The Future of The Simpsons Ride/Springfield (Orlando)

[RFRees]

Shrek is old, washed, and just a cynical therapy session for Jeffrey Katzenberg. A play area and meet and greet is more than enough for a 25 year old property.

I think the argument is, "let's see how Shrek 5 does." If it bombs, then you're spot on. If it's huge, then your comment ages poorly.

Not sure when Simpson's is up, but they *might* have enough time between the movie release (June 2027) and Simpson's demo completion (possibly 2029) to fully decide what replaces it. (Especially if the decision comes down to two first party IP like Shrek and Wicked, as it would be harder to change a third party IP location last minute.)

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Shrek, to this day, remains popular and has a new film on the way. Universal obviously sees interest in the property as it'll be a prominent IP in the kids park. It gets a good reaction at CineSational too.

If not Shrek, what other properties does UOR have in store to utilize? Let me know what other IPs are out there for UOR to utilize. The chart below is simplified a bit (let me know if I'm missing anything), but splits it out between target audiences.

Assuming Pokemon is the LC project and BTTF finds it way to F&F Supercharged, what IP replaces Springfield?


Edit: Chart above is only considering UOR

 

[Parkscope Joe]

I think the argument is, "let's see how Shrek 5 does." If it bombs, then you're spot on. If it's huge, then your comment ages poorly.

Or it could do well and what I said still stands. Even at the height of popularity Shrek had one 3D movie. Building a new Far Far Away in the late 2020s is a bad idea.

 

[Lucky Planet]

Shrek is old, washed, and just a cynical therapy session for Jeffrey Katzenberg. A play area and meet and greet is more than enough for a 25 year old property.

I kinda agree. the new movie could do great, but even the movie got delayed because of some problems.
and people were criticizing and mocking the animation for the new movie in that image that was released.

I hope it's something new. even wicked ( which I don't like) but something new it's good

I also wanna see Disney add the Simpsons to their parks

 

[RFRees]

Or it could do well and what I said still stands. Even at the height of popularity Shrek had one 3D movie. Building a new Far Far Away in the late 2020s is a bad idea.

I mostly agree with you (not having more Shrek at UOR), but I'm not 100% on board with the logic of how you get to your conclusions. I feel you could easily insert many other IP in there and argue the same thing.

Shrek, to this day, remains popular and has a new film on the way. Universal obviously sees interest in the property as it'll be a prominent IP in the kids park. It gets a good reaction at CineSational too.

If not Shrek, what other properties does UOR have in store to utilize? Let me know what other IPs are out there for UOR to utilize. The chart below is simplified a bit (let me know if I'm missing anything), but splits it out between target audiences.

Assuming Pokemon is the LC project and BTTF finds it way to F&F Supercharged, what IP replaces Springfield?

View attachment 28056
Edit: Chart above is only considering UOR

I've seen Godzilla and general anime mentioned as a Tokyo themed area for USF.

I think Attractions Ideas has a video with that idea? If anyone can link me, I haven't been able to find that video.

 

[Andysol]

A LC Pokémon with a safari setting and Japan in USF with no Pokémon but Godzilla or other anime would certainly not have been what I would’ve expected; but I’m here for it.

 

[AustinT]

Shrek is old, washed, and just a cynical therapy session for Jeffrey Katzenberg. A play area and meet and greet is more than enough for a 25 year old property.

The Shrek IP is still very popular. Even without movies or animation, it's managed to stay in the pop culture conversation for years.

I think you guys are also forgetting how much Uni is leaning into it for the Frisco Kids park. They have a Shrek land and a Puss in Boots land. With this being an in-house IP, I see them favoring this over some others as well.

I've seen Godzilla and general anime mentioned as a Tokyo themed area for USF.

I would kill for a really immersive and frightening Godzilla attraction! I don't know much about the licensing and ownership of it (if based on the movies) but I think WB, Legendary and/or Toho would need to be involved and I'm not sure how expensive or messy that could get. I also just don't see nearly as much merch and food potential compared to a property like Shrek. I still say Shrek takes over Springlfield, but I'd think a Godzilla/Japan land would fit the MIB plot pretty nicely whenever that attraction's time has come.

