Rides that could go away...and other ride comments

[Hitchhiking Ghost]

I'll preface my post by admitting that I'm not a Universal afficianado, nor do I have really any nostalgic attachment to the parks like I would at Magic Kingdom. I was at Universal once in early '90's with the wife, and now last week we were in Florida for a long week for a wedding, and it was the perfect time to take our three daughters to Universal only and do it right (Royal Pacific with EP).

I enjoy rides and in my opinion these three rides could probably simply go away and wouldn't be missed (apologies if these are anyone's favorites).

#1 - Hands down, Dr. Doom's fall. I honestly thought this was one of the lamest rides I'd ever been on. There was basically zero ride/queue theming and the ride itself, couldn't have lasted much longer than 30 seconds and it was pretty much the quick ride to the top, then the rest of the ride was like getting bounced on your daddy's knee. I won't even make comparisons to Tower of Terror. Absolutely no need for me to ride this one ever again.

#2 - Men in Black. Can't really say why, I remember doing this on our trip in the '90's and I thought I had a good impression of it, but after we rode it, entire family was kind of like, yeah, ok, lets move on, no need to do it again. Starting to really feel dated

#3 - Fast & Furious. Fortunately we didn't have long lines and we had EP, the two "pre shows" I thought were a bit lame and unnecessary and in a two park system where the rides are heavy 3d/4d motion oriented, I thought this the weakest of all of them. Didn't care much for the story arc, wouldn't need to ride it again.

We didn't bother with Poisedin's fury, I have a feeling that is going away anyway.

Again, not being real up to date with Universal, I was really surprised by how many of the rides shared the same technology and were essentially the same rides (Jimmy Fallon & Despicable Me are perfect examples). The roller coasters are great, Hulk has held the test of time incredibly well and the Hollywood RC was awesome, kids loved it. But if I suffered from motion sickness or if my vision didn't allow for use of 3d glasses and such, I'm not sure why I'd go to Universal as that is the majority of the rides.

I loved the two Harry Potter lands, and with probably slightly lower crowd levels and using the EP, we did get to ride FJ and Gringotts several times. I think I prefer FJ to Gringotts. I think the ride is more distinctive than Gringotss and I think overall it tells a better story.

Kong was also new for me, I really enjoyed that ride. I liked the Simpsons ride (again, repeat technology) but didn't care much for the whole queue line and wait set up. The ride felt like the old BTTF ride.

So for me, it was a pretty new experience, the two HP rides, F&F, Simpsons, Despicable Me, Kong, Jimmy Fallon and Hollywood Coaster were all new to me since my last visit. I enjoyed the parks, but honestly, am not in a rush to get back. When I leave the Disney Parks on the last day, there is almost always a moment of melancholy and the desire to think of when you might come back. With Universal, last night when to Margaritaville, enjoyed some drinks and daddy alone time, reflected on that I enjoyed my 2 full days and 2 half days in the park, but didn't experiene that immediate desire to return.

 

[sherlockmiles]

We really disliked Fallon - everything about it. the chaotic waiting area, the ride, everything. we didn't feel like we were attending a taping at all.

 

[Disxuni]

Concur with all the above so far, except for Men in Black, but at the same time agree. I do not think I would be tragically upset if Men in Black was replaced with something else, however I really do enjoy the ride, I like the Men in Black series and the ride is fun.

F&F I haven't technically ridden yet, but I have a feeling I will not be a fan considering I watched F&F ride Hollywood version online years ago and from what I've been told it's essentially the same exact thing.

For the rest of my list I'm going to only speak for things I've experienced:

• Kong maybe brand new, but that can go, it relies too much on the screen. The only good thing about that ride is Kong in the very end.
• We can move on from Shrek. I surprisingly I do not feel nostalgic enough to want to keep it.
• Fear Factor needs to go, never was that good of a show to begin with and it's not relevant.
• The Lost Continent, what was now a cool concept and one of the few unique, non-property related lands is now nothing, but a dated and abandoned world.

