repainting things that need painted. They are even blasting off the paint on the ground in Seuss land rather than just laying it on choppy and thick (sorry, but I have to say Disney is extremely guilty of doing that). You seem to have been turned off before but I'd seriously encourage you to give the place a bit more of a chance. They have some great other rides and as the article again said...they have got some mega money and they know exactly how to use it.

I think NFE looks great. It truly truly does. But I don't take as optimistic a stance when it comes to thinking about the future of WDW. Again, it looks very pretty but much of what used to make Disney so great isn't present... what happened to creativeness and ingenuity when it comes to ride design? Or even right down to building their own unique attractions rather than cloning two of them while the third is nothing more than a dressed up family roller coaster. There isn't a single E ticket ride. Now, I don't need an E ticket ride every second of the day but MK hasn't gotten a new one in coming up on 20 years! I'll say that again...20 years! And the thing is, they could have if they'd only been willing to spend the money...but they weren't and still aren't I am sure I will enjoy the new rides but NFE doesn't scream to me that Disney is doing well and investing as they should. They look way too much at what they will make "next quarter" versus what is going to keep them profitable in the long term.

I wouldn't be surprised if the "novelty" to use your word of NFE died off long before the "novelty" of WWOHP died of. Especially considering the massive new expansion they are adding to HP. I also think HP will do well going forward with future generations. Mega fantasy series seem to stick around longer than most others.. Lord of the Rings and the Narnia books as case in point.



And sorry, I agree it's not time to go looking for the lifeboats. WDW still is a fun place. But to say they only need to add rides purely for posterity's sake...I'd have to disagree with you entirely on this. Future World is a mess. World Showcase hasn't gotten a new country in 20 or so years. DHS has so many empty buildings its ridiculous. Of the attractions it does have, many of them are stale, especially the shows because they haven't been changed or even tweaked in so long. Now Cars may be coming and that will help but it's not official. DAK needs an new addition badly. It's star attraction's selling point is broken with no chance of it being fixed in the near future. It too lacks attractions. MK has less issues but again, it could do with a few more rides. Disney's attendance has stagnated these past four years...1% growth a year is nothing, especially when your competition is leaping up in attendance. And no amount of new hotels or developing a new way for guests to micromanage their vacation (next gen) is going to bring the crowds in that would demonstrate that WDW is healthy again. I love WDW. I truly do. But they have serious problems. Your last sentence reminds me a lot of how TDO seem to see the parks. The "we are on top and are going to stay on top. how could we be topped? we don't have to add things, big things, we don't need to so lets just add another meet and greet" attitude that has resulted in falling maintenance standards and more gouging of guest wallets than ever before. I love WDW. I want to see be better and it deserves better than just adding things for "posterity."

I need a frickin' LOVE button! An AMEN button!

I was as big a textbook pixie duster as they come. That kinda died when the thin facade of 'Disney show' faded so blatantly. When I started feelin' like I was on the great I'm-payin-more-for-less ride I sorta got miffed.

Good on Uni for stepping up. I say spank the Mouse but good. TDO doesn't care.

Uni is sounding more and more like the WDW show I once knew. Is that where the old crew migrated to? Makes ya wonder, huh?

 

[flynnibus]

This is a number over 10 years.. kind of inflates it for shock value.

might as well say 'the average american family will make over a million dollars.. over the next 20 years'

And everything can change.. so things planned so far out they aren't actually in execution.. are just plans.

 

[GeorgiaPinesRJB]

Out of curiosity, when was the last time you actually visited Universal? You stated you haven't been to Potter yet so it sounds like you are judging the parks based on the experiences you had before. Just an fyi...I'd say the Uni parks have such a different feel now. While rude CMs can be encountered at Universal (as they can at Disney...had a few not so fun experiences with some truly terrible CMs), they are few and far between. Most of the people I met genuinely seemed to like working there. Beyond that, the look of the parks is changing. If you read that article (I'm assuming you did since posting here), they even showed pictures of where Universal is "cleaning up" and repainting things that need painted. They are even blasting off the paint on the ground in Seuss land rather than just laying it on choppy and thick (sorry, but I have to say Disney is extremely guilty of doing that). You seem to have been turned off before but I'd seriously encourage you to give the place a bit more of a chance. They have some great other rides and as the article again said...they have got some mega money and they know exactly how to use it.

