State of USH - What's Next?

[UniversalRBLX]

Remember, queue times aren't always indicative of popularity. Simpsons sometimes only runs with one dome, for example, cutting capacity in half and significantly driving up waits. Pets has an abysmal capacity, so even a small crowd can push it to lengthy queues.

I think Universal Studios Hollywood is paying for its decision to overinvest in motion simulator-like attractions. You've got Minions, Simpsons, Transformers, Dreamworks Theater, and arguably, Forbidden Journey (its physical sets and more dynamic ride system notwithstanding). For a park with only ~10 rides, that's a rough ratio.

Agree - Simulator rides are not as repeatable as your more traditional dark rides, which unfortunately makes guests less interested in attending sooner.

Obviously USH has had to lean towards simulator rides due to space constraints, but I think SLOP and Transformers prove that to be an obstacle they can overcome.

 

[TheUniC6]

With USH seemingly unlikely to get Pokemon, my hope is Simpsons here can be replaced with Wicked. If Part 2 smashes box-office numbers, I expect the rumor mill to pickup of it getting fast tracked for the parks. If they are willing to expand into the tram stop, you could probably use the battle of the ministry ride system.

 

[Mad Dog]

Diversification is the key. Too much of any type of attraction, be it simulators (Universal), or coasters like the Regional parks did, is detrimental to the overall experience. A good mix, like Disneyland/MK, is superior.

 

[DrStarlander]

Diversification is the key.

I also think thematic environments are key. The incredible game-changing reception to Hogsmeade, and then later to SNW, is not just about the attractions (and for SNW, it's perhaps somewhat despite the attraction). It's largely about offering Disney-beating immersive thematic environments.

That's why plopping F&F in the middle of the park -- like a world's fair pavilion more than the E-ticket of a themed land, or mini-land -- seems un-considered to me strategically/planning-wise.

Moving forward, yes they need more attractions at USH, and they need more diversity of attraction-types. But I do not think dropping them in randomly here or there is the best way to present them and to make the case against Disney. I think they need to deliver 3 additional immersive themed lands/mini-lands, with 2-3 attractions each.

And areas they already have can be enhanced. I think the area at the bottom of the escalator where Mummy and Jurassic are needs to get a full Jurassic immersive treatment (maybe Beijing Jurassic ride replaces Mummy), and that thematic experience should start with the lower escalator itself being inside a Dino aviary. That is, rather than the escalators being non-themed, liminal transportation, they should be part of the "wow, look!" themed experience.

A second lower escalator would take you to a different land where the soundstages are but it too should be thematic, for example inside the center hall of Dracula's Castle, which would sit on the hillside above a Darkmoor-like village below. The hillside and escalators shouldn't be a compromise or Achilles heal, they should be utilized in a very unique way -- unlike any other theme park -- to enhance the thematic experiences.

 

[highdefrex]

The wild fires, the ice raids, and general economy, and with tourist not wanting to visit a not so friendly USA at the moment…. That’s pretty much why the parks dead. Did anyone else know it’s like 150$ to go to this park now?

I know from my personal experience, pretty much everyone I know who lives outside the US (Canada, the UK, Japan, Australia, etc.) has zero interest in coming to the US right now. Friends I've known who would come to Hawaii or LA every spring or summer or Disneyland/World every year have decided it's not worth any sort of risk, period, and so are staying home and/or traveling elsewhere.

And many people who live here that I'm friends with who have existing Disney and Universal passes have said they'll probably not be renewing them once they expire with how the cost of living seems to just get worse day after day. As others have said, no one really wants to get into politics here (and rightfully so, considering I'm sure many of us are sick of it) but at the end of the day, no matter how much we want to blame screen-based rides and stuff, the political situation is an important factor in why park attendance is down -- tourism across the whole country is declining, with projected losses of billions of dollars through the rest of the year, and with the future looking ever harder for people who don't make six figures a year (and even many who do) theme parks are an expenditure many are cutting when a single day ticket for one somewhere costs as much as what a family may need to spend just to get by for a week or two at Costco.

 

[chris.g]

When the recession hits and F&F is a colossal failure due to terrible tourism/ local expulsion and NBCU learns the wrong lessons and we go back to IP based simulators post Olympics.

