Future of Dragon Challenge?

[Scott W.]

I've been thinking about this today, how sad would you be if Dragon Challenge got the axe?

The coaster is a shadow of what it once was. When they were duelling, they were great but individually, I don't think they're anything special and they're taking up a lot of valuable real estate in the park. With Hulk recently needing a rejuvenation, I don't know how great of a shape the coasters are in.

If it meant that a new coaster could be put in the area or a big expansion for Harry Potter, would you take it?

 

[Brian G.]

:look:

 

[Mad Dog]

I'd like to see it rethemed with heavier theming. I think the coaster is still quite popular, plus it's a capacity machine, which the parks' increased attendance needs. Redo the queue so it has the high level of theming that it had before HP, in of course a HP theme. Right now, the HP queue theming is a bit sparse with a lot of wasted space. Maybe have the entrance nearer the queue building and utilize that extra space for a small Hogsmeade expansion.

 

[Macfr3ak]

I'd welcome it. Like JAWS, Universal has proven it can do more with space than one could imagine.

 

[Kevin38]

I believe the rumor mill was that this is the next up for future rehab .Once Hulk and Skull Island are open .

 

[snayberry]

I believe the rumor mill was that this is the next up for future rehab .Once Hulk and Skull Island are open .

I just heard the same thing.

 

[JungleSkip]

I've been thinking about this today, how sad would you be if Dragon Challenge got the axe?

:bolt:

 

[Mad Dog]

Yes, we were discussing the rumor last week on another thread.

 

[WAJAS]

I would love a major refurb for the ride because I see a lot of potential in theming in the queue and ride. It might just be nostalgia, but I hope it stays, especially because it's what makes our Hogsmeade special.

 

[JungleSkip]

I would love a major refurb for the ride because I see a lot of potential in theming in the queue and ride. It might just be nostalgia, but I hope it stays, especially because it's what makes our Hogsmeade special.

I mean, wouldn't a brand new ride that none of the other Hogsmeades have make ours special too?

(To be clear, I don't know what's going on here, have just heard something big is up for DC)

 

[Mad Dog]

That's a really big area back there. Plenty could be done to maximize it in a park that has very little expansion space.

 

[quinnmac000]

I wouldn't be sad but it technically would be the loss of two attractions and not just one so I would hope universal would give us two attractions to make up for the loss.

 

[JungleSkip]

I wouldn't be sad but it technically would be the loss of two attractions and not just one so I would hope universal would give us two attractions to make up for the loss.

One queue = one attraction, IMO. I wouldn't consider Space Mountain to be two attractions.

 

[UK-Trigg]

I was really against this when the rumours first surfaced but the more I think about the more the idea grows on me.

Sure its an iconic ride but has some of that been lost since they stopped duelling, its still a fun ride and I always make a point of riding but I am ready for change and I would love to see what they could do with the area, anything that would get rid of that stinking cesspit under the ride would have to be a bonus right?

 

[Parkscope Joe]

One queue = one attraction, IMO. I wouldn't consider Space Mountain to be two attractions.

Gotta say though SM is more alike than DD is. I'd say DD is more on the lines of Matterhorn.

 

[JungleSkip]

FYI, I would not automatically assume it's being demolished

 

[GAcoaster]

I think the idea of a Great Hall being built and offering some kind of dinner/show would be a HUGE money maker and could be a better use for some of that space, plus another attraction or two...

 

[Quetzal]

It's a huge chunk of real estate to play with if they do go down the route of demolition. It would be a shame to lose two fantastic coasters but I feel that the alternatives for this space are much more exciting. It could really round out the Hogsmeade section. If Universal are working with B&M then I really wouldn't mind a flyer, would suit the area much more.
Alternatively if they are just doing a retrack and rethink à la Hulk then there's still a lot of exciting opportunities.

 

[JungleSkip]

It's a huge chunk of real estate to play with if they do go down the route of demolition. It would be a shame to lose two fantastic coasters but I feel that the alternatives for this space are much more exciting. It could really round out the Hogsmeade section. If Universal are working with B&M then I really wouldn't mind a flyer, would suit the area much more.
Alternatively if they are just doing a retrack and rethink à la Hulk then there's still a lot of exciting opportunities.

IF it's a demolition and a brand new coaster is built, I'd rather see a Wing Rider than a Flyer. Orlando already has a Flyer.

 

[GAcoaster]

I'm not sure if they can do a flyer. I would imagine that SeaWorld may have some sort of exclusive rights for it in the Orlando market for a set number of years. Anything is possible though...