I think NFE looks great. It truly truly does. But I don't take as optimistic a stance when it comes to thinking about the future of WDW. Again, it looks very pretty but much of what used to make Disney so great isn't present... what happened to creativeness and ingenuity when it comes to ride design? Or even right down to building their own unique attractions rather than cloning two of them while the third is nothing more than a dressed up family roller coaster. There isn't a single E ticket ride. Now, I don't need an E ticket ride every second of the day but MK hasn't gotten a new one in coming up on 20 years! I'll say that again...20 years! And the thing is, they could have if they'd only been willing to spend the money...but they weren't and still aren't I am sure I will enjoy the new rides but NFE doesn't scream to me that Disney is doing well and investing as they should. They look way too much at what they will make "next quarter" versus what is going to keep them profitable in the long term.

I wouldn't be surprised if the "novelty" to use your word of NFE died off long before the "novelty" of WWOHP died of. Especially considering the massive new expansion they are adding to HP. I also think HP will do well going forward with future generations. Mega fantasy series seem to stick around longer than most others.. Lord of the Rings and the Narnia books as case in point.


And sorry, I agree it's not time to go looking for the lifeboats. WDW still is a fun place. But to say they only need to add rides purely for posterity's sake...I'd have to disagree with you entirely on this. Future World is a mess. World Showcase hasn't gotten a new country in 20 or so years. DHS has so many empty buildings its ridiculous. Of the attractions it does have, many of them are stale, especially the shows because they haven't been changed or even tweaked in so long. Now Cars may be coming and that will help but it's not official. DAK needs an new addition badly. It's star attraction's selling point is broken with no chance of it being fixed in the near future. It too lacks attractions. MK has less issues but again, it could do with a few more rides. Disney's attendance has stagnated these past four years...1% growth a year is nothing, especially when your competition is leaping up in attendance. And no amount of new hotels or developing a new way for guests to micromanage their vacation (next gen) is going to bring the crowds in that would demonstrate that WDW is healthy again. I love WDW. I truly do. But they have serious problems. Your last sentence reminds me a lot of how TDO seem to see the parks. The "we are on top and are going to stay on top. how could we be topped? we don't have to add things, big things, we don't need to so lets just add another meet and greet" attitude that has resulted in falling maintenance standards and more gouging of guest wallets than ever before. I love WDW. I want to see be better and it deserves better than just adding things for "posterity."

Last time I was at Universal was probably around 2001 or 2002. It just never did anything for me the times I have been, never found myself enjoying any of the rides and overall was underwhelmed. I understand that I haven't been there since Potter has been and I fully accept that I will simply LOVE it. Doesn't mean I still like anything else that is offered on property. I will try to go with an open-mind for the rest of it but...Universal has just left a continual bad taste in my mouth.

I fully agree that a new E-Ticket for MK would be nice, and I fully support that. Personally, since SDMT is technically a mountain, add a mountain to Adventureland and then every land has a mountain. Or the villian's subland I suggested in another thread. The only reason why I think NFE is great is because, to me, Fantasyland was always kind of dull (imo) and now it looks like what Disney should look like to me. I'm sold on what I have seen with BOG and Gaston's alone. And the Little Mermaid ride, while not an E-Ticket, I personally love an nice relaxing omnimover in the AC.Sometimes I just want to relax and enjoy something whimsy. Little Mermaid provides that AND that que looks awesome. Maybe one of the best I have seen.

I agree with you that Harry Potter is here to stay, but I think the books and movies will endure longer than the rides. WWoHP is just one area of an otherwise crappy park (imo). I'm glad Universal is putting money into sprucing up the place but still... Until recently (like when they tore down Jaws, replaced Back to the Future) the park had the same rides forever that weren't even that entertaining after the first time. I feel like I can ride anything at Disney multiple times and get something out of it.

