8 Attractions That May Disappear in the Next 5 Years

As a rule theme parks are constantly upgrading, rehabbing and replacing their rides to keep things fresh. When the film that inspired an attraction finally becomes so stale that young guests can’t even make a connection between the original movie and the ride they’re on, it’s generally time to change things up. Based on a very non-scientific equation of rumor, conjecture, and wishful thinking, here are the top 8 attractions we think (hope, wish) will go in the next 5 years.

Posidon’s FuryThe last time I checked mythological gods hadn’t really made a popular appearance since Disney’s Hercules which was not only 14 years ago…it was also produced by Universal’s prime competition. I’ve never really gotten what the appeal of this show is supposed to be, and now that it’s sitting in prime real estate for a possible Wizarding World expansion, I think its past time for this attraction to go. The vast show building could easily be gutted to make room for a Harry Potter themed dark ride. Some sources suggest the space may already be slotted for a Gringott’s themed indoor roller coaster.

The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show
Like Posidon’s Fury, this show has no real basis in any popular film and just seems to be Universal’s answer to Disney’s Indiana Jones Stunt Show. Its location next to the Wizarding World will likely be its undoing. With the outrageously positive response to all things Harry Potter, it’s hard to imagine that the park won’t eventually expand and nix the whole Lost Continent. If the space isn’t rebuilt entirely, perhaps we can hope for some sort of Potter-themed stage show? I would personally love to see the fire effects put to use shooting from a dragon’s mouth.

Twister
With 15 years separating today’s attraction from the original movie, Twister could likely be on the chopping block. Twister originally replaced a popular Ghostbusters attraction known as “Ghostbusters Spooktacular.” We can’t help but wonder if something similar will come back to the space to coincide with the release of Ghostbusters III, slated for 2012. Unfortunately, the demise of the Ecto 1 and the gaping hole Rip, Ride, Rockit left in the fire station façade next door may indicate otherwise.

Terminator 3-D
If you want to really talk about old movies, consider that the original Terminator was released in 1984, long before any of Universal’s younger guests were even born. A string of sequels, the latest in 2009, have kept the show somewhat relevant but rumors have been swirling for months that this show is on it’s last leg. You can expect it to stick around for a few more years, but I doubt if it will last another 5. Some sources suggest that a 4D Avatar experience could be lined up as the replacement.

Disaster
Prior to the announcement of the new Despicable Me attraction, a series of clues were released that led many to believe something entirely different was in the works. Hints such as a banana got some fans thinking King Kong 360 like the attraction at the Hollywood park. If this is indeed in the works, multiple online rumors seem to indicate that the Disaster building would be prime placement for the new feature.

Jimmy Neutron
We had to include this on our list so we’re sure to get at least one of these right. Universal Studios has officially announced their plans to replace the Jimmy Neutron attraction with Despicable Me. If you want a look at the Jimmy Neutron show you should try to catch it before the summer is up.

E.T. Adventure
Though E.T. is definitely a classic, the 1982 film is rapidly losing relevance and it’s hard to believe kids today can even watch it without scoffing at the outdated special effects. Add to this the fact that the attraction focuses primarily on a confusing fictional world that has nothing what-so-ever to do with the film and you have an attraction space that could be better used on something more relevant.

Rip Ride Rocket
This is probably just wishful thinking on our part, but this coaster has been notorious for problems since its much delayed opening in August of 2009. The ride was closed for an extended period of time in September of 2010 to presumably remedy many of the serious dangers that it posed, but I’m still not brave enough to get on. With frequent down times continuing to plague the coaster, perhaps Universal will eventually opt to scrap the project in favor of something a little less death-trap-y.

E.T. Adventure

Location: Universal Studios Florida - Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone

Height Restriction: 34 inches

Age Appropriateness: Anyone tall enough to ride.

Seat Type: Flying stationary bicycles; 4 to a row

Ride Description: The E.T. Adventure takes you on a fanciful journey that’s part classic film and part strange new creation. Your mission, per the plot line, is to help E.T. save his dying home world, the “Green Planet.” You begin by fleeing from the cops and taking flight over the city but that’s where the similarities to the film end. The rest of the ride takes you around E.T.’s home planet where you’ll find a wide assortment of wacky alien creatures. The highlight of the ride comes at the end when E.T. thanks the guests by name, thereby explaining why the nosey team member at the beginning of the ride was so interested in who you were.

Getting Ready: Be prepared to give your name – or a pseudonym if you feel like being someone else for the day – as you enter the queue.

Worth the Wait: Kids will love the colorful, slow-moving journey so it’s worth about 25 to 30 minutes if you’re looking for family friendly fare. Thrill seekers should stick to a 15 or 20 minute wait.

MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

Location: Universal Studios Florida - World Expo

Height Restriction: 42 inches

Age Appropriateness: Anyone tall enough to ride

Seat Type: Molded seats with lap bar; two rows of three

Ride Description: The queue alone is worth most of the wait for this shoot ‘em up ride. You start with the classic elevator entrance from the movie and move on to witness several familiar aliens and even walk above the MIB command center. Once you’ve been prepped for your mission, you take off to prove your worthiness as an agent. Not surprisingly, the alien simulator test goes terribly wrong and you end up battling actual enemies. Each rider has his own laser gun to shoot the vile intergalactic beasts with. The key to really getting the highest score, however, is to be the first on your vehicle to hit that big red button just as you enter the tunnel. (Listen carefully, you’ll hear Zed tell you when.)

Getting Ready: If you’re looking for a way to unwind the night before, rent the original Men In Black movie, or watch it again in preparation for your trip. With the film fresh in your mind you’ll notice lots of familiar details in the queue.

Worth the Wait: There’s so much to see in line you’ll almost miss out if you have to rush past it all. 45 minutes isn’t bad for MIB fans, or rambunctious boys who will love using the laser gun and battling for the highest score.

Revenge of the Mummy

Location: Universal Studios Florida - New York

Height Restriction: 48 inches

Age Appropriateness: Brave kids to tweens and older

Seat Type: 4 to a row with lap bars

Ride Description: Revenge of the Mummy is a thrilling attraction perfect for the adventurous and roller coaster lovers. This indoor coaster combines some slow moving sections through audioanimatronic scenes with high speed twists and turns in the dark. The best part of the attraction is the false ending where you have just enough time to emit a sigh of relief before you’re plunged through a chilling mist and back into the roller coaster ride.

The ride queue is intriguing as well, taking you through a maze dimly lit of Egyptian tombs. If you’re nervous about the coaster, the creepy setting here is sure to get your pulse racing even faster.

Getting Ready: The team members should advise you of this, but you definitely don’t want to leave sunglasses or hats on your head for this coaster as you’ll certainly lose them before the ride is over.

Worth the Wait: I would gladly wait 90 minutes for this one, as it’s one of the best rides in the park for thrill seekers.

Universal Announces Halloween Horror Nights 2011

Universal Studio's official Halloween Horror Nights web site for 2011 went live earlier this afternoon. Check it out for some sneak peaks and subtle hints at what you can expect this season!

http//www.halloweenhorrornights.com/