Universal Park Changes in 2022 You Need to Know
We’ve just started 2022 and are excited to track theme park changes across the industry.
Obviously, Universal Studios factors heavily into those discussions. So here are a few changes you should know about Universal Studios in 2022.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Temporary Ride Closures
Photo: Universal Orlando
During the first quarter of the year, three different Universal Studios attractions in Orlando will close. Don’t worry, though! This isn’t a sign of anything bad happening. Instead, the parks always use the winter to refurbish the water rides.
As you know, Universal Orlando Resort hosts a plethora of wet rides. You won’t miss one or two during January and February, and Universal knows this.
So, Jurassic Park River Adventure will go down for annual maintenance from January 10th through January 28th.
Source: Pinterest
Once that water ride returns, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls will close instead. It’ll stay offline from January 31st through February 25th.
Source: Universal Orlando
Finally, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges will receive its renovations from February 25th through March 18th.
Everything should be back to normal by the start of Spring Break 2022.
I cannot say the same of Revenge of the Mummy. Unfortunately, the greatest indoor roller coaster ever will close on January 7th.
Universal has listed a return date of “late summer” as the expectation. This one’s getting a major overhaul that could change its look and vibe.
As a reminder, the Golden Ticket Awards literally retired the category of Best Indoor Coaster after Revenge of the Mummy won 10 straight years.
We’re all hopeful Universal will leave well enough alone here and merely freshen up the set pieces a bit.Just in case, you should ride it between now and January 6th!
Other Closures of Note
Photo: Orlando Informer
Having said that, we do have two other attractions whose fates remain in limbo. Universal has remained tightlipped about the fates of the Caro-Seuss-el and Poseidon’s Fury.
You may recall that the Caro-Seuss-el closed suddenly in August of 2021. It reportedly suffered rooftop structural damage that required immediate repair.
Photo:uofanguide.com
As for Poseidon’s Fury, its absence remains more of a pandemic thing. I suspect it’ll come back soon…if it’s returning at all.
Nobody’s quite sure, but recent reports indicate that Universal has started the preparation process for a reopening. Let’s all hope for that because Poseidon’s Fury remains a lot of fun.
The other takeaway about this news involves Jurassic Park River Adventure. Some fans had hoped that it would reboot as Jurassic World this winter.
After all, that’s the process that Universal Studios Hollywood took in converting the older attraction into Jurassic World: The Ride.
Photo: Universal hollywood
Alas, the timing doesn’t seem like it will work out here. Universal would require a few months to re-theme to Jurassic World.
Permanent Changes at Universal Studios Florida
Photo: Universal Orlando
Fans of Shrek 4-D should take note. You only have a matter of days to enjoy this attraction before it closes forever. Universal previously announced that this show will close forever at the end of the day on January 10th.
Nobody’s certain what Universal will do with this space, though. It’s prime real estate near the front of the park. However, it’s a small building.
Photo: Universal Orlando
As such, another show seems likely. In fact, rumors persist that Despicable Me and/or Minions are in play for the show space. This move would mirror how Universal previously replaced T2-3D: Battle Across Time with The Bourne Stuntacular.
The reality is that Despicable Me is one of the most successful new franchises of the 21st century. And Minion Mayhem remains quite popular at the park. So, this transition is what I’m expecting in 2022. Keep checking back for confirmation if/when Universal finally announces the change.
Photo:universal-orlando.fandom.com
Personally, I’m holding out hope that Universal brings back Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies, though! I’m a diehard fan!
Either way, insiders believe that Shrek and Fiona will maintain their character greeting close to the Shrek show building.
The other change coming to the park is one that Universal hasn’t confirmed yet. Behind the scenes, park officials have filed the permits to close Fear Factor Live and replace it with…something.
You can’t possibly be surprised by this, as Fear Factor hasn’t been relevant in pop culture in 15 years.In fact, the owners of the franchise have tried to reboot it several times without success.
The prevailing belief is that Universal will reclaim this land to add…something to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Final Thoughts
Universal executives have gotten a bit cheeky with their announcements lately. Nobody would confirm the VelociCoaster until it was nearly ready to open, even though people could watch its construction. So, I’m about to deliver a mixed message here.
On the one hand, the upcoming closures suggest that major reveals are in the offing. We should theoretically learn the replacement for Shrek 4-D and what’s in store for the Fear Factor Live space in 2022. Also, Universal should describe the plans for a Harry Potter expansion immediately if that’s in the offing. It would drive tourism from excited fans.
Photo: Facebook/ universal
After all, The Wizarding World remains Universal’s bread and butter revenue stream. I cannot guarantee that this will happen, though. Universal seems to get a kick out of trolling its fans.
Amusingly, the fans apparently enjoy this behavior just as much. That’s a long way to go to say that I EXPECT Universal to announce some new attractions soon. At a minimum, that news will leak, just as the Fear Factor Live closure has.
Photo: Facebook/ universal
Keep checking back, as you’ll know almost immediately after we hear anything!
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