Let's play being head of Universal Creative...

[belloq87]

View attachment 25140
Updating my plan based on new info and latest spec. Ignore some of the dating and text, outdated.

This is a cost effective plan to improve USF in a timely manner. It won't be the best park, but it'll get it to a respectable status.

2026
1) Hill Valley - San Francisco will convert into a BTTF-themed land with minor cosmetic changes.

• Back to the Future - Time Racers: A retheme of the existing Fast & Furious - Supercharged ride system.
• Richter's turns into 'Doc's Experimental Kitchen' featuring unique takes on standard theme park fare (burgers, chicken tenders, etc.)
• Lombard's turns into Cafe 80s - a new sit down restaurant themed to the, you guessed it, the 80s with classic American dishes (similar to Disney's 50s Prime Time Cafe)
• Chez Alcatraz can stay the same
• San Francisco Pastry Company turns into a Milkshake/Ice Cream float stand
• San Francisco Candy Factory turns into bakery/candy shop
• Amazing Pictures turns into a shop
• BTTF train is relocated to the F&F exit (and there's already train tracks there... look at that lol)

2027
2) Fast & Furious Coaster - drifting coaster ala Rockit
3) Super Silly Fun Land, Minion Land Expansion

• New Flat Rides - Waveswinger & Carousel (or something else) take the place of the existing Music Plaza Stage
• Trees are added throughout the area to add shade and asphalt is replaced by concrete to reduce heating in the area during the brutal Florida summer
• Minion Mayhem's queue is rerouted near to Rockit's current entrance (improves queue experience and sightlines when entering the park)

2028
4) Ghostbusters Ride - replaces Race Through New York with an all-new film. (cost effective)
2029
5) Trolls or Shrek Dark Ride - SLOP-style Omnimover in parade building
2030
6) Pokemon replaces Springfield USA with new dark ride, theater show experience and reskinned Twirl 'n' Hurl
7) New Park Entrance - complete restructuring of the park's entrance to allow even flow through Hollywood & Minion sections of the park. New Art Deco motif added throughout that celebrates Movies, not the making of them.

• Today Cafe - relocated Brown Derby
• Studio Store is expanded
• New 'Universal Palace Theater' hosts a large family-friendly stage show (Mamma Mia, Wicked, etc.?)

2030+
7) FFL Replacement - Save for Potter pending new shows' success or replace with a 3rd party IP (Bond, Star Trek, etc.)

I like all of this a lot!

If Universal announced a five-year plan like this for USF (which they'd never do), I'd feel ecstatic about the park's future.

 

[Suchomimus]

Why is the list on the right cut off, and not list JPRA as no.5 ?

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Why is the list on the right cut off, and not list JPRA as no.5 ?

just a minor typo

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

Lot to digest, just wanna say fantastic work before I comment further.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

Spongebob retheme for Toon Lagoon is by far the most no-brainer thing in existence

 

[SkiBum]

Spongebob retheme for Toon Lagoon is by far the most no-brainer thing in existence

I'm probably in the minority (plus older which means I read the comics with many of the characters in Toon Lagoon) but I would hate for Spongebob to move in. The colors seem too garish and I never found it to be an enjoyable show. Having said that, I also understand that it is extremely popular. With it being a Paramount IPO with UNI having license agreements to feature in the parks, I wonder if the agreements allow for rides. Although, I'm sure that Paramount would happily allow it since it would give them even more exposure.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I'm probably in the minority (plus older which means I read the comics with many of the characters in Toon Lagoon) but I would hate for Spongebob to move in. The colors seem too garish and I never found it to be an enjoyable show. Having said that, I also understand that it is extremely popular. With it being a Paramount IPO with UNI having license agreements to feature in the parks, I wonder if the agreements allow for rides. Although, I'm sure that Paramount would happily allow it since it would give them even more exposure.

