Universal Studios (theme park) Appreciation Thread - NINTENDO-LAND A GO!

[dathbgboy]

They're actually making a Mario World in Islands of Adventure from what some articles reported. Speculation was that Universal was prepping for the loss of the Marval attractions since Disney now owns Marvel but w/ the rights to some Marval characters through Universal, I doubt it. They could lose those w/ movie rights through other film studios like Fox(X-Men) and Sony(Spiderman) but who knows.

That Dr. Seuss world and the Harry Potter world are dope so if the Nintendo world is anything like those, I'm in.

I had 0 interest in Harry Potter until I went to Universal

 

[rfx45]

@ pushing your girl out of the way


To me, one big benefit is that I am literally 10 minutes away from Universal so it's cool to me. Plus I haven't been there in so long that all those rides are new to me (Simpsons, Transformers, King-Kong, F&F, Minion, etc...). And yeah main reason I haven't gone in a while is because they are much smaller than Disney and a lot less attractions but now seems to be the right time to get an AP (it's only like $30 more from the day pass I think since I am in SoCal).

I never get tired of Jurassic Park and Waterworld though, I do wish they upgraded Jurassic Park when World came out. And yeah Mummy ride is short AF and cheap.

But really if they offered AP with free parking, I might be more inclined to visit more often and might have an AP every year.

What could really help them though is if they had a payment plan program for APs like Disney does, really not sure why they don't do it yet.

When I went in 2012 2013 and 2014
They had that buy a day get the whole year annual pass thing
Were basically a season pass was the price of a day pass
They don't have that anymore????



Also that Jurassic park ride is soooo damn old
That's their problem they don't update ****
That shrek 4d thing is horrible too

They still have it but I thought it was only done towards the 1/4 or 1/2 point of the year done and you don't actually get a whole year, just to end the year. The annual passes they have right now are brand new with new pricing and it is based on HP attractions being added as ill those old APs from last year ends this month no matter what and all. I could be wrong but I believe that is how they justify that pricing because you don't get the whole year, just the leftover plus the block out dates.


I do wish HP has more than two rides though, sucks that one of them is pretty much a kiddie roller coaster too but it's all about the overall experience and just seeing the world come to life. I kind of want to do the choosing of the wand thing but I am kind of embarrassed because I might just be too old for it. This is where having a kid would have been handy, tell 'em I am doing it for him.

 

[rfx45]

And Nintendo world would be awesome, I hope they add that next. I am not even sure if they still shoot shows or movies in Universal but I think most of those buildings should be demolished and make it a just a full pledge theme park.

I hope Mario Kart isn't like the craptastic Autopia and instead a better version of Radiator Springs Racer.

Star Fox roller coaster?

Pokemon themed ride (like Toy Stories Midway mania)?

Zelda 3D ride?


the possibilities...

 

[al audi]

I'm going to see my boy @bwood056 this summer I'll check it out

Never seen a Harry Potter movie before lmao

 

[gil23]

@bwood056

Mini summit?

 

[nawghtyhare]

I have the annual passes for magic mountain
Well now they call it a membership
Where u pay every month and good at all parks in America
Pay $26 for me and my girl every month
Have had a annual pass/membership for magic mountain since 2012
Haven't even been in a year though
Think I need to go back
Goliath and x2 and tatsu are

 

[nawghtyhare]

Also down for a mini summit
Not at trash *** universal though

 

[rfx45]

there's no Universal Studios thread so I'll just post the new attraction coming in the summer in Florida here:

Universal Orlando reveals Skull Island attraction

Soon, you will be transported to an island shrouded in mystery and legend in the new Skull Island attraction. It is a lost world where adventure – and the unimaginable – will challenge you in unforgettable ways.

When it opens this summer at Universal Orlando Resort‘s Islands of Adventure, Skull Island: Reign of Kong will bring the next generation of the King Kong legend to life. You will be thrust into an exotic world filled with the menacing, the intense – and the wildly entertaining. A powerful storyline, a stunning 3D experience, innovative technology – and the unexpected – will pull you into one of Universal Orlando’s most massive adventures yet. This is a multi-dimensional experience filled with surprise – all wrapped into what will be one of the longest Universal ride experiences ever created.

The adventure begins as you set out to explore an island rife with prehistoric creatures of unknown origin – and the legend of a beast still undiscovered. You find yourself at a campsite of the 8th Wonder Expedition Company, the research team leading your adventure.

Once beyond camp, the menacing terrain shows signs of a native presence; beating drums draw you toward an ancient temple. Moving deeper into the ruins reveals a lost shrine – and proof you are not alone. You ignore warnings to turn back.

You board a specially designed expedition vehicle that will take you deeper into the island. Mysterious sounds pierce the air and you hear chanting. And then – you confront an enormous temple wall, complete with carvings and images that seem to pay homage to something you cannot quite comprehend. The temple’s massive wooden doors slowly open, revealing a labyrinth of caves.

