Wet n Wild will close at the end of 2016

[DDLand]

Comparing the WDW/Universal to BB/Netflix is apples and oranges. Netflix didnt run BB out of business. Technology changes did. Sort of like do you see any record stores around anymore? Target and Walmart didnt run them out of business. technology changes. Nonsense to compare the two because it is vastly different. There isnt a technology that is going to run WDW out of business. If anything they create most of the technology other parks mimic. Disney Seas is a prime example. Again, Universal is a one trick pony. Harry Potter is not well planned and is a miserable time in small spaces, their rides consistently have flaws and the theming is below average. Its more like a glorified Six Flags, vs the actual theming and effort put into things at WDW when they take the time to do them right and not try to overreact to Universal and just throw something together.

I disagree strongly with that sentiment. As major theme parks are becoming more and more reliant on screens and IP, and the content they're basing the rides on is constantly getting cheaper there's going to be questions starting to be asked. Is it worth going to a theme park that is nothing more than a glorified multiplex, when I can watch that same content at my house for ten dollars a month? Also people have more options for leisure then ever before. Download a brand new game, stream thousands of movies and tv shows instantly, play in intricate gaming worlds, and buy and begin reading an ebook in a matter of seconds, etc. We have so many more options, and theme parks are sacrificing a lot of their marketable difference. They need to tread a very fine line.

Indeed, I don't know if you've been following along any of this VR stuff but gets better all the time. Imagineering has been at the front of the push, and plans to bring it into the parks and homes too. The problem? If I can have a great VR experience in my house why bother going to the park? I'm kind of in shock that the organization can't see that it's creating it's own method of destruction.

 

[luisov]

Yep, Universal is doing exactly what Eisner did back in the 90's with his Disney Decade project. Enhance your current parks, build as many attractions as possible, open water parks and perhaps even a new gate, build lots of new hotels and improve your commercial district.

Can Orlando hold two huge resort complexes? We'll see. There's no denying that Universal's agressive campaign has more than a ''Keep building to keep 'em happy'' intention behind. They really want to get into the resort destination industry.

 

[DDLand]

These resorts can do that though, it makes a lot of sense for Disney to have the stuff they have and then have a park that's dedicated to thrill rides. It keeps you on their property, so instead of your group splitting up and going to different theme parks on different resorts, you split up and take a different bus from your hotel to different theme parks on the same resort.

True, diversification is right on point. Remember how we got DHS? It was a USF killer. Then Animal Kingdom of course was designed to take on Busch Gardens.

Actually, Animal Kingdom was going to have two very strong Roller Coasters in Beastly Kingdom and DinoLand. The first would've taken you inside of Dragon's Lair and than the Excavator in DinoLand. Along with the fully built out Tiger River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safari, and Countdown to Extinction there would've been 5 thrilling to intense rides in DAK. It would've been one of the best places to go to in Orlando for thrill seekers. Certainly the best in WDW.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

universal announced today that Wet n Wild will close at the end of 2016. Rumors have been out there that Universal would eventually close this water park after the new one was built and then build their long rumored third park. Things seem to be lining up for that.

http://universal.wdwinfo.com/news/wet-n-wild-orlando-is-closing-december-31-2016/

Spirit says a new hotel is planned for this site

Dang-kinda wish we knew that yesterday. (Wedding Singer).

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

ah found it

 

[Planogirl]

I love Universal's more aggressive attitude. We currently go for about 8 days and devote about half to each resort while trying to work in somewhere we haven't been to in a while or ever. I would definitely spend more time at Universal if they did something else. I'm good if I visit MK and AK.

 

[comcastlover33]

I hope you're right, I really do, but I cannot share your optimism as long as Disney's attendance numbers remain sky high. Why would they bother investing into the parks when they have gotten away with no ramifications whatsoever for keeping their product old, stale, and stagnant, along with skyrocketing their hotel and admission prices? They have actually been rewarded for their behavior, which is really baffling. I think even Iger and company must shake their heads in wonder on this because it defies all logic of supply and demand.

With the rumored third park, new water park, and likely more Harry Potter Disney must be concerned about Universal. Pre WWOHP Disney really didnt focus on their competition, but now, look at all the construction. I hope D23 has some pretty awesome announcments.

 

[Lesverts]

I have been to both Universal and Walt Disney World in the last 8 months. On separate trips, staying on property both times.

I love Harry Potter and thought the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was absolutely amazing. But I am also a bigger person so felt incredibly left out because of the ride restrictions. I cannot stress enough how accepting and welcoming Disney made me feel compared to Universal. I had just as much fun riding Exhibition Everest as I did trying to squeeze on to Spider-Man or the Mummy.

So it is not going to be what Universal adds to bring me back, but what I take away from myself in my attempts to becoming healthier. Water Parks won't do it, a Pokemon ride at Universal certainly might.