Is There Any Room in USF and IoA for Expansion?

[Taithebigkid]

I know there is plot of land supposedly for a water park or another hotel, but is there any way that some of that land can be used for expansions to the 2 current theme parks. Is there any empty spaces in USF and Ioa that is currently not being used?

 

[damo]

Go to googlemaps and take a look. It is really interesting to see the aerial view!

 

[Badge]

Universal doesn't have a ton of extra space. Of course, buildings like offices and stuff can be moved around (taken off site for example), but that would not be ideal.

I think I remember seeing a fairly large piece of land next to MIB that is the place of two haunted houses during HHN, but it seems like enough land for one HUGE ride, or a small land. There also seems to be some space around the JP area at IOA. It has been awhile since I looked at the maps on google.

I do remember taking a survey about 2 years ago about ideas for a 3rd park, but nothing seemed to ever take place with that. I think right now Universal sees that with the right major brand/concept, they can draw in a HUGE crowd by changing older lands. Sure we hate to see rides go (like Jaws), but it is for the better.

One land I would not mind lossing at this point would be Jurrasic Park. It takes up a MASSIVE amount of space and really only offers one ride. That ride seems to never be at its "peak" like when the park first opened. Of course, removing the River Adventure would take a LOT of work, but with the right IP taking its space, it might be worth it. While the removal of a land won't happen for awhile, it will happen sometime.

I remember in the survey they wanted my thoughts on a Lord of the Rings land, a South Park land, and a Hello Kitty (yes, really) land. Of course I would LOVE a Lord of the Rings land, but I don't think that it is "current" enough even with the Hobbit movies coming out. The current book/movie series that I could see coming to the parks would be the Hunger Games (amazing series if you have not read it). However, turning it into a land at a theme park would be very hard.

 

[Taithebigkid]

Thanks! There does seem to be extra space in Jurassic Park. I heard there was tons of empty sound stages in the Studios. I was just wondering because the Studios is starting to get boring an all they do is retheme the ride to a new franchise and it's basically the same ride.

 

[damo]

Thanks! There does seem to be extra space in Jurassic Park. I heard there was tons of empty sound stages in the Studios. I was just wondering because the Studios is starting to get boring an all they do is retheme the ride to a new franchise and it's basically the same ride.

You do know that the whole Jaws area is now shut down and will be completely torn out and redone to a new theme?

 

[Taithebigkid]

You do know that the whole Jaws area is now shut down and will be completely torn out and redone to a new theme?

It's already been unofficially announced it's going to be phase 2 of Potter. The official announcement is on 1/24/12

 

[damo]

It's already been unofficially announced it's going to be phase 2 of Potter. The official announcement is on 1/24/12

I don't think there have been any unofficial announcements. There are rumours. Haven't heard that there will be an official announcement on the 24th even though it seems like a great time for some announcements. Got a source?

 

[Taithebigkid]

I don't think there have been any unofficial announcements. There are rumours. Haven't heard that there will be an official announcement on the 24th even though it seems like a great time for some announcements. Got a source?

Where have you been lol. Themeparkinsider had the exclusive on NYE. He even has a little art work.

 

[Badge]

Where have you been lol. Themeparkinsider had the exclusive on NYE. He even has a little art work.

What was posted on that site is far from offical, or even unoffical. He even says himself:

"First, these are labeled "Concept," and dated last month (November 2011). There's no sign that these plans have been revised, or approved by engineers, so I am assuming that they are initial concept plans. Even though they are quite detailed, they are far from final, and anyone who's been involved in attraction development can tell you that much can change in the development process."

Just because he got to see concept art does not make anything offical. I am sure Universal has a whole room full of concept art that will never become of anything. He was simply shown some drawings of something that Universal might do. I find it hard to believe that they would close Jaws so suddenly because of some unapproved by engineering concept drawings.

Also, if this was really true, Universal would have had him pull everything from the site. Like he said:

"Third, every page is stamped "Confidential," so I'm not supposed to be looking at them or telling you about them, and I'm certainly not going to tell you where I got access to them, so don't even bother asking."

Leaking CONFIDENTAIL items like that could cause some serious actions against him and the person that showed him the concepts. The fact that Universal has done nothing makes me think that either he is way off on their plans for a phase 2, or a phase 2 is still to far along to even take any action because so much might change.

Sure, I would love a phase 2 of Potter, but you can't take this one article on this site to be an unoffical announcement.

 

[damo]

Where have you been lol. Themeparkinsider had the exclusive on NYE. He even has a little art work.

Themeparkinsider isn't the unofficial spokesperson of Universal. What he posted could have been concept art that was produced by anyone for anywhere. It could also be true but like Badge said, there are legalities to be dealt with.

Here is a forum that you might find interesting if you want to follow the developments going on... http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?6-Universal-Orlando-Resort

 

[nytimez]

If you consider that backstage buildings can be knocked down and removed and that vast parking lots can be replaced with smaller multi-storied parking garages, both USF and IOA have more room for expansion than might appear.

And considering the pace of true expansion (as in using previously unused space for new attractions) is quite slow, what they have to work with could last for generations, really.