I think they're going to use the Spongebob land in the Texas park as kind of a measuring stick for the future

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I think they're going to use the Spongebob land in the Texas park as kind of a measuring stick for the future

The IP is 26 years old and still kickin'. The fact that the StorePants store is still there (and doing healthy business) shows that Universal is still a fan of the IP.

It just makes sense since it'll be a 'cheaper' retheme of existing areas. And a Krusty Krab restaurant would do a good amount of business and whatever other snacks they can come up with.

Either SpongeBob or a general Nickelodeon land would do well here. Outside that, not many other IPs can fit well into the current Toon Lagoon structure without a full/partial rebuild.

 

[GAcoaster]

While people know SpongeBob, is Nickelodeon even a thing anymore? Besides SpongeBob, what else would Nickelodeon bring to the table? What is the relationship between between Paramount/Viacom and other rights holders for SpongeBob and Comcast?

At this point Comcast’s own stuff (Dreamworks and Illumination) are probably just as relevant and don’t involve paying royalties to third parties.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

While people know SpongeBob, is Nickelodeon even a thing anymore? Besides SpongeBob, what else would Nickelodeon bring to the table? What is the relationship between between Paramount/Viacom and other rights holders for SpongeBob and Comcast?

At this point Comcast’s own stuff (Dreamworks and Illumination) are probably just as relevant and don’t involve paying royalties to third parties.

I think at this point, it doesn't matter much about the current relevance of the show itself. Spongebob is an iconic, evergreen property similar to Nintendo/Mickey/etc.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

While people know SpongeBob, is Nickelodeon even a thing anymore? Besides SpongeBob, what else would Nickelodeon bring to the table? What is the relationship between between Paramount/Viacom and other rights holders for SpongeBob and Comcast?

At this point Comcast’s own stuff (Dreamworks and Illumination) are probably just as relevant and don’t involve paying royalties to third parties.

SpongeBob is Nickelodeon's strongest IP and they are (funny enough) building a new Nick hotel at Everest Place on 192 near Disney/Margaritaville. They still have some fan favorites that are still going strong (Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, etc.) so it's certainly still a valid option. While I believe SpongeBob is strong enough on its own, I could see a "Nick Lagoon" provide more options for other characters to be included in the park/Universal Parks library.

And while I agree that Universal's own IPs are just as strong, it doesn't look like they're interested in expanding their presence beyond what they currently have. The Minions have their own land already and Illumination's other properties aren't as strong. DreamWorks Land (imo) would have worked better as the TL replacement, but they already dedicated DreamWorks to USF.

 

[Legacy]

Pulling this over from the Epic expansion thread. A lot of this is consolidating previously verbalized ideas.

USF
Supercharged plot becomes Godzilla, allowing the retention of San Francisco.
Fear Factor becomes The Globe theater (London) with a live, Broadway-esque show (BTTF?).
Men in Black and Simpsons become Tokyo with Pokemon. Men in Black is a Snap safari. Simpsons becomes whatever else.
(Alternate idea - Star Trek replaces Supercharged because San Fran. Then Tokyo gets Godzilla with Pokemon).

Islands
Toon Lagoon (with amphitheater) becomes LOTR.
Lost Continent becomes Emerald City/Wicked.

Epic
“Sci-Fi City” with a much better name. Basically a hodgepodge of disparate IPs. Ready Player One, Metroid, Blade Runner. That vibe.
I also think Scooby Doo or Beetlejuice deserves a dark ride in Dark Universe because I like how they chaotically fit.

