‘The major refurbishment of Jurassic Park the Ride, which begins on Monday, September 4, 2023, is expected to take until early 2025. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.’
This follows the ride being closed from June 6th to June 21st also of this year, most likely for normal yearly refurbishment and maintenance.
There is also no word as to if this is a refurbishment of the existing ride or if it means the ride will be getting the Universal Hollywood treatment and transforming into Jurassic World The Ride.
Currently, Universal Studios Orlando and Japan are the only Universal parks to still have the classic Jurassic Park The Ride/River Adventure ride. Universal Singapore has its own unique Jurassic ride called Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure that has a circular raft vehicle rather than the long multi-rowed raft (making it close to Islands of Adventure’s Popey and Bluto’s Bilge-rat Barges or Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Kali River Rapids.) Universal Beijing has the award-winningJurassic World Adventure Ride (a dark ride in the vein of Amazing Adventures of Spider-man at Islands of Adventure,) as well as Jurassic Flyers. As previously stated, Universal Hollywood revamped Jurassic Park The Ride to Jurassic World The Ride, which opened in 2019. Sporting some new visuals, animatronics, and story, the updated ride has been well received, with many applauding the spectacular new animatronics and moments. Universal Orlando still has its original Jurassic Park River Adventure ride and opted for a brand new Jurassic World ride (instead of changing River Adventure) with VelociCoaster, which has been awarded Best Rollercoaster two years in a row. If Universal Japan is changing their Jurassic Park ride to Jurassic World though, we can theorize (“theorize, mind you”) that it’s most likely only a matter of time before Orlando sees its classic Jurassic ride go through a similar refurbishment.
While closed, guests to Universal Japan can still visit the Jurassic Park area to experience The Flying Dinosaur, a steel flying coaster where guests soar through the air like pterosaurs (which, should be stated, are not dinosaurs,) and experience various dinosaur “meet and greets” throughout the land.
Universal Parks News Video of Jurassic Park The Ride at Universal Studios Japan
Today Hasbro revealed the Transformers Collaborative Jurassic Park x Transformers Dilophocon and Autobot JP12 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Jurassic Park! These figures are inspired by the iconic Dilophosaurus and Jeep Wrangler Sahara from the original film. This new mash-up pack is available for pre-order on Hasbro Pulse and Amazon.
Transformers Collaborative Jurassic Park x Transformers Dilophocon and Autobot JP12
(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $74.99 / Available: Fall 2023)
The worlds of Transformers robots and Jurassic Park collide once again with the Jurassic Park x Transformers Dilophocon and Autobot JP12 mash-up pack! The iconic Dilophosaurus and Jeep Wrangler Sahara from the Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s blockbuster Jurassic Parkmovie are now Transformers robots. Each figure converts from robot mode to movie-inspired alt mode (convert Dilophocon in 20 steps; Autobot JP12 in 23 steps) and features screen-accurate deco and details. This 2-pack comes with movie-inspired accessories including a shaving cream canister, embryo containment unit, rain hat, venom blast effect, and 2 blaster accessories.
Transformers robots have always been — More Than Meets the Eye — but now, through the Transformers Collaborative, fans can experience these larger-than-life characters as they team-up, mash-up, and meet up with other characters, teams, and people who share this same special quality. Available for preorder on Hasbro Pulse and Amazon.
What do you think of Jurassic Park x Transformers? Will you be pre-ordering? Let us know in the comments and follow Jurassic Outpost for more!
This morning Universal Orlando opened their Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Tribute Store to excited guests at their resort! Located in the Hollywood section of the park, the store acts as a sort of museum dedicated to the production, release, and impact of one of the most influential films in all of film history. Featuring several rooms crammed with rare production archives and props, exclusive merchandise, and unique foods, it is going to be a must stop-shop for the summer months at the resort for guests.
The latest tribute store is the newest Jurassic offering of the Orlando destination. In the last few years there has been the opening of Jurassic World VelociCoaster (which was awarded Best Roller Coaster two years in a row,) a Jurassic World Tribute Store (which ran the summer months of 2021 in the previous Tribute Store location in the New York section of the park,) and the Great Movie Escape which features a Jurassic World themed escape room experience.
While most of the additions to the park have been centered around the Jurassic World brand, the new tribute store transports us back to the 90’s and centers entirely around the film that started it all- Jurassic Park. Acting as a sort of museum that harkens back to the vibes of the “Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park” traveling exhibit, the store is divided into several different rooms that takes guests on a journey through the production of the film all the way through to its release and impact.