 

[KlownzNskullZ]

When the recession hits and F&F is a colossal failure due to terrible tourism/ local expulsion and NBCU learns the wrong lessons and we go back to IP based simulators post Olympics.

This is the timeline we’re in

 

[Jerroddragon]

When the recession hits and F&F is a colossal failure due to terrible tourism/ local expulsion and NBCU learns the wrong lessons and we go back to IP based simulators post Olympics.

Lol

Would not be surprised

I know they just announced it but with where everything is I hope they cancel the second HHN location
Love Universal trying things but it’s not the time we have 3 years minimum of more crap making life worst for most people so not the best time for these kinda investments

I’m also just sad they had a time ri strike after SNW to get land cleared and get us new lands but I just don’t see it happening now

The hotel will come and all the rumors I keep seeing about how USH is going to change so much will disappear because I just can’t see them adding huge new projects when on the 4th of July you can’t hit the mark and most likely the situation will just get worst

It’s why I pushed so hard to get mire things after SNW we had great attendance, the economy was growing that’s the time to strike but now we are back into a recession sp most likely any “planned” theme park expansions will be cut back and with the studio doing so well it’s hard to blame for not wanting to touch those spaces for more theme park

 

[Ron101]

I really hope it still comes but… I would not be surprised if the hotel was cancelled/delayed.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I really hope it still comes but… I would not be surprised if the hotel was cancelled/delayed.

You really think they would do that?

I feel like because of the Olympics they will at least finish that

Simpsons land has to be redone as well but beyond that I don't think we will see much if things continue as is (which spoilers I see nothing in the next 4 years reversing most the things hurting the parks now so doubtful)

I know many wont want it but I hope we get a Luigi Mansion Standing shooting ride like Minions, I feel like for its cost it will draw in a good amount of people and also kinda a great attraction for locals because of trying to get a high score. I know many want a full ride but this kinda attraction would not cost much and most likley draw just as many people as a Big E ticket

Also for HHN if this year doesn't meet expectations (it will make money either way) I could see them trying to reuse houses and bring old houses back as a way to keep the event going at its current level, if people aren't coming out to it but hopefully it kicks ass this year with the great line up they have

 

[Ron101]

You really think they would do that?

I feel like because of the Olympics they will at least finish that

Simpsons land has to be redone as well but beyond that I don't think we will see much if things continue as is (which spoilers I see nothing in the next 4 years reversing most the things hurting the parks now so doubtful)

I know many wont want it but I hope we get a Luigi Mansion Standing shooting ride like Minions, I feel like for its cost it will draw in a good amount of people and also kinda a great attraction for locals because of trying to get a high score. I know many want a full ride but this kinda attraction would not cost much and most likley draw just as many people as a Big E ticket

Also for HHN if this year doesn't meet expectations (it will make money either way) I could see them trying to reuse houses and bring old houses back as a way to keep the event going at its current level, if people aren't coming out to it but hopefully it kicks ass this year with the great line up they have

Time flew. The Olympics is less than 3 years away and they haven’t even broken ground on anything, it won’t be ready.

I remember everyone here speculating around 2020, that we had a whole 8 years before the Olympics for the park to expand and add all this stuff. Yet, here we are and all we got was the FnF coaster and a downgraded Nintendo land.

 

[TheUniC6]

Time flew. The Olympics is less than 3 years away and they haven’t even broken ground on anything, it won’t be ready.

I remember everyone here speculating around 2020, that we had a whole 8 years before the Olympics for the park to expand and add all this stuff. Yet, here we are and all we got was the FnF coaster and a downgraded Nintendo land.

I think @Viator once said USH doesnt appear to be in any rush to get an additional attraction ready for LA2028 because they believe that being the broadcasting hub for the olympics is a big draw to the park regardless. But DCA will have Avengers and Coco open by then...

If it wasn't tied up with the contract I think they could have gotten rid of Simpsons for the 2028 attraction addition.

 

[Mad Dog]

The Olympics effect on local businesses often proves to be exaggerated. It's not the economic savior that the propaganda spins.

 

[chris.g]

It is also often times, a huge ripple effect for displacement. Considering current political leadership - both at the local (fiscally) and federal (big dumb xenophobic idiot) level, I expect Los Angeles to have quite possibly the worst Olympic stomping ground, probably ever.