Anything I can think of I'd either want a complete re-imagine of the ride itself, or a serious refurbishment.

 

[sherlockmiles]

We really like MIB.

 

[rstamm]

Jimmy Fallon is by far our favorite
Absolutely amazing

 

[damo]

MIB is like Buzz in that if you know the targets and their points, it becomes a game where you try to better your old score. Then you try to max out at 999,999 and then you try to max out before a certain point in the ride, etc. However, if you just go around pointing your gun at things for one ride, I can see where you wouldn't get much out of it. Our family loves MIB and has for years. It has become a personal challenge for all of us and a real disappointment is a ride when you get under 700,000 points. I remember one day, all we did was Mummy and MIB over and over and over again. It was a great day.

Shrek and Minions could go for some non-screen attractions... and, of course, Fast and Furious.

 

[BobbyAxelrod]

I think fast and furious might have been the worst ride I did this time. It's a real let down especially when you think what they could have done with a ride based on that series.

I enjoyed poseidon but also surprised it's lasted, its kind of hidden away and can't really see kids loving that kind of thing nowadays.

Men in black is good though, something a bit different for universal.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

I would be sad to see Mummy or MIB go - they are such fun rides. I wasn't huge on Simpsons, but my boys love it; they think the Kang and Kodo thing is pretty lame, but I can see where it is needed for families with younger kids.

 

[damo]

I would be sad to see Mummy or MIB go - they are such fun rides. I wasn't huge on Simpsons, but my boys love it; they think the Kang and Kodo thing is pretty lame, but I can see where it is needed for families with younger kids.

Yes, the parks really need those couple of spinners for the littles who are too short to ride anything else. My grand-daughter adored Kang and Kodo's, One Fish Two Fish and Storm Force on our last trip when she was 20 months. Up until that time, I hadn't really given a lot of thought into why those rides that she called "round and rounds" are so important.

 

[elfling8]

When DH and I went about 10 years ago, Dr Doom was one of our favorites (as was the dueling dragon coasters ) And the Mummy hands down our favorites. We are going with kids in April. I wish there were a lot less VR/3D/Simulator type rides. I can ride roller coasters all day long, but with migraine associated vertigo the simulator rides are a roll of the die.

 

[atricks]

Dr. Doom has a really good queue with a bunch of doombots and a cool room to set up the "story" of the ride, did you use express?

 

[Douglas Dubh]

I liked the Simpsons ride (again, repeat technology) but didn't care much for the whole queue line and wait set up. The ride felt like the old BTTF ride.

Well, it is the old BTTF ride. Just redid the cars and changed the movie.

 

[CPanther95]

Fallon, F&F, Shrek can go immediately.

Everything about Kong is great - except the ride itself. While the Mummy was a huge upgrade over the old Kong ride it replaced, I prefer old Kong to new Kong.

Cat in the Hat was a much better ride years ago. Now it is no longer dark and has been slowed down to the point where it is just a break from the sun/rain. Needs a complete refresh.

Dudley is fantastic compared to most flume rides, but it needs to be shown some love - or possibly it just needs to be finished finally.

 

[keishashadow]

OP It seems to be difficult for many Disney people to grasp the concept that:

There is a large, loyal majority of guests who have the same nostalgic relationship with USO as others do with WDW.

USO is a major tourist destination. I will always have a love all things Disney related but, certainly enjoy the totally different vibe at U parks.

Many cannot wait until their kids are of a certain age where they can graduate to the more aggressive coasters & rides at these parks. Depending on one’s age & their interest in movie genres (especially Mr Potter & friends), it often is the main focus of many vacations, even if time is split between the other parks. No right or wrong way to do a vacation.

That said:

Wouldn’t shed a tear to see Fallon along with F&F disappear

I would be sad if Poseidon vanishes. Really appreciate the theme & live element of a CM performing, a vanishing breed. Toss in the aspect of ‘real’ special effects vs a blue screen and fact it’s a nice break from the florida sun & heat, it’s a must do for us. They could easily adapt it to fit in with HP ala Chamber of Secrets & final battle with Basilisk

Love spiderman ride & transformers (the franchise)...hate the ride, makes me sick despite being same type type/platform.

