Universal Joint Podcast: Theme Park Updates, 'Wicked' Movie, and Rip Ride Rocket Lessons

Theme Park Pricing and Annual Passes

• 💡 Disney Parks and Resorts is introducing a new online planning tool to help guests navigate flexible pricing, effective October 16th.
• 📈 Universal Orlando Resort is adjusting annual pass prices, offering 3-6 extra months for passes initiated before April 2019, with preferred/premium levels receiving the longer extension.
• 💰 SeaWorld is launching a four-tiered annual pass system, including a budget-friendly option at $10 per month, aiming to compete for visitor attention.

Holiday Preparations and IP Impact

• 🎄 Universal Studios Hollywood is already installing Christmas lights alongside Halloween Horror Nights displays, anticipating the release of Illumination's "The Grinch" on November 8th.
• 🎬 The upcoming "Wicked" movie, produced by Universal Pictures, is discussed as a potential IP to influence park developments, with a precedent set by a "Wicked"-themed area at Universal Studios Japan.
• 🎃 Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood is underway, with preparations for Christmas programming beginning unusually early.

Theme Park Operations and New Attractions

• 📱 Universal Orlando has added mobile ordering to its official theme park app, currently available at three locations within Islands of Adventure.
• 🚧 Construction for an unnamed coaster in Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure is causing a domino effect, requiring the relocation of the Raptor Encounter and carnival games.
• 🎢 Promotional art for the Hagrid coaster at Universal Studios Japan, set to open in 2019, depicts the Forbidden Forest and Cornish pixies, hinting at a mix of magic and menace.

Lessons from Delayed Openings

• ⚠️ The Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket opening in 2009 faced significant delays, ultimately opening in August after missing its spring and early summer targets, highlighting the challenges of ambitious construction projects.
• 🗓️ A similar situation occurred with Diagon Alley in 2014, which opened in July after a wet spring pushed back its initial early June target.
• 🎢 The Rip Ride Rocket's initial delays and operational issues led to a cautious approach for future attractions, such as the Hagrid coaster, with a vague 2019 opening date.

Business and Entertainment Deals

• 🤝 The Comcast-Disney bidding war for 21st Century Fox and Sky is discussed, with Comcast ultimately acquiring Sky and Disney acquiring Fox.
• 🎬 This deal may involve an agreement to sunset Marvel character rights at Universal parks in Florida, potentially paving the way for "Wicked"-themed areas.
• 🎤 A "Wicked" 15th-anniversary special is set to air on NBC, celebrating the Broadway musical's enduring popularity.