Universal Parks' IP Strategy: Owning and Controlling Content

COVID-19 Impact on Global Parks

• 🌍 Canada is experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 variants, leading to extended stay-at-home orders in Toronto and Ontario, impacting daily life and retail.
• 🇯🇵 Japan has implemented its third state of emergency due to COVID-19 variants, causing a two-week shutdown and affecting the recent opening of Super Nintendo Land.
• 🇺🇸 Universal Studios Hollywood has reopened to California residents, but the Whoville set from 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' has been removed from the tram tour due to structural integrity concerns.

Universal Studios Hollywood Updates

• 🦖 The Jurassic World ride has been significantly updated with new animatronics, including a 55-foot Dominus Rex, enhancing its narrative and realism.
• 🐶 The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash ride has finally opened after delays, receiving praise for its 64 animated figures, a Universal record.
• 🎬 The Fast and Furious franchise is being promoted with an eight-week free film screening event in theaters leading up to the release of "F9."

Universal Parks' IP Strategy and Future

• 💡 Comcast's acquisition of NBC Universal shifted the focus towards utilizing owned Intellectual Property (IP) in theme parks, moving away from licensed content.
• 🏰 Steve Burke, former Disney executive and current NBC Universal chairman, championed the strategy of leveraging owned IPs like Harry Potter and DreamWorks Animation.
• 🎢 Parks are increasingly focusing on owned IPs such as Universal Classic Monsters and How to Train Your Dragon for new lands, while older licensed attractions like Barney face uncertainty.
• 🏗️ The development of Epic Universe is expected to heavily feature owned Universal properties, reflecting a long-term strategy to control and maximize IP value.
• ⚠️ The success of attractions like Fast & Furious – Supercharged is being carefully considered, influencing future investment decisions due to high costs and mixed reception.

Listener Mail and Park News

• ❓ A listener from the Netherlands inquired about the use of empty show buildings and the future of expensive effect-heavy shows like Poseidon's Fury.
• 🏨 Universal Orlando Resort hotels are gradually reopening, with Lowe's Sapphire Falls Hotel set for a May 18th return, while Aventura and Endless Summer Resort remain without firm dates.
• 🎟️ VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure will have a passholder preview from May 2nd to May 5th, requiring online reservations.
• ⚔️ The announcement of VelociCoaster's opening date was closely followed by Disney's announcement of Avengers Campus opening a week earlier, highlighting ongoing competition.
• 🏰 The Men in Black Alien Attack attraction, though popular, is a licensed IP from Sony, prompting discussions about its long-term future as deals approach their twilight.