 

[Liljo22]

OP It seems to be difficult for many Disney people to grasp the concept that:

There is a large, loyal majority of guests who have the same nostalgic relationship with USO as others do with WDW.

USO is a major tourist destination. I will always have a love all things Disney related but, certainly enjoy the totally different vibe at U parks.

Many cannot wait until their kids are of a certain age where they can graduate to the more aggressive coasters & rides at these parks. Depending on one’s age & their interest in movie genres (especially Mr Potter & friends), it often is the main focus of many vacations, even if time is split between the other parks. No right or wrong way to do a vacation.

That said:

Wouldn’t shed a tear to see Fallon along with F&F disappear

I would be sad if Poseidon vanishes. Really appreciate the theme & live element of a CM performing, a vanishing breed. Toss in the aspect of ‘real’ special effects vs a blue screen and fact it’s a nice break from the florida sun & heat, it’s a must do for us. They could easily adapt it to fit in with HP ala Chamber of Secrets & final battle with Basilisk

Love spiderman ride & transformers (the franchise)...hate the ride, makes me sick despite being same type type/platform.

Too me, most of the nostalgic rides are gone. Kongfrontation, Jaws, Ghostbusters, Earthquake just had something that most of the rides now do not have. Not sure if its just the screen aspect or what but I wouldn't be sad too see anything go besides Spiderman and Jurassic Park. But I started going open week of USO and was going 4-5 times a year until I graduated UF in 2001.

 

[heidijanesmith]

For us these rides could go:
1-Dr. Doom's Fall
2-Fast n Furious
3-Storm ride by the Hulk, I can't remember the name.
4-Poseideon's adventure

These four are just not my cup of tea.

I would would never want to lose:
1- Mummy
2-all HP rides
3-Simpson's
4-Animal Actors
5-Minions

 

[Kit Jackson]

I would be sad if Poseidon vanishes. Really appreciate the theme & live element of a CM performing, a vanishing breed. Toss in the aspect of ‘real’ special effects vs a blue screen and fact it’s a nice break from the florida sun & heat, it’s a must do for us. They could easily adapt it to fit in with HP ala Chamber of Secrets & final battle with Basilisk

I love this idea. You could even theme it to a tour of dungeons/dark corridors because Hogwarts is having a family weekend, or you're on an inspection tour for the Ministry of Magic. At the end, there's big, scary, dangerous creature that has to be defeated.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

I literally think a majority of the rides should go, since many feel the same

Anyway these must go

Fast and Furious - terrible
Jimmy Fallon - terrible.
King Kong - pretty damn bad. Nice kong though.

Notice my top 3 are the newest. Learn universal, please learn.

Men in Black - terrible. Do the weapons even work anymore?
Simpson’s needs a major overhaul, esp with that screen
Dr doom
Transformers and Spider-Man are basically the same but I’d keep them



The must stays are the Mummy and the potter rides. The mummy is incredible and still my favorite coaster. Hulk can stay. Minions can stay for now. Even ET is good and it’s super old.

 

[keishashadow]

I love this idea. You could even theme it to a tour of dungeons/dark corridors because Hogwarts is having a family weekend, or you're on an inspection tour for the Ministry of Magic. At the end, there's big, scary, dangerous creature that has to be defeated.

More great options! Unfortunately, the parks appear to be heck-bent on eliminating cost of paying ‘talent’ in the parks via rides & shows.

I’m sure some bean counter has brain-stormed on how they could blue-screen a HHN house

 

[mamapenguin]

I would be sad to see Mummy or MIB go - they are such fun rides. I wasn't huge on Simpsons, but my boys love it; they think the Kang and Kodo thing is pretty lame, but I can see where it is needed for families with younger kids.

We love Twirl and Hurl! It’s the commentary that makes the ride. We usually grab Starbucks for breakfast and sit near the ride and listen to it.