Before entering the store, the guests come face to face with the infamous sick Triceratops lying on its side, which is absolutely breathtaking (and I fully admit to tearing up upon seeing it up close.) Just before entering the store you’re surrounded by scaffolding, stage lights, and banners sporting the Jurassic Park logo and the classic sunset imagery. Many noted last week, when signage started going up, that the signage sported a “Making of Jurassic Park,” rather than just Jurassic Park. This tribute store being more of a shine to the overall production of the filmsets it in contrast to the 2021 JW Tribute Store which had more of an “in-universe” feel, and I’m sure it also offered a bit of a creative change for all of the incredibly talented Team Members of Art and Design, fabrication, carpentry, and painters who are involved on the project.
The first room has a focus on the “Pre-Production” (and a bit of “Post-Prod”) of Jurassic Park. It is filled to the brim with concept art of the dinosaurs and characters, film props, maquettes, and footage. It also has sections where they showcase and explain how Go-Motion was going to be the way they brought the dinosaurs to life in the film and how, as we all know now, it was abandoned in favor of computer-generated dinosaurs which revolutionized the film industry forever.
Moving on to the second room, we are now in the “Production” stage of the film. There are several photo-ops where guests can stop and put themselves into key moments of the film. Guests can either get down and hide behind kitchen counters from a stalking Velociraptor, try to appease an agitated Dilophosaurus, or quake in terror while sitting on a toilet in the middle of a rainstorm beneath Rexy herself. There are also lots of production documents and images as well for guests to gaze at and read as they make their way through, including a part that discusses Hurricane Iniki. Just before heading into the next room, guests can come face to face with another Velociraptor in the shed while they can attempt to return power to the island!
Rounding a corner, the guests are able to pass through the legendary Jurassic Park main gates and snag some unique and delicious treats before heading into the final room which illuminates the legacy and impact of the film upon its release. This, personally, had to be one of my favorite rooms in the whole store as it was just like walking into a sanctuary of classic Jurassic Park memorabilia. In display cabinets sits many different Kenner Jurassic toys, posters, magazines, buttons, bookbags, and loads more of vintage Jurassic Park merchandise. For fans of this franchise, whether you were able to experience the Jurassic craze in the 90’s or only wished you were able to, you can relive it here. If the first three-quarters of the store were the “Making of Jurassic Park” documentary come to life, this room perfectly embodies the “Dinosaur Dream Team” Marketing Video, tying the whole experience together.
The Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Tribute Store proves to be an amazingly well executed, and immersive experience that is filled with fun easter eggs and beautiful set pieces sure to awe everyone who steps through the entrance. As soon as you enter it’s impossible not to feel the love put into this experience by everyone involved, and for fans it will be even harder not to be overwhelmed by it. The exclusive merchandise and collectables lining the walls harkens back to the feeling of shopping in the 90’s and seeing endless shelves and racks dedicated to Jurassic, and a lot of the new offerings are sure to be “must haves” for many. Some of the merch can be found throughout the entire resort at different stores (like Jurassic Outfitters and the Dino Store in the Jurassic Park section at Islands of Adventure,) the store sports of a wider variety of the 30th Anniversary merch as well as the special snacks.
The limited time JP30 Tribute Store is now open at Universal Orlando, during park hours. While there is no word on exactly how long the store will be there, in the past the “summer” tribute store typically runs until the first few weeks of August, at which time it will be closed and construction on the Halloween Horror Nights tribute store will begin. The store is just one of the few ways the Orlando resort is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film. Guests can also get exclusive food, treats, and drinks at the Thunder Falls Terrace Restaurant at Islands of Adventure (again, no official word on how long the offerings will last,) and June 9th, 10th, and 11th the Cinemark at City Walk will have screenings of Jurassic Park (tickets are not up yet, but keep checking Cinemark/Fandango,) along with possibly some other potential surprises along the way!
Following its massive and gorgeous first outing last May, Prehistoric Planet is back for an expansive second season on AppleTV+! Creatures immense and small return to exhibit why they ruled the earth for so long, expertly narrated across sprawling landscapes and oceans by Sir David Attenborough. We were fortunate to be able to view the new season early – read our thoughts below.
*Mild species spoilers follow*
Prehistoric Planet 2 — A Five Night Event Beginning May 22nd on AppleTV+
Dinosaurs, Mosasaurs, Pterosaurs, Crocodyliforms, Ornithurans, Ammonites, and even Mammals rule the earth! Season 2 is Prehistoric Planet’s most species-diverse yet, and we already can’t help but hope there is more of this series to come. The series continues its ability to portray ancient creatures and environments on earth in stunningly realistic and accurate fashion. The lives and behaviors of over 30 species in 5 new environments are featured in these five new episodes, and it is a captivating experience.
