The Future of The Simpsons Ride/Springfield (Orlando)

[Mad Dog]

Probably something else going at USF soon, also.

 

[Alicia]

They currently have bigger priorities (Simpsons and Lost Continent) to deal with. F&F isn't great, but it's still new.

Supercharged got a sponsor. NAPA is paying to keep the lights on, so it’s fine to stay open even if no one likes it.

 

[Tobias]

Probably something else going at USF soon, also.

Perhaps Hollywood Rip, Ride Rockit? Considering the latest thing to happen to it was its song list getting severely downsized (one of the main selling points of the ride), that feels like a sign it's not long for the world as is.

 

[AustinT]

While it'll suck to lose Moe's and Duff, the Simpsons ride has overstayed it's welcome by many years. Pokemon has a bigger draw than Mario I'd argue. This will be a big deal and really put USF back on the map which it's needed since IOA has gotten all the love (and better attractions as of recent).

So if they really are fast tracking Pokemon in Springfield, does that mean a full tear down and ground-up new build, or repurposing some structures like fast food blvd? If they tear that down and re-route backstage access to that building, that would give them much more of a blank slate.

Are we thinking Animal Actors may go as well to give them even more space? I'd like more than just one Pokemon attraction in the land...

 

[Alicia]

Are we thinking Animal Actors may go as well to give them even more space? I'd like more than just one Pokemon attraction in the land...

Personal theory: Animal Actors gets saved for future phase 2 expansion that adds Pokemon show later.

In Japan, Cyberdyne T2 building gets used for phase 2 Pokemon show expansion. There’s a new show coming there soon in Japan, but most folks think it’ll only last a few years, so that lines up with my theory where it can be replaced then. And would allow the Pokemon ride to open sooner and then a land to grow around it as they develop more.

 

[AustinT]

Personal theory: Animal Actors gets saved for future phase 2 expansion that adds Pokemon show later.

I don't like that idea but I could see them doing it. I feel like putting clones of Japan's Pokemon attractions into USF is a bad move. USJ's are being forced to fit in existing structures/ride paths so I feel like USF has far more potential to make better attractions with the relative blank slate here.

I really wish we would get a physical dark ride with tons of AAs like Pets, maybe with the Pokemon Snap element to it. The AR ride seems too similar to Mario Kart, and USF needs more non-screen stuff. I'll allow a two phase build only if they use the existing Springfield space for the Japan ride and merch/food now, and then Animal Actors and *wince* MIB after a few years if it's finally at the end of its life.

AR ride, Pokemon Snap dark ride, and effects show seems like the perfect way to round out attractions in a Poke land.

 

[IzzyB]

Personal theory: Animal Actors gets saved for future phase 2 expansion that adds Pokemon show later.

In Japan, Cyberdyne T2 building gets used for phase 2 Pokemon show expansion. There’s a new show coming there soon in Japan, but most folks think it’ll only last a few years, so that lines up with my theory where it can be replaced then. And would allow the Pokemon ride to open sooner and then a land to grow around it as they develop more.

I agree this would be best. Losing the capacity of Animal Actors which is a decent show and has re-watchability because it is animals wouldn't be the wisest idea if you are also losing capacity of the 2 Simpson rides. Best to do in two phases.

Do you think the idea is when Dreamworks opening, they then close Simpson after the rush of the summer season ends? Or do you think they keep open until after HHN to make HHN paths easier?

 

[AustinT]

Do you think the idea is when Dreamworks opening, they then close Simpson after the rush of the summer season ends? Or do you think they keep open until after HHN to make HHN paths easier?

Weren't there rumblings that the sprung tents back between Simpsons and MIB weren't going to be used for HHN? If that's the case I'd think that Springfield goes down before HHN.

 

[IzzyB]

Weren't there rumblings that the sprung tents back between Simpsons and MIB weren't going to be used for HHN? If that's the case I'd think that Springfield goes down before HHN.

I halfway keep up with that thread but I thought it wasn't sure if this upcoming year would be the last year for the sprung tents or if last year would be.

 

[Crypt Keeper]

Weren't there rumblings that the sprung tents back between Simpsons and MIB weren't going to be used for HHN? If that's the case I'd think that Springfield goes down before HHN.

Both Sprung Tents had permits filed for this year.

