Universal Just Created An Instant Classic of a Dark Ride: Why The Secret Life of Pets Is Amazing

[@NocturneFexy]

I can't believe I'm saying this but the ride themed off Secret Life of Pets is better than a Spider-Man themed ride at a Disney park.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Yup. A lot of people were saying Disney was stupid to try to do a Spider-Man attraction when Universal had already set the bar so high, and it's so much worse than predicted.

[@NocturneFexy]

@@PoseidonEntertainment I think if Web Slingers was an AR ride like Mario Kart where you go around elaborately themed set-pieces and sling webs at the Spider-Bots (or better yet villains), then I would probably take it more seriously. But as it stands, it's just Ninjago with better graphics.

[@stevenschiro1838]

I love Disneyland (class disneyland), and not so much Universal. After going to both parks over the summer this year... I completely agree. The secret life of pets was more enjoyable than that Spiderman Ride (which is just a flashier 'Ninjago')

[@dfchang813]

When I first did this I came in completely unspoiled. The queue was so imaginative and done so well I actually thought it was a walk through attraction!! I had no idea there was a ride at the end of it! I thought the queue WAS the ride!! 😂😂

[@PrinceAllen30]

I love the part where the animatronic dog dives into the water and is replaced with the screen version...great example of screen technology working with physical ones to help do what would be less convincing with physical pieces.

[@yousaysilver]

i really hope that more of the general public takes notice of this ride and the effort put into it, it'd be nice for universal to see that this is the route to go for future rides when it comes to effects/attention to detail. plus, if this works out well with universal maybe disney will get a bit more competitive and finally go back to being a bit more creative with new rides in an attempt to compete

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Definitely agree, and I think that this is the route they will continue to take. I've seen a lot of criticism of the Mario Kart attraction in Japan, but it still uses a lot of practical effects and sets. Once it comes to the U.S. and people actually come to experience it as intended, I believe it will also stand as an example of how Universal's new attractions are a return to form.

[@3Davmawey]

@@PoseidonEntertainment As someone who had the chance to work on both the second Pets movie and this ride as well (we were ask to pose 3D characters that would later be turned into the animatronics you saw here), I still believe the Beauty and the Beast dark ride is far superior to this in almost every way, however I'm extremely proud of what Universal has accomplished with this one, and definitely had a blast working on it! Seeing our 3D work being turned into practical effects is priceless. :)

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@3Davmawey I agree with your point, but I don't consider anything in Japan to be the work of Disney. I feel that the Oriental Land Company does a far better job of committing to Disney values of quality and show than the actual Walt Disney Company itself.

[@jamvng]

@@PoseidonEntertainment doesn’t Disney Imagineers still play a large part in the design in Tokyo Disney? Just that they wouldn’t be hindered by budget constraints from Disney, since it’s the OLC that foots the bill.

[@wt7553]

@@PoseidonEntertainment the issue with Mario Kart is that it looks slow and does not really seem like a race. I think there was some hope that it would be an e-ticket level attraction that would allow racing and shooting elements. I think when it’s complete, the Donkey Kong Country coaster will be the groundbreaking e-ticket ride for Super Nintendo Land and Mario Kart will be a tier down but still a dependable experience.

[@philipchenmba]

I rode this attraction and i had a big smile at the end of this ride. It was cute and adorable and fun. And I think they used the right amount of screen, it was there to complement the physical set and never to replace or overwhelm them.

[@jmn327]

Haven't ridden this, but the vibe I'm getting is that it's an IP-based attraction that doesn't require knowledge of that IP to enjoy it, instead opting for the simple concept "Hey, what if pets could talk to each other and did crazy stuff when you weren't home?" This is a classic Disney approach: don't try to tell a narrative, but instead focus on an *experience* that can be told in three dimensions ("you're experiencing a haunted house", or "you're experiencing a pirate attack on an island port town"). Too many IP-based attractions today seem content with either acting like a "book report ride" that retells the movie's story or serves as a sing-a-long (e.g. Under the Sea, Frozen Ever After), or with having to tell a "but then SOMETHING GOES WRONG(tm)!" story where you need to know character names and the IP itself to feel very connected to what's happening. A move back towards "experience-based" rides would be very, very welcomed; it leaves more room for creativity, better serves the medium of theme park rides, and allows park-goers to have fun without having to feel like "I don't really know what's going on here."

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

That's all pretty spot on with how I perceive things as well. I don't think a narrative driven "something goes wrong" type of ride is necessarily a bad thing, but theme parks are becoming far too oversaturated with them. I'm of the belief that slower paced atmospheric experiences with a lot to observe just simply connects with audiences a lot more.