 

[Viator]

If I was thinking on it

USF:
- Supercharged becomes either the Knight Bus or is a BTTF dark ride
- Men In Black and Worlds Expo become The Emerald City, with Wizomania inside FFL and a "Defying Gravity" E-Ticket replacing MIB (Building gets gutted internally)
- Springfield becomes Pokemon, with a Pokemon Stadium show where Simpsons Ride is and a Pokemon Snap Dark Ride to the left of it, replacing the old Sprungs
- Shrek Omnimover replaces Animal Actors Live

IOA:
- Lost Continent becomes Zelda
- Depending on the scenario if Universal and WBD merges (I don't like to think on it, but I think it's probable), MSHI gets rethemed to DC Comics
- Toon Lagoon gets transformed and changed to be reworked into something that would update the material in the land for something more "Modern"

Epic:
- Luigis Mansion being the first thing EU gets post Opening
- Depending on the success of the live action movie, having a flying simulator next to Untrainable with a similar level of immersion similar to that of Flight of Passage

 

[Scott W.]

View attachment 25140
Updating my plan based on new info and latest spec. Ignore some of the dating and text, outdated.

This is a cost effective plan to improve USF in a timely manner. It won't be the best park, but it'll get it to a respectable status.

2026
1) Hill Valley - San Francisco will convert into a BTTF-themed land with minor cosmetic changes.

• Back to the Future - Time Racers: A retheme of the existing Fast & Furious - Supercharged ride system.
• Richter's turns into 'Doc's Experimental Kitchen' featuring unique takes on standard theme park fare (burgers, chicken tenders, etc.)
• Lombard's turns into Cafe 80s - a new sit down restaurant themed to the, you guessed it, the 80s with classic American dishes (similar to Disney's 50s Prime Time Cafe)
• Chez Alcatraz can stay the same
• San Francisco Pastry Company turns into a Milkshake/Ice Cream float stand
• San Francisco Candy Factory turns into bakery/candy shop
• Amazing Pictures turns into a shop
• BTTF train is relocated to the F&F exit (and there's already train tracks there... look at that lol)

2027
2) Fast & Furious Coaster - drifting coaster ala Rockit
3) Super Silly Fun Land, Minion Land Expansion

• New Flat Rides - Waveswinger & Carousel (or something else) take the place of the existing Music Plaza Stage
• Trees are added throughout the area to add shade and asphalt is replaced by concrete to reduce heating in the area during the brutal Florida summer
• Minion Mayhem's queue is rerouted near to Rockit's current entrance (improves queue experience and sightlines when entering the park)

2028
4) Ghostbusters Ride - replaces Race Through New York with an all-new film. (cost effective)
2029
5) Trolls or Shrek Dark Ride - SLOP-style Omnimover in parade building
2030
6) Pokemon replaces Springfield USA with new dark ride, theater show experience and reskinned Twirl 'n' Hurl
7) New Park Entrance - complete restructuring of the park's entrance to allow even flow through Hollywood & Minion sections of the park. New Art Deco motif added throughout that celebrates Movies, not the making of them.

• Today Cafe - relocated Brown Derby
• Studio Store is expanded
• New 'Universal Palace Theater' hosts a large family-friendly stage show (Mamma Mia, Wicked, etc.?)

2030+
7) FFL Replacement - Save for Potter pending new shows' success or replace with a 3rd party IP (Bond, Star Trek, etc.)


I think this is all doable and an affordable option for the park. It's not going to become the best park in Orlando, but it will be respected once again.

As for IOA... not as immediate, but will require investment within a larger timeframe. USF is the priority.
Similar to the USF build above, a lot of this reuses existing facilities.
1. Port of Entry enhancements
2. Seuss Theatre
3. Wicked Land
4. Great Hall Restaurant
5. JPRA refurbishment
6. SpongeBob SquarePants (retheming)
7. Improved menu at Cafe 4
View attachment 25141

I like a lot of these ideas and the style in which you've presented them.

A few small changes I'd make.

I'd move the Super Silly fun land expansion towards the Blue Man Group theatre, as I think the stage needs to stay.

I've always had an idea for a BTTF ride and I'd hope it would be a lot more than the F&F ride system. The alternative would be for a Potter expansion to use the F&F area and BTTF uses the old Fear Factor and inevitably, MIB will go at some point. I think Doc Brown holding an event at the World Expo makes a bit more sense theme wise. I'll need to post my idea for a BTTF ride at some stage.

