Universal's New Regional Entertainment Push

Sometimes you leave things in the drafts too long and it spoils. That was me with an article about Universal's plans into regional entertainment. I'd cover the Toothsome that opened in Philly and the trademark filings. Then it sorta split off into the PortAventura article but another part was about other local attraction rumors. I largely wrote off the concept in my head, DisneyQuest had failed, so would this.

This makes this past week's announcement of a new mini-theme park in Frisco, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada so wild. Many of us had written such rumors are decades-old speculation and tomfoolery run amok, harking back to a day when Disney was about to announce a theme park in insert major city here was comment theme park gossip blog fodder. "Disney is building a theme park in Texas" is a meme from the 90s!

Anyway, these will be two very different projects. This article will combine officially confirmed information with my own informed speculation, blue-sky ideas, and informed guessing. Quote at your own risk!

Universal Kids Mini-Theme Park - Frisco, TX

A 25-acre park on a 47 acre plot of land. Park is a themed family entertainment center with a focus on kids. Seriously, it's focused on kids and features meet and greets, play areas, small flat rides, and family coasters. Attractions are small in scale but fit into something slightly larger than Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. In front is a hotel, which claimed to be 300 rooms but could be an ad-lib, and highly themed entryway reminiscent of the DreamWorks logo. Inside we can find lands based on Kung Fu Panda, Jurassic Park Camp Cretaceous, Shrek, Trolls, and Madagascar - all DreamWorks movies. So no Nintendo, no Secret Life of Pets, no Harry Potter, no Minions. We'll get into that later.

Is Universal Acquiring PortAventura World?

Some interesting smoke is spreading around the themed entertainment community. In November The Coaster Kings said rumors are spreading in the Spain coaster community that Universal is kicking the tires over PortAventura World, a theme park resort they owned majority ownership of from 1998 till 2004. But why would they acquire such a park? Does this fit into a larger plan for the parks and resorts division? Let us discuss some.

PortAventura World is a theme park resort comprised of two parks - PortAventura and Ferarri Land. The resort also features several hotels, seasonal events, a golf course, a water park, and a train line to Barcelona, Spain. Famous rides here include Red Force, the tallest and fastest coaster in Europe, Shambalha a B&M hyper coaster, and the upcoming Uncharted indoor coaster by Intamin and Sally Dark Rides.

Why would Universal re-purchase this park? Well, for starters the Parks & Resorts division is still seen as a growth market for Universal, and adding more resorts to the chain would diversify the portfolio of products and spread risk. Right now the industry is in a contraction after COVID with multiple undervalued assets available. Universal could see this as the perfect time to add another resort in an underserved market.

But, will it actually happen? I believe there's a very good chance it happens. It makes sense, Comcast is hungry, and my guess is the price is right. Universal purchasing PortAventura World would be the biggest story in themed entertainment this year (minus any park closures). In fact, the deal could already be closed and an announcement is on the way. It is also very possible Universal has entered an operational agreement with PortAventura, where the investments come from other but Universal operates the day-to-day operation of the parks.

If it happens, what will change at PortAventura? Universal trademarked Hollywoodland Universal Studios in Span back in April 2022 which could apply to the resort or just PortAventura. Ferrari Land will remain as is since the contract remains in place. As for characters, stories, and other attractions moving to the resort, it's too early to tell. Heck, they still use the same Express Pass signage from the early 2000s! Major improvements will likely be made to operations, phone apps, and more to create a more consistent experience with Universal's other parks.

If it happens, what will change at Universal's other parks? Not much in the short term, approved projects will go forward without much change. I don't believe it is likely that future projects are impacted by this, the investment will come from the Board of Directors. The park is also popular and profitable as is, which would avoid a Disneyland Paris situation. Universal working with Ferarri on their licensed park could lead to Ferrari attractions in the USA or Japan, but that seems the least likely outcome.

What are your thoughts about this new rumor? Leave them in the comments below.

