News Round Up 2016

[eXo]

It's not a question of if Universal will build a third gate, it's a matter of when.

They already have the land and they have already filed development plans for a transportation system to move people from International Drive to the property itself.

Presumably they want to get Volcano Bay and Sapphire Falls opened before they announce another round of hotels and the new gate.

Ultimately, Universal *had* to go to a third gate. They are tearing down rides that aren't even that old because they have no space left. At that rate, they are cannibalizing themselves. Millions of dollars going into development for what is essentially a zero net gain on rides. Jaws was the last big space hog of a ride that they could tear out and replace with something that could generate more revenue.

That leaves the two theaters, what's left of the lost Continent, the T2 space, and Toon Lagoon to mess with. If they want to fill up more hotel rooms, which is a major part of their bread and butter, then they need more attractions.

 

[rteetz]

It's not a question of if Universal will build a third gate, it's a matter of when.

They already have the land and they have already filed development plans for a transportation system to move people from International Drive to the property itself.

Presumably they want to get Volcano Bay and Sapphire Falls opened before they announce another round of hotels and the new gate.

Ultimately, Universal *had* to go to a third gate. They are tearing down rides that aren't even that old because they have no space left. At that rate, they are cannibalizing themselves. Millions of dollars going into development for what is essentially a zero net gain on rides. Jaws was the last big space hog of a ride that they could tear out and replace with something that could generate more revenue.

That leaves the two theaters, what's left of the lost Continent, the T2 space, and Toon Lagoon to mess with. If they want to fill up more hotel rooms, which is a major part of their bread and butter, then they need more attractions.

From what I've heard another hotel is already in the works and should be announced before the third gate.m

 

[DisneyGeekyParadise]

Just a warning/summary for everyone going to Finding Dory: if you are constantly looking for Easter eggs/the tank gang from the first film throughout the movie constantly, don't. Leave that for when it comes out on DVD. And if you are genuinely wondering what happened to the tank gang, stay until the very, VERY end of the credits. Also, be prepared to laugh and cry a lot.

 

[Redcon1]

Terrible situation.

Should Disney have put up better signage? Maybe.
Should the parents kept the kid out of the water. Probably.

But who in the world would have imagined a gator to GOBBLE A KID UP RIGHT ON THE BEACH SHORE????

We all want to point the blame somewhere, but sometimes there is no "fault" in these freak accident situations. That poor, poor family.

This is it in a nutshell.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Disney has designs for multiple "fifth gates". Some are further along than others. Remember not to long ago when "Night Kingdom" was getting close to reality (2008 I think?) and then the economy tanked. That was a high-end specialty tour 5th gate like Sea Worlds Discovery Cove.

I am not saying I don't believe in Universal's 3rd gate concept, it makes some amount of sense - but that would be a SERIOUS investment for them - again it means they are targeting the full week traveler, similar to what Disney did in the 90s. I don't think they do it lightly.

Edit: One problem Universal has is they already have the issue that they're two theme parks really aren't that different. Sure one has more of a "themed lands" concept, but really not that different. Finding the right theme for a third park that's different enough to justify a third park might be very tricky.

If they had a 5th gate with premium experiences like discovery cove...I think that has got to be looking pretty attractive to Disney right now what with all their premium events that they are offering now. I think only one (evening night premium hours or whatever it was called) has tanked. That has to speak well if they are even thinking of opening a premium experience 5th gate park.

 

[jade1]

Edit: One problem Universal has is they already have the issue that they're two theme parks really aren't that different. Sure one has more of a "themed lands" concept, but really not that different. Finding the right theme for a third park that's different enough to justify a third park might be very tricky.

Really would have liked to see HP as its own park. Hogwarts Castle right in the middle. To me the one Castle icon anchor to compete with Cindy's. Oh well.

 

[Eoghann]

One problem Universal has is they already have the issue that they're two theme parks really aren't that different. Sure one has more of a "themed lands" concept, but really not that different. Finding the right theme for a third park that's different enough to justify a third park might be very tricky.

I'm not convinced this is the problem others seem to think it is. They need a big draw for a new park certainly, something that isn't readily available elsewhere, but I see no evidence most people go to a park because of its' cohesive "theme".

It's clearly not true for Epcot or DHS or the Magic Kingdom, or either of the Universal parks because none of those have a cohesive or unique theme at this point. They're a hodgepodge of rides and themes.

Put cool attractions in a park in Orlando and people will go to see it.

 

[eXo]

A full on Potter Park is dangerous in the same way a full on Avatar park would be dangerous.

I would probably not pay a full price ticket to go to a park that is all Potter based. I wasn't even that interested in Wizarding World until I took my teenager. At which point I thought it was pretty neat. And when Diagon Alley oepned we went because we also knew there was the new Springfield Section, Transformers ride, updated Spidey ride, Minions ride, etc....

In other words, the number of folks willing to go a specifically themed park around a single property would not sustain the property in the same way a multi-IP park does.

Besides, the Hogwarts at Universal looks pretty grand as it is. I don't think it would necessarily be that much better if it was in the middle of the lagoon versus it's current placement. It might actually benefit from it's current placement as it isn't seen from every angle, which allows them to make sure every guest gets the best view (front) of it.

