Universal Joint Podcast: Big Fire Restaurant, Secret Life of Pets Ride, and Simpsons IP Rights

New Dining and Attractions at Universal Parks

• 🍔 Big Fire is a new original concept for a full-service restaurant opening at Universal Orlando Resort's CityWalk, featuring an open fire cooking experience with wood-paired dishes.
• 🌲 The restaurant's theme is described as a grand lakeside lodge with a cozy fireplace, cast iron, wood design elements, and oversized plaid blankets, reminiscent of Wilderness Lodge.
• 🐶 Universal Studios Hollywood is set to debut The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash attraction in Summer 2020, inspired by the hit animated films.
• 🏙️ The ride promises a blend of live, dimensional, and animated characters with hyperrealistic media, taking guests through a bustling New York City street.

Drone Technology and The Wizarding World

• ⚡ Universal Studios Hollywood recently premiered The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle projection show, utilizing show drones to create the Patronus effect.
• ⚠️ The use of drones presents operational and safety challenges, especially in Hollywood's more constrained environment compared to Universal Orlando's open spaces.
• 💨 Wind conditions are a significant factor, limiting the feasibility of drone shows on breezy nights, impacting show schedules and locations.

The Simpsons IP and Theme Park Rights

• 📺 The Disney acquisition of 20th Century Fox raises questions about the future of The Simpsons intellectual property within Universal Parks.
• 🎢 Universal has held theme park rights for The Simpsons in North America since 2008, with potential extensions through 2048-2050, but these rights are strictly limited to North America.
• 🌏 Internationally, such as in Singapore, Japan, and Beijing, Universal parks have not featured Simpsons attractions, with other IPs like Transformers and Despicable Me taking their place.
• 💡 An alternate,