Universal's time to make up ground

[johnvree]

In a recent interview, Disney indicated that it plans to improve existing parks over the next few years as opposed to expanding. No new parks appear to be on the horizon (Horizons, I miss that one ).

I know Universal is probably still tapped from IOA and the Mummy, but it seems like they have an opportunity to make up some ground on Disney. Here are my ideas and, YES, I realize they are pipe dreams:

1) A new park. Buy Holy Land Experience, expand it and convert it to a new park that combines thrill rides and animal attractions. Kind of like a small version of Busch Gardens. This park would compete with DAK. I would love to see separate lands concentrating on South America, North Africa, India and China. I bet you could use much of HLE's existing theming. Sorry HLE fans.

2) Sure up the partnership with Sea World. Sea World and Discovery Cove need to become official Universal parks.

3) A monorail system. A monorail loop could connect US, IOA, W-n-W, SW, DC and the new park. I bet the loop would not be that much bigger than the WDW loop.

4) New themed resorts. At least 3, possibly 4 new resorts. Drop two by Sea World with a marine theme and 2 by the new park.

It would probably take at least 5 years (and of course a ton of money), but when completed, Universal would have 4 major theme parks, a minor one (CD) a water park and 6 to 7 themed resorts, all (or most) connected by a monorail.

Like I said, I know it may not be economically feasible, but wouldn't it be great?

 

[Metallicat]

I agree with all but the part about the Holy Land Experience. not every park needs thrill rides. sometimes learning about history is fun enough in itself.
have you ever been to the HLE? I have been once and will probably not go back because there is not too much to it, but I enjoyed seeing the models of ancient Jerusalem and learning more about what it was like during the time that Jesus lived. I know it wouldn't mean much to an un-believer (not saying YOU are like that) but think about the elderly that can't ride the thrill rides and such. I have seen bus loads of older folk who are in wheel chairs and can hardly walk, tour that park with the biggest smiles on their faces. I have seen them stare at the models of where Christ lived and died with tears in their eyes. what about them? do away with it all just so Universal can build more thrill rides. I don't think so.

 

[johnvree]

I agree with all but the part about the Holy Land Experience. not every park needs thrill rides. sometimes learning about history is fun enough in itself.
have you ever been to the HLE? I have been once and will probably not go back because there is not too much to it, but I enjoyed seeing the models of ancient Jerusalem and learning more about what it was like during the time that Jesus lived. I know it wouldn't mean much to an un-believer (not saying YOU are like that) but think about the elderly that can't ride the thrill rides and such. I have seen bus loads of older folk who are in wheel chairs and can hardly walk, tour that park with the biggest smiles on their faces. I have seen them stare at the models of where Christ lived and died with tears in their eyes. what about them? do away with it all just so Universal can build more thrill rides. I don't think so.

OK, so we find another spot for the new park.

 

[F-L-A]

None of your ideas make the slightest bit of sense, even for pipe dreams.

First of all, why HLE? Do you find their theming so fantastic that Universal should be chomping at the bit to convert it into one of their own parks or something? I haven't been there, nor do I ever plan to go, but from everything I've seen it looks like it serves it's (quite odd) purpose, and doesn't try to have anything in common whatsoever with normal theme parks like Uni and Disney. It isn't exactly prime converting material. Why would they want to convert someone else's existing park into their own anyway? This isn't Six Flags.

Second, how do you jump from a simple partnership with SW, to an actual take-over? And what makes you so sure Busch would want to just up and sell SeaWorld and DC? Do you have any basis for thinking this is possible?

This has nothing to do with money. It simply makes no sense whatsoever. They could make their own new park for the price of what you're proposing. Whatever is in that pipe is some strong stuff.

 

[johnvree]

None of your ideas make the slightest bit of sense, even for pipe dreams.

First of all, why HLE? Do you find their theming so fantastic that Universal should be chomping at the bit to convert it into one of their own parks or something? I haven't been there, nor do I ever plan to go, but from everything I've seen it looks like it serves it's (quite odd) purpose, and doesn't try to have anything in common whatsoever with normal theme parks like Uni and Disney. It isn't exactly prime converting material. Why would they want to convert someone else's existing park into their own anyway? This isn't Six Flags.