[@jmn327]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Yeah, there's really no restriction on what can make a good themed attraction, anything can technically work. Still, I do find that the reliance on narratives to make guests feel immersed often comes at the expense of fuller atmosphere and theming. Having people follow a "Where's Jack Sparrow?" story on the WDW/DL Pirates, to me, detracts from the overall "experience of piracy" and the more bare bones story of the original.

[@officialmonarchmusic]

@@jmn327 I'm young, and the first few times I rode Pirates, Jack was already there, but I hadn't seen the movies. So it actually works a lot better for me because to me he's always been part of the ride, but he was just some clever Pirate who ended up figuring out where all the treasure was when all the rest died. I do wish they didn't add the line "Jack Sparrow this, Jack Sparrow that" by every character, but it functions well enough

[@Bazil4444]

I think above all else, this proves that Universal is now on par with Disney in terms of dark rides. Disney has been slacking big time, and with Epic Universe coming the competition is going to heat up.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Yeah for sure. It's astounding to me that Disney continues to double down on the road it's been taking in creating lackluster experiences. Surely they're not so arrogant as to think that they can't be out done?

[@jamvng]

@@PoseidonEntertainment I think Disney has for sure taken shortcuts at times, but I don’t think the criticisms you’ve had for Rise for instance were from a lack of effort. It’s a huge budget endeavour with plenty of passion it seems and Trowbridge as the creative. You have suggested many valid improvements they could have done to make the ride better, but I still think it’s a great attraction as a whole package, and one of the better experiences you can have in a theme park. At the very least a very unique experience. I have hope that Cosmic Run, despite its thematic inconsistency in Epcot, can be a good attraction. It’s definitely high budget. TRON and Ratatouille are copies, but they’re copies of good rides to an American audience that hasn’t experienced them. There are some great creatives at Disney Imagineering still, and hopefully they aren’t snuffed out by the executives. Injecting IP in the parks is inevitable, and could either be Disney being lazy, or can hopefully still produce some quality attractions if they are given the creative freedom and budget to bloom. Hopefully we get at least some of the latter case, even if the former will continue to happen. Spider-Man at Avengers Campus is the lesser of the rides. Hopefully the later E ticket ride, whenever that comes out will be good.

[@jasonbaylor9865]

@@PoseidonEntertainment lackluster is not how I would describe rise of the resistance, Mickey and Minnie's runaway railway or millennium falcon smugglers run. Infact I would argue rise is by far the best theme park attraction in history

[@Squishymarshmellow80082]

Disney seems to be pandering to the rich. More and more things that used to be "free" (included) are no longer than way. Charge for those, they have also been removing services from hotels and parks. Also pair that with price increases and it becomes unavailable to alot of fans. Pretty sad. We just chose universal over Disney on a 3 day trip coming up, due to the difference in ticket prices alone.

[@dasoupsoup]

@@jasonbaylor9865 Sounds like someone has never riden Jaws

[@solcarlosofficial]

I wonder if we will ever get a dark ride Lorax ride. It could replace the cat in the hat. The songs are very iconic.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

As interesting as the attraction would be, it certainly shouldn't be at the expense of the Cat in the Hat. That in itself is a dark ride that reminds me quite a bit of Disneyland's classic Fantasyland dark rides and it wouldn't be an acceptable casualty. I'm sure that Universal could find the space for a new dark ride in Seuss if they really wanted to.

[@Willz828]

Id like that if it followed the original more than the cgi movie

[@toivoajarakkaus9788]

Maybe combine the two into a dr.Seuss ride, something like Disney Tokyo’s Winnie the Pooh’s dark ride, but where we hop from book to book. Idk the plot could be riders starting off in cat in the hat, the things have escaped and we must bring them back.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@toivoajarakkaus9788 That's an awesome idea. The thing I like about trackless ride tech is how you can also minimize the footprint of a building. That would be perfect actually.

[@AziaXtremeNFinity]

I would love to see an Illumination Land at any of the Universal parks with a REAL Despicable Me/Minions ride that's not a simulator And obviously also Secret Life of Pets, The Grinch, The Lorax and an animatronics show based on Sing like Country Bear Jamboree what do u think?

[@Belangerz]

This ride is surprisingly charming. I love all the pet animatronics and the ride vehicles.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I think that's something that a lot of new attractions miss. They don't need to be big and bombastic dark rides. It's the charm that often sells it.

