Rumor about Universal adding a third park

[ChrisFL]

I posted this on the news and rumors inside another thread and it didn't get much attention. I'm re-posting it here because it looks so EASY for Universal to do.

Anyway, among all of the other huge projects Universal is said to be working on, there's rumors they may go back to the idea of a third theme park, by re-buying or using land that they purchased back after IOA opened.

The story goes that they bought 2,000 acres from Lockheed Martin, but after 2001's downturn in tourism, they sold (most of) the land to other developers who really haven't done much with it. In fact I've heard they could even buy back the land now for cheaper than they sold it!

Here's my ideas on what they could do relatively easily nearby.

Some of this info comes from other sources...it takes the existing Festival Bay Mall plot (which I've heard isn't doing the best) and/or some of the smaller stores across the street....imagine a monorail or something similar (in orange on the photo) going from the parking garage area toward the new areas....it would make all of the I-4 drivers take notice!

As you can see, each of those plots of land are big enough for at least another IOA sized park.

 

[Maytrix]

While that might be feasible, it's not nearly as easy as them using the land in the lower right corner of the picture.

They are using that area for the new hotel, but there will still be a decent amount of land left. Possible enough for another park. After all, take away the lake in IOA and it would fit into a much smaller area.

 

[ChrisFL]

While that might be feasible, it's not nearly as easy as them using the land in the lower right corner of the picture.

They are using that area for the new hotel, but there will still be a decent amount of land left. Possible enough for another park. After all, take away the lake in IOA and it would fit into a much smaller area.

I'm not following you...the new hotel is going in the lower left. There's not enough of room for a third park after that hotel is built on their existing property, plus they're also most likely planning to build a water park on the rest of the land.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

I think Festival Bay has already been sold and will eventually be rebuilt as an outdoor mall. As for Plot B.. I really don't know how easy it would be to get rid of all of the businesses in there. There's a T.J. Maxx, Ross, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Texas de Brazil.. I doubt many of them would willingly move/sell.

 

[Maytrix]

Take a look at the map on here

http://www.**************.net/2012/...vintage-look-moderate-and-value-rooms-suites/

It's a total of 100 Acres - 70 in the highlighted section and another 30 to the right. Only 37 will be used for the hotel. You could fit most of IOA in the remaining space.

While its not as big as one might like, if planned right, you could easily fit a 3rd park in there. Just look at IOA and how much wasted space there is in various areas (Jurasic Park being only about half filled).

If they are going to do a water park there, then fine. But I haven't seen anything to indicate that. I also don't see a water park being as much of a revenue generator as a 3rd park might be and with them being partnered with Wet N Wild, not sure they need it.

 

[ChrisFL]

If they are going to do a water park there, then fine. But I haven't seen anything to indicate that. I also don't see a water park being as much of a revenue generator as a 3rd park might be and with them being partnered with Wet N Wild, not sure they need it.

Its been discussed that the lease on the land of Wet N Wild is going to get very expensive and most indicators are that Universal was just going to build its own water park on property to avoid those land fees.

 

[DOOM1001]

I don't quite understand where the two plots by Festival Bay fit in,Festival Bay was a failure but it's going to get rebuilt apparently to be similar to the Premium outlets which are a success.My question is how does Universal fit in here,do they own these properties?If they were to buy back the Lockheed properties I would be all for it as it would truly give them the ability to expand,where exactly are these properties,from back in the days when they owned them I remember hearing they were somewhere back behind the convention center somewhere but I'm not sure.In my opinion if they could actually squeeze a new theme park in the land they own over by the Cabana Bay hotel they should as an actual theme park is what will continue to bring in the crowds.More hotels and a waterpark are fine but they just won't have the impact of a new theme park.With Cabana Bay that will be 4 hotels and from what I hear Cabana Bay will be a huge hotel,a new park to keep people coming in is more important.The Wet n Wild lease increasing rumor thing has been around for like 10 years it seems.Universal should just step up and buy that property outright and keep this as their waterpark.If a third theme park is not possible on the Universal property then yes a waterpark onsite would be the move to make.I guess this could be a whole new thread but what would a third Universal park be themed to?It's Universal so ideas should be plentiful.