Inside the caves, you meet your expedition leader – and suddenly find yourself in the midst of a raging struggle between creatures of incomprehensible size and ferocity. Then, as those creatures turn on you, there is an even more enormous, earth-pounding presence – bigger, closer and more overwhelming than you can possibly imagine. It is Kong. But is he friend or foe?

 

[rfx45]

btw, to those interested in going to Universal Studios Hollywood, I'd suggest buying from Costco if you have a membership.

The CA Annual Pass only cost $95 there which is pretty much the price of a days admission, it's $139 when bought at the gates ($129 online).

Even though it is only 170 days and no weekends are available for the 12-month duration, the first visit could be on any day so you choose including blacked out days so that's a nice touch.

 

[rfx45]

Wizarding World is pretty damn awesome, especially if you've seen the film. btw I think it is pretty much going to be open from now til official opening, I was there when the parked open until it closed and Hogsmeade was operational the whole time.

Whole place is awesome and immersive, one downside though is that they crammed it into such a small space that the store suffered, they are really small inside. Overall though it is enjoyable and downright amazing if your a HP fan. Details are there from Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom and just seeing the giant castle was great.

It was also great coming at non-peak days, got to ride Forbidden Journey twice with about 5 minutes wait times each (once in the morning and once in the afternoon), workers there expect a 3-hour queue on opening and the park is only open for 8-hours so half of your stay there is going to be for that ride alone. The queue line walk alone must have been a 5-minute walk alone but it's pretty cool going through Hogwarts.

Forbidden Journey was an awesome ride, really didn't know what to expect but it was very good I thought, though I would suggest riding this the first as it is another 3D ride and it will pretty much set it up for the whole day as in all the other damn rides at Universal are for the most part the same (more rant on this later).

Hippogriff was an ok ride, it's a kiddie roller coaster so wasn't expecting much, probably wouldn't have ridden it if there was even a 5-minute queue but it was practically empty.


Also ate there and got to try ButterBeer and the thing is amazingly addicting, got the frozen version and brain freeze be damned, I just kept on drinking that thing. Food was good too, price isn't too bad as it is likely going to be the best place to eat inside the park.

Then I did Olivanders, which is pretty cool except again the place it pretty cramped inside. Did the whole wand choosing thing and for some reason I got picked and not some kid. Wasn't planning on doing it but I did feel obligated to buy the pricey wand once it picked me

Got to say though, despite the price, the wand isn't so bad as you do get to play around with it in Hogsmeade. I didn't know til I bought it that it is interactive and you can cast a "spell" thoughout the town. Vid of how it works below isn't mine. Probably still wouldn't have bought a wand if I wasn't pick though that's how they get you







As for the rest of the park, Simpson Land was pretty awesome, really brought the show into life. Didn't expect all the restaurants and stores to be there, from Kwik-E-Mart to Krusty Burger, from Moes Tavern to Duff Brewery, everything was pretty cool and immersive. Didn't get to try the donut or squishee though, next time.

Tram Tour is pretty good too, the King Kong and Fast & Furious were good additions though it's practically the same experience. WaterWorld show was the same as ever but still enjoyable.

I think I'll start my rant here about the whole park, maybe I am getting old but this park gave me a headache at the end of the day. Every ride is pretty much a screen projection in a vehicle/seat that moves and bumps you around and sometime they add 3-D glasses and sprinkle you with water. That is pretty much my whole experience in the park. Universal really need to expand their attractions and stop with the big screen/3D/4D simulators. HPs was cool because it felt different enough with practical props but really I probably enjoyed the Mummy ride the most but again that thing is so short, really glad there was no wait time I could go on 5 times Didn't help that Jurassic Park was under refurbishment. But yeah, the whole park was mentally exhausting with the 3D glasses and rides pretty much bumping you around, hell Tram Tour did it twice. Simpson, Minions, Shrek 4D, Transformers, King Kong, F&F and Forbidden Journey in essence are all the same ride in different seats. Again, maybe it's just my age showing but I do think they need more variety. End rant there.


Overall it was fun especially for the price ( $95 annual pass), it's no Disneyland with the variety but the no queues and wait lines really helped make the visit much more fun. Not sure I'd make many returns especially once HP officially opens (crowds going to be insane) but I think they really just need to expand HP World and even the Simpsons World and make those two the main attractions on the top lot. But I guess I understand the other attractions, especially the Minions with it's giant space as kids are piling up there and the Minions store has a long line of miserable parents buying merch. Hopefully the refurbishment they're doing to Jurassic Park is to update it but I am not holding my breathe. Feels like there's plenty of wasted space in the lower lot too but I guess they can't just demolish other buildings as they are still filming so many shows in there. Oh well.

 

[yancancook90]

I had no idea they were building a Harry Potter park in the Hollywood location. Last time i went to Universal it was for free. I could never bring myself to pay the entrance fee when the only thing i like are Jurassic Park & the tram tour.

I def gotta make it out to Harry Potter land though. HP books were like the only books i actually read in middle school. Movies were dope too.