Prehistoric Planet 2 — A Five Night Event Beginning May 22nd on AppleTV+
Following the first season’s Coasts, Deserts, Fresh Water, Ice Worlds, and Forests locations, season two adds Islands, Badlands, Swamps, Oceans, and North America to its growing catalog. This allows Prehistoric Planet to expand beyond the dinosaurs it is perhaps known for and into profiles of unique creatures like Simosuchus, Madtsoia, Styginetta, and Adalatherium. But that doesn’t mean that incredible species like Tyrannosaurus rex, Mosasaurus hoffmannii, and Velociraptor don’t make their presence known, among other fierce carnivores and predators.
Season 2’s most thrilling sequences are found in the lives of these carnivores: A mosasaur hunts an elasmosaur with rapid and precise skill, a Nanuqsaur pursues a herd of Ornithomimus to feed its young family, and a massive Hatzegopteryx demonstrates its ability to be an apex predator. Relatively smaller creatures like Zalmoxes and Prenocephale make an impact as well, though they are joined by giants like Isisaurus to demonstrate the wild range of creatures in this ancient period. The creatures on display throughout the season are fascinating, and perhaps some of the most extraordinary who have ever lived.
This season also boasts a new addendum on each episode: Prehistoric Planet Uncovered, an in-depth special showcasing paleontologists and experts answering specific questions about featured species. This provides more specific scientific information and partners nicely with the slightly more dramatic elements of the episodes themselves.
Season 2 is an excellent continuation of the beautiful story of ancient earth presented in season 1. Supported by a brilliant and majestic musical score (composed by Anže Rozman, Kara Talve, Hans Zimmer, and Andrew James Christie), Sir David Attenborough narrates the personal intricacies of the survival of each species with enthralling, entertaining, and heartwarming cadence. This paired with breathtaking visuals and scientific accuracy, especially considering the species and biome diversity in season 2, further cements it as one of the greatest paleontological documentary series ever produced.
Are you excited for season 2 of Prehistoric Planet? Let us know in the comments and don’t miss the five-night event on AppleTV+ beginning May 22nd!
Check out new promotional stills below and the trailer for Season 2 here.
The following was an APRIL FOOLS article! But maybe Peacock SHOULD make a live-action ‘Jurassic’ show sometime, eh? It seemed like Universal already tested those waters with the wonderful internet short film ‘Battle At Big Rock’, right? Why not keep it going? Let’s roll that film again, shall we?
In a shocking special announcement, Peacock has revealed today that they have greenlit a brand-new live-action ‘Jurassic Park’ miniseries! The six-episode series event is already being filmed in Hawaii, New Orleans, New Mexico, and even parts of Cabo Blanco! It has a planned release date of June 2024!
Showrunner Rubecca Blartburt spoke exclusively to Jurassic Outpost with additional details:
“Peacock knew they wanted to do a show for ‘Jurassic Park’ for some time now, but they also wanted to make it as immediately trendy as possible. For many years now, ‘Jurassic’ fans around the world have gushed over the quilled Velociraptor from ‘Jurassic Park 3’. This reached an apex when the internet finally gave him a name that everyone unquestionably, universally, really just everywhere loved: Quilliam. This celebration of a classic raptor from the franchise now rivals Blue in popularity. In fact, I know Peacock originally wanted a spinoff centered on the famous ‘Jurassic World’ raptor. But after looking at charts that showed results from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and private texts, they were shocked to instead discover that Quilliam was immensely more popular.”
We were surprised, to say the least, that our first live-action ‘Jurassic Park’ show would be centered on just one dinosaur like this. We pestered her for more. She told us some juicy details, but we were asked to keep it private. So of course, here is what she said:
“It’s called ‘The Quest For Quilliam’. And I know, you’d think with a title like that it would be a kids show. Very goofy, almost fantasy-like in nature, right? But no, we wanted to subvert everyone’s expectations. Disney did that with ‘Star Wars’ and look how well that turned out! We discovered that a lot of the popularity in the ‘Jurassic’ franchise right now comes from kids and families. But what about the adult audience? That’s why we are making this show very adult in nature instead. It will be filled with violence, gore, and my favorite: swearing.”
To say we were shocked would be an understatement. Rubecca Blartburt continues:
“The title of the show is just a façade to draw in the current younger ‘Jurassic’ audience and then scare the hell out of them! But the title itself isn’t really a lie. There is a ‘quest’ for Quilliam. He has escaped Isla Sorna by sneaking on a cruise ship that accidentally docked there, thinking it was Hawaii. Hilarious, since we are shooting portions of the show there in real life! Anyway, Quilliam ends up on the mainland as we follow his path of dominance around our world.”
