Universal and SeaWorld rumor round-up
Universal Orlando will announce its new attraction plans in a webcast on May 19. I'll post the details to Theme Park Insider and to our Twitter feed as soon as that happens, and Universal's providing hints on its Facebook page between now and then.
The consensus seems to be that the announcement will be that Despicable Me will replace the Jimmy Neutron ride at Universal Studios Florida. But a few sources have whispered that Avatar could be replacing the Terminator 2:3-D show, in either or both Orlando and Hollywood in the not-too-distant future, as well.
Speaking of Universal rides we know are coming soon, a source e-mailed me some concept photos of the new Transformers ride, opening later this year at Universal Studios Singapore. (Click that link for more photos.)
Transformers is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood sometime in 2012, as well.
Finally, let's talk about a Universal Studios water park, shall we? Rumors are flying now that Universal has filed a trademark application for "WonderSea Island", described in the application as the name for a new water park.
For what it's worth, Universal's also filed a trademark for the word "Shoaster" under "amusement park services." I'm guessing that's a contraction of "show" and "disaster," or "show" and "coaster," depending upon how you pronounce it. But at first glance, I thought it looks a bit too much like "Shoah" to work as an effective attraction name. We'll see if anything comes of it.
Also on the trademark front, SeaWorld has filed for two trademark applications this month: Iceploration and Verbolten. The first is described as a show name and the second a ride. Could "Verbolten" be the name of the new launch coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?
Replies (12)
Somebody got paid to come up with the name, "Wondersea Adventure"? Wow, it's horrible.
Thanks a lot for sharing the pictures. The queue area looks great, can't wait 'till Hollywood opens up their version.
I think Universal is itching to spend money these days.
I'm wondering if Iceploration could be the name for a new iteration of Wild Arctic. Thoughts?
Also, a BGW fan tells me that the park surveyed ticket holders over the winter about the launch coaster and that Verbolten was one of the options. Looks like either that is the winner, or it's another "Cheetaka"-type plant.
Any idea when in 2012 Transformers might open in Hollywood? Spring? Summer?
One of those two? :^)
I don't think Cheetaka was a "plant." I think that was the original intended name for the coaster, and BGT felt that their thunder would be stolen if they didn't have some sort of new information to present at the media event, because just about everything about the ride was leaked long before the announcement, and I'm not talking about the deliberate leaks through the social media. Resourceful people had uncovered engineered drawings for the entire layout, concept art for the station, and of course all of the leaks through the trademark office for the name.
I'm not crazy about "Verbolten," but it's sure better than Cheetah Hunt. Let's hope the same fate does not befall BGW's Intamin launcher.
I'm glad Universal is spending money and keeping their parks fresh. Not only is it awesome for theme park fans, but it is helpful to our economy. Thanks for doing your part Universal! :-)
Is it just me or does Tranformers que look like the Hulks?
Shoaster and Iceploration have to be the worst portmanteaus to hit the theme park scene since PhilharMagic.
Verbolten was the only possible ride name that sounded "right." The other choices were UberBahn, Revenge of the Black Forest, and Black Forest Turbo.
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This Shoaster thing is going to start the "Spork" type debate isn't it?
If it's show and coaster I feel as though it will be a one of a kind simulator ride that takes you on a virtual roller coaster ride.... which sounds like the thing at Disney Quest, but I doubt it's that. Or maybe something like the Forbidden journey/Spiderman ride, but even more immersive with real actors? I'm not sre. I also imagine everyone on a coaster wearing goggles- which let me tell you, makes me laugh! (And no I don't really think that!)