Do you think the idea is when Dreamworks opening, they then close Simpson after the rush of the summer season ends? Or do you think they keep open until after HHN to make HHN paths easier?

I'd rather see Simpsons close in January/February of next year. It's typically a slow season. Not having clear pathways for HHN 33 and not having the Simpsons around during the Holidays sounds like a mess. Sure, the Simpsons won't be around for the next Holiday season, but keeping them around for this year's prevents one less headache.

 

[Mad Dog]

Well, the way Phase 2's take almost forever to happen, or never end up happening, Animal Actors could end up being around for a while.

 

[Alicia]

Well, the way Phase 2's take almost forever to happen, or never end up happening, Animal Actors could end up being around for a while.

I think this one would be more like Donkey Kong at SNW in Japan, as in actually happen.

 

[TheUniC6]

I don't like that idea but I could see them doing it. I feel like putting clones of Japan's Pokemon attractions into USF is a bad move. USJ's are being forced to fit in existing structures/ride paths so I feel like USF has far more potential to make better attractions with the relative blank slate here.

I really wish we would get a physical dark ride with tons of AAs like Pets, maybe with the Pokemon Snap element to it. The AR ride seems too similar to Mario Kart, and USF needs more non-screen stuff. I'll allow a two phase build only if they use the existing Springfield space for the Japan ride and merch/food now, and then Animal Actors and *wince* MIB after a few years if it's finally at the end of its life.

AR ride, Pokemon Snap dark ride, and effects show seems like the perfect way to round out attractions in a Poke land.

I would like to point out that if they expand whatever replaces Simpsons into where the spring tents are, you have a ride building on par with MMRR at DL. So I would hope they would do something different and unique to Orlando with that extra space. As I mentioned earlier on this thread, I think a Pokemon ride could pair well with that updated interactive infrared trackless ride system patent filed a little while back.

Personal theory: Animal Actors gets saved for future phase 2 expansion that adds Pokemon show later.

In Japan, Cyberdyne T2 building gets used for phase 2 Pokemon show expansion. There’s a new show coming there soon in Japan, but most folks think it’ll only last a few years, so that lines up with my theory where it can be replaced then. And would allow the Pokemon ride to open sooner and then a land to grow around it as they develop more.

I though I heard the T2 venue is being used for a new Detective Conan that is there for the long haul.

 

[Alicia]

I thought I heard the T2 venue is being used for a new Detective Conan that is there for the long haul.

They’ve said it’s not a temporary attraction, but never defined how long not temporary is.

It feels like an in between replacement to me. But again, just guessing.

 

[Amity6]

Feel like Pokemon is going in the wrong park at the resort if it comes to Studios

 

[Alicia]

Feel like Pokemon is going in the wrong park at the resort if it comes to Studios

I feel like Studios needs a big name draw now that SNW went to Epic.

 

[Mad Dog]

I feel like Studios needs a big name draw now that SNW went to Epic.

Yeah, they need that draw IP if they want to spur attendance. The Minions redone area was nice and the Dreamworks redo is an improvement, but people aren't going to be spurred to schedule a vacation by stuff like that. F&F was supposed to, but it was, and remains, a DUD. Pokemon is a GUARANTEE.

 

[belloq87]

Pokemon, in theory, should be exactly what USF needs: a major property that skews young but has appeal beyond just kids, and affords the opportunity for the park to add some unique (in terms of what Universal's put in the park recently) attraction/ride experiences.

We'll see if, in execution, it actually ends up that way.

 

[Mike S]

Pokemon, in theory, should be exactly what USF needs: a major property that skews young but has appeal beyond just kids, and affords the opportunity for the park to add some unique (in terms of what Universal's put in the park recently) attraction/ride experiences.

We'll see if, in execution, it actually ends up that way.

It’s also the one Nintendo IP with a long history of television and movies.

 

[graspthesun]

I like Pokemon for USF because it fits that unofficial city motif that that park has.

I still think The Simpsons Ride goes down well before Springfield closes. If I had to guess, I'd say the food is the biggest moneymaker in the land, followed by the games and then merchandise. They'll want to milk Fast Food Boulevard as long as possible.

I know this is the USF thread, but USH keeps getting brought up. I think Simpsons either stays through 2028 or closes much sooner to have a replacement open by 2028. They'll want to minimize construction walls during the Olympic games.