 

[Maytrix]

Its been discussed that the lease on the land of Wet N Wild is going to get very expensive and most indicators are that Universal was just going to build its own water park on property to avoid those land fees.

If cost would be the reason for doing that, I think it would be far less costly for them to purchase the land Wet N Wild is on and update the attractions that it would be to purchase Plot A and B - especially considering businesses would need to be moved..etc.

Unless the lease costs of Wet N Wild increase to the point it can't be profitable, what's more cost effective? Getting rid of a profitable water park to simply replace it with a more up to date one or building a whole new park?

I would think a new park is far more likely to bring in more people as I don't think too many people travel to Orlando just for a water park - its probably more of an after thought than a reason for a trip. With the new hotel, I would think increasing the guest count is probably a bigger goal.

 

[ChrisFL]

I'm not here to argue semantics, I'm just saying some possibilties here.

I know that Universal HAS plans for its own water park, ON property and its much different than Wet'n'Wild. Of course things can change, but I've been hearing by the best of sources that its back a green light for being built....AND a third park in addition to that.

 

[damo]

It is weird that Universal has been selling off its extra land if it is planning on adding another park. It has had plenty of space around its current location but has sold it off.

 

[ChrisFL]

It is weird that Universal has been selling off its extra land if it is planning on adding another park. It has had plenty of space around its current location but has sold it off.

Yes, but that land was sold off before Comcast owned it.

 

[Maytrix]

Whatever they do is going to be interesting. I just don't see how they can do both a water park and 3rd park onsite. They don't have the room.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[rodkenrich]

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[the Dark Marauder]

UO has an exciting future, that's for sure!

 

[Maytrix]

Would be more exciting if they had more space

I don't see any way they could put in a 3rd park, Golf course and Water park.

I wonder if there's any land nearby that could accommodate all this and leave room for expansion. A separate area could make sense if you could combine a number of things so people wouldn't be going from one resort to another simply for one thing (such as Wet N Wild). Buses could easily take care of moving guests back and forth.

 

[ChrisFL]

I wonder if there's any land nearby that could accommodate all this and leave room for expansion. A separate area could make sense if you could combine a number of things so people wouldn't be going from one resort to another simply for one thing (such as Wet N Wild). Buses could easily take care of moving guests back and forth.

 

[bazzanoid]

Back up a little - Festival Bay is going to be redeveloped????? I take it Outdoor World (Bass Pro) is still there, as it was built onto rather than as part of Festival Bay?

 

[truck1]

Correct me if I am wrong, but isnt wet and wild owned by universals parent company also?

 

[keishashadow]

Would be more exciting if they had more space

I don't see any way they could put in a 3rd park, Golf course and Water park.

I wonder if there's any land nearby that could accommodate all this and leave room for expansion. A separate area could make sense if you could combine a number of things so people wouldn't be going from one resort to another simply for one thing (such as Wet N Wild). Buses could easily take care of moving guests back and forth.

there's enough golf courses in Orlando and several great water parks (not to be confused with wet 'n wild imo). Another park would elevate U in size/scope to compete with new guests who are conditioned by Disney that you require 4 parks to fill a week's vacation.

 

[truck1]

Back up a little - Festival Bay is going to be redeveloped????? I take it Outdoor World (Bass Pro) is still there, as it was built onto rather than as part of Festival Bay?

As of the other day, nothing has been done at the Festival Bay. I work down the block part time. I can attest to the fact that the mall hasnt taken off as much as the outlet mall across the street. However, and this is me, Id rather walk thru the Festival Bay style mall anytime, rather then the open air mall like the one up the block.