For the same reasons, I hope that Ghostbusters would use something better than the current Tonight Show system. With no budget in mind, I would love to see a Tower of Terror system for Ghostbusters. Maybe even have some synergy by making it take place at 30 Rock.

Pokemon is kind of a lock at this point and the Shrek ride idea in concept and location is inspired.

For IOA.

It's a little funny that everybody has collectively decided that Spongebob is the best choice for Toon Lagoon and it feels like one of those projects that will inevitably happen.

Wicked in TLC makes a lot of sense and I'd prefer this over any Zelda rumour.

While on that subject, Universal are potentially in a position of too many choices to make and don't want to go all in on one IP. If they decide Luigi is the next first step for Epic expansion and then Zelda and then Pokemon, that's a lot of Nintendo which would result in less of anything else.

On that subject, what does Epic do first? I think Luigi is far enough along that they could break ground whenever they want but I think this is a waiting game, Luigi seems obvious but I could just as easily see a Potter or Dark Universe expansion before it and since both lands cut rides before construction started, they can be a quick expansion. Dark Universe is the dark horse here. We all knew that it was going to be a hit when announced but I think even Universal are surprised by how popular and the guests will be craving more.

 

[saint.piss]

For it would be

USF:
- Fan Fest Nights comes to the park. (Summer 2026)
- Ghostbusters or BTTF rollercoaster replaces RRR (late 2027-early 2028)
- Pokémon land replacing Simpsons (late 2028-early 2029) featuring an E-Ticket dark ride and a C ticket kids ride. Hoping for a lot of interactive elements and mini games like Super Nintendo World. Pokémon power up bands would sell like crack!
- Diagon Alley expansion into the FFL plot. Not sure what they should put here honestly lol. Maybe a Knight Bus attraction or a show. Anything to expand DA. (2029)
- The Great Universal Studios Movie Ride (Studio tour esque dark ride attraction) replaces Supercharged. Maybe even have a show also paying tribute to the history of Universal Studios and have a permanent tribute store location selling classic Universal merch. (2030 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the park)
- DreamWorks Land expansion with a new ride using a more advanced version of the SLoP ride system in the Animal Actors space. (2031)

IoA:
- Legend of Zelda land replacing everything in LC. Put in a show in the Sinbad location and an E-ticket dark ride (boat not boat ride??? Please?) where Poseidon's Fury was. Also include interactive elements/mini games like SNW. (Late 2028 to 2029)
- LoTR (or wicked... but for me this is where LoTR should go imo) completely replacing Toon Lagoon + TL theater. Possibly even replace Kong too or save that for an expansion. Hoping for a huge E-ticket attraction, a coaster and a flume ride. (2031)

Epic Universe:
- Luigi's Mansion land and attraction expansion for Super Nintendo World. (2028)
- CityWalk 2.0 (2029)
- Creature from the Black Lagoon ride coming to Dark Universe. (2030)
- Wicked land is the 6th EU world. Theme it to Emerald City and have an E-ticket attraction + show. (Mid 2031)
- Expand HTTYD and have a center piece E-Ticket attraction. (2032)


This is the ideal future of the UOR parks for me. There's other stuff I would want (2nd ride in MoM for EU, Japan area in USF, Celestial Park dark ride, etc) but you can't have everything. I'm trying to be semi realistic

 

[bdubsCEO]

Brought it up in another thread as a joke, but seriously: Half-Life in Epic Universe. Full scale City 17 as the land, MIB style dark ride shooter hybrid E-ticket located inside the Citadel.

Use the USH Mummy scarab tickling effect for a scene with headcrabs in a dark room or vent shaft. Have an onslaught of Xen aliens and Combine from every direction, just absolute carnage and chaos. Stuff blowing up. A section that simulates being suspended like the rail trolley in the first game. It would be awesome.

