Might we finally get a Jurassic World themed attraction at Universal Studios theme parks?
Yes! Well maybe….kind of? According to a rumor from Theme Park University, Universal Studios Hollywood may be gearing up to transform Jurassic Park: The Ride into a Jurassic World themed ride.
It’s been made public that Comcast wants a new attraction in every Universal park every year moving forward….Which brings us to 2019. If what I’m hearing from folks who work at Universal Studios Hollywood is correct, Jurassic Park: The Ride will be operational through at least part (most?) of the summer season and then close to make a transformation into a Jurassic World The Ride attraction.
While nothing is official and any report should of course be taken fully as a rumor, it does make sense for Universal Studios Hollywood to update Jurassic Park: The Ride. Having opened in June of 1996, the ride will be entering its 22nd year of operation. As pointed out by Theme Park University the animatronic dinosaurs in the ride have become quite dated and are in the need of a major upgrade so a Jurassic World revamp may also indicate new upgraded animatronics.
Further, this aligns with reports we heard some time back, suggesting a makeover was planned (then at IOA rather than Hollywood), re-branding the area to Jurassic World, complete with a state of the art Indominus Rex animatronic. If the general concept still stands, while the ride will take place within ‘Jurassic World’, Jurassic Park should still make an appearance as the ride vehicle is diverted through the old park ruins.
Our speculation would be that it is likely that the ride itself would remain the same as a boat on the same track but that the theming, dinosaurs and ride story would be new (while still following the same basic story structure). It is also likely that the new ride would not only include the Indomnius Rex from the 2015 film, but also Velociraptor Blue and a Mosasaurus cameo. Finally, the old dinosaurs are expected to get entirely new fixtures, featuring actual film accurate designs.
It is unclear if dinosaurs or aspects from the yet unreleased Fallen Kingdom would be included in any possible revamp.
Sadly, this does mean the great ‘Jurassic Park’ theming for the rest of the ride and area would switch to the more modern ‘World’ look – as World borrows from real world parks like Universal and Disney, it offers less of a unique sense of escapism. It remains to be seen how they will keep Jurassic unique, in line with its more safari adventure vibe it is known for, and is currently featuring.
Theme Park University also says that they are hearing this will only be for Universal Studios Hollywood and that currently the Jurassic Park ride at Islands Of Adventure in Flordia won’t be changing.
Also make sure to check out the full rumor article at Theme Park University as they make guesses and speculate themselves of what a Jurassic World themed ride may entail.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and on our forums!
Source: Theme Park University