 

[Mike S]

Shrek, to this day, remains popular and has a new film on the way. Universal obviously sees interest in the property as it'll be a prominent IP in the kids park. It gets a good reaction at CineSational too.

If not Shrek, what other properties does UOR have in store to utilize? Let me know what other IPs are out there for UOR to utilize. The chart below is simplified a bit (let me know if I'm missing anything), but splits it out between target audiences.

Assuming Pokemon is the LC project and BTTF finds it way to F&F Supercharged, what IP replaces Springfield?

View attachment 28056
Edit: Chart above is only considering UOR

Universal owns Transformers???

 

[Clive]

Or it could do well and what I said still stands. Even at the height of popularity Shrek had one 3D movie. Building a new Far Far Away in the late 2020s is a bad idea.

I'm going to lightly disagree here. Shrek got the 3D movie, and only the 3D movie, because the Universal parks were on the ropes and it's what they could afford. They similarly under-built for Minions by initially only going with the Minion Mayhem overlay, a move they've similarly (and arguably clumsily) corrected over time.

For better or worse, Shrek is now a millennial staple. The new Puss in Boots film was well received. If Shrek 5 does well, I suspect we'll see more investment in the property.

 

[Andysol]

I think you guys are also forgetting how much Uni is leaning into it for the Frisco Kids park. They have a Shrek land and a Puss in Boots land. With this being an in-house IP, I see them favoring this over some others as well.

I wouldn't say they're leaning into it- it has a single ride in one of the smaller lands in the park. Puss being the only smaller one- but id say he stands on his own vs Shrek at this point. And it's a kiddie park; so what are their other options? Megamind? Boss Baby? They really dont have many kids properties with long legs that aren't represented.

Realistically - Madagascar? SLoP? And... thats it. So saying Shrek has longer legs than Madagascar or SLoP isn't saying much.
The only other one that I would argue is a stronger IP that isn't represented (ignoring HTTYD with Epic) would be Sing. But that's too similar of an appeal to Trolls; particularly with one of the Trolls attractions being a concert.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

DreamWorks' most successful franchise financially has been Shrek from the very beginning. It's grossed $4B+ in the box office.

HTTYD, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar have all grossed in the $2.2-$2.4B range.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

To those who would be against Far Far Away - would you, in general, be against expanding Dreamworks into the Springfield space? If not, what would you like to see there?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

To those who would be against Far Far Away - would you, in general, be against expanding Dreamworks into the Springfield space? If not, what would you like to see there?

Dreamworks land should absolutely not expand into it and there are plenty of choices that aren’t Shrek.

 

[belloq87]

Shrek, as a property, would seem to naturally lend itself to an all-ages, people-eating, no-height-restriction dark ride as easily as just about any comparable property*, and it has had more financial (and with PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH, critical) success than most/all of those comparable properties.

* Not already represented with a significant attraction.

 

[Lucky Planet]

Shrek, as a property, would seem to naturally lend itself to an all-ages, people-eating, no-height-restriction dark ride as easily as just about any comparable property*, and it has had more financial (and with PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH, critical) success than most/all of those comparable properties.

* Not already represented with a significant attraction.

DreamWorks' most successful franchise financially has been Shrek from the very beginning. It's grossed $4B+ in the box office.

HTTYD, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar have all grossed in the $2.2-$2.4B range.

I guess that the only real answer is just Shrek. nothing else is as big. or as lasting.

 

[fryoj]

I could see a shrek dark ride added to dreamworks. I can't see it replacing LC.


Of course I couldn't see HTYTYD getting the biggest land in their new park so what do I know?

Edit: thought this was the LC thread. lol

But I can't see it taking over the Simpson plot either. lol

 

[GA-MBIT]

People seemed receptive to the idea that Simpsons not being included in the UOR banner refresh is relevant to their inclusion going forward, so keeping that in mind, here's the lineup of IP shown off at the main entrace to the resort.

How to Train your Dragon, Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic, Super Mario, and Shrek.

Quite a keystone spot for a defunct 3D show, a playset, and a well-themed meet and greet.

