In 2012, Universal opened Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (replacing the old Jimmy Neutron ride), added a nighttime show, and a parade. Also, at Islands of Adventure, they updated Spider-Man with high definition.
This year, they opened their version of Transformers (replacing the old Soundstage 44) and managed to build it in a year. They also transformed the old International Food and Film Festival restaurant and surroundings into Springfield (next to the Simpsons Ride) including Moe's, Krusty Burger, Lard Lad's Donuts, and even a new spinner flat ride, Kangs and Kodos.
2014 will bring the long-awaited Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley expansion, replacing the former JAWS ride and Amity section. At this point, London has been built along with Kings Cross and Gringotts. The track for the Hogwarts Express stretches from Kings Cross behind Disaster, ROTM and next to Sinbad into Islands of Adventure's Hogsmeade station, also being built. Soon, supposedly the Lost Continent games next to Hogsmeade's entrance and station will be removed. Also, recently the Hogwarts Express trains have arrived. 2014 will also bring a new resort: Cabana Bay Beach Resort, themed to the retro area.
At this point, I think many of us are in agreement that Comcast is the mastermind behind the sudden rise of expansions at Universal, ever since they bought Universal in 2011. So this brings the question: What's next? A employee parking garage will be going up in the employee lot behind Diagon Alley (where they drop off buses for GradBash). But in terms of rides/attractions... are they done?
According to recent reports, mainly from Orlando United... they are not done. In fact, they are FAR from done. There are many more expansions that we can expect in the years after Diagon Alley opens. But let's first start with:
Jurassic Park
It is strongly believed that the next major Universal expansion will take place in Jurassic Park, taking over both empty plots of land in the "island": the old Trike Encounter and the plot between River Adventure and Ripsaw Falls. In fact... signs are already beginning to show in this area.
Last summer brought the installation of new midway games next to River Adventure's entrance (maybe not the best way to give an island attention but...), possibly replacing the ones to be removed in the Lost Continent. Some sources say, though, that these midway traps are only the beginning of a huge expansion in Jurassic Park. Plus, site prep for future attractions are already underway apparently.
Yesterday (Nov 26), RetroKidJaycob at Orlando United reported that movement is occurring in the old Trike Encounter site (7th pic down):
This is possibly the most interesting photo Jwhee took. Notice the Tree on the right. That pink Ribbon, is a Survey Marker. That is confirming that SOMETHING, is going on we just do not know what exactly yet.
http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php/7591-Jurassic-Park-Expansion?p=348992#post348992
Surveying is already occurring in the old Trike Encounter zone. If rumors hold up, this area could be home to a Family Amber Mine-Themed Mine Coaster in 2015. This in my opinion is exactly what the park needs! They need a bridge connecting the kiddie coaster (Flight of the Hippogriff) to the thrill coasters (Hulk and Dragon Challenge), and I think a Mine Coaster will do just the trick.
As for what is going on in the plot between River Adventure and Ripsaw Falls, apparently this will be a new mini-island coinciding with the return of a former Universal icon. What may it be? Well, it looks like they're bringing the King back to Universal... King as in King KONG with the mini-island being Skull Island! Originally, King Kong was actually supposed to replace Disaster, but a recent change in plans just shifted the King to IOA as a mini-island and a major E-Ticket attraction.
HateToFly describes the concept of the King Kong ride:
The attraction itself is a MAJOR E Ticket Attraction complete with indoor and outdoor scenes. Think Indiana Jones meets the Great Movie Ride with a little bit of Jurassic Park thrown in. The entrance themed to ruins with waterfalls bursting out of the façade. It will feature a massive themed “underground” temple queue surround among more ancient ruins. The tandem entertainment guided EMV’s will leave the temple and head out into the wilderness. Outside will feature large AA’s most that we avoid as our guide shows us the way on our journey. We then enter the massive sound stage where we will encounter numerous AA’s, giant insects, projected effects, live fire effects, and a host of other live effects. We will also see one creature utilize Kukas for arms that attack the RV’s. At one point even our driver is captured and were left to fend for ourselves in the wilderness. The final and very large scene involves the big man coming from multiple angles on both sides of the RV.This sounds like an amazing addition to the park! Plus, King Kong will still fit with the literature theme the park has.
Some say this could also be done by 2015 (latest being 2016). Regardless, the Amber Mine Coaster and King Kong look to be the next major attractions for Universal.
KidZone
KidZone is another possibility for future expansion and has been for years. Some say Woody Woodpecker's theme in the area will finally be removed. It's unknown what the new theme will be, but at this point replacements currently range from SpongeBob to even (at one point last summer) the Smurfs, taking over ET. Though the Smurfs rumor has been long debunked and ET also looks to be staying. I would say they will begin work here once Kong is done at IOA.
Seuss
This is another likely bet for a future expansion, in the plot behind 12RBFish. Supposedly it will be a family dark ride themed to the Lorax (the recent animated film), but HateToFly reports that this is no longer the case:
I've been led to believe the Lorax is dead simply due to marketability. Apparently the suits think this attraction would get lost among Potter advertising and not bring in the crowds a stronger more well known character could. Does this mean we could see the Grinch come to life? Possibly... But whatever happens in Seuss Landing it seems it will not involve the Lorax.If Lorax is really dead, I say bring the Grinch to life! I would love to see Mt Crumpit in Seuss Landing. The only problem is, will this be too similar to the JP Mine Coaster?
Whylightbulb had it correct from the get go so shout out to him!
But there does seem to be something going on in Seuss Landing... I'd say after the JP Expansion/Kong attractions are done like KidZone.
Middle Earth
In the beginning of the year, rumors began spreading of Universal talking with the Tolkien family to acquire the rights to the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit franchise to bring Middle Earth to life as a new island, possibly replacing Toon Lagoon (supposedly closing in 2017). At this point, however, this rumor seems very far off in the future. Some say that because of a Tolkien-Warner Bros lawsuit in the past it is unlikely to happen anytime soon. I, being a Lord of the Rings fan, would love to see Middle Earth at IOA, but I'll be sad when Toon Lagoon leaves. I think Popeye will stay and be rethemed, but I have a feeling Dudley will meet the wrecking ball (which is a shame, because I love Dudley). I think the Toon Theater will be demolished, if not possibly exploded (not really, but... you never know)!
In closing, ever since 2012, giant tower cranes now dominate the skyline of Universal building new thrills for guests, and this is not the end of it yet. Some say that Universal may eventually add a third gate southward! Who knows... but by the end of the decade, Universal will be a very different place! Stay tuned!
