What's the 'new, high-tech enhancement' coming to a Universal Orlando attraction?

May 5, 2011, 11:24 AM · Universal Orlando sent out some additional detail about its new attraction announcement at 10:30 ET on Friday, May 19.

Universal said that it will make two announcements during the invitation-only webcast:

"- Details about a major, high-tech enhancement to one of Universal Orlando's single most popular attractions

"- The exciting concept for Universal Orlando's newest attraction – which will be based on a blockbuster film. The new attraction will take the place of Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast, scheduled to close permanently on August 18."

Consensus is that Despicable Me will replace Jimmy Neutron. But what will the "high-tech enhancement" be? I know that some people have tipped an Avatar replacement for the Terminator 2:3-D show, but that change would represent much more than an "enhancement."

Thoughts?

Replies (25)

May 5, 2011 at 11:55 AM · Please let it be HD for Spider-Man.
May 5, 2011 at 11:57 AM · Maybe...

It has been rumored for a few months that Universal will replace Spider-Man's projection systems with an all digital solution, resulting in vastly improved 3-D effects.

The new all digital system could also pave the way for a possible theme change to the Transformers if Universal decides to stop offering free advertising for Disney's Marvel properties.

May 5, 2011 at 12:19 PM · one of the hints on there facebook site is black fur which could be kong
May 5, 2011 at 12:27 PM · It could be the restrooms. They are very popular, and they can get new, high-tech enhancement toilets. Maybe Universal will bring Japanese toilets.
May 5, 2011 at 1:45 PM · Kung Fu Panda?
May 5, 2011 at 1:56 PM · Maybe a Spinosaurus to Jurassic Park?

...new practical shark effects to Jaws?

...update Terminator with new footage taking in all the movies?

...or perhaps the most important improvement they could possibly make - mask the wires to the flying cow in Twister!

May 5, 2011 at 2:18 PM · I'm betting on a live shark in jaws, or holgraphic chrisopher walken guided tours.
May 5, 2011 at 2:39 PM · I love that wiry cow! ;)

Does anyone know if forbidden journey is film or digital? I would assume since it's so new it would be digital, but maybe they are switching that instead of spiderman if it's not? FJ definitely qualifies as single most popular...

May 5, 2011 at 3:30 PM · brand new churro ovens!!!!!!!

maybe they will make rip ride rocket not suck?

May 5, 2011 at 4:42 PM · I hope the enhancement is for Spider-man. So people can stop crying about how it needs to be updated.
May 5, 2011 at 4:56 PM · Props to Daniel.
May 5, 2011 at 6:30 PM · It won't be a Potter enhancement. That ride is already supposed to be state of the art, isn't it? Gotta be Spider-Man.
May 5, 2011 at 6:52 PM · Its definatly Despicable Me. I dont know what the enchanced ride will be, but it definatly wont be Spiderman. Remember, Disney said that if a ride has a major breakdown, it has to be shut down, and they cant enchance any of their Marvel rides.
May 5, 2011 at 10:05 PM · First thoughts are that is is going to be updating to Spriderman. Man oh man do I hope its updating to Spiderman! The old 3-D makes me sick!
May 6, 2011 at 5:13 AM · Obviously Daniel has the answer. If it isn't high tech bathrooms, then what COULD it be???

I guess updating Spider-Man would be kind of cool too.

May 6, 2011 at 8:53 AM · Pure conjecture: the high tech enhancement will be Universal's answer to the NextGen thingie over at the Mouse. Given the recent additions to the Haunted Mansion and the weird "cooincidences" that seem to run rampant between theme parks these days, I'll guess that there will be some addition to Cat in the Hat where Thing 1 and Thing 2 pay tennis with projected images of visitors' heads.
It's either that OR maybe ET will say goodbye to you BY NAME at the end of that whole nightmarish alien fever dream.
May 6, 2011 at 2:35 PM · I hope they're making Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges flame-retardant.
May 6, 2011 at 3:09 PM · Oh man, I vote restrooms!! If Disney said they can't enhance a ride of Marvels I guess that rules out Spiderman, but it would be amazing if they did. I can only imagine it is in regular Universal side. Potentially Jaws. It is super popular even though it is so goofy. Yes, I LOVE it! Possibly The Mummy Ride. Again, I love it but parts of it are kinda goofy. Only other option I have is MIB with the new MIB coming out soon. Plus we all know how to pump up our scores (shoot the eyes in the bushes)
May 6, 2011 at 6:24 PM · I doubt it's Shrek, but I think that needs major enhancements.
May 6, 2011 at 10:20 PM · I mean come on hey do already have the awesome hand driers in most of the bathrooms that dry your hands in 10 seconds or less... why not upgrade the toilets to do all the work for you too? I've gone too far haven't I? Hm.
May 7, 2011 at 7:34 AM · I do have a serious question though. Is Universal allowed to make such a major improvement to a marvel ride? I understand that they cannot add a ride just maintain... but does doing something like completely updating the digital projectors count as maintaining?
May 7, 2011 at 10:20 AM · Well, replacing T2:3D with Avatar would be what I'd consider an enhancement. Something needs to be done. :P
May 7, 2011 at 3:57 PM · I'm sorry. I really do not like George Lucas, so I tried to make my hatred justified by saying Star Wars pales compares to HP. I know that isn't true, but I just despise George Lucas.
May 7, 2011 at 5:55 PM · As has been mentioned, I'm not sure exactly what the contractual issues are with Universal updating Spider-Man now that Disney own the franchise.

Even if they are allowed to update I'm sure the legal buffs down at Disney will find a way to contest it and make it as hard as possible for Universal to push through an update.

Plus, why would Universal want to make a significant investment into an attraction which essentially advertises a competitors product when they could spend it on a re-theme?

May 8, 2011 at 6:41 PM · Disaster is going to be changed to Kong 360

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Park tickets

Weekly newsletter

New attraction reviews

News archive