Avatar Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 Orlandosentinel.com I think this is short term for them this year, as the economy is having an impact every where here in the US, next spring Universal Studious Orlando is opening a one of a kind highly themed "Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit Roller coaster". that should help bring in some curious visitors while at the same time trying to capitalize on the closing of Disney’s Pleasure Island guests by offering deep gate discounts to attract those guests later this year. In 2010 the World of Wizarding of Harry Potter will open and will be a major draw for them as many regular Orlando visitors are planning visits now. Families really like highly theme attractions and Orlando knows it. WOW - Themed Attractions; it practically sells itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Picard Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 They are not giving any discounts for the HHN tickets I need to buy so I guess I will just have to pay the price. It's time for KI season passes, Universal HHN tickets and express passes. I think I could use a tax rebate about now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 They are not giving any discounts for the HHN tickets I need to buy so I guess I will just have to pay the price. It's time for KI season passes, Universal HHN tickets and express passes. I think I could use a tax rebate about now. If you have any friends or family in Florida (specifically around Orlando), ask them where the discounts for HHN are. They should be able to snag ya cheap tickets, as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted August 10, 2008 Author Share Posted August 10, 2008 They are not giving any discounts for the HHN tickets I need to buy so I guess I will just have to pay the price. It's time for KI season passes, Universal HHN tickets and express passes. I think I could use a tax rebate about now. Captain – I hear ya there, in my business gas is killing us and the need to purchase a new van, had me second guessing our upcoming fall trip. I am glad we decided to stay at the Disney Value Resort or I would haft to cut back the trip further. We trimmed it from 14 nights to eight night and cut out some of the other Orlando destinations that we have wanted to do. So we will do Disney this year and focus on the other Orlando parks over the next couple years, plus Miss Rae is getting older and will probably enjoy those other parks more so then. So captain when are you and the Misses going this year? It looks like they are making some changes to their Halloween Event, to be even better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Picard Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 They are not giving any discounts for the HHN tickets I need to buy so I guess I will just have to pay the price. It's time for KI season passes, Universal HHN tickets and express passes. I think I could use a tax rebate about now. Captain – I hear ya there, in my business gas is killing us and the need to purchase a new van, had me second guessing our upcoming fall trip. I am glad we decided to stay at the Disney Value Resort or I would haft to cut back the trip further. We trimmed it from 14 nights to eight night and cut out some of the other Orlando destinations that we have wanted to do. So we will do Disney this year and focus on the other Orlando parks over the next couple years, plus Miss Rae is getting older and will probably enjoy those other parks more so then. So captain when are you and the Misses going this year? It looks like they are making some changes to their Halloween Event, to be even better. Looks like the week of the 8th. There is a shuttle Launch targeted for Oct. 8. I have been down to see a launch before but the date always changes. I have been cutting back too. The friends and family don't work at the parks now and that cuts down on the free tickets. As for family in Florida getting the Florida discounts you can't use them if you are from Ohio they check your ID. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted August 10, 2008 Share Posted August 10, 2008 I think Harry Potter will be huge for Universal. Its a major project thats long overdue for a very stale Islands of Adventure. I'm not sure Rip, Ride and Rockit will be that big of a draw. From most accounts, The Simpsons have done absolutely zero for the Park.....aside from being a totally hilarious ride :-) The Universal of today is not the Universal from 10 years ago. They have suffered a pretty tremendous loss in attendance. 