Way, way too niche to ever make it to a theme park, but it’s a great idea and there are so many concepts you could make out of it

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I've always had an idea for a BTTF ride and I'd hope it would be a lot more than the F&F ride system. The alternative would be for a Potter expansion to use the F&F area and BTTF uses the old Fear Factor and inevitably, MIB will go at some point. I think Doc Brown holding an event at the World Expo makes a bit more sense theme wise. I'll need to post my idea for a BTTF ride at some stage.

I had a very similar idea as well:


(the red shaded area is Mummy's show building. A World Expo land would work well.

 

[belloq87]

My current take, limiting it to only a few projects per park:

USF (by 2030)
- Supercharged replaced with a BTTF simulator or “Universal Great Movie Ride” dark ride.
- Springfield demolished for INSERT YOUR PREFERRED IP HERE, with at least one dark ride, a flat ride, and some other kind of attraction (show/smaller-scale ride).
- Shrek/Puss in Boots dark ride (SLOP-esque) for DreamWorks land.
- Race Through New York re-themed (or outright gutted) for some other movie IP.

IOA (by 2030)
- Lost Continent replaced by INSERT YOUR SECOND PREFERRED IP HERE, with at least one ride and one show of some sort.

EPIC (by 2030)
- Creature from the Black Lagoon dark/boat ride.
- INSERT YOUR THIRD PREFERRED IP in the big 20-acre expansion plot.

I’m only being slightly humorous with the PREFERRED IP business; I don’t have any real attachment to the various rumored options for lands besides LORD OF THE RINGS, and I think a case can be made to put LOTR in any of the three parks. Beyond that... WICKED, Zelda, Pokemon... I don’t really care that much as long as a couple of dark rides are involved.

 

[saint.piss]

My current take, limiting it to only a few projects per park:

USF (by 2030)
- Supercharged replaced with a BTTF simulator or “Universal Great Movie Ride” dark ride.
- Springfield demolished for INSERT YOUR PREFERRED IP HERE, with at least one dark ride, a flat ride, and some other kind of attraction (show/smaller-scale ride).
- Shrek/Puss in Boots dark ride (SLOP-esque) for DreamWorks land.
- Race Through New York re-themed (or outright gutted) for some other movie IP.

IOA (by 2030)
- Lost Continent replaced by INSERT YOUR SECOND PREFERRED IP HERE, with at least one ride and one show of some sort.

EPIC (by 2030)
- Creature from the Black Lagoon dark/boat ride.
- INSERT YOUR THIRD PREFERRED IP in the big 20-acre expansion plot.

I’m only being slightly humorous with the PREFERRED IP business; I don’t have any real attachment to the various rumored options for lands besides LORD OF THE RINGS, and I think a case can be made to put LOTR in any of the three parks. Beyond that... WICKED, Zelda, Pokemon... I don’t really care that much as long as a couple of dark rides are involved.

I totally forgot Race Through New York. Damn lol

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Great Hall in Hogsmeade concept.

Entrance at current Forbidden Journey entrance - new signs will reflect 'Great Hall Restaurant' at the left side, and 'Attraction' at the right with fence separating both (like it is now). Guests will use the same Hogwarts corridor entry as the attraction. Only issue is single rider, but a TM can be positioned here to stop the flow of guests and allow people to cross. Exit to current locker area (red arrow)

The brown/goldish color leading from the FJ show building to Great Hall is entirely indoors. It will take over the extended queue of Forbidden Journey, which is never really used anymore. There can be a railing through the middle to separate incoming and outgoing guests. Before arriving at the actual Great Hall, there will be a reception area themed to the sorting hat experience. Only one guest per party will be chosen, the rest of the group will get the same house.

Great Hall dinner is a 60-90 minute 'dinner' show with special effects and other story lines throughout. The only major change to this plan is the removal of Pizza Predattoria, but IOA doesn't actually need this QSR capacity since it has so many.

And yes for realism, I relocated the BoH access gate to between new restrooms and Raptor Encounter.