Universal studios might be bought by Busch (RUMOR)

Just listened to a link that says that a rumor around orlando is A. Busch is intrested in buying up the theme parks.

http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news?p=theme+park&c=av

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On topic, this wouldnt be a bad move for A. Busch as they already have the whole 5 park 14 day flex ticket thing going on down in Orlando with the two Universal parks and the two Busch parks along with the water park which is owned by whomever. That and I wouldnt mind getting free beer before riding Hulk and Dueling Dragons

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Bob Hansen

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*** This post was edited by Jeff on 8/2/2002. ***

I thought Busch wanted to cut back on spending.

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Maybe they do, but if the parks can be bought at the right price, it sure makes sense to me. The Universal parks appear to be good operations and are well received by the public. If they're interested in growing their theme park business, and I honestly don't have a clue about how it fits into the big picture, this would be a nice acquisition.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com, Sillynonsense.com
"Let's stop saying 'don't quote me,' because if no one quotes you, you probably haven't said a thing worth saying." - Dogma, KMFDM

Agreed. I have no reason to believe this will or won't happen, but it COULD make sense for Busch to expand their operations. As Bob points out, they already have the arrangement with the FlexTicket (which worked out very well for me when I went in January)

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--Greg
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It would be a great move, and would would allow Busch to also have 4 Florida parks like Disney. It would also give them markets in Japan and another one in California.

But, I wouldn't think to much of it because:

1.) Busch would have to buy movie rights and arrange contracts to keep the Universal Parks themed.

2.) Busch has no expierience in "Movie Parks".

3.) Busch claims to be cutting back on spending. I can't imagine how much the Universal Parks would cost. Nearly every attraction at the Universal parks cost in the above 30 Million range. Busch is more familiar with run of the mill parks, with regular coasters and rides. The only attractions Busch has that can match up to movie rides are the "Escape From Pompei" and "Journey to Atlantis" attractions.

Nearly every ride that Universal has is cutting edge technology.

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"The fish are eating the guest, sir

Could someone please explain teh flex pass, does it work for all busch and universal park?

Probably won't happen but it would be awesome to see a company take over that is used to building quality rides and coasters in their parks.

I mean, I think we can all agree that when Busch parks add coasters, they go all out(Alpengeist, Montu, Kumba, Apollo's Chariot, Kraken, Gwazi).

Thaey seem to have a strong relationship with B&M, as IOA does.

Beast_rocks said:
Could someone please explain teh flex pass, does it work for all busch and universal park?

The best way to understand that is to go to the Universal Studios Florida ticket page and they have all the info you need.

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GO HUSKERS!

I think that would be a good move. Busch's parks are great. But I don't want them to turn into Six Flags.

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-Sean

I personally don't think that Busch could run the Universal parks well enough. Like someone else mentioned above, they are mostly into standard attractions and rides, save for JtA and maybe Kraken (which is themed pretty darn well, but not DD or Spiderman well). Whoever runs the Universal parks has to be innovative and cutting-edge in their attractions to be able to compete with Disney. I just don't think Busch can do that. I'm crossing my fingers for Dreamworks to buyout the parks... :)

Busch and Universa also run the same deal here in California.

Busch has done some good theming jos in their time. Wild artic, kraken, JTA, and Alpengeist.

Speedy said:
Busch has done some good theming jos in their time. Wild artic, kraken, JTA, and Alpengeist.

You are right in that, they have put together some good theming in their parks. However, good theming isn't the only thing involved in creating a new and exciting attraction. It's important, but not the only thing. I just don't think they could pull off a ride like Spiderman or MiB. I really don't think they could pull off a ride like Jurassic Park or Cat in the Hat either. Also, they definately don't know a thing about how to run a movie-based theme park. Just my opinion, but this rumor just seems too far-fetched to me.

I dont think that it is too far fetched. At one point rumors were going around that a certain park/chain in Ohio was looking at buying the Universal Parks.

It would make more sense for Busch to pick up the whole Universal "package" in my opinion. That would get them in the "movie scene". Also if Busch (or any other amusement park conglomerate) were to pick up the Universal parks it would make sense for them to keep as much of the creative staff as possible. It could mean more work for the creative staff of Univeral Studios parks since they could also work on projects at other parks as well! Honestly nothing is too far fetched it one really thinks it through.

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It often amazes me that people think that just because ownership changes, all previos history goes out the window too. It would seem to me that if Busch *were* to consider buying the Universal Parks, they would tend to keep at least some of the Universal engineers (aka the renegade Imagineers) to keep the creativity flowing.

On a personal note, I'm not sure how good Busch has been with animatronics and such, but Montu and Kraken put a whuppin' on everything at the Universal parks!
jeremy
--Montu Fanatic, Kraken Fiend