Second, how do you jump from a simple partnership with SW, to an actual take-over? And what makes you so sure Busch would want to just up and sell SeaWorld and DC? Do you have any basis for thinking this is possible?

This has nothing to do with money. It simply makes no sense whatsoever. They could make their own new park for the price of what you're proposing. Whatever is in that pipe is some strong stuff.

Gee, thanks, FLA. Next time you might want to try a little tact. This is a "discussion board"; try discussing, not attacking.

Now, let me respond to your points. I picked HLE for several reasons. First, it is a good location for a small park and would fit nicely into a UO expansion. Unlike you, I have been to HLE, as have my family who live in Florida. I think the theming is quite impressive. Kind of reminds me of parts of IOA and it would convert nicely. The park has also been very slow each time I or a member of my family have been there - so slow that it made me wonder how long the park would survive. Why don't you visit the park first, and then you can tell me why my ideas make no sense. You might be right, but a least you could respond with some substance.

As for SW, I didn't suggest a "take-over". I suggested that Universal "sure up the partnership", since the expansion would require a huge capital investment on or near SW property. A take-over was your concept and I agree that it would be a bad idea.

The point is, these were just ideas, probably not even good ones. But I was just trying to spark some discussion on what has been a slow portion of the Dis's boards. Sorry you wasted your time.

 

[Jason71]

It's funny you mention a "Universal monorail" -- this morning the Orlando Sentinel ran an editorial saying it's time for I-Drive to do something about traffic, and mentioned light rail along I-Drive or Universal Blvd (both of which are a half-step from the loop you proposed; for the record, I like your idea better).

Would Universal even need HLE? Seems to me they still have a fair amount of undeveloped land, enough at least for a small park, tho I suppose regulations and "green space" requirements might stymie them.

 

[ChrisFL]

It's funny you mention a "Universal monorail" -- this morning the Orlando Sentinel ran an editorial saying it's time for I-Drive to do something about traffic, and mentioned light rail along I-Drive or Universal Blvd (both of which are a half-step from the loop you proposed; for the record, I like your idea better).

Would Universal even need HLE? Seems to me they still have a fair amount of undeveloped land, enough at least for a small park, tho I suppose regulations and "green space" requirements might stymie them.

Technically they have enough room for another theme park beside IOA to the left if they take out or do something with one road going to I-4. The current ideas are for a hotel and possibly a golf course on that land though.

I was just thinking a monorail system would be awesome for Kissimmee, or I-Drive also

 

[jeana]

Just wanted to let you know how great I think it is that you have vision!!!! I myself quit posting on these boards because of unjust ATTACKS. I just don't understand why people feel the need to be so RUDE!!!!!!! Some people need to lighten up, have fun and use their imaginations. Heck, you only live once, why waste it being so rude and defensive???????????

 

[johnvree]

Just wanted to let you know how great I think it is that you have vision!!!! I myself quit posting on these boards because of unjust ATTACKS. I just don't understand why people feel the need to be so RUDE!!!!!!! Some people need to lighten up, have fun and use their imaginations. Heck, you only live once, why waste it being so rude and defensive???????????

Thanks, but I was kind of rude back. I used to post primarily on another Disney forum and stopped because of rude responses and flame wars. Thankfully, I still find that to be the exception as opposed to the rule on The DIS.

 

[Metro West]

Heck, you only live once, why waste it being so rude and defensive???????????

True..unless you're Shirley MacLaine!

 

[mslclark]

I might be wrong, but it seems like I remember hearing a couple of years ago that Universal sold off some excess land next to the parks. I remember thinking that probably ended any chance of another park.

Actually, I like Universal because it is smaller than Disney, it doesn't wear me out as much to see it all. I like being able to walk to everything Universal has. And I hope they don't build any more resorts because that fills up the FOTL.

But I think you had some interesting ideas! Who knows what will happen with these theme parks. It seems the new owners can't decide what to do with it. I'm hoping for something new in IOA.

