Finally....good News

[yaytezIOA]

This from themeparkinsider.com

Ask and ye shall receive; Universal Orlando to drop $100 mil on new attractions
2007-04-05
By Robert Niles: Universal fans are buzzing about the company's latest SEC filing, which reveal plans to more than double capital spending, to "$100 million to $120 million" on shows and attractions in 2007. Universal told federal regulators that it plans to spend just $15 to $20 million of that on maintenance of existing rides.

(Background: All U.S. companies whose stock is traded through public exchanges must files quarterly statements with the SEC, the Securities and Exchange Commission, revealing how much money they've spent and earned, plus any plans they have which could affect their stock price.)

Universal's announcement lends support to rumors that the park is planning a major retheming of one of the IOA lands, possibly to a Harry Potter theme. Keep in mind that $100-$120 million is just what Universal's planning to spend this year. A newly rethemed land would not open until 2008, at the earliest, so additional funds for the project, presumably, would come from the 2008 budget, as well.

As I noted earlier this week, Universal's attendance has not kept up with rival Walt Disney World's, and has declined at IOA. Attendance remains down, 3 percent for the year, according to the SEC report. So Universal needs to do something to boost attendance. And the Blue Man Group, tweaked admission deals and another Orange County ad campaign won't cut it.


Its about time.

 

[tikkipoo]

That'd be great if it happens. It would give us another opportunity to come to US/IOA and also SW with the Aquatica opening.

 

[damo]

That's a lot for 2007. They better hussle!!!

 

[macraven]

it did say planning to retheme and possibly 2008 for harry potter.

think for 2007 it would be to put the replacement ride in for bttf?

 

[damo]

it did say planning to retheme and possibly 2008 for harry potter.

think for 2007 it would be to put the replacement ride in for bttf?

That's a lot of money for BTTF. Rumour is that Expedition Everest was about 100 million.

Spiderman was about 100 million and Mummy was about 40 million.

It sure is good news though. Maybe some of that is going into research and development that is happening right now for whatever is coming later.

 

[Amity 3]

Mission Space was another 100 million.

if they retheme the Lost Continent to Harry Potter, they had better build a bridge from Jurassic Park to Suess Landing just for me.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

That amount doesn't seem like a whole lot (can you imagine!) for a revamp/new land. I am thrilled its been allotted since it has to mean a benefit somehow, somewhere towards betterment of the parks! Can't wait to see where it goes! It's time for IOA.

 

[yaytezIOA]

Its not going to happen in 2007, but in 2008. That is going to be the budget they have setup for it. The bttf will open in May of 08...maybe sooner. There was supposed to be an announcement last week, but it may be end up being tomorrow, if at all. I really hate how Universal does things.....disney at least tells you what its going to be.

 

[damo]

what's the 2008 budget?

 

[yaytezIOA]

The 120 mil is the 08 budget. No clue on what the 07 budget is.

 

[Amity 3]

the replacement to BTTF announcement should drop tomorrow. it won't be a big surprise.

 

[bubba's mom]

if they retheme the Lost Continent to Harry Potter, they had better build a bridge from Jurassic Park to Suess Landing just for me.

yep, i'm sure that is high on their priority list and will get right on that

 

[Amity 3]

$12,000.00 at best, I'm not picky.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

the replacement to BTTF announcement should drop tomorrow. it won't be a big surprise.

Not a surprise? You think Simpsons is it?

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I'm excited to see that they're going to add anything. We think Blue Man Group is a good addition too though. I think they needed more nighttime family entertainment. Of course, more rides are always welcome.

 

[ChrisFL]

Im hoping we'll see a $30-40 million dollar renovation of BTTF and a $80-90 million dollar ride for IOA. Obviously those figures could be way off if they're putting part of the budget into other things to change/improve also.

 

[robvia]

I just want new thrill rides. Suits love to do the family ride stuff, and the shows. They're needed, but IOA is all about thrills. Someone up there at the top needs to bring the "wow" back.

IOA lost two spots on the attendance chart. They were in 7th place, now they're 9th.

 

[damo]

The 120 mil is the 08 budget. No clue on what the 07 budget is.

Doesn't the article say that 120 million will be spent in 2007 or I am reading that incorrectly?

This is a quote from somewhere, "The report says Universal Orlando intends to spend $100 million to $120 million on new projects this year, compared with $41 million last year and $30 million in 2004". So wouldn't that make the 120 mil in 2007?

 

[DrewAlmighty]

The replacement for BTTF shouldn't cost that much. I think alot of money is going to be pumped into a big IOA attraction.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Well, let's just hope they put that $100M+ to good use.

I hope I'm not the lone cynic, but I'm going to withold my complete and utter excitement until we learn for sure what they're doing and development starts. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited. But to get to the all-important level of utter excitement, I wants ta see some pics. Engineering specs. Design work in Autocad. Full page colored advertising on bonded paper. Brochures. My consultation and input comes really, really cheap, if they're interested. I wouldn't put a dent in that $100M+ budget.

I just want to know what they're doing. Is that too dang much to ask?

Don't they know who I am on the DISBOARDS? I mean, honestly. Gads. Hmmppph.