Universal Orlando Rumor Status Update - 2023 & Beyond

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic threw the themed entertainment industry into a turbulent year of closures, downsizing, delays, and cancellations. As we continue to adapt to a new normal, deploy vaccinations, and continue on a path toward an endemic disease the theme parks have resumed many projects and announced new opening timeframes. In this article, we will cover the currently rumored and in-progress projects at Universal Orlando and peek into its future.

All right, let's go.

CityWalk

The Groove & Red Coconut Club Replacements

First up are the old Groove and Red Coconut Club locations which are closing permanently per Orlando Entertainment News. Red Coconut has turned into a seasonal location with the Dead Coconut Club for Halloween Horror Nights and Green & Red Coconut Club for Christmas. At this time Red Coconut Club does not appear to be reopening permanently but instead will continue to receive these seasonal overlays (Mardi Gras? Summer?).

Universal's Great Movie Escape is now official and will open sometime in 2023. The escape rooms are based on the Back to the Future and Jurassic World movies. Pricing and length of experience is to be announced, but I'm expecting it will cost $40-70 per person based on surge pricing. The experience will likely be 45-60 minutes long. For those wondering how the house could work read this post from an escape room builder on Inside Universal for some ideas.

Blue Man Group Replacement

In February 2021 came the news Blue Man Group Orlando was closed for good having never reopened after the March 2020 pandemic shutdown. After the news drop, several people wondered if the old theater would be turned over to park operations for a new attraction. At this time it does not appear to be happening with the theater used for renting. Currently, Grinchmas performs in the theater and it's likely the park and 3rd parties will use the theater in the future.

Universal Legacy Store

One of 2020's surprise additions is the Universal Legacy Store, a sort of expanded Studio Store with a focus on the history of the parks. While many like the Legacy Store it was on borrowed time the day it opened. Rumors have circulated about a Legacy Store/Hot Dog Hall of Fame revamp that will combine the two into one larger counter service location. One plan is for a beer hall-type location serving pub favorites with a large beer selection. Another rumor is for the Epic Universe Preview Center/Store possibly featuring food and merchandise from the new park in addition to videos, photos, models, and more.

There are no active plans we are aware of at this time to replace the Legacy Store, but keep in mind that it is earmarked for future changes.

Universal Studios Florida

Shrek 4D Replacement / Minions Attraction

Shrek's closed. Good riddance.

A new Minions attraction will replace Shrek 4D. The old Shrek 4D building will be split into two - one side will house a moving walkway-based attraction based on the Minion's movie VillainsCon. Guests will use interactive shooters in this attraction, similar to Men in Black Alien Attack. Our speculation is that it will combine the projection-mapping scenes from Secret Life of Pets and the projection-mapped paint effects from Tokyo's Goofy's House into the ultimate interactive ride. We expect guests will test evil gadgets in different "booths", allowing for varied gameplay. The new Minions attraction is expected to open in 2023.

The other side of the building will be something less interesting at first glance - a flex-use space for entertainment and operations. What this DOES mean is Halloween Horror Nights has a new house space that isn't encumbered by the limits of the Shrek 4D theater. This new space even opens up the door for moving the Tribute Store or an Epic Universe preview center (this is speculation on my part, of course).

Fear Factor Live / Potter VR Attraction

We infamously predicted with confidence that a Potter VR attraction was coming to replace the Fear Factor Live theater. Then something funny happened - executive leadership changed. Tom Williams and Bill Davis were out, and Mark Woodbury and Karen Irwin are in along with a new head of Universal Creative. Potter VR, both in USF and EU, is dead.

At this moment there are not any substantial rumors of a Fear Factor Live replacement.

Fast & Furious Supercharged Retheme / Replacement

Prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, rumors popped up about Supercharged replacement due to its low guest satisfaction scores. Since then all has been quiet, but word has leaked out about a new USH F&F coaster at that park. Maybe Universal will transform this attraction into a new outdoor coaster to replace HRRR. There are no solid rumors of a replacement at this time.

KidZone Update

The beast has been slain. The famously untouchable KidZone area will receive a huge refresh starting in early 2023.

