Are you Excited about the future of Universal/IOA?

[TaylorsDad]

I saw a thread with a much different theme on another board and it got me thinking how exciting and promising the future looks for Universal and IOA. Or maybe its just me thinking that way. We have a trip planned for August and although I have a 15 hour drive when we decide not to fly, I find myself already planning additional trips and the decision to purchase an Annual Pass now seems like a no brainer.
The reason is it seems there is relatively little wait for something fresh and new lately. Only a few years ago we had Rip Ride Rockit, followed quickly by Harry Potter, Simpsons, Despicable Me, and Transformers, with a surefire hit in Harry Potter expansion in the works. But it's not just the rides. I have only been once to HHN but the advertised houses and theming always seem different which would be a welcome relief from the semi local place we attend each year that recycles the same houses. And its not just the events. I hear there is a meal plan in the works, and although I don't think it will suit my touring plan, I have to applaud them for offering something many migrating from other places may have become accustomed to using.
And if all this wasn't enough there is a new onsite hotel opening soon that may fit better in with some peoples budget or family size. My point is Universal is still keeping the things I love most, while adding enough fresh and new elements to keep me wanting to come back as often as possible.

 

[damo]

I agree! In 5 years the parks are going to be absolutely incredible. There are so many things in the works and Comcast is investing so much money that it is hard not to be excited!!!

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I completely agree. I went to the Universal side for the first time since Transformers started doing soft openings and the Springfield restaurants opened. Rode the ride and it was fantastic.. one of my new favorite rides (even better than Spider-Man, I think), even though I've never seen any Transformers movies. Also ate at the Springfield area which is SUCH an improvement over the old International Food and Film Festival. They've even been refurbishing the bathrooms and some of the stores. I think it's truly impressive how even in the past few months the place has become more rejuvenated, and I know it will only continue. Hopefully Islands of Adventure also gets some more attention.

I've been going to Universal regularly since 2005 and I've never seen the parks have so much life. I think there are some very exciting things going on at Universal and I keep looking forward to the future additions.

 

[agavegirl1]

Once my kids grew up and I decided to go to theme parks, I will always plan my vacations around theming and rides and "newness" every time.

 

[macraven]

i've been going yearly to the darkside since 1993.
i'm amazed by the growth it has had over the years.

UO has changed with the times on many of the rides and shows.
when rides are retired, they have been replaced with something awesome.


(still pouting over getting rid of the ghostbusters..)


they have really increased new shows in the past 6 or so years.

always something to look forward to !


seems that UO wants to bring in new crowds to the parks but keep the past guests intertained with new things.

prices in the park have increased but UO has improved due to the extra revenue.

 

[Metro West]

Am I excited? In a word....YES!

 

[schumigirl]

Very excited with all the additions last few years and with what is still to come.

Even if the themes are not what you might have chosen, you can still enjoy everything on offer. You don`t need to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy a great new ride in FJ. I`m not a Simpsons fan, nor a fan of the ride as it makes me bad, but I`m really looking forward to seeing the stuff that has been added.

RRR, for all it`s issues, is a brilliant ride....especially the start....wow....just love it. It was an excellent addition to the Studios.

All in all Universal has upped it`s game beyond all expectations.

I loved both parks immediately when I first visited them, but they just keep getting better every year for us

 

[nogs75]

Very excited! Just went to Universal and IOA for the first time last year and had a blast! Can't wait to try Transformers as well as any other new things they have in the works!

 

[Schmeck]

I was excited at first about the Harry Potter expansion, thinking that it would create a better buffer from the outside world, but now that I've found out that it will be at the other park, and we'll have to pay extra (two park admission) to access it, no way. Also, the Hogwart's Express is going to run between them, and I'm thinking the 'view' is going to to stupid - lots of backstage/downtown Orlando.

So, while I think it's great that there's going to be more HP, as the initial land was puny, I really dislike how it's located in a very developed part of Orlando. No magic when you can hear the sirens going by on the street, or hear the mechanics/screams from roller coasters in other lands.

 

[damo]

I was excited at first about the Harry Potter expansion, thinking that it would create a better buffer from the outside world, but now that I've found out that it will be at the other park, and we'll have to pay extra (two park admission) to access it, no way. Also, the Hogwart's Express is going to run between them, and I'm thinking the 'view' is going to to stupid - lots of backstage/downtown Orlando.

So, while I think it's great that there's going to be more HP, as the initial land was puny, I really dislike how it's located in a very developed part of Orlando. No magic when you can hear the sirens going by on the street, or hear the mechanics/screams from roller coasters in other lands.

When you are riding the Hogwarts Express, you will see nothing that is outside the train. It will be all special effects and new technology on the windows (you can't see through them) to make you experience what the kids would have on one of the journeys.

Whenever you do two parks, you'll have to pay a parkhopper admission. That's really nothing new.

If all you are going to Universal for is the Harry Potter stuff then it really isn't worth the money. However, this thread is about all the additions to the parks including the new Diagon Alley. They've got stuff lined up for the next 7 years with new major additions every year.

 

[Schmeck]

Any low-key stuff or all super-intense in your face stuff?

The two park fee is what I was pointing out as being disappointing, if anyone wants to have the entire HP experience, they have to buy a two-park ticket. I find that pretty pathetic of Universal.

