No word yet on what that strategy might be, but might I suggest that if the US really wants to boost tourism, we might try treating visitors like welcomed guests instead of potential terrorists… whom we'll just soak with rental car and hotel taxes and airline security fees if they turn out not to be a threat?
In other theme park news: also on Thursday, Legoland California will announce its new attraction for 2012.
Then next week, on Wednesday, January 25, Universal Orlando will reveal details about the openings for Despicable Me and the new enhancements on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
Finally, Holiday World is said to be looking into Kentucky Kingdom. The family that owns the Santa Claus, Indiana theme park is "in talks" over the closed Louisville theme park. The Kentucky State Fair Board owns the lands upon which the park sits and has been in litigation with former Kentucky Kingdom operator Six Flags. (Has anyone been following that?) It's not uncommon for theme park companies to explore a bid for a competitor, when one goes on the block, simply as a way to get a peek into the competition's books. And it's sometimes possible for a park to pick up a few rides or other assets from a closed competitor, short of buying the whole thing, too. So anything's possible at this stage. Or nothing. But it certainly gives Midwestern theme park fans something to talk about during the winter.
Update on the Universal announcement: Sources have told me what to expect from Universal's invitation-only webcast next week.
First, the new 4K HD film for Spider-Man will debut in March. With the new high-def imagery on the ride, Universal's dropping some fresh new detail for us to spot, including a cameo from Marvel's Stan Lee.
Second, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem (note the new title) will open in "Summer." Perhaps Universal might narrow that window between now and the 25th, but that's the projected opening at this point. The film's original cast will be voicing the 3D film, including Steve Carell and Miranda Cosgrove, and the audience will be transformed into minions at the end.
Third, Universal's getting both a new nighttime show and parade in 2012: Universal's Cinematic Spectacular - 100 Years of Movie Magic. Replacing "Universal 360 - A Cinesphere Spectacular," this new night-time show, with narration by Morgan Freeman, celebrates Universal Studios's 100th anniversary with scenes from some of the studio's top films, projected onto water screens in the Studios' lagoon. Choreographed lighting, fountains and pyrotechnics will complete the experience.
The new parade will Universal's Superstar Parade, and feature several Universal and Nickelodeon animated characters, including the Minions, Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer. Both the parade and night-time show will debut in the spring.
Finally, there will be a new Blue Man Group show debuting in February, as well.
Thoughts?
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And the Spiderman announcement is good but maybe not immediately coughclosedinfebcough.
Also, does anyone else think Disney bag check will be a nightmare on Thursday?
And I might I suggest that Thursday would be an excellent day to visit Universal or SeaWorld in lieu of Disney, if you were planning such a day on your trip this week? Presidential security is a hassle best avoided on one's vacation - and I doubt that that the public will be able to get anywhere near glimpsing Obama while he's there.
Doesn't sound all that strong.
Obviously I'm not implying that the two shows will be in the same league, but anything is a vast improvement over those horrid cinespheres.
Oh, and Morgan Freeman FTW.
He vacations in Hawaii.
Not sure why his visit is only at Disney properties. It sends a mixed message. Orlando isn't just about Disney or the parks. I'm sure he won't be welcome at the space center where he shut down the Space Shuttle program.
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