We pressed her further about what kind of things would happen during Quilliam’s journey. Her response was surprising, to say the least:
“He sneaks upon hapless, unsuspecting people: couples in parks, farmers on ranches, people in movie theaters, and much more. Then, he rips them apart. But you root for him, because we show backstories of all the people before he kills them, and most of them REALLY deserve it. Bad teachers, cheating boyfriends, racist politicians: every bad thing you can think of gets represented. But, where’s the ‘quest’, right? Well, at the same time, we have this private investigator, Horath Brockenheimer, who is hot on Quilliam’s trail of death; going from state-to-state, country-to-country trying to one-up the dinosaur before the only people left in the world are the good ones.”
Unfortunately, despite our inquisitions, Rubecca Blartburt wouldn’t reveal the ending of the show. However, she did tease us some possibilities:
“Does the show end with Horath Brockenheimer killing Quilliam? Or does Quilliam get him first? Or does something else happen, like a bomb goes off killing them both, or they both get trapped together by some random third party? I can’t confirm. But I will say, we plan to film at least four different endings. Then, the week before our final episode, we will have a social media poll for which ending the audience wants the most. But will we choose the ending with the most votes, or the least votes? I won’t reveal.”
I guess we will find out the answers next July, only on Peacock!
To say we are excited for this new show would be an understatement. But how about you? Do you have the thirst to quench for the ‘Quest For Quilliam’? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, stay tuned to Jurassic Outpost for the latest!
If the filmmakers won’t revisit Isla Sorna, then the fans will!
The Lost World’s Legendary video game Trespasser has had a breath of new life with a new fan project, Trespasser VR. Originally a remake (Trespassing Petrolia) the developer recently turned his efforts towards virtual reality, and has now unveiled a soft “demo” of the game so far.
Trespasser VR runs on the Quest 2 headset and the developer states:
“…this is a very simplistic version for the Quest 2 and I’m intentionally sticking as close to the source material as I can, with little improvements and fixes where needed. The detail is low, the textures are low res, it’s basic, it’s supposed to be. A lot of people wanted a more traditional looking version for VR and a lot of people wanted a version they could play on the Quest 2. This is it. I will be building upon this version for the PCVR version, as there are optimisations done for this version that I had planned to do for the PCVR version, but would have been a huge amount of work.”
Despite the release in 1998 being panned by critics for being released in an unfinished state, the game holds a special place in many fan’s hearts and has a great community over at Trescom!
Fans of Trespasser should also check out Derrick’s work over at Jurassic Time, which explores the fascinating John Parker Hammond narration that guides you across the island, and reveals recordings omitted from the original game.
Derrick also recently interviewed the creator of the game, Seamus Blackley – this one’s not one to miss!
Jurassic World Dominion’s Dichen Lachman has joined the cast of the upcoming Apes sequel which is currently filming in Australia.
The cast already stars Jurassic Park 3’s leading man Paul Kirby (William H. Macy), and the current line of Apes films are written by Jurassic World writers Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver. The two are returning to write Kingdom, alongside Josh Friedman and Patrick Aison.
While of course not playing their Jurassic characters it’s always great to see these actors on screen once again. The recent Apes movies are often times tonally very in-line with the Jurassic franchise.
Fresh off of Jurassic World Dominion, director Colin Trevorrow’s next project has found its home at Skydance. While little is known about the project, it had previously been in development at Universal Pictures.
According to THR, the project was “returned to Trevorrow in turnaround, and Skydance seized the opportunity to acquire the feature.” Colin had originally been writing Atlantis, with a follow-up draft of the script being penned by Dante Harper. Atlantis will now be written by Charmaine DeGraté, the writer and co-executive producer on House of the Dragon.
The mysteries of Atlantis are certainly exciting to explore, and we’re hoping Colin is able to return to his roots a little with this project. We’re excited to see this one take off!
What story of Atlantis would you like to see depicted on screen? Share your thoughts down below, and learn more about this announcement here.
Concept art for the new park proposed for Frisco, TX
Universal Studios Parks and Resorts announced today that they are developing a new park in Frisco, Texas.
The entertainment conglomerate has purchased nearly a hundred acres of land to establish a new park and resort destination for families with children that will include rides, character interactions, and a hotel.
While there is no official word on what specific brands and characters guests will be able to encounter at the new Universal destination, based on the official concept artwork released it seems like there is a heavy emphasis on Dreamworks properties. Among them also looks to be a whole area themed to Jurassic.
Many are already speculating, especially if the park focuses on Dreamworks properties, perhaps the Jurassic section will be heavily inspired or centered around the hit Netflix show Camp Cretaceous.
Tell us, what do you hope to see from Universal Parks and Resorts’ newest park? What would you like to see in the existing parks? Let us know in the comments!
![[APRIL FOOLS] PEACOCK ANNOUNCES NEW LIVE-ACTION ‘JURASSIC PARK’ MINISERIES!](https://controlroom.jurassicoutpost.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Quill-2.jpg)
