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Universal Studios Hollywood: I heard these rumors from an inside source. These rumors involve Simpsons and Waterworld. What are your thoughts?

From Andrew Dougherty
Posted January 7, 2013 at 8:50 AM
The Simpsons could get the ax around 2015 and so will Waterworld. Why 2015 for the Simpsons, lately attendance for the ride has been declining and fans have always clamored for Back to the Future to come back. Also in BTTG PT.2 Marty went to the future. Also, Jurassic Park River Adventure has just reopened after a 2 mount long refurbishment. The Waterworld rumors are all pointing to 2015 for a possible closing and Potter opening in late 2015/early-mid 2016.


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Dominick D
Posted January 7, 2013 at 9:53 AM
Source?

From Andrew Dougherty
Posted January 7, 2013 at 3:02 PM
Inside Universal, Universal Inside I forgot that exact name.

From James Trexen
Posted January 7, 2013 at 5:15 PM
The thing is, I remain skeptical that the Simpsons is failing to hit key demographics. The top 5 selling merchandise franchises under Universal, in no particular order (and only based on personal experience, hardly an expert), are Simpsons, Spongebob, Despicable Me, Harry Potter and Marvel. The main reason USF is expanding their Simpsons area, like they did by adding SB Storepants, is so they can expand merchandising oppurtunities with a very popular franchise.

From Andrew Dougherty
Posted January 7, 2013 at 7:40 PM
This is in Hollywood and apparently Universal wants BTTF back in that location.

From James Trexen
Posted January 7, 2013 at 8:27 PM
Understood, but surely merchandise must still sell to a great degree, even if it is most likely lesser than in Orlando.

From Matt Babiak
Posted January 8, 2013 at 4:46 PM
I'm sorry, but a return of BTTF is just not happening. Once it closes, it's gone forever. Thats how theme park rides work. Simpsons is receiving a major expansion in Florida, obviously as a result of popularity. If the are closing it in California, they would not invest more money into the property.

From Andrew Dougherty
Posted January 8, 2013 at 5:57 PM
Why not, they eould be park specific making you have to go to both parks. Or for example, USH really only currently has Transformers and Waterworld as their only park exclusive (excluding backlot tour because I consider that a show) so adding a BTTF to USH could bring in more people. Also, who said it was the same ride of BTTF. Simulator probably, but not the same film/ride experience perhaps?

From AJ Hummel
Posted January 8, 2013 at 6:43 PM
I could see Simpsons closing in a few years, but it would be replaced by a new simulator. Back to the Future is too outdated to be brought back, and even a new version of the ride would likely be a bad investment. Also, if Harry Potter land is to open by 2015 and will be using the Waterworld area, that show will probably need to end after this summer to accomodate construction.

Sorry, but I just don't think most of this is accurate. If I were to guess, I would say that Waterworld will be closing as soon as Terminator's replacement (most likely Despicable Me) opens, and once Harry Potter land is complete Simpsons will close for a new attraction. I could be totally wrong, but I just don't see anything else happening in the near future.

From Jay R.
Posted January 9, 2013 at 3:25 PM
I don't think BTTF is coming back, even if Simpsons eventually closes, another (popular) franchise will take its place.

And although it would be nice for USH to have an exclusive attraction, as we saw with transformers duplicating success at the others parks seems to be the current plan (potter, despicable me)

From scott toro
Posted February 5, 2013 at 8:22 AM
I miss the back to the feature ride. But i have herd that they might be getting harry potter add to the park

From Brian silvestre
Posted February 5, 2013 at 9:05 PM
I heard their is going to be a new attraction on 2014 or 2015

From parker reave
Posted February 12, 2013 at 1:24 PM
I wonder if WaterWorld will close before or after Harry Potter begins construction.

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