Universal Studios Florida: What Do We Think About It?

[mccgavin]

and the buy-in cost is so much larger than that of a movie, is the IP valuation in a vacuum the only way to look at it?

It isn't. It's one of the longest running animated series of all time, and has had 24 full-length films to date. Many people engage with the media without buying into the other products. Not to mention, the series has had many successful mobile games that are free to download, making them widely accessible.

 

[markm92]

With a new coaster coming (hopefully themed to Ghostbusters with indoor show scenes), and then followed by Pokemon most likely replacing Simpsons, I'd say 2 more new rides in the next 5/6 years would have this park in a much better position.

For the 2 new rides, one could replace Supercharged, and the other could be a new build on either the FF plot or animal actors (possibly Shrek dark ride?).

What I would love to see come back is Jaws, some form of indoor boat ride utilising both the shanghai pirates tech and the latest mack rocking boat tech - combined with many practical effects and animatronics, this would be massive for the park, help lean more into the classics (especially if the new RRR turns out to be ghostbusters), and bring a much needed water-based attraction to this park.

 

[Clive]

I can confidently say we are not going to be getting four new headliner attractions at Universal Studios Florida in the next five or six years. Not when Epic is going to get expansion and the Lost Continent needs attention next door. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

 

[belloq87]

Had Universal done a better job with the park since 2015*, nobody would be feeling like it needs that many.

* That's my personal editorializing; I recognize there are others who don't think what's happened there since has been that bad.

 

[GAcoaster]

 

[OrlLover]

DCA is in no way comparable to USF.

Their problems might seem similar on the surface but they are not.

 

[Clive]

DCA is in no way comparable to USF.

Their problems might seem similar on the surface but they are not.

I would take USF over DCA any day of the week. Cars Land is exceptional, but just about everything else is superior at USF - yes, including the ride mix. That may change when they roll out Coco, Avatar, and Avengers in uh... 5 years or so, but hopefully USF will have received sufficient attention by then. The only other thing DCA currently really has over USF are better dining and drinking options, and that's really only because of Carthay Circle and the very underrated Sonoma Terrace.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

I think it’s fairly evident Universal is perfectly capable of delivering all-ages attractions. But I understand why they might choose to prioritize attractions that skew toward to older families that are easier to peel away from Disney.

I’d love for them to get into the family boat ride game, though!

Both Singapore Madagascar and Beijing Kung Fu Panda were major misses for me but — third time’s the charm!

 

[Clive]

Both Singapore Madagascar and Beijing Kung Fu Panda were major misses for me but — third time’s the charm!

In fairness, the Kung Fu Panda boat ride is not great - but it's certainly better than the Madagascar misfire. You may be right!

 

[DarkMetroid567]

In fairness, the Kung Fu Panda boat ride is not great - but it's certainly better than the Madagascar misfire. You may be right!

I thought I remembered hearing that KFP was originally supposed to be SpongeBob, which might explain it.

 

[GAcoaster]

 

[greendude33]

Mamma Mia! is unlikely because there's no real way to replicate the characters in a theme park setting without resorting to filmed media.

I’ve never thought about Mamma Mia! in a theme park setting, but I don’t think this is true. I think the biggest draw of Mamma Mia! is the ‘exotic’ setting and the music.

Case in point, Mamma Mia! The Party in London is a themed dinner show at a Greek-style taverna with music from the films. The tickets are often sold out and are usually more expensive than a ticket to a Universal park - some dates have tix starting at £269 ($364!) per person!

There are locations in Stockholm and Rotterdam too.

People seem to enjoy it:


Not sure how that might translate to a theme park environment - something like this seems more apt for a CityWalk paid experience, but could also be the equivalent of a character dining/dinner show meal in the parks.

 

[Frank Drackman]

Some just needs to open a labubu land somewhere to print money

 

[Legacy]

Mamma Mia! is unlikely because there's no real way to replicate the characters in a theme park setting without resorting to filmed media.

Come on… Orlando couldn’t do a live stage version of the musical Mamma Mia? They could honestly just have Donna and the Dynamos (augmented by Sam, Harry, and Bill - like during the curtain call) give performances of Abba music and call it a day.

It’s worked for Blues Brothers for 35 years.

I’m still annoyed they never had the Barden Bellas from Pitch Perfect perform…