 

[Badge]

The one thing I don't ever see them doing however is adding in a third park. Right now the current layout is amazing, and imo, the best layout of any theme park resort area ever build.

I love the fact that I can take the boat from my hotel and arrive in the middle of Citywalk and a simple left or right will get me to either park. I don't need to take any long bus rides or switch between them or anything like that if you know what place i'm talking about

Adding a third park would really throw things "off balance" so to speak. Its like the long rumored third park at Disneyland which would not even be placed near the other two parks. Disneyland's layout right now is also really well done with the two gates right across from each other. Tossing in a third park that requires boarding a bus or a long walk to reach would not be fun. I can see Universal just sticking with expanding the current parks, replacing older rides, or cramming in rides into small spaces like Rip Ride Rockit. That ride was really amazing in my eyes. They took such a small piece of unused land and created a great ride on it.

 

[Taithebigkid]

That could be a reason Uni isn't planning Potter phase 2 but than it will make it seem like their plans were leaked if they took legal action so it's 50/50until 1/24/12. I never said Uni was adding a 3rd park I said I read somewhere that they have a huge piece of land in their resort that is rumored to be for a water park, most likely hotel or the 3rd park was going to be Legoland and we all know it's now not on Uni's property. I agree Uni just need to stick with 2 in Orlando. Legoland was the only 3rd park concept I can see for them unless they get the licence for Nintendo.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Universal has some room for expansion but they'll have to be ultra creative with space (like they were with Rip Ride Rockit). Hopefully they'll find a way to add a few more attractions without having to take away any more.

 

[Metro West]

Where have you been lol. Themeparkinsider had the exclusive on NYE. He even has a little art work.

Until Universal announces any expansion plans, everything is a rumour...pure and simple.

I heard there was tons of empty sound stages in the Studios. I was just wondering because the Studios is starting to get boring an all they do is retheme the ride to a new franchise and it's basically the same ride.

The sound stages are in constant use throughout the year so they aren't going anywhere. Remember...Universal is a working studio and soundstages are needed for different productions...not to mention the fact that several HHN houses are staged in them every year.

 

[RudeDogg1]

universal studios:

You may have heard we’re making a big announcement next week about all of the new experiences we’re opening for you in 2012. And, some of you may be wondering whether that announcement will include an update on what we have planned for the JAWS! area… We want you to know that won’t be part of our announcement.

We will be sharing details on many other new & exciting entertainment offerings. Actually, we’re creating more new entertainment experiences for you in 2012 than during any other year in our history! Want to see if you can figure out what we’re going to announce? Then stay tuned for some hints and sneak peeks leading up to the big day.

 

[damo]

universal studios:

You may have heard we’re making a big announcement next week about all of the new experiences we’re opening for you in 2012. And, some of you may be wondering whether that announcement will include an update on what we have planned for the JAWS! area… We want you to know that won’t be part of our announcement.

We will be sharing details on many other new & exciting entertainment offerings. Actually, we’re creating more new entertainment experiences for you in 2012 than during any other year in our history! Want to see if you can figure out what we’re going to announce? Then stay tuned for some hints and sneak peeks leading up to the big day.

http://www.facebook.com/UniversalOrlandoResort

 

[nytimez]

universal studios:

You may have heard we’re making a big announcement next week about all of the new experiences we’re opening for you in 2012. And, some of you may be wondering whether that announcement will include an update on what we have planned for the JAWS! area… We want you to know that won’t be part of our announcement.

We will be sharing details on many other new & exciting entertainment offerings. Actually, we’re creating more new entertainment experiences for you in 2012 than during any other year in our history! Want to see if you can figure out what we’re going to announce? Then stay tuned for some hints and sneak peeks leading up to the big day.

Interesting... I wonder if it's a recap of what we know (Despicable Me, Spidey, etc) or if they actually have something else planned. Although I guess "entertainment offerings" suggests new shows rather than a ride.

Also makes sense not to announced the Jaws replacement at the same, I guess. If it's Potter stuff, as rumored, it won't be open in 2012... and if it's part of a big Potter expansion, as rumored, that would get a big media event of its own and not get lumped in with other "entertainment offerings."

In any case, it's great to see Universal not sitting still, even if I generally have little interest in most of the shows.

 

[damo]

Interesting... I wonder if it's a recap of what we know (Despicable Me, Spidey, etc) or if they actually have something else planned. Although I guess "entertainment offerings" suggests new shows rather than a ride.

Also makes sense not to announced the Jaws replacement at the same, I guess. If it's Potter stuff, as rumored, it won't be open in 2012... and if it's part of a big Potter expansion, as rumored, that would get a big media event of its own and not get lumped in with other "entertainment offerings."

In any case, it's great to see Universal not sitting still, even if I generally have little interest in most of the shows.

I think the new lagoon show will be a big part of the announcement.

 

[Taithebigkid]

Good I want to know what Despicable Me technology is. Seriously mad right now the rumored stuff for Potter phase 2 isn't being announced those ideas was amazing. I think it probably will be announced in late 2012 or 2013 since thats when Disney said they will start Avatar construction and I'm hope the plans will be at d23 expo 2013.