Replacing KidZone has been on the cards since the 2000s with IPs like Spongebob, DreamWorks, Nintendo, and Pokemon all rumored to go here. The last time KidZone was close to death was 2018 before Super Nintendo World was punted to Epic Universe.

ET and Animal Actors are saved in the current plan, with work walls going up immediately after the two attractions. Fievel, Curious George, and much of the pavement will be going. The current home of DreamWorks theater is staying, but at this time we haven't heard if it will receive any modifications or updates. But if we were betting we'd say that outside modifications are probably likely.

This leaves the Nuthouse coaster to receive a new IP and at least new two play areas based on new properties. I'll take a guess and assume these play areas will be much drier than the two current water play areas. Other left-field possibilities are some interactive elements like we've seen in Super Nintendo World.

Tribute Stores 

Reportedly Mummy would like their queue pack plz. Williams of Hollywood and the photography spot have closed and the Brown Derby is being refurbished. Schwab's Pharmacy (ice cream) and the UOAP lounge remain, but it's possible one or both will close which would open up three or four rooms for a Tribute Store relocation.

Islands of Adventure

Lost Continent

Rumors abound of replacing the remains of Lost Continent after Hogsmeade opened in 2010. At first, the rumors centered around More Potter but after the Nintendo license was acquired rumors of Zelda started popping up. Alicia Stella at OPS has reported on several concepts for Zelda going into the land, all of which involve demolishing most of the land and retheming Mythos. Current rumors say there are no concrete plans to replace Lost Continent at this time but it is likely this will be one of the big projects after Epic Universe opens.

Toon Lagoon

Nothing of note here, Dudley is currently under a long refurbishment and will reopen once Universal gets a handle on the scope of repairs.

Epic Universe

All right, the big one! Epic Universe is on track for an opening by the summer of 2025. Feels like a great way to celebrate the resort's 35th anniversary on June 7th, don't you think?

Anyway, things are progressing rapidly at the new park with new buildings and foundations going in weekly. Fans have noticed that the area previously housing an indoor theater in the Monsters land is now replaced with a ride. More specifically, a family coaster. Rumors point to Universal reacting to VelociCoaster and Hagrid's positive reception and pivoting the theater to a family coaster. We believe the coaster will be in scope to Hippogryph in Hogsmeade, but with spinning seats. We are expecting the overall area to be less cramped than Hippogryph and fit better into the land.

Meanwhile some people are already discussing expansion to EU. Solid rumors point to a Gillman/Creature From the Black Lagoon ride as the first phase 2 attraction. While it's entirely possible, it's also just as likely it becomes the JP Jeep Ride of EU. Lord of the Rings remains a perpetual addition too, but while I think Universal has several concepts for a great land it really comes down to the license holder if they'd grant it. Finally, Pokemon keeps popping up as a new land/attraction, but that seems to be a better addition in USF or IOA than EU.

Epcot Updated: Musings and Thoughts

Epcot has never been EPCOT. Walt's 1960s vision of a techno-utopia in the middle of central Florida's swamps died with him. Throughout the 70s Epcot then became all of Walt Disney World - see you don't need a separate city when all the infrastructure we built is Epcot! After the semi-successful Lake Buena Vista Village, Disney then combined the proposed World Showcase located next to the TTC with a proposed technology-focused Worlds Fair park to form EPCOT Center.

The EPCOT of 1982, of course, was nowhere near what EPCOT the city would be proposed as. Instead, it was a park based on sponsorships, corporate and governmental, and all the baggage that comes with that. Think Exxon telling people about global warming was bad? Just imagine what would have happened if the prominent supporters of apartheid sponsored the South Africa pavilion. Yeesh. The park was well-liked by the general public despite its obvious flaws. Slow-moving dark rides, walk-through attractions, and theatrical presentations are the bread and butter of a Worlds Fair but generally disappoint people who just rode the new Big Thunder Mountain Railway at the Magic Kingdom.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – Weighing the Cost of a Miracle

How do you describe something that has never existed before and how do you assess the value of what it’s worth?

