Universal Orlando confirms Transformers to open 'Summer 2013'

November 1, 2012 at 4:33 PM · Well, I guess this wasn't a big surprise... somewhat anti-climactic.

November 1, 2012 at 4:45 PM · It is a little underwhelming when it comes to what is coming (since we've known for months) but you're right, the turnaround on that construction is awesome.

November 1, 2012 at 4:50 PM · It's awesome Transformers is comming to Orlando. It's a major E-ticket ride and we haven't had one for some time now. That said, I would have liked if a replesentive from Universal would show us the artwork for the exterius. Stil hope the theming is nice but I'm afraid it won't be because of it's hight and it would stand out like a eyesoure. Notherless I'm going there to ride it!

November 1, 2012 at 4:59 PM · Kudos to Universal for stepping up and adding amazing improvements to Universal Studios!! I am so excited for this and the new HP expansion!!!

November 1, 2012 at 5:13 PM · Saw the new structures last Tuesday. It is going to be enormous! As is HP2. The retaining wall is now finished for HP2. I hope they do some improvements and changes from the other 2 Transformer rides. At least give west coasters another reason to come to Orlando's park before HP2.

November 1, 2012 at 5:24 PM · A year turnaround is not that impressive when you're just cloning an attraction from another park. Also, the exterior of Universal Studios Florida rides does not require detailed work so that makes it even easier to accomplish in less time. If they were to construct the Harry Potter ride in a year with it's detailed exterior then I'd be blown away.

November 1, 2012 at 5:29 PM · ....Yawn. Wake me when there's real news. I'll be awaiting June 2013.

November 1, 2012 at 6:06 PM · ^Yeah, sometimes it is better when you aren't "in the know". ;)

November 1, 2012 at 6:13 PM · At Universal this week for HHN and it was truly strange to see a lit-up construction site amidst all the creepy activity...it had it's own unique creepy factor.

November 1, 2012 at 6:15 PM · Although we already knew this was already coming, I'm sure for people who don't follow theme park NEWS closely, this will probably be a huge surprise.

There are many casual theme park guest who really enjoy the parks, but only pay attention to these things when they start reviewing / planning for their trips & vacations.....

So in a way, it can still be considered a big announcement.

November 2, 2012 at 12:30 PM · The Decepticons will invade Orlando in 2013! :^0

November 1, 2012 at 9:09 PM · By the way, I'd like to note that Universal did the announcement as part of the nightly lagoon show. So it was announced to park guests at the same time as Universal announced it to the assembled press. That's awesome, in my book, and the way such things should be. Kudos to Universal for that.

November 2, 2012 at 1:21 AM · What would have blown me away would have been if they used the Transformers technology, but decided to go back to their horror/monster movie roots and given us Van Helsing the way it should have been done, with all the monsters and all the thrills. Probably could have rebooted that franchise quite nicely.

November 2, 2012 at 2:32 AM · Wow! They'll have a second Spider-Man just 'round the corner from the original (which is substantially better btw). Next they should replace ET with Triassic Park.

November 2, 2012 at 6:28 AM · thinking i will make a surprise visit to Universal next summer with my 13 year old son because of this

November 2, 2012 at 6:34 AM · I agree with Randell Peek, Transformers is a awful movie being milked for all its worth by Micheal Bay, the technology is awsome but just SO wasted on that franchise, I would like to see universal use that technology to create rides that will stand the test of time, Would rather have seen something orginal....or better still a general long term change of direction with USF to bring this under invested park to its full potential. Just to throw in my 2 cents worth, Would want to see Dreamworks Land, Expand Simpons to include Krusty Land or a expanded Springfield using up the animal soundstage, Barney and the curious george play area. ET either needs a well over due revamp or replace it with something new, the ride system is there and can be reused. Maybe a Madegascar Penguin Flight ride...HP2 will be good if the imersive expereince is as detailed as IOA. The last thing I would do is get rid of Twister.....what a waste of money and space.... USF needs a monsters land to embrace its rich heritage, something retro and classic not just some mind numbing remake franchise that will be gone tommorow. For USF and IOA to really work it needs to build classic rides that will last decades.... I like to believe that other TPI readers are also like me not in just one camp and believe USF and Disney can both deliver their own unique expereinces. One word that is often used when describing Disney theme parks and sometimes its power to bring in revenues is over looked and that is nostalgia, I strongly believe that Universal have the right strategy that its parks are geared up for a older more thrill seeking audiance with the right balance and nod to also include something for the younger visitors Universal can enjoy an increase in visitors and revenue, and certainly with dreamworks it can do that.

November 2, 2012 at 7:59 AM · You can't really think of it as just being based on Transformers the movie. Transformers was and is a strong brand aside from the movies with a strong fan base. Not on the scale of HP or other such franchises but this has nothing to do with Michael Bay. Hasbro owns the brand and I am sure they are excited to see it being brought to so many platforms...movies, toys, rides, cartoons, etc.

November 2, 2012 at 8:23 AM · Feel the answer for Universal if Disney does strike with a Staw Wars land for DHS, is one of only two options for the area behind Simpsons and MIB

Is either a fully immersive Dreamworks land or go for a Home Run and the only franchise in HP or SW league, and that is LOTR. Granted not as marketable as SW or HP but still very popular and highly regarded as both literature and film.