Transformers Opening

[Skillz5]

Planning ahead for the future date when Transformers begins "soft opening" or "opening day", what do you think Universal is going to do for the heavy crowds wanting to be in the Lower Lot (aka. Studio Center)?

I feel that with the heavy crowds wanting to remain downstairs with all the main "rides" of the park, Universal will have to pulse the crowd down the Starway Escalator. What I mean by this is there may be a need to hand out ticket stubs at the turnstiles which allow you access to the Starway at a certain time of the day to help crowd control and flow. I can imagine if this is not done, the operation of the theme park is going to fail with overcrowding and lots of congestion in the Simpsons area. Once again, the Studio Center will have to open at the same time as the main gate and it will be tough to pull crowds away from the Starway Escalator to visit other attractions.

What are the community thoughts about this? Do you feel that Transformers will not have a big opening like Jurassic Park or Harry Potter? I do believe that the extended queue for Transformers will be inside Soundstage 28 again!

[RHoop]

(01-03-2012 03:51 PM)Skillz5 Wrote:  I feel that with the heavy crowds wanting to remain downstairs with all the main "rides" of the park, Universal will have to pulse the crowd down the Starway Escalator. What I mean by this is there may be a need to hand out ticket stubs at the turnstiles which allow you access to the Starway at a certain time of the day to help crowd control and flow. I can imagine if this is not done, the operation of the theme park is going to fail with overcrowding and lots of congestion in the Simpsons area. Once again, the Studio Center will have to open at the same time as the main gate and it will be tough to pull crowds away from the Starway Escalator to visit other attractions.

If my sources are correct, they are going to do exactly what you said they should do. There will be a ticket stub for each time you will be able to go down to the lower lot. They're also going to use the area next to and behind the Mummy for overflow (Like what they used for Saw and Hostel during HHN). I'm sure they will also use the drop-off area for the handicapped for more overflow. They'll probably relocate the drop off for the handicap vehicle where it was for HHN.

(01-03-2012 03:51 PM)Skillz5 Wrote:  What are the community thoughts about this? Do you feel that Transformers will not have a big opening like Jurassic Park or Harry Potter? I do believe that the extended queue for Transformers will be inside Soundstage 28 again!

That would be awesome if they used Stage 28 for opening day. That would be enough incentive for me to wait in line for several hours! :-D

[Skillz5]

In 1996, they used Soundstage 28 for the overflow queue for Jurassic Park's 4 hour wait.

[Miss Betty Juice]

I don't think I like the idea of the turnstile ticket distribution thing - or timing an entrance to the lower lot at all. I feel like, if I'm understanding it correctly, that cuts into my ability to go to and from whenever I want and I'm not sure how to deal with that in terms of planning my day out...

How exactly would that work, like the Fastpasses at Disneyland but for lower lot access instead of rides?

[Skillz5]

Yup. I don't agree with those options either, but USH may not have a choice. I think the crowds would be so bad, the fire department would have to step in and control the flow of people.

[Skillz5]

I am looking forward to hear when soft opening is up and running. I am expecting March or April. Anyone have any insight?

[Miss Betty Juice]

What I've heard so far leans towards late March. Just hoping I can get there for the first day of pass holder previews.

[BehindTheTheme]

So i hear that test of the track have begun since last week(ride is still not fully operational). not to much more insight as its getting to the hush hush state security.