I totally agree with you on the 4D simulator rides. One of the main reasons why Disneyland is so much better is because of all the animatronics and practical effects. Creates a more immersive experience, which is why the Jurassic Park ride is one of my favorites.

Is the Hollywood one smaller than the one in Orlando?

How much was that wand lol?

 

[rfx45]

Hollywood is much smaller than Orlando's I believe, I've never been to Orlando but Hollywood is tiny especially in comparison to Disneyland alone.

Plus from what I understand, Orlando has 2 separate parks, Studios and Islands of Adventure and each one have their own HP world? I think each needs separate tickets to get in though or a park hopper of sorts like with Disneyland and California Adventure? Plus they have a lot more non-simulator rides, they have a handful of outdoor roller coasters.

Hollywood location is just way too limited in space.


Wand was $48 before tax When i got picked though and while choosing the wand, at first i thought I might get it for free but then forgot it was all about money for these theme parks

 

[yancancook90]

$48 aint too bad and you got picked so you got the full experience lol.

midas whale just save up for the Orlando one then. all these theme parks and not enough space smh. thats my main concern for Star Wars land.

 

[rfx45]

I think Star Wars Land wouldn't be too bad or too cramped, they purchased and demolished nearby properties to actually expand the park, plus they are closing several other attractions for it. Kind of sad that they only plan on having two attractions but I guess that isn't so bad as long as Star Tours stays and continually gets updated and HyperSpace Mountain doesn't change.


With Universal, their land for expansion is limited because the top lot has no more room to expand, Hogsmeade/Hogwarts is practically on the edge of a hill, the whole top lost is actually on a hill come to think of it. The only way to expand that experience is by getting rid of the other attractions, which to me as a Harry Potter fan, would be most ideal. I could stand another 3D simulator ride if they'd expand the land to include Diagon Alley like they have in Orlando.

With that said, I am really not sure how they're going to pull off Nintendo Land in the Hollywood location, possibilities are endless but I didn't really realize how small it is until I visited again.



And immersion experience definitely lacks, HP and Simpsons are good starts but they need to do more. Some of the rides, especially on the lower lot are pretty much giant buildings (old studios) with a nice entrance but really just a giant banner on the building. Going to Transformers could have felt like going to Cybertron or something. Disney got theme lands on lock.


I am trying to plan to go to Orlando this year but I think that is a whole weeks worth of vacation just because of all the parks within that same vicinity.

 

[rfx45]

Quick snaps of Springfield

 

[kvsm23vs24]

At the Universal hate :x

I love that park. Probably my favorite. I love the 3D, 4D rides. More memorable to me. They do need to switch out that Shrek.

tram
the Simpsons
Mummy
Transformers
Water world
jP
Minions

Theyre that crack.

I'm down for the summit. there or Magic. I like 10mins away

 

[All Ready]

universal Hollywood is super trash, not many rides there

Halloween horror nights is ill tho

orlandos park is 10 times better

Orlandos biggest positive is that they don't have the actual studio there so it's all rides and 2 different parks

if you go go to orlandos

universal is better than Disney to me tho even the Hollywood one

 

[rfx45]

I don't hate Universal, it just could use more variety. I could only take so many 3D/4D simulators in the day. I felt more tired in my 8 hours at Universal than the 12-13 hours I spend on Disney and I think part of it are all the 3D/4D.

I'd probably come back before it gets real busy on April 7 though.

 

[All Ready]

universal is the best park for adult fun

Disney is more kid centric

Halloween horror nights is epic

but I'd recommend everybody to go to the Orlando park

 

[yancancook90]

Didnt they have a Walking Dead haunted house? That looked legit.

 

[rfx45]

Last Halloween my brother went to Knotts Berry Farm and they had like a laser tag zombie, that is one event I got to go to this year.

 

[All Ready]

i was just bout to mention that

the zombie laser tag is kinda cool but it's scripted and it has a whole acted out aspect to it where you follow actors thru the spaces

it's not a free for all where you can just go where ever

you gotta get there early too cause everybody is tryna do it

they call it knotts scary farm during halloween

knotts is huge as hell btw, they call it the first theme park I believe

lotta roller coasters

 

[rfx45]

When it comes to roller coasters/thrill rides, I think 6 Flags > all

My only real gripe with 6 Flags is that place is filthy, it's like visiting a travelling carnival. That is one thing I can appreciate with Universal and Disney, though they cost more they are simply more organized and cleaner.

Also doesn't help that 6 Flags is filled with middle-school and high-school kids, as in kids that are more annoying than those that visit Disney and Universal.

 

[All Ready]

I think it's more so because kids get dropped off at 6 flags

kids rarely ever get dropped off at universal or Disney

it's more family oriented

but island of adventure is just as good as most roller coaster theme parks

it has water rides, coasters, 3D, 4d and all that

it's funny cause I just recently was in Orlando and Cali and I've done all these places back to back which is why it's so fresh on my mind

not tryna take over the thread or anything I just had a blast this last few months

 

[rfx45]

never been to Orlando so I don't know how it differs, I do know it's bigger but I was just comparing California Theme Parks because those are the ones I know