Universal Hollywood May Build New Rides & Restaurants in Place of Popular Show

One of the constraints that Universal Studios Hollywood has to navigate is how to expand with such limited space. This is the reason for the clever move to build the new Fast and Furious rollercoaster over the escalators that lead down to the Lower Lot.

Now it appears that an iconic popular show may be on the chopping block for future expansions based on recent filing from Universal Studios Hollywood. Here's what we know.

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Is Universal Studios Hollywood Closing WaterWorld?

Rumors are swirling that Universal Studios Hollywood is considering removing the iconic WaterWorld stunt show. There has not been any official announcement, but Universal filed new planning documents to Los Angeles County Electronic Permitting and Inspections that hint at a transformation in the WaterWorld show space.

You can see the concept map below:

The concept map reveals some projects we already knew about as part of the NBC Universal Evolution Plan. The NBC Universal Evolution Plan is a large planning and development effort that includes new additions to the existing studio, theme park, retail and entertainment uses including CityWalk along with the introduction of an area for new hotels

But the area of the map labeled “T3: new theme park attraction with food & beverage retail” is the same space that WaterWorld currently occupies at Universal Studios Hollywood.

These planning documents reveal that Universal Studios Hollywood is considering replacing the area that houses WaterWorld with a new theme park attraction, but it's unknown what that could be.

Universal Studios Hollywood Faces Space Limitations

I would be sad to see the WaterWorld show close, as this is one of the most impressive entertainment options that Universal Studios Hollywood offers. While the movie itself doesn't have the same recognition with younger guests, the show stands on its own with its explosive story and talented stunt performers. I rate this show high on my list of ranked Universal Studios Hollywood attractions.

But while I may consider WaterWorld a top attraction, many theme park guests do not view shows in the same way they do rides. While both a show and a rollercoaster can be called an “attraction,” theme park guests tend to overlook shows when they're thinking about what a theme park offers. Universal Studios Hollywood is already often criticized for its lack of attractions, especially a major rollercoaster, although this will be remedied when the new Fast & Furious rollercoaster opens.

While I would be sad at the loss of WaterWorld, I do understand that space is a limitation for Universal Studios Hollywood. This leads to difficult decisions, and executives are likely weighing the benefits of a new attraction against the loss of WaterWorld.

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The success of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood has been overwhelming and has likely inspired Universal to look to other additions of IP that resonate with guests. Epic Universe at Universal Orlando, for example, has introduced popular intellectual properties like How to Train Your Dragon and Universal Monsters that could be replicated at Universal Studios Hollywood. Introducing more IPs of similar popularity would be a win, even if we lose WaterWorld.

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