Universal Orlando will spend $120 million on new attractions

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

Universal Orlando Resort plans to spend as much as $120 million this year on the design and construction of new attractions, as well as on other capital improvements, to offset declining attendance. That's about three times what it spent in 2006 and about four times what it spent in 2005 for capital improvements, according to information contained in a report Universal Orlando's parent company filed this week with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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I covered this report on NewsPlusNotes and wanted to point out that this article totally misses something pretty key.

In speaking about the "$100 million to $120 million" they will spend in 2007 on capital expenditures, the report mentions that these figures include spending on "intellectual property rights."

As far as I'm concerned, that means they will be writing a fat check for the use of some characters ... oh like maybe the Simpsons or the Harry Potter gang.

I mean it even says that "A large portion of this cost relates to the design and construction of multiple new attractions that are currently being negotiated that we anticipate opening during the next few years."

This article makes it sound like some $100 ride will open soon.

But back to trashing the article, did anyone else notice this:

"A Simpsons attractions is not a high-paced ride," Aldrich said."

Ahhh, yes, quality.

Mike

Bad grammar, and incredible stupidity. Who is to say that you cant have a Simpsons attraction that is an intense thrill ride? Where did that come from?

There has been a rumor afoot that Universal has been negotiating with Rowling for the rights to Potter. Similar rumors exist for Disney, to the extent that some have claimed to have seen mockups of attractions out of WDI.

Sounds like good news for Orlando, whatever it turns out to be...

Bring on Potter!

A Harry Potter themed land would be both amazing to see/visit and would also be very successful.

I believe the current rumor is that if Potter comes to IOA, it's going to be a re-theme of the Lost Continent.

That's a stupid rumor. Lost Continent is easily the most well executed themed area in the park. IOA's next big thing will be in JP.

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