Say Good-bye to some of your favorite characters

[ParkHopperUO]

Effective September 5, the following street atmosphere characters will be "discontinued" from the parks (which, in turn, means several performers are out of a job):

IOA -
Boris & Natasha
Dr. Doom
Green Goblin

USF -
Barney & Betty Rubble
Doc Brown
Men in Black agents

More news to follow.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

When we were at IOA no one really paid attention to Boris and Natasha, but Dr. Doom and Green Goblin were popular. That is so sad to hear.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[>>^..^<<]

I didn't see any of those characters despite being at the parks 5 days in a row last summer.... sorry that they are going, but I would not have noticed.

>>^..^<<

 

[Aisling]

If this is true, it's really bad news. It's so exciting to see them, especially Dr. Doom and the Green Goblin, who really interacted with the guests. I have photos of Dr. Doom standing behond me with his arm around my neck, very menacing! And one with Goblin grabbing my ponytail!
And Doc Brown, this makes me so sad, to think that this guy won't be walking aroung the Studios anymore, talking about relativity and the like. It's impressive how he was able to come up with such scientific-sounding jargon when you ask him for a pic or an aotugraph.
I think Universal is making a very big mistake. They need to add more of these characters, not take some away.

 

[JessicaR]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Oh I am so SAD is this is true Doc Brown, Green Goblin and Dr. Doom are my favorites!!! They have always been so popular with the crowds this makes no sense. I'm writing a letter if this proves to be true. When they did away with the Adventure Guy, I was very upset.

 

[DocBosch]

Originally posted by ParkHopperUO
USF -
Doc Brown

Hmmmm...

Even though the best Doc Brown actor (the one in the picture below) left USF about a year ago, I always liked the idea that there was a Doc somewhere in the park. Unlike the costumed cartoon characters that show up for pictures, it seemed like Doc, on his fusion powered bike, really lived in Universal.

I guess this means there's even less of a chance they'll hire me as a Marty McFly character.

-Kevin

 

[themepark]

Oh that's so sad!! We just got back and have great pictures with Dr. Doom choking DD and the Green Goblin looking very menacing! We saw them everyday we were at IOA. We got a cute picture of DD and her friend with MIB. They were both folding their arms like the MIB agents. I didn't see the other characters mentioned. I would have loved to have seen Doc.

I can't believe they would get rid of Dr. Doom and Green Goblin. Lots of teens and dads were also having photos made with them..not just kids.

 

[ParkHopperUO]

Yes, it is sad, especially for the actors portraying these characters who were blind-sided with the news today.

While I'm not sure any type of letter campaign to either UO or Guest Services would do any good, I suppose it couldn't hurt, either.

Also of note: As of September 1, the Wild West Stunt Show will be closing permanently, and the Eighth Voyage of Sindbad will go on seasonal-only status.

 

[themepark]

Yes, it is sad that they will be out of jobs. Maybe Universal will offer them other positions. We enjoyed both the Wild West Show and Sinbad earlier this week. My 7 year old son especially liked the shows. Both theaters were packed. I wonder what will replace the Wild West Show. Do certain shows like Sinbad normally only operate seasonally?

 

[Minniespal]

We saw Boris and Natasha last summer but have never seen the others.

Sorry that they are going!!!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

***? That's just not right.

Bad cutbacks, I despise you.

 

[nhrenee]

Bleah! Some of the best interaction we've had in the park were with the MIB guys. Boris and Natasha didn't seem to be out very much but the time I took a picture with them they were hillarious. One of themwas holding my long hair out with their foot up on my thigh and the other was posing to attack me. Hillarious!

 

[prncess674]

I really liked the MIB guys.

 

[highlander447]

Thats so not right boris and natasha where great fun and really made u laugh as did barney rubble and how can u get rid of characters which promote the rides such as MIB and does anyone know if they are replacing the wild wild west show with another show

 

[JessicaR]

Good point highlander447, I was thinking the same thing. Why get rid of Dr. Doom, he has a ride! Doc Brown, he does too! MIB agents also promotes a ride. I was also wondering why in the world they would eliminate Dr. Doom and Green Goblin....what happens to the parade they lead! This stinks....... I'm actually trying to get a trip together before Sept 5th now. Heavy **SIGH**

 

[h20jag]

What a downer for those actors. Would be nice if they can become the "Mummy" cast.
Natasha will make a nice Anaksu...(Mummy's girlfriend)!

 

[ParkHopperUO]

Originally posted by highlander447
how can u get rid of characters which promote the rides such as MIB and does anyone know if they are replacing the wild wild west show with another show

The reason given was that the characters supposedly weren't "popular" enough... which is strange given the long lines daily for pics and autographs.

There were no plans announced regarding replacing the West show, but rather the venue will be used for special events and meetings.

 

[JessicaR]

The reason given was that the characters supposedly weren't "popular" enough... which is strange given the long lines daily for pics and autographs.

I agree this answer is strange. We always waited in lines to see these terrific characters. I'm guessing that since they added Shrek, Jimmy Neutron and Hulk ( is there a walk around Hulk?) they needed to make some cut backs but come on cut back elsewhere like how about Crash Bandicoot, does he really rate over some of the others being eliminated?

There were no plans announced regarding replacing the West show, but rather the venue will be used for special events and meetings.

Great so now we get an empty stadium at Universal to match the one at IOA.

I guess I'm just a creature of habit and while I know change is inevitable its still sad for me in this case. The characters are a huge part of my overall happy park experience at Universal and I always look forward to seeing them upon our return. Guess I got attatched to some of these guys and really hate to see them go.

 

[Molokai Gram]

No Dr. Doom!!! Whatever can they be thinking? He is my secret heartthrob (Spiderman was just toooo skinny). Thank goodness Barry took my picture with Dr. D. Now it is only memories...unless Dr. D decides to retire in Hawaii.

USH terminated the Wild West Show and the Beetlejuice review over a year ago. And Barry said they are taking out ET next..

Is Universal still up for sale? Maybe they are trying to save money. IMHO they are making some discouraging choices. First Kong, now Dr. Doom. And adding Jimmy Neutron. Not a very even trade.

BTW what do their souvenirs look like without Kong?

Aloha,
Donna

 

[USFactorpetition]

Already begining to get your final pictures with these characters? well lets try and turn this around by keeping these characters at USF visit http://www.petitiononline.com/SaveUSF/petition.html and sign the petition now! also visit the upcoming site that has a link in my profile.