No, I didn't mean adding stuff just to add it but I think a park with Disney's history will always been added to. Didn't Walt say WDW would never be completed? I don't argue they don't have serious problems, and I haven't been down there since I moved out of the state but I just hate all the doom and gloom I see on this forums. "Uni has Potter and Transformers! The end is nigh!" Please! Also, we don't know what is in store for the future. Stagnation now doesn't mean stagnation forever. I have high hopes and thinks the future is bright for the parks! I think NFE, just in detail and design, combined what was done with Carsland and what Disney has always done best. Attention to detail and creating "love notes" to their own properties.

 

[HTF]

Absolutely plans can change but considering 600 million of its on the table now, I'm leaning towards a very entertaining 10 years.

 

[GeorgiaPinesRJB]

Absolutely plans can change but considering 600 million of its on the table now, I'm leaning towards a very entertaining 10 years.

And that's kind of my point. Disney is in this to make money, and in any market, competition drives innovation. I think we are going to be seeing interesting 10 years. We really don't know what all is planned for WDW but I am excited to see what is coming down the pipe!

 

[HTF]

And that's kind of my point. Disney is in this to make money, and in any market, competition drives innovation. I think we are going to be seeing interesting 10 years. We really don't know what all is planned for WDW but I am excited to see what is coming down the pipe!

I couldn't agree more, in order for Disney to keep its dominance it will have to build major additions to AK, DHS, and Epcot.

 

[GeorgiaPinesRJB]

I couldn't agree more, in order for Disney to keep its dominance it will have to build major additions to AK, DHS, and Epcot.

Exactly! And personally, from what I have seen with the New Fantasyland, Disney still has it! Looks beautiful and I think anything added or refurbed at the other three parks will look just as great!

 

[HTF]

Exactly! And personally, from what I have seen with the New Fantasyland, Disney still has it! Looks beautiful and I think anything added or refurbed at the other three parks will look just as great!

While FLE is great, once you see Carsland then you realize Disney still has it.

 

[GeorgiaPinesRJB]

While FLE is great, once you see Carsland then you realize Disney still has it.

Only see videos and pics of either... in my opinion, both look amazing! I would support Carsland coming to DHS. Seems like a good fit, as an extension of Pixar Place and Disney knows it'll sell some tickets. Besides, how great would it be to have BOTH FLE and Carsland in grand ole Orlando? I like that idea! haha

 

[WDW1974]

I need a frickin' LOVE button! An AMEN button!

I was as big a textbook pixie duster as they come. That kinda died when the thin facade of 'Disney show' faded so blatantly. When I started feelin' like I was on the great I'm-payin-more-for-less ride I sorta got miffed.

Good on Uni for stepping up. I say spank the Mouse but good. TDO doesn't care.

Uni is sounding more and more like the WDW show I once knew. Is that where the old crew migrated to? Makes ya wonder, huh?

That's where I am at. Sorry, but after over a decade of stagnation and neglect, I can't drool a puddle over the new, new, new (but not really) Fantasyland when UNI is shooting for the stars. Disney is doing the bare minimum and how much it excites you as an individual doesn't change facts of the scope and purpose of the project. Just like 'not feeling the MAGIC' at UNI doesn't change the fact they are putting out the best product in the O-Town market and continually trying to better themselves, not just Disney. And they're succeeding. That's why Disney is desperate. That is why they may very well drop Carsland into their most troubled park. That is why the battles between WDI and James Cameron are worth watching.

I'm been flat out bored with much of WDW's product for a decade because it is stale, it is like a museum, it never changes and when it does, it is for the worst. I'll be spending time there in the future because of family and friends and an emotional pull I still have (but thankfully not the flat out addiction that many here have -- and that IS what it is!)

But I'm really looking forward to returning to UNI ... loved Dispicable Me when I never saw the film. And anxious to see IOA again. ... I'm not rushing to go ride a very average and (to me) underwhelming Little Mermaid ride, which woulz have been a great addition in say ... 1995.

And I agree. I LOVED Bubbles' post.

 

[HTF]

Only see videos and pics of either... in my opinion, both look amazing! I would support Carsland coming to DHS. Seems like a good fit, as an extension of Pixar Place and Disney knows it'll sell some tickets. Besides, how great would it be to have BOTH FLE and Carsland in grand ole Orlando? I like that idea! haha

Been to both within the last 30 days and Carsland just stuns me every time especially at night.

