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Credit: Aditya Vyas on UnsplashIs Universal gearing up to close down its most detested attraction, as well as one of its most popular IPs?
The high-octane world of the Fast & Furious franchise boasts a global fan base and a staggering $7 billion in box office revenue over the past two decades. In theory, a theme park attraction built on such a foundation of speed and adrenaline-fueled action should be a recipe for success. However, the reality of Fast & Furious: Supercharged at Universal Studios paints a different picture.
Debuting in 2015 at Universal Studios, Hollywood Fast & Furious: Supercharged was integrated into the existing tram tour. Three years later, in 2018, a standalone version of the attraction opened at Universal Orlando Resort, replacing Disaster. Both iterations feature the franchise’s Luke Hobbs (played by Dwayne Johnson) ushering riders into a warehouse to seek refuge from villain Owen Shaw (played by Luke Evans). The narrative unfolds primarily through 3D screens, requiring riders to wear special glasses.
While the initial reception in Hollywood was mixed, the response in Orlando has been decidedly less enthusiastic. Fans have expressed disappointment with the addition of another screen-based attraction, particularly given the park’s existing offerings. This sentiment reached such a critical mass that Thierry Coup, Universal Creative Senior Vice President and CCO, later acknowledged approving the Florida iteration as “the biggest mistake of [his] career.”
Reviews on various travel and theme park enthusiast websites paint a bleak picture.
Many users have labeled Fast & Furious: Supercharged the “worst attraction” at Universal Studios Orlando, urging park management to address the underwhelming experience. The criticism seems to stem from a lack of innovation, with a reliance on screens rather than immersive physical sets or innovative ride mechanics.
As we know, Universal Orlando has announced a temporary closure for Fast & Furious: Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida. The attraction will be closed from August 19, 2024, to November 3, 2024. This closure coincides with the use of its queue areas for Halloween Horror Nights. Additionally, it is anticipated that general maintenance will be conducted during this period.
While many do not typically complain about the ride closure due to its lack of popularity, Universal is seemingly using that nonchalant behavior from guests to their advantage.
Universal reporter Alicia Stella shared a photo of a sign outside of the attraction that states the ride will close earlier than usual at 6:00 p.m.
What kind of act is that?
An act of mercy! Hoo ho ha pic.twitter.com/rECDHJsp3p
— Alicia Stella Nova Resort (@AliciaStella) July 23, 2024
Interestingly enough, the comments on this post celebrate the early closure and wish it was permanent. One reply states, ” I wish they would add PERMANENTLY after CLOSING…” Another says, “Shame it didn’t say, “This Attraction will be closing forever at 6:00 pm!”
It is unclear why the ride will be closing early today.
Many have actually stated that with the success of the Twisters movie, the theme park should bring back the now-gone attraction in a new way in the space. That is just guest feedback, however.
Universal’s Financials Are In Grave Danger
Executives attributed this decline to lower attendance following the post-pandemic surge and the lack of new attractions in Orlando. Two-thirds of the decrease was linked to reduced attendance at the company’s parks in Florida and California.
“Going back to 2022 and 2023, parks were clearly the early beneficiaries of substantial rebounds in tourism and travel after the pandemic, resulting in a surge in demand that contributed to us reaching record results for both of those years,” stated Michael Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corp., the parent company of NBCUniversal.
“More recently, other travel options, including cruises and international tourism, given the strength of the dollar, have experienced their own surge in demand, which caused visitation rates at our parks to normalize,” he continued.
The most recent quarter, spanning April, May, and June, is caught in the lull between the record post-pandemic years and the scheduled opening of Epic Universe theme park in Orlando in 2025, explained Jason Armstrong, Comcast’s chief financial officer.
“This is the first full-quarter comparison to the highly successful opening of Super Nintendo World in [Universal Studios] Hollywood early last year, which drove that park’s record results in the second quarter of last year,” Armstrong noted. “And we haven’t launched a major new attraction in Orlando since VelociCoaster in 2021, in anticipation of Epic Universe.”
Originally slated to debut in 2024, the opening of Epic Universe was delayed due to pandemic conditions.
Universal’s theme parks generated $10.1 billion in the second quarter of this year, down 10.6% from the previous year. According to Cavanagh, similar conditions and results could be expected in the upcoming quarters.
“I think the factors, even though we’re excited about Hollywood Horror Nights in the second half of the year … I think that the trends that we are experiencing likely continue until we get to Epic opening up sometime next year,” he remarked.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster, an intense, dinosaur-themed roller coaster, debuted at Islands of Adventure in the summer of 2021. It was the last major attraction to open at Universal Orlando, although Universal Studios park has since added the Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction and introduced a new nighttime spectacular and a daytime parade this year. Additionally, it opened a kids-driven DreamWorks Land this year.
Universal Orlando recently introduced a pass allowing unlimited visits for Florida residents through December 18.
The company remains optimistic about the future of theme parks, Armstrong noted.
“In addition to Epic Universe, we have a fantastic slate of new attractions and experiences on the horizon – Donkey Kong Country in Osaka and a Fast and Furious roller coaster in Hollywood, as well as Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas and our Universal kids resort coming to Texas,” he said.
Opening dates for Epic Universe or the projects in Las Vegas and Texas have not yet been announced. Two of Universal’s three new hotels near the new Orlando park are set to open in January and February.
Beyond parks, Comcast’s Tuesday earnings call focused on its broadband business, streaming platforms, and potential future business with the NBA. Its revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $29.7 billion, a year-to-year decrease of 2.7%.
Other Attractions to Enjoy at Universal
Universal Orlando Resort boasts an array of popular rides that captivate visitors with thrilling experiences and immersive storytelling.
One standout attraction is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, located within the enchanting Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure. This ride combines cutting-edge technology with live-action sequences to transport guests into the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Another fan favorite is the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, an intense, high-speed roller coaster that features breathtaking drops and inversions, all set against the backdrop of a dinosaur-infested jungle.
At Universal Studios Florida, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit offers a unique twist on the traditional roller coaster, allowing riders to choose their own soundtrack for the exhilarating journey. The Revenge of the Mummy indoor coaster plunges guests into a dark, treasure-filled tomb filled with fiery effects and unexpected twists. For a family-friendly adventure, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem takes guests on a 3D ride through Gru’s laboratory, providing plenty of laughs and fun for all ages. Lastly, Transformers: The Ride 3D immerses guests in a battle between Autobots and Decepticons, combining 3D visuals and motion simulation for an action-packed experience.
Do you think that Universal should shut down Fast & Furious: Supercharged?