Back to the Future The Ride

[t-and-a]

Dont get your hopes up too high. While BTTF is still open, the rumors are still rampant about it closing. Now the latest thing to be tossed into the ring is an "insider" report about how the ride will become Battlestar Galactica...which is owned in syndication by NBC, the current parent company of Universal. The other major news could be that the ride goes down for six months, gets completely new ride cars, new ride system, new screens, new film new everything and opens up as a new BTTF. I opt for that second one....maybe mix some real 3D elements in....make it a little closer to Spiderman. But who knows at this point. BTTF is still on a day by day basis.

I LOVE the idea for a NEW BTTF! That would be GREAT!

 

[damo]

I agree. A new and improved BTTF would be wonderful. Everyone loves the movies and characters. It is a shame to do away with the whole concept.

 

[mayerobeyer]

I figured I'd break this news here first. Take this with a grain of salt...

I was at Universal for 3 days begining this past Friday. My girlfriend and I went up to the parks so I could theoretically ride BTTF one last time before it closed. The ride worked absolutely perfectly, and although the wait (because of half the ride being closed) was a bit longer than normal it was still worth it. Much to my surprise my girlfriend said that she needed to speak with someone in charge as soon as we got off the ride. I was sort of taken aback and was wondering if everything was fine. We entered into the BTTF store and she asked to speak with someone. At this point I didn't know what was going to happen.

Someone in charge came out who worked in the area of that part of the park. My girlfriend told the person that she thought closing this ride would be a huge mistake and that this ride IS Universal and should remain open. I suppose the person was sort of surprised and her voice got quiet. She said as of right now it is NOT closing and half the ride is undergoing refurbishment changing the cars out and renewing the screen. The word back in October was that it was closing, but as of right now Universal is telling employees that it's refurbishment. I suppose that they were getting alot of complaints about the ride closing and Universal might in fact have changed their minds.

Anyway, take it with a grain of salt, I for one believe the lady we spoke with because she sounded rather sincere. I'm also super excited for the refurbishments, a new BTTF is incredibly exciting.

 

[damo]

I figured I'd break this news here first. Take this with a grain of salt...

I was at Universal for 3 days begining this past Friday. My girlfriend and I went up to the parks so I could theoretically ride BTTF one last time before it closed. The ride worked absolutely perfectly, and although the wait (because of half the ride being closed) was a bit longer than normal it was still worth it. Much to my surprise my girlfriend said that she needed to speak with someone in charge as soon as we got off the ride. I was sort of taken aback and was wondering if everything was fine. We entered into the BTTF store and she asked to speak with someone. At this point I didn't know what was going to happen.

Someone in charge came out who worked in the area of that part of the park. My girlfriend told the person that she thought closing this ride would be a huge mistake and that this ride IS Universal and should remain open. I suppose the person was sort of surprised and her voice got quiet. She said as of right now it is NOT closing and half the ride is undergoing refurbishment changing the cars out and renewing the screen. The word back in October was that it was closing, but as of right now Universal is telling employees that it's refurbishment. I suppose that they were getting alot of complaints about the ride closing and Universal might in fact have changed their minds.

Anyway, take it with a grain of salt, I for one believe the lady we spoke with because she sounded rather sincere. I'm also super excited for the refurbishments, a new BTTF is incredibly exciting.

I sure hope they are doing more than just replacing the cars and screen if they are refurbishing.

 

[robvia]

Screamscape posted another report
http://www.screamscape.com/html/universal_orlando.htm
"Semi-Confirmed - (1/8/07) While I’m only going to call this a rumor right now, we’ve heard from one of our sources that the plans for the Simpsons ride fell through due to the inability to come to financial terms with one of the actors that provides a major character’s voice. If the information is entirely correct, we’ve been told that plans are underway to return the removed Deloreans back to the closed dome and reopen the closed half until they come up with a new replacement concept."

Sheees, wish we could find out who that character is so we can send them hate mail. The thing is, it sounds like the ride was going to remain the same, just have a different car looking at a screen with a new movie. If it's the same simulator technology, half the people will get sick.

 

[damo]

The first thing my kids asked when I told them about the actor was, "Who is it???"

It really changes your opinion of people when it is all about the money. However, there is probably more to the story than we know.

 

[macraven]

Sheees, wish we could find out who that character is so we can send them hate mail. The thing is, it sounds like the ride was going to remain the same, just have a different car looking at a screen with a new movie. .

someone google............let's find out so i can buy a roll of stamps

 

[F-L-A]

Hate mail? What? We should be thanking them. I mean seriously. The Simpsons... in World Expo. Hello???

 

[macraven]

i have this "thing" for homer......

 

[the Dark Marauder]

It's okay, macraven. The Simpsons movie comes out this year.

 

[macraven]

It's okay, macraven. The Simpsons movie comes out this year.

kewl

 

[disneymore2]

I don't know if anyone has seen the below article, but for those of us that think a NEW and IMPROVED BTTF is the way Universal should go, maybe there is still hope.

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200701/270/

By Gareth H: Ah ha, I have some important information regarding the closure of Back to the Future at Universal Orlando.

After discussion with a Universal Studios Florida engineer (Will remain nameless) it has been made clear to me that the Simpsons Rumor is a diversion, apparently often used when a ride is to close.

The replacement for the ride, date of full closure not yet decided, is one of two things.

The first and least likely, is a BattleStar Gallactica ride. Although no details are available, it seems a viable option as the long running TV show is still current and still on Unversals "USA" channel.

The second option which I'd guess would be more popular, is what we'd all suggested, a major re-work of the current ride. All current equipment would be removed and the ride would be completely re-made, although keeping with the current style.

This of course is common among popular rides. Shrek will soon go through a change as a new film is due for release and the current 4D film is now dated (Go figure T2:3D)..

So would you accept an updated version of the ride with (If they can pull it off) aged charactors, or old footage???

 

[Amity 3]

this whole thing is totally ridiculous. you can't tease me with the simpsons and then tell me it's just going to be refurbed.

 

[d4est]

Interesting.

Whatever they decide, I hope they get on with it before we visit this December.

My first choice would be Simpsons. Anyone figure out who to send the hate mail too?

My second choice is an all new BTTF. We seriously loved it & rode in around 10 times in the 4 days we spend in Orlando.

Battlestar Gallactica would bite.