 

[ChrisFL]

I might be wrong, but it seems like I remember hearing a couple of years ago that Universal sold off some excess land next to the parks. I remember thinking that probably ended any chance of another park.

Actually, I like Universal because it is smaller than Disney, it doesn't wear me out as much to see it all. I like being able to walk to everything Universal has. And I hope they don't build any more resorts because that fills up the FOTL.

But I think you had some interesting ideas! Who knows what will happen with these theme parks. It seems the new owners can't decide what to do with it. I'm hoping for something new in IOA.

the land sold was 20,000 acres and it wasn't next to the parks but farther south near I-drive.

 

[Snoopymom]

Actually, I like Universal because it is smaller than Disney, it doesn't wear me out as much to see it all. I like being able to walk to everything Universal has. And I hope they don't build any more resorts because that fills up the FOTL.

I haven't been yet, so I don't have any ideas, but I like your thought on keeping it small.

I do wish they had a moderately priced on-site hotel or there were better deals off season. Can you get a room for less than $200 a night? I guess it all balances out when you consider how cheap you can get annual passes for.

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[robvia]

On the land next to the RPR, it looks like they are already doing something with it, and they didn't move the highway yet. Wanna take a look? Do this. Open another browser and type maps.google.com and you'll see a map of the USA. In the search box, type Universal Studios Escape Orlando Fl and press return. A map will appear of the Orlando area. If it is not a satellite map, then look in the upper right corner of the screen and click the Satellite link. The map will change to a satellite image. Now zoom in, and use the arrow keys to navigate your way to the RPR. There is work on both sides of the highway leading to I-4. What it is, I'm not sure. Maybe I'll send an e-mail to Lance at Screamscape and ask him. Those images are 2 years old, because the latest changes to SWF are not there, but still, it makes you wonder.

When you navigate around USF/IOA, you'll see they have lots of land to work with. It all comes down to the suits allowing the money to be spent on thrill rides, instead of worrying about the stock shareholders, which will be in the tank no matter what, because the stock market is rigged. Plus most parks are in family mode, adding new shows, or water rides. They've got plenty of land to work with, they just don't use it because of maintenance costs.

 

[damo]

I do wish they had a moderately priced on-site hotel or there were better deals off season. Can you get a room for less than $200 a night? I guess it all balances out when you consider how cheap you can get annual passes for.

With discounts you can usually get Royal Pacific for under $150 (other than in peak times)

 

[robvia]

Lance replied to my e-mail and said the land next to the RPR has been cleared ever since IOA was built. They put the coaster track there, the land became overgrown for a couple years, and then they cleared it again when the RPR was built. Lance side he recently drove by, and there is nothing going on. The master plan called for a 4th resort, and a golf course. But he thinks they may have wanted to put the golf course on TurkeyLake road land, where they are now building homes down to the Kmart. Lance is frustrated Vivendi sold this land, and the Martin Lockhead site to raise money before selling the company to NBC.

 

[johnvree]

Lance replied to my e-mail and said the land next to the RPR has been cleared ever since IOA was built. They put the coaster track there, the land became overgrown for a couple years, and then they cleared it again when the RPR was built. Lance side he recently drove by, and there is nothing going on. The master plan called for a 4th resort, and a golf course. But he thinks they may have wanted to put the golf course on TurkeyLake road land, where they are now building homes down to the Kmart. Lance is frustrated Vivendi sold this land, and the Martin Lockhead site to raise money before selling the company to NBC.

That's disappointing. While my ideas in the original post were far-fetched, I don't think the main point is. This is Universal's time to make up some ground on WDW. Disney is not likely to add anything major for a while and it certainly seems that a new park is not in the works. Universal should seize the opprtunity and churn out some more resorts and another park or at least an expansion of an existing park. IOA and US are still viewed by many as a one day excursion away from WDW.

 

[Snoopymom]

With discounts you can usually get Royal Pacific for under $150 (other than in peak times)

Thanks! I'll check it out for our trip in September. I'd love to stay there.