10 years ago, each of the Parks were pulling in about 9 million each. Last year, they, were reported to only bringing in just over 5 million each. Thats a hefty drop. I think the lack of investments in the Parks, lousey guest service, sliding operations and an overall drop in quality have all hurt Universal in someways. The crowd they attract is also quite different than the other kids on the block. They are a fairly cheap alternative, especially to locals who buy Annual Passes on the Flex-Pay system. You get a more obnoxious type of crowd there. There is no question that they play second fiddle to both Disney and SeaWorld. Meanwhile, SeaWorld has came up from around 4.5 million when Islands opened and brought in over 6 million last year. Attendance is strong again this year. I get a lot of people who are pleased at how well they are treated while in the Park. Strong emphasis on the guest experience, in all areas, which is why we've seen more interactive tours created.....Shark Deep Dive, Beluga Interaction, Polar Expedition Tour, ect. Discovery Cove is booked solid through the end of the year. Aquatica is thriving beyond any expectations. Its obvious that SeaWorld has set itself up as a serious competitor in this market and is succeeding wildly! Manta is going to give a big boost, I think. It has a lot going for it, with the huge aquarium and exhibit that will compliment the ride. - Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted August 11, 2008 Author Share Posted August 11, 2008 Todd your location is really unique in this topic as you have a true feel how things are going down there. Yeah I have heard that the Simpson’s ride was not pulling the crowds in but I did not know the reason behind that, plus I have seen pictures where some of the prop themes outside the ride was coming apart and not being maintained. I had heard about the Hollywood Rockit coaster but did not realize all the technology they are using for the ride and with all the led lights and use of stage lights on the attraction it will at least be very photogenic to give the park a fresh look. Plus it will go over parts of City walk to help that areas atmosphere. I agree that Harry Potter is going to be a major hit; I believe it will draw internationally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Todd your location is really unique in this topic as you have a true feel how things are going down there. Yeah I have heard that the Simpson's ride was not pulling the crowds in but I did not know the reason behind that, plus I have seen pictures where some of the prop themes outside the ride was coming apart and not being maintained. I had heard about the Hollywood Rockit coaster but did not realize all the technology they are using for the ride and with all the led lights and use of stage lights on the attraction it will at least be very photogenic to give the park a fresh look. Plus it will go over parts of City walk to help that areas atmosphere. I agree that Harry Potter is going to be a major hit; I believe it will draw internationally. I've not noticed the props coming apart at Simpsons, but it wouldn't surprise me. In general, there is a problem of cleaning and maintenance at Universal. While they are still superior to anything outside Orlando, compare them to SeaWorld & Disney and you will find a big difference. For that matter, compare the condition of Studios & IOA to that of 7 or 8 years ago and you will be surprised at the decline in quality. I love Universal, I really do. They have some great attractions and I'm glad to finally see them investing in the Parks again. I think they are just going to have a more difficult time taking back the larger piece of the pie that they lost. As for Rip, Ride & Rockit.....it will change the skyline for sure! Don't get too excited bout the City Walk part though.....the courtyard area in front of Blue Man is about as City Walk as its gonna get 8-) - Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted August 11, 2008 Author Share Posted August 11, 2008 Thanks Todd I went back to find the article and it is more like the way you describe. Below is the article in “Doing Florida News” http://www.doingflorida.com/#/doingfloridanews/4520501531 July 30 – Does the Simpsons Ride need a refurb already? It may have only been opened for three months but the Simpsons Ride is already showing some signs of wear and tear. Our spies have been in the park today and found a couple of areas which look as if they need some attention. We can’t remember the old Back to the Future ride being affected like this, so what could be the problem? The decoration and theming is certainly excellent on this attraction – it may mean that Universal will need to take special care to keep things looking fresh. It does make you wonder whether Disney would let this happen – Toy Story Midway Mania is only two weeks younger than the Simpsons ride, but still seems to be in perfect condition. Here is a link to the pictures, see what you think. http://www.doingflorida.com/#/simpsonsride...furb/4530184765 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Yowsers! That's definitely a tad worse than I imagined. I've probably not noticed cause I refuse to wait in the super long lines :-) We always go for a few hours in the evening when we want to play, the line usually isn't more than 15 minutes. I'd hope they fixed it by now, but I will certainly pay closer attention next time. That article is spot on with one thing! Toy Story is still in flawless condition, like every other Disney attraction. Again, like I keep saying, big difference between Universal and the others. Speaking of Toy Story...SUCH A FUN RIDE! Basic, not overly themed, but FUN! - Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeLorean Rider Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 Yowsers! That's definitely a tad worse than I imagined. I've probably not noticed cause I refuse to wait in the super long lines :-) We always go for a few hours in the evening when we want to play, the line usually isn't more than 15 minutes. I'd hope they fixed it by now, but I will certainly pay closer attention next time. That article is spot on with one thing! Toy Story is still in flawless condition, like every other Disney attraction. Again, like I keep saying, big difference between Universal and the others. Speaking of Toy Story...SUCH A FUN RIDE! Basic, not overly themed, but FUN! - Todd 15 minutes for Toy Story? When do you go? Every time I go whether it's at closing or when it opens the line is always around 60+ minutes. Fastpass at Toy Story Mania typically runs out around 10:30-11am through the week and earlier on weekends. However I disagree about the lack of themeing. The queue line for Toy Story is super themed. Giant classic toys. I love it. Honestly the thing that I think lacks themeing the most are the ride attendants. I'm never overly impressed with the outfits they wear. I think there are more options that could have been explored. They could have gone with a life size toy theme, they could have gone with a carnival midway game attendants theme. Either way my Jungle Cruise costume is way more elaborately themed to the experience itself than that of Toy Story. Reguardless, I definately agree that the ride is still in excellent shape. The worst thing to see is in the queue where people insist on picking at paints, scratching at themeing, etc... Oh well, they do a pretty good job at keeping up with keeping it clean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 15 minutes for Toy Story? When do you go? Every time I go whether it's at closing or when it opens the line is always around 60+ minutes. Fastpass at Toy Story Mania typically runs out around 10:30-11am through the week and earlier on weekends. However I disagree about the lack of themeing. The queue line for Toy Story is super themed. Giant classic toys. I love it. Honestly the thing that I think lacks themeing the most are the ride attendants. I'm never overly impressed with the outfits they wear. I think there are more options that could have been explored. They could have gone with a life size toy theme, they could have gone with a carnival midway game attendants theme. Either way my Jungle Cruise costume is way more elaborately themed to the experience itself than that of Toy Story. Reguardless, I definately agree that the ride is still in excellent shape. The worst thing to see is in the queue where people insist on picking at paints, scratching at themeing, etc... Oh well, they do a pretty good job at keeping up with keeping it clean. No, no, I was talking about short wait times for The Simpsons. I have yet to be there when Toy Story is under 60 minutes....its usually around 90 when I go! I'm glad I got to take advantage of the pass holder preview. The queue for Toy Story is nice, though I don't think its anything special....especially for Disney! I LOVE the Mr. Potato Head animatronic! I wish he were closer to the entrance like t DCA, it causes such a hold up in the queue line where it's placed.....everyone has to have a photo! :-) I absolutely agree with the costumes, uck! - Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeLorean Rider Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 Oh I totally agree. The worst part is that nobody realizes how sophisticated Mr. Potato Head is. He is CONSTANTLY trying to interact with the audience. He says things like "you in the yellow shirt," "hey little girl," "you staring at me," etc. trying to get responses from people and NO one interacts with him. He asks them what their favorite toy is and things like that but so many people ignore him. Everyone just wants to stand there and have their picture taken in front of him. The other day I was there and he kept trying to ask a guy in a yellow shirt a question and the guy just laughed and had his picture taken. I was really interested in what he had to say but the guy didn't give him the opportunity to show how cool he is. Oh well. I'm still yet to see him remove his ear but I'm going to eventually. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium_Guy Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 I have yet to see him remove his ear, either! Saw video of the one at DCA, it looks cool. All he does when I'm in line is sing a couple songs and try to get the guests involved like you mentioned. I think Toy Story is a really fun ride, but in all honesty I believe I prefer MIB. MIB seems to be a little more immersive with the environment and the interaction between riders and the aliens. With that said, the whole Pixar Place / Toy Story area is quite nice and livened up an otherwise dead area of Park! I'm quite sad, my annul pass expires next month! I either need to pick up a seasonal part time position there or something, otherwise I'll be putting the brakes on my Disney visits! :-( - Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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