Universal’s 5 Worst Themed Lands

Universal’s worst themed lands….

When it comes to examples of theme parks that rival Disney, most people will point you towards Universal. With four locations worldwide, and a new one opening soon in Beijing, Universal have truly conquered the industry too. There’s no denying that their parks are host to some of the greatest attractions anywhere; Forbidden Journey, Spider-Man, The Mummy and Jaws. 

However, as they are frequently fairly criticised for, Universal have also opened some pretty dire attractions. These attractions are often replacements of classic fan favourites-Jimmy Fallon in place of Twister and Fast and Furious where both Disaster and Beetlejuice used to stand. Don’t get me wrong, not all change is bad. They may have come at high costs, but Hagrids, The Mummy and even, no matter how painful the loss of Jaws was, Escape from Gringotts are all great additions to the parks. Honestly, I won’t even complain about the loss of Back to the Future for The Simpsons, at least this time we got a whole land.

This brings me to the subject of this article-Universal’s themed areas. In my opinion, this is one of the most inconsistent aspects of Universal’s parks. At times they offer what I consider to be some of the most immersive theming on the planet. But unfortunately they also showcase certain features I believe would be more at home in your local Six Flags park. No offence to Six Flags. 

Within this article, I am going to count down my top five least favourite lands in any Universal park, things that really could do with changing. But don’t worry, to combat this negativity my following post will reel off the shining stars of these parks. For now, however, I’m going to let my Slytherin side show and pick apart what I believe to be the five worst themed lands (or islands) in some of the best parks worldwide (excluding Universal Singapore because we’ve yet to visit there). Sorry Universal, but I’m only harsh because I know you can do so much better. 

Also, please note that this is based on theming alone. Otherwise, (spoiler alert) The Lost Continent would definitely feature for its dire array of attractions. But come on, that rock work is stunning! In addition to this, Universal Studios Hollywood makes no effort to truly distinguish it’s areas, so this park is exempt from the list. Otherwise, I’d probably just drone on about those irritating escalators and find some way to equate it to poor theming. 

5. Seuss Landing- Islands of Adventure

You may be surprised that I consider this as one of Universal’s worst themed lands. Look, I like the twisty palm trees. I love the bright colour scheme and I couldn’t be a bigger fan of the IP. But this is exactly the problem. Dr Seuss authored some of the greatest children’s books of all time. Many of which are featured fairly within this land. However others are criminally absent. I wish the Grinch, The Lorax and other popular characters shared some of the spotlight. Although not wholly absent, I can’t help but feel the land is missing some opportunities. I wish, that like the man responsible for its source, Seuss Landing told a cohesive story that allowed for increased feelings of immersion. Perhaps just a product of it’s time which I’m holding up to today’s standards, I simply can’t help but feel that Dr Seuss deserves better. 

4. Woody Wood Pecker’s KidZone- Universal Studios Orlando

I’ll admit it, this one is a bit of a reach, but to find five picks turned out to be pretty tough. Universal really does get this stuff right more often than they get it wrong. Located at the back of the park this area is host to an array of attractions; Animal actors, Barney, Woody Woodpecker’s Coaster, Fievel’s playground, Curious’ George Goes to Town and my favourite ride in the whole park, E.T. Maybe you’re already picking up on what my problem is. There’s truly no consistency. As the mascot of the area, you’d think we’d see Woody Woodpecker in more than just a single coaster and a Pizza quick service restaurant. Alas, he is nowhere else to be found.

At this point in time, this tucked away corner feels like nothing more than a gaggle of outdated attractions, minus E.T. of course. It’s no wonder that this land is constantly rumoured to be on the chopping block. No matter how nostalgic I am for the Barney show, it’s an area I really wouldn’t mind saying goodbye to, again minus E.T. 

3. Marvel Superhero- Islands of Adventure

Now, onto the land that inspired me to write this article. Like most people, I love Marvel, and this land contains three of my favourite attractions in Islands of Adventure. The Incredible Hulk, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall and of course, Spider-Man. There’s nothing wrong with the theming of these attractions, they’re excellent. But the land that houses them, well…I can’t help but think it’s a missed opportunity. Giant cardboard like cutouts line the side of buildings, creating an unusual skyline which lacks coherence.

