Lord of the Rings at Universal!!!????

[whitek1275]

I know many people have always wanted this and there's rumors a-brewin!

http://www.slashfilm.com/rumor-universal-and-tolkien-estate-planning-middle-earth-theme-park/

 

[RMulieri]

Yup...someone posted the rumor on one of the other threadss on this forum this morning..I hope its true.

 

[wiigirl]

I really hope this is true!

 

[macraven]

this has been rumored about before.


not sure what land will be used to create it but if it does happen, i'm sure universal will do it up fine.

 

[Metro West]

Just an FYI...

As other posters start new threads regarding this subject...and they will...I will be merging any new threads with this one.

Depending on how popular this thread becomes, it will become a sticky.

 

[keishashadow]

It would be amazing only if they do it right. A stand-alone attraction wouldn't fit the bill imo. HP translated well with the limited space, not sure where they'd be able to fit LOTR area into the parks.

Curious, does anybody know if there ever been any serious discussion/rumors of a third off-site park (that could be reached via shuttle from main park area perhaps) coming into the fold?

 

[damo]

It would be amazing only if they do it right. A stand-alone attraction wouldn't fit the bill imo. HP translated well with the limited space, not sure where they'd be able to fit LOTR area into the parks.

Curious, does anybody know if there ever been any serious discussion/rumors of a third off-site park (that could be reached via shuttle from main park area perhaps) coming into the fold?

There used to be enough space for a third park but most of the land got sold off. I don't think there is enough space right now, but who knows.

From what I can see from the clever folk over at Orlando United, talks are going on between Universal and the Tolkein group. Apparently JRR Tolkein did not like Walt Disney, so there would never be any interaction between those two.

Nobody is quite sure where this new land would go. Would they replace Lost Continent? Redo Toon Lagoon? Things are way, way too early for any of that information.

 

[whitek1275]

My fear is that this is all a cash-grab. Lord of the Rings has a lot of love, but not nearly as much as Harry Potter does.

After the park or area is built, 5-7 years later, after the movies lose steam....you are left with two "fantasy" style lands, both of which will have no new movies to market them.

I agree one attraction will not do it justice, but I don't think it's worth investing 100's of millions of dollars in like they did with Harry Potter.


Now a sci-fi land or something would be cool. With Men in Black and T2 aging, it would be nice to see some new sci-fi rides or an area (ahem, Abrams Star Trek)

 

[reelmom]

Please let this be true.

 

[Planogirl]

Where is my only question. LOTR should have a lot of space.

How amazing would this be if true though. I don't agree with a PP. I think that the Tolkien stories are timeless.

 

[Senator Tressel]

Where is my only question. LOTR should have a lot of space.

Looks like either Toon Lagoon or Kids Zone are on the chopping block. There isn't that much space anywhere else.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

How about the big parking lot, that is mostly empty at the corner of Vineland and Sand Lake Rd. that abuts Universal?

 

[damo]

Where is my only question. LOTR should have a lot of space.

How amazing would this be if true though. I don't agree with a PP. I think that the Tolkien stories are timeless.

I agree with you. The books were very popular for a long time before the movies even came out. I think Harry Potter will enjoy the same timelessness.

How about the big parking lot, that is mostly empty at the corner of Vineland and Sand Lake Rd. that abuts Universal?

Vineland and Sand Lake? Do they even meet near Universal? I know there is a big lot at Vineland and Turkey Lake but isn't that employee parking?

There is another small parcel along Turkey Lake but I don't think it is big enough for an entire park...maybe a small water park. And the other empty lot is currently becoming the next hotel.

http://goo.gl/maps/N9nU1

 

[RMulieri]

Looks like either Toon Lagoon or Kids Zone are on the chopping block. There isn't that much space anywhere else.

Thats the rumors alot of the themepark discussion forums are also saying..Toon Lagoon and Kids zone.Lost Continent area isn't big enough with the HP expansion and the possible Seuss expansion

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I agree with you. The books were very popular for a long time before the movies even came out. I think Harry Potter will enjoy the same timelessness.



Vineland and Sand Lake? Do they even meet near Universal? I know there is a big lot at Vineland and Turkey Lake but isn't that employee parking?

There is another small parcel along Turkey Lake but I don't think it is big enough for an entire park...maybe a small water park. And the other empty lot is currently becoming the next hotel.

http://goo.gl/maps/N9nU1

You're right, I misspoke. It is Vineland and Turkey Lake. No it isn't big enough for an entire park but an entire land probably, don't you think? Yes, it is employee parking but I am sure that issue can be addressed.

 

[ChrisFL]

I've heard several insiders saying this IS in negotiations and some insiders saying its not true.

One of the insiders has never steered me astray on any rumors.

I choose the former, and it makes sense after the box office numbers came in from The Hobbit that Universal would realize the "staying" power of Tolkein and offer a deal for that.

 

[Planogirl]

Parking garage for employees?

Toon Lagoon wouldn't surprise me. It's cute but I doubt that most even know who the characters are. Of course the bilge rat barges and Dudley seem popular but maybe they could put up a rethemed version of one or both elsewhere.

 

[bauer1168]

If this does happen, it will be interesting to see what type of ride/rides/attractions there would be. I hope LOTR does come to Universal!

 

[damo]

I'd happily get rid of Toon Lagoon for it. Although I really like Popeye's when it is warm out, the rest is pretty much ready to go, IMO. There is a lot of space and that theatre is just a waste of space. I'd get rid of everything except Popeye's and retheme it. It could be amazing themed to LOTR.

 

[ChrisFL]

I'd happily get rid of Toon Lagoon for it. Although I really like Popeye's when it is warm out, the rest is pretty much ready to go, IMO. There is a lot of space and that theatre is just a waste of space. I'd get rid of everything except Popeye's and retheme it. It could be amazing themed to LOTR.

I agree that Toon Lagoon is past its prime, since the idea of newspapers is a thing of the past in general, so are many of the comic characters. I'm not sure if LOTR should go there, but a refresh of the area with something different would be nice.

Honestly I figured out a way to use Marvel Island AND Toon Lagoon for LOTR but I doubt that would happen.