As a seasoned theme park enthusiast with over two decades of rollercoaster riding and popcorn-eating under my belt, I can confidently say that the prospect of a brand-new Twisters attraction at Universal Studios Florida has me more excited than a tornado-chasing cowboy on a gusty day in Oklahoma!
Despite the ongoing blockbuster phenomenon of Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024 theaters, the captivating allure of nature remains deeply entrenched within movie enthusiasts’ hearts and minds. The recent revival of Twisters in 4DX this weekend has served as a testament to the fact that audiences are still enamored with Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones’ escapades, hinting strongly at the possibility of sequel announcements in the near future.
I’m really hoping we’ll get more from this particular universe, but if I’m totally honest, I’m not just talking about a sequel. Rather, it’s time for Universal Studios to improve upon one of its most iconic attractions, so a new generation can Ride It Out!
If You’ve Never Experienced Twister: Ride It Out, You Truly Missed Out
As we stroll around Universal Studios Florida’s ride collection, the area previously occupied by Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon once belonged to Twister…Ride It Out – an exceptional attraction. Indeed, it was an incredibly engaging experience that transported you into the realm of the 1996 original, blending a walkthrough and demonstrations of special effects to create a truly immersive environment.
From 1998 to 2015, the Universal Studios attraction included custom videos featuring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton detailing the tumultuous making of Twister. If you found Bill Paxton’s character to be the real antagonist in Twister, these separate videos won’t do much to change your perception.
Culminating in the center piece moment where you see a practical recreation of the drive-in set piece from Twister, it was one of the last attractions to embody Universal Studios Florida’s “see the stars, and ride the movies” attitude of the past. I think it’s time to get back to that, and the runaway success of the Glen Powell/Daisy Edgar-Jones starring legacy-quel is the doorway to making it happen.
There’s Already Fantastic Potential For A Twisters Attraction At Universal Studios
How would a Twisters attraction be designed? Building on existing ideas, I believe Twister…Ride It Out serves as an excellent blueprint. Even with today’s extensive use of CGI in films like those directed by Lee Isaac Chung, there’s potential to incorporate a touch of enchantment into the experience.
Due to a recent promotional event for the home release of Twisters, we now have a preliminary model demonstrating its potential. For further understanding, I recommend viewing this clip from that press day:
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That new Twisters ride ought to resemble what is described here in essence. By constructing a miniature version of Tyler Owens’ truck, scaled according to its intended location or setup, you can immerse the audience into a scene straight from this summer’s hit movie.
By using fans, sprinklers, and massive LED screens called “The Volume,” you can create an immersive, close-up thrill ride akin to actor Anthony Ramos’ exhilarating Twisters adventure. Interestingly enough, his real-life experience served as the basis for this idea.
Universal Studios Florida Has Prime Locations Where Twisters Can Set Up Shop
Considering our fresh new take on Twisters requires a suitable location, where could we theoretically establish this venue within the Universal Studios Florida park grounds? There are two areas that appear ripe for renovation, but the question arises as to whether an existing attraction would need to close down in order to make way for it.
If we consider the empty location, it’s possible to redesign the former Fear Factor Live theater into a custom-built thrill ride for the park officials, such as a new version of Twisters. Given its spaciousness, there’s ample room for creating an immersive walkthrough section similar to Twister: Ride It Out, where guests could explore Aunt Meg’s house before the main attraction begins.
If you’re seeking a smaller-scale attraction that doesn’t compromise on fun, there’s only one place to focus your attention. Regrettably, for fans of Fast & Furious: Turbocharged, I propose that the current ride system could be reimagined to create a thrilling Twisters-inspired experience instead.
It could also be quite appropriate to restore the specified section of Universal’s Orlando park to a theme focused on special effects and thrills, given that it once housed attractions like Earthquake: The Big One and Disaster!: A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You! which provided such entertainment.
Universal Studios Is Going To Need Something To Offset Epic Universe’s Massive Opening
It’s possible that some of you might be wondering, “But Mike, why are we contemplating a new ride at Universal Studios Florida when Epic Universe is coming up?” However, I’ve also pondered this idea as part of my potential strategies for refreshing or expanding Universal Islands of Adventure: managing crowds.
As Epic Universe, set to open summer 2025, restricts ticket access, visitors will seek alternatives at other Universal parks. People aim to maximize their Orlando vacation experience, and while Dreamworks Land’s ongoing enhancements are impressive, they primarily cater to children.
It might be beneficial to provide alternatives for adults visiting the park while they wait for the excitement of Epic Universe to calm down. With attractive real estate possibilities and an excellent idea combining with a blockbuster movie success, Twisters could serve as a crucial element in maintaining Universal Studios Florida’s popularity during the development of its third gate.
“There’s no better method to stir up memories of both movie theaters and amusement parks than by creatively revamping a classic intellectual property’s iconic ride. In my opinion, constructing a new Twisters attraction would be an excellent choice, if Universal Parks and Destinations were open to it – they’d definitely seize the opportunity!”
Despite no current plans for a Twisters attraction at either Universal park, you can still get a taste of the experience today. Head over to your local 4DX theater to watch Twister or Twisters in an immersive, state-of-the-art format. It’s just an idea, but it might make for a fun alternative!
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2024-08-31 00:07