It's not wrong to say that Shrek was a crude jab towards Eisner-era Disney from a spurned Katzenberg. It definitely was that. And I can completely understand not finding enjoyment in the films or broader IP.

I believe the Shrek franchise is far more than just those petty jabs between 90s animation figureheads. At it's best, the Shrek franchise has a lot of genuine heart and appeal. That's across the first two films, and arguably Forever After; the musical adaptation, all the way up through The Last Wish. I believe that's the reason why Shrek has outlasted basically everything that it inspired across the 2000s, and long past the irony-poisoned, 4chan-adjacent meme craze in the 2010s. People really do resonate with these characters in a meaningful way, even 25+ years later.

I wouldn't be too bummed if Far, Far Away isn't the pick for the Springfield plot. I'm not too pressed about it regardless. But if it does end up getting the greenlight, it's not without valid reason. Shrek is full of wit and heart, with characters and a world that resonates; and yeah, sells. A franchise with a decades-long successful track record. It's vibe perfectly fits USF and would certainly give the park a lot of great opportunity for rides, dining, meet and greet / roaming entertainment offerings. Passing the torch from The Simpsons to Shrek feels incredibly natural to me.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

People seemed receptive to the idea that Simpsons not being included in the UOR banner refresh is relevant to their inclusion going forward, so keeping that in mind, here's the lineup of IP shown off at the main entrace to the resort.

How to Train your Dragon, Harry Potter, Minions, Jurassic, Super Mario, and Shrek.

Quite a keystone spot for a defunct 3D show, a playset, and a well-themed meet and greet.

It's not wrong to say that Shrek was a crude jab towards Eisner-era Disney from a spurned Katzenberg. It definitely was that. And I can completely understand not finding enjoyment in the films or broader IP.

I believe the Shrek franchise is far more than just those petty jabs between 90s animation figureheads. At it's best, the Shrek franchise has a lot of genuine heart and appeal. That's across the first two films, and arguably Forever After; the musical adaptation, all the way up through The Last Wish. I believe that's the reason why Shrek has outlasted basically everything that it inspired across the 2000s, and long past the irony-poisoned, 4chan-adjacent meme craze in the 2010s. People really do resonate with these characters in a meaningful way, even 25+ years later.

I wouldn't be too bummed if Far, Far Away isn't the pick for the Springfield plot. I'm not too pressed about it regardless. But if it does end up getting the greenlight, it's not without valid reason. Shrek is full of wit and heart, with characters and a world that resonates; and yeah, sells. A franchise with a decades-long successful track record. It's vibe perfectly fits USF and would certainly give the park a lot of great opportunity for rides, dining, meet and greet / roaming entertainment offerings. Passing the torch from The Simpsons to Shrek feels incredibly natural to me.

This is the best point anyone has made yet.

There are 6 IPs featured.
5 of them have dedicated lands with multiple attractions.
1 of them has a play area, meet and greet and snack stand.

 

[AustinT]

There are 6 IPs featured.
5 of them have dedicated lands with multiple attractions.
1 of them has a play area, meet and greet and snack stand.

I know someone said the Frisco Kids park doesn't matter because the Shrek and Puss lands are small or whatever, but that's still two total lands out of the 6 that entire place has. It's clear Universal has a lot of faith in Shrek and is willing to invest in it (which I believe is the correct move). If that park is to get young kids familiar with the Universal brands and get them ready to 'graduate' to the bigger parks one day, I don't see how Shrek getting a larger presence in USO isn't inevitable especially with new movies coming.

 

[Andysol]

To those who would be against Far Far Away - would you, in general, be against expanding Dreamworks into the Springfield space? If not, what would you like to see there?

If it’s marketable, sure.

I, personally, don’t care what IP goes there so long as the attraction is great and the theming is excellent. But let’s discuss the tangibles. Because to me, Shrek taking over sounds redundant.

Merch sales- how much more can they sell with a dedicated shrek land vs what’s in store now?
Food/beverage- what other items are they having that they don’t currently have at Swamp snacks
Attraction- who is the person who is going to book a trip to universal because a new shrek ride opened up?

Sell the idea like I’m the president of universal parks and resorts and convince me how it would make an attendance boost or financial sense over a different IP. Because that’s what UC would have to do.