These are the two interlocking problems one runs up against while trying to talk about Disney’s new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser immersive experience. Even that, “immersive experience”, what does that even mean? For people like myself who are deeply interested in theme parks, immersive theatre, weird art installations, and the like, it can conjure up images that get you in a similar zip code to what Starcruiser is doing. But for your average person, even your average Walt Disney World vacationer, I’m not sure it would sound like anything to them. And then you hit them with the punch that this thing – whatever it is – costs a little over $5,000. For two people. For two nights. That’s more than what 90% of American families spend on travel in any given year, and we’re still not totally clear on what on earth it even is.

Gearing up for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser: Immersion 9 years in the making

Well, in just a few days, I will step aboard the Halcyon Starcruiser as part of Disney’s latest immersive interactive offering, that clearly has to to tell you it doesn’t go to space - which sits beside a theme park. Yet, the goal of the experience isn’t really to take you to that theme park, or go on a fake space cruise - it’s designed to be the next generation of storytelling - and represents the final vision of 9 years of experiments with WDI R&D.

Living in Southern California, and being a huge fan of theme parks, rides, haunts, and immersive entertainment - I feel like I’ve been playing in these spaces for almost my whole life - so I want to give you a leadup of my experiences before I cover the Galactic Starcruiser next week.

My Interactive Legacy

In addition to Disney stuff, I’ve also played and explored in Alternate Realities outside theme parks, here’s just a few of them:

Myst Online: Uru Live (2003)

I consider Uru Live to be my first real ARG (Alternate Reality Game). A failed concept by Cyan Worlds (of MYST fame), the idea behind Uru was that You Are You, and that you were playing in a massive online world, attempting to bring back to live a hidden city beneath the surface:

As part of the launch of this game, clues were hidden around the real world, including in the New Mexico desert. A kid without a car at the time begging my parents to drive out to the middle of the desert didn’t sit well with them - it was the first time I was exposed to what an ARG was - and how storytelling in the real world would captivate me.

Explore ages and solve puzzles with friends, Myst Online was a virtual “ARG”.

The online game itself would have many ARG like components. Specific meetups with characters in the virtual space, stories and puzzles you must solve with friends. I became a seasoned explorer also enough to join the Guild of Greeters - a specific group of people to welcome new visitors to the cavern.

The whole thing was a massive failure, and after being rebooted two times in 2004, and 2007 - it was never a failure in my eyes. That experience of exploring caves, talking to characters, and living out that fantasy in my life would be a common theme I would explore again and again. You can still play Myst Online for free - if you want to check it out.

Harry Potter NYC VR Experiences - What The?, Thoughts, & Review

 First and foremost, before you read this, please check out The Trevor Project. Read their site, learn some new stuff, share their materials, and if you can, donate to them. This project helps LGBTQ youth through hard times and helping fight back against anti-trans hatred, like the stuff JKR spews, is very important. We highly suggest reading Daniel Radcliffe's response to Jo on their site.

Your life matters no matter your racial, gender, or sexual identity.

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Concept art for Harry Potter NYC store.

Harry Potter NYC is a two-story shopping destination located south of the Flat Iron in Flat Iron District.  The store features all sorts of merchandise you'd expect if you have visited the Universal parks in the past 20 years plus higher-priced items like Le Creuset cookware, jewelry, and Vera Bradley bags. This is New York, after all. Potter fans will also appreciate the exclusive MACUSA merch (hahah sorry I couldn't type that without laughing) and HP NYC branded items (which are very very cool). I personally bought some exclusive candles for myself and my sister. In addition to the merchandise is a small cafe selling Butterbeer at $10 a pop, Butterbeer soft serve, and other pastries.

The real unique factor are two virtual reality (VR) experiences offered at the store. One, Wizards Take Flight, is a simulated broom ride around Hogwarts and through London. The second, Chaos at Hogwarts, takes you from Platform 9 3/4 into Hogwarts as you help Doby deliver a suitcase to Dumbledore. Both experiences are booked online prior to visit and cost $34 plus tax per person.