I like the original concept of this land, the idea that a meteor struck and the heroes moved in. But if this is true, why did they place huge cutouts of themselves? The comic book colors and amplified angles that evoke this style work well. Beyond this, the land makes little effort to immerse guests within a comic book.

I really wish Universal had opted to take this further. However, instead of feeling like you’ve stepped into a comic book to fight crime with your favorite heroes, guests are left distracted by unrealistic 2D cutouts that simply boast the IP, not truly allowing for immersion.

2. World Expo- Universal Studios Orlando

Chances are you have no idea exactly where I’m referring to. Maybe you’ve read the name on the map, but can you recall where it is you leave and enter this section of the park? Upon opening, this theme made sense. Originally designed to appear like a World’s Fair, housing diverse attractions such as Back to the Future and the recreated Psycho set, this title was a good fit. However, over recent years this area has been subject to enormous change.

Today this area is home to Men in Black, Fear Factor and…The Simpsons? This is where I really take issue with ‘World Expo’. How on earth is The Simpsons themed section of the park not designated as its own ‘Springfield’ land on the map. I know this would make no difference to the theming and this section remains a great feature of the park, but come on. Nothing more than a remnant of the park’s past, this outdated title just no longer sits right. It’s time for Fear Factor to go and MIB and the Simpsons to declare themselves as part of separate, specified movie/television themed lands. Come on, this is still a park where you can ‘ride the movies’ isn’t it? Unfortunately, not really anymore .

1.Toon Lagoon- Islands of Adventure

Number one on our list, which in this case is certainly not an achievement, is Toon Lagoon. Ok, let me preface this by saying that outside of Islands of Adventure, I have very little experience with these ‘Sunday Funnies’. Seemingly a collection of IPs Universal could get for cheap, cartoons such as Beetle Bailey and Blondie and Dagwood. The only one I’m somewhat familiar with is Popeye. But this alone shouldn’t matter. You don’t have to like the IP to like the land, just look at Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for example. I know many people who dislike Avatar but consider this to be one of the greatest lands in any theme park. But, like the cheap intellectual property purchased, the land itself feels the same. Similar to Marvel Superhero Island, this land is simply littered with cardboard cutouts and poor theming.

The only saving grace of this land are the attractions. Not for those who fear getting wet, Popeyes and Dudley-do-rights are wonderful. The exterior of Dudley-do-rights, visible once you’ve walked through the poorly themed rows of shops (Universal does love to stick a good shopping mall in their parks), this building is the land’s only saving grace. A decent feature and an amusing attraction to watch, but this isn’t quite enough.

Entering from Marvel Superhero Island, this land makes little effort to announce itself. First a line of carnival games, more at home in your local fair, then a vacant stadium (what a waste of space). The rows of stores and finally BOOM! the attractions. Dudley do-rights and even Olive’s shipped, tucked away at the back, are well themed structures. But that is all there is.  The land looks cheap, likely because it was. Keep the attractions I say, but please, update the theming which was barely relevant when it debuted.

All five lands picked are located within Universal Orlando Resort. It’s no coincidence that this is the case when discussing Universal’s worst themed lands. As the only Universal resort that’s home to two parks, it seems this location has the space to waste. Maybe we’ve been too harsh. Many of these lands would rank as some of the best if they were located almost anywhere else. So, please don’t take this the wrong way. There’s always room for improvement, and as fans we’ll always call for it. Especially when Universal keeps showing us how much better they can do. As I said earlier, I’ll talk about this next time, in a far easier article to write. Universal does more right than they do wrong, that’s for sure.

So, what do you think? Have we listed one of your favourite lands? Do you believe we’ve simply missed the point with certain areas? Let us know what you think Universal’s worst themed lands are. 

Please check out our Review of Universal Studios Japan

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