Rise of Universal Studios: Expansions and More

Overview

When I decided to get annual passes for Universal Studios for me, my sister, and my best friend last year, I didn't expect much of the park as having lived in Los Angeles my entire life, I knew all of it by heart.  Universal Studios, to be honest, was a last resort to celebrate my sister's way as it was a whole lot cheaper than purchasing annual passes for Disneyland.  Plus, my school discount was very nice.  Thus, the visits I made this past year have definitely been a treat, and I'm surprised how much has changed since I was young.

Advanced Technology

First of all, most of the Universal attractions are gone.  I'm quite serious!  Universal has been known for their amazing classics (classic horrors in the 1940s and classic sci-fis in the 1980s), and knowing this, the park has always kept their attractions like this as well.  Thus, E.T. the Ride, Backdraft (behind the scenes attraction), Back to the Future Ride, and Terminator 3D have always been there.  But, it seems that higher-ups of Universal had some sort of reality check, recently.  

Instead of these classic rides, the new attractions of Universal have boasted some great special effects and technology advances that are just astounding!  The Mummy roller coaster has taken over E.T. the Ride and some pretty unique advancements as so much movie decor is spread throughout the ride and lines, and the roller coaster goes backwards.  

Revenge of the Mummy: opened in 2004

The Back to the Future (BTTF) Ride has now been replaced by the Simpsons ride.  It's practically the same thing with cars and a huge screen for its simulator, but instead of jerky moves like before in BTTF, the ride is slick and has awesome special effects as a virtual roller coaster.  It's quite popular with the younglings as well as the ride originates from a popular TV show rather than a 1985 classic that is popular with the adults.  

Simpson the Ride: opened in 2007

Backdraft has been replaced with the awesome Transformers ride, my personal favorite of the changes, which has the latest and greatest technological advances I've seen in rides.  Not only is it a simulator, there are multiple screens instead of a simple single one and guests are put into cars and experience actual flying as you help the Autobots in a quest.  Talking to workers at this ride, they are all pretty stunned as well by the advancements in the ride, claiming that guests can hardly feel that they are actually swirling around a 2-story building!

Transformers the Ride: opened in 2011

Being a movie freak, the Tram ride has always been my ultimate favorite.  Able to see behind-the-scenes backdrops and learning neat facts about the movie industry, this ride is great as it is filled with so many goodies at a live studio.  That being said, the King Kong 3D is definitely one-of-its kind, boasting the largest 3D screen in the world with a 360 screen and surround sound.  I have personally been on this more than half of a dozen times, and I have never felt disappointed.  Rather, I always feel awed by how awesome this attraction is.  Directed and planned by Peter Jackson himself, you can feel yourself in the jungle with King Kong, swinging on the branches and whatnot.  It will never feel old.

King Kong 360 3D: opened in 2010

Lastly, the most talked about ride out of them all: the Minion Ride!  This ride was vamped after the successful Despicable Me 2, and both children and adults were so excited about this.  The interior design of the ride is unbelievably adorable, which features the factory and Gru's house.  Some of the props are spread through the ride as well.  The Minion Ride takes over the place of the previous Terminator 3D attraction, so it's a huge space for this ride as well.  Another simulator (starting to see a trend here), and even though it's not as exhilarating as Transformers, it does justice.  It's everything the children have hoped for and completely charming.  Additionally, the Super Silly Fun Land is superb next door as it looks just like it did in the original movie.  The original Space Killer game is also there where you can win your own "it's so fluffy!" unicorn!

Minion Mayhem: opened in 2014

Super Silly Fun Land: opened in 2014

Expansions

Universal Studios has been expanding like crazy!!  After the addition of the Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and Super Silly Fun Land area, the most excitable expansion is the Harry Potter Land opening supposedly in 2016.  This is supposed to be even larger than the original expansion based off of the one in Universal Orlando.  Taking over previous water play areas and the huge Gibson amphitheater, this is one of the expansions that will most likely go down in history.  The area seems quite large, and construction is happening very quickly.  

Harry Potter Land: planned for 2016 opening

The famous tram ride is also expanding.  After huge acclaims about the King Kong 360 3D, a new Fast and Furious additional attraction is coming into the tram ride.  Supposedly, the new attraction is supposed to be similar to King Kong with also 360 3D screens as well as even more action-packed sequences.  

Fast and Furious Tram Attraction: Proposed Plans

Additionally, an actual Springfield (the hometown of the Simpsons) is underway and planned to open in Spring 2015 as well as more tram expansions.  Universal seems to have a lot up their sleeves these days, and fans will surely be excited about them all!

Summary

Overall, I am completely astounded at just how much Universal has grown and become in the last 10 years alone.  In California, especially, any theme park has to face the difficult competition of the Disney parks.  But, Universal has been performing decently with their advancements and expansions.  And with just a few more new items on the plate, guests will be flooding to Universal to fill their stomachs with thrills and more!

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201404/3960/