 

[jade1]

A full on Potter Park is dangerous in the same way a full on Avatar park would be dangerous.

I would probably not pay a full price ticket to go to a park that is all Potter based. I wasn't even that interested in Wizarding World until I took my teenager. At which point I thought it was pretty neat. And when Diagon Alley oepned we went because we also knew there was the new Springfield Section, Transformers ride, updated Spidey ride, Minions ride, etc....

In other words, the number of folks willing to go a specifically themed park around a single property would not sustain the property in the same way a multi-IP park does.

Besides, the Hogwarts at Universal looks pretty grand as it is. I don't think it would necessarily be that much better if it was in the middle of the lagoon versus it's current placement. It might actually benefit from it's current placement as it isn't seen from every angle, which allows them to make sure every guest gets the best view (front) of it.

I guess my point was if they were going for "one theme", HP would be a great candidate-that's what was asked anyway.

One its still one of three for most tickets sold. But as "stand alone", what would you use?

And comparing Avatar to HP? Not even close IMO.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

FYI - reports that the A&E meet & greet is in soft openings today

and positive reviews so far from the new Soarin' Around the World

 

[twebber55]

A full on Potter Park is dangerous in the same way a full on Avatar park would be dangerous.

I would probably not pay a full price ticket to go to a park that is all Potter based. I wasn't even that interested in Wizarding World until I took my teenager. At which point I thought it was pretty neat. And when Diagon Alley oepned we went because we also knew there was the new Springfield Section, Transformers ride, updated Spidey ride, Minions ride, etc....

In other words, the number of folks willing to go a specifically themed park around a single property would not sustain the property in the same way a multi-IP park does.

Besides, the Hogwarts at Universal looks pretty grand as it is. I don't think it would necessarily be that much better if it was in the middle of the lagoon versus it's current placement. It might actually benefit from it's current placement as it isn't seen from every angle, which allows them to make sure every guest gets the best view (front) of it.

i would say zero chance on that happening
1 IP larks are terrible ideas for theme parks there is no IP good enough

 

[rteetz]

News

As I reported earlier Patrick is still in the Soarin Pre show

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2016/06/updat...-flight-attendant-in-soarin-around-the-world/

 

[eXo]

I guess my point was if they were going for "one theme", HP would be a great candidate-that's what was asked anyway.

One its still one of three for most tickets sold. But as "stand alone", what would you use?

And comparing Avatar to HP? Not even close IMO.

I wouldn't use a stand alone, nor do I think they will go for "one theme". Even hypothetically speaking, they already have so much Potter in the two existing parks, that it wouldn't make sense to duplicate that in a third gate.

I think the key is to get their hands on a handful of really well known IP's and let them drive the park. Universal has been moving away from the idea of themed lands that was so prominent in IoA, and even the different city sections that used to define USO.

Comparatively, I don't know what Universal can announce that can compete head to head with something like Star Wars.

 

[piglet1979]

FYI - reports that the A&E meet & greet is in soft openings today

and positive reviews so far from the new Soarin' Around the World

Kenny the Pirate has reported on this with pictures. It looks really nice. I wish it soft opened last week when were their.

 

[LSLS]

I wouldn't use a stand alone, nor do I think they will go for "one theme". Even hypothetically speaking, they already have so much Potter in the two existing parks, that it wouldn't make sense to duplicate that in a third gate.

I think the key is to get their hands on a handful of really well known IP's and let them drive the park. Universal has been moving away from the idea of themed lands that was so prominent in IoA, and even the different city sections that used to define USO.

Comparatively, I don't know what Universal can announce that can compete head to head with something like Star Wars.

Star Trek?

 

[rteetz]

News

Shanghai is open and some important Disney people were there to take part.

http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2016/06/shanghai-disneyland-now-officially-open.html?m=1

 

[rteetz]

News

Making of Shanghai Disneyland

http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2016/06/shanghai-disneyland-making-of-hd-video.html?m=1

 

[jade1]

I wouldn't use a stand alone, nor do I think they will go for "one theme". Even hypothetically speaking, they already have so much Potter in the two existing parks, that it wouldn't make sense to duplicate that in a third gate.

I think the key is to get their hands on a handful of really well known IP's and let them drive the park. Universal has been moving away from the idea of themed lands that was so prominent in IoA, and even the different city sections that used to define USO.

Comparatively, I don't know what Universal can announce that can compete head to head with something like Star Wars.

Yea I meant if they had waited with HP, or just recently made the deal-HP could stand alone as a 3rd gate IMO, doesn't mean it should. It certainly could be a much bigger anchor than it is now. It feels crammed in the corners to me. The bank coaster should have been a bank coaster.

HP Beasts coming out this fall will add a lot of options as well. Maybe they will do a 3rd land of HP?

 

[rteetz]

News

Frozen Royal Sommerhaus is open

 

[Phicinfan]

I have to wonder if the delay on the third gate for Uni is due to what dreamworks they will leverage. I agree with Exo, you don't do a whole park to one IP like HP. You have to have a multi-tiered are with varying options to gain the most traffic. There is a lot of ground to work with in the Dreamworks files.....but not sure folks will romp to Orlando just for Shrek .