 

[WDW1974]

This is a number over 10 years.. kind of inflates it for shock value.

might as well say 'the average american family will make over a million dollars.. over the next 20 years'

And everything can change.. so things planned so far out they aren't actually in execution.. are just plans.

Sure.

They're just plans. But UNI has a history of following through ... or more to the point doesn't have Disney's history of seeing some of WDI's best plans/ideas wind up as coffee table book filler and no more.

I believe we're more likely to see UNI do most of what is planned than I do of Disney following through with things they've announced (like say blue alien sex kittens at DAK!)

 

[WDW1974]

Last time I was at Universal was probably around 2001 or 2002. It just never did anything for me the times I have been, never found myself enjoying any of the rides and overall was underwhelmed. I understand that I haven't been there since Potter has been and I fully accept that I will simply LOVE it. Doesn't mean I still like anything else that is offered on property. I will try to go with an open-mind for the rest of it but...Universal has just left a continual bad taste in my mouth.

I fully agree that a new E-Ticket for MK would be nice, and I fully support that. Personally, since SDMT is technically a mountain, add a mountain to Adventureland and then every land has a mountain. Or the villian's subland I suggested in another thread. The only reason why I think NFE is great is because, to me, Fantasyland was always kind of dull (imo) and now it looks like what Disney should look like to me. I'm sold on what I have seen with BOG and Gaston's alone. And the Little Mermaid ride, while not an E-Ticket, I personally love an nice relaxing omnimover in the AC.Sometimes I just want to relax and enjoy something whimsy. Little Mermaid provides that AND that que looks awesome. Maybe one of the best I have seen.

I agree with you that Harry Potter is here to stay, but I think the books and movies will endure longer than the rides. WWoHP is just one area of an otherwise crappy park (imo). I'm glad Universal is putting money into sprucing up the place but still... Until recently (like when they tore down Jaws, replaced Back to the Future) the park had the same rides forever that weren't even that entertaining after the first time. I feel like I can ride anything at Disney multiple times and get something out of it.

No, I didn't mean adding stuff just to add it but I think a park with Disney's history will always been added to. Didn't Walt say WDW would never be completed? I don't argue they don't have serious problems, and I haven't been down there since I moved out of the state but I just hate all the doom and gloom I see on this forums. "Uni has Potter and Transformers! The end is nigh!" Please! Also, we don't know what is in store for the future. Stagnation now doesn't mean stagnation forever. I have high hopes and thinks the future is bright for the parks! I think NFE, just in detail and design, combined what was done with Carsland and what Disney has always done best. Attention to detail and creating "love notes" to their own properties.

Don't take this the wrong way, but some folks just are happy with vanilla ice cream and don't want any other flavors.

Disney has been stagnating since the late 90s in O-Town.

Some people are addicted to Pixie Dust, while others just want amazing themed experiences. UNI deliveres and well beyond Potter. And has since before Potter was even in blueprints.

Disney isn't best at details anymore. Anyone who has seen Potter will tell you that. They still can do it, yet they opt not to because their fanbase doesn't demand more.

 

[WDW1974]

Been to both within the last 30 days and Carsland just stuns me every time especially at night.

It sure does.

And while I have only seen Storybook Circus in person, was there a week before they opened the rest, it doesn't come close to comparing with Potter or Carsland or Buena Vista Street. Nope.

 

[GeorgiaPinesRJB]

Been to both within the last 30 days and Carsland just stuns me every time especially at night.

I will keep that in mind! Seriously, if we got Carsland to DHS, I'd be happy. Radiator Springs Racers looks great (and would be the E-Ticket everyone has been complaining a need for somewhere in the parks).

 

[GeorgiaPinesRJB]

Don't take this the wrong way, but some folks just are happy with vanilla ice cream and don't want any other flavors.

Disney has been stagnating since the late 90s in O-Town.

Some people are addicted to Pixie Dust, while others just want amazing themed experiences. UNI deliveres and well beyond Potter. And has since before Potter was even in blueprints.

Disney isn't best at details anymore. Anyone who has seen Potter will tell you that. They still can do it, yet they opt not to because their fanbase doesn't demand more.

Maybe I'm just a kid at heart I guess?