The train sounds better with your description, and makes more sense. An elevated track would just give a great view of the nearby high school stadium, the undecorated sides of HPatFJ, etc.

I still wish Universal had purchased adequate land someplace else to do HP justice.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

Schmeck, I don't think buying land elsewhere would have made sense from a logistical standpoint. The addition of the WWoHP has started a revitalization of the entire resort which wouldn't have happened if it were its own gate. Unfortunately for Universal the area around them has grown considerably since when it first opened. However I've never personally noticed any sirens or street sounds from the parks that I can recall.

Personally I think they do brilliantly with the space they have.

 

[Bluer101]

Yes I'm excited even if all this new stuff is going on. I have been visiting US since opening year. Once Disney started to expand and make mutiple parks we stopped visiting reguarly. Which switched to Universal resort around 1999. I have been only a handful of times back to Disney as our family loves Universal.

Now if they just built a separate land for HP I would maybe visit once or not at all. With it combined with both parks soon it makes it very convenient. With an AP it makes its more reasonable for US. Now the problem with Disney is the price of AP's are too expensive. Then is you have no AP you have to decide which parks out of the 4 to visit. Yes I could visit all but then the cost is crazy.

I can stay onsite at Universal, have my AP's, unlimited express, and the whole relaxing VIP treatment way cheaper than Disney.

 

[patster734]

Yes I'm excited even if all this new stuff is going on. I have been visiting US since opening year. Once Disney started to expand and make mutiple parks we stopped visiting reguarly. Which switched to Universal resort around 1999. I have been only a handful of times back to Disney as our family loves Universal.

Now if they just built a separate land for HP I would maybe visit once or not at all. With it combined with both parks soon it makes it very convenient. With an AP it makes its more reasonable for US. Now the problem with Disney is the price of AP's are too expensive. Then is you have no AP you have to decide which parks out of the 4 to visit. Yes I could visit all but then the cost is crazy.

I can stay onsite at Universal, have my AP's, unlimited express, and the whole relaxing VIP treatment way cheaper than Disney.

Bluer, My wife and I are the same way. Last October was first time that we visited any Disney parks since 2005, and even then, it was only 2 parks (EPCOT and Disney Studios). However, having experience the Food and Wine festival, I think we'll have to include it on future October trips. This fall, the two Disney parks we intend to visit will be EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom (to see the Fantasyland expansion). I still haven't been on Expedition Everest at the Animal Kingdom.

 

[TaylorsDad]

Any low-key stuff or all super-intense in your face stuff?

The two park fee is what I was pointing out as being disappointing, if anyone wants to have the entire HP experience, they have to buy a two-park ticket. I find that pretty pathetic of Universal.

The train sounds better with your description, and makes more sense. An elevated track would just give a great view of the nearby high school stadium, the undecorated sides of HPatFJ, etc.

I still wish Universal had purchased adequate land someplace else to do HP justice.

I don't see how that is any different than having to go to all 4 parks with WDW if you want to experience the full Disney experience. Here is one example. We love the characters but there are certain ones only available at certain parks and crazy as it sounds we once upgraded to park hoppers just to go to another park at WDW a few years back when that was the only way to get the photo we wanted. Times the amt of an upgrade by 4 to see how much that photo cost us. That was quite a shame because it was the last day of a 5 day trip and we had avoided getting hoppers to shave a little cost of our trip.

 

[Metro West]

The two park fee is what I was pointing out as being disappointing, if anyone wants to have the entire HP experience, they have to buy a two-park ticket. I find that pretty pathetic of Universal.

Why would Universal let guests from IOA walk around the Studios for free just because of HP?

 

[damo]

I don't see how that is any different than having to go to all 4 parks with WDW if you want to experience the full Disney experience. Here is one example. We love the characters but there are certain ones only available at certain parks and crazy as it sounds we once upgraded to park hoppers just to go to another park at WDW a few years back when that was the only way to get the photo we wanted. Times the amt of an upgrade by 4 to see how much that photo cost us. That was quite a shame because it was the last day of a 5 day trip and we had avoided getting hoppers to shave a little cost of our trip.

I also find it similar to AK and DHS both being half day parks but with full price admission fee.

 

[RMulieri]

Why would Universal let guests from IOA walk around the Studios for free just because of HP?

2nd this..Does Disney allow you to go to another park in the same day to see a certain character or ride without a Hopper pass? NOPE..It is NO different.

 

[PiperGirlInWondrland]

We sure are!!! We were serious Disney fans with annual premium passes and multiple visits every year and we live in NY! But now we have found we enjoy the pace of a dark side vacation much more. We will be spending 10 days at Hard Rock Hotel in August relaxing by the pool and knowing we have our universal express passes benefit and annual passes for a fraction of the price. It is so great not having to rush to dinner reservations or worry about fast passes! We will always love Disney but I have to say with all of the new attractions and the perks for being a resort guest, The dark side has won us over!

 

[Planogirl]

I'm beyond thrilled at what I see going on there. We started going before all of the expansion started and already liked it. Now it is just mind-boggling to see all of the changes, both big and small. Universal really does have its act together.

As for needing to go to two parks to see Harry Potter that is minor to me. I usually feel compelled to go to all four Disney parks and don't expect to be allowed to visit one for free just because there might be something similar at two.