[@theweirdone242]

Is it me or does it feel like universal and disney are doing a reverse on there ride practices? Meaning that universal is slowly moving away from a screen based rides to more practical effects, while on the other hand disney is moving away from practical effects to more screen based rides. Don't get me wrong I love disneys newer rides like 'rise of the resistance' but why do if feel like thats the only good new attraction out of the others. The others are either simulators or a copy of a simulator (ratatouille). With the new pets ride, It seems refreshing and almost nostalgic for me riding a classic dark ride that doest really too much on screen,or track less ride vehicles,or even breaking new technological achievements. It just has a simple and easy to follow story with incredible themeing. I just hope universal will continue to make more rides like these.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I've definitely picked up on what you're saying. I think that Universal has really listened to its guests and understands that it's driving them away with lackluster experiences. I know that Bourne is screen heavy, but I think it's acceptable because its using it in such a different way. The same applies with the Mario Kart attraction. I've seen a lot of criticism for it appearing to be Men in Black with augmented reality, but something like that can only really be experienced in person. In contrast, general reviews have been rather positive.

[@orlandotouristtraps7410]

Universal was forced to go virtual due to the small size of land at their parks while Disney with all the land anyone could need sees the massive cost savings of using screens. In fairness a good mix is okay but people pay big bucks to see the animatronics. Personally I don't like 4D rides. If you are going to have a screen just have a screen.

[@RabbitsInBlack]

@@orlandotouristtraps7410 What about the Empty Buildings Universal Orlando has?

[@AmusementVision]

lol I made the same statement you said in another video, but some random disney shill absolutely lost it for some reason.

[@alexgeorge501]

hopefully they can apply this to their actual movies one day

[@robinkomin]

You just know that this is going to be the most nostalgic ride for generations to come! Universal really knocked it out of the park with this one. This one feels more like a disney dark ride than any of the rides disney produced in recent years!

[@mr.winslow7018]

Secret life of pets was a great dark ride! Universal needs to do this more. The screen based rides feel outdated quick after a few years.

[@abrahamsalas6846]

I waited to watch this video till after I went on the ride, but the ride was an absolute dream. It was super cute and good hearted fun. Plus, they open the ride a solid 20 minutes before the official part opening so I got to just walk through and experience the queue.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I definitely want to ride it when I get the chance, though I'm very much hoping they'll bring it to Florida. It doesn't make sense not to do so.

[@raegangarlitz5313]

What a cute little ride. And so the theme park wars rage on.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I'd like to see a lot more of attractions like this. I love all the classic Fantasyland dark rides in Disneyland, and while it wouldn't make sense to build them today, I'm not sure that New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom really delivered. I don't think that Seven Dwarf's Mine Train was a good continuation of the Snow White brand, and I'd still much rather have Scary Adventures instead of a meet and greet.

[@raegangarlitz5313]

I thought 7 dwarves mine train was cool, but it should have been in addition to a great ride, not a replacement

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@raegangarlitz5313 I respect your opinion, but I do fundamentally disagree. 7DMT really only has two distinct scenes in the mine and the cottage, and is otherwise lacking in theming. Rockwork sure, but nothing much else to offer. I'd say that the most similar attraction to it is Big Thunder Mountain, and even then I can name a number of other significant scenes just off the top of my head. The bats and crystal caverns, the sunken town, the goats, the cave-in, the fossil hot springs, etc. I'm not sure that I understand the appeal of 7DMT or why it continues to consistently be the most popular attraction in Magic Kingdom.

[@busdriver1275]

@@PoseidonEntertainment maybe we'll be wowed once we start seeing videos of the updated Snow White attraction at Disneyland. For me, 7 Dwarfs Mine Train failed as both a coaster and as a dark ride. The only joy I got was the nostalgic blast of "Heigh Ho" as we ascended the second lift hill.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@busdriver1275 I'm annoyed that Disney felt the need to tone down the attraction, because I felt that the "scariness" of it was part of the charm. However, I'm cautiously optimistic for the refurb because Disney at least understands that its California audience appreciates Disneyland and its history for what it is. Twenty years later, people are still demanding the Peoplemover be rebuilt, so at least the community is vocal there.

[@LMGVids]

I absolutely agree with the points you made. Just came back from riding the Secret Life of Pets ride today and (on top of all the things you pointed out in the video) I was relatively surprised by how Universal keeps finding ways to improve their screens. Universal for me already makes Disney's screen tech look terrible, but in The Secret Life of Pets ride Universal actually found a way to make their 2d screens seem 3 dimensional. Instead of just planting a screen and spacing set pieces around it *cough* Shanghai Pirates *cough*, they use a combination of 3-dimensional projection mapping and practical sets. They basically layer practical sets with practical effects + animatronics and tie it all together with screens and 3-dimensional projection mapping (the boxes on fire). This builds a 3d illusion that makes the scene feel much more realistic and believable compared to just a single 2d screen. Disney tried to do it with runaway (looks eh at best), but they haven't come close to Universal and making things feel tangible. Anyways good vid, always interesting to see something from this channel.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

That's a really good point, but not one that I picked up through watching ride-throughs. I definitely picked up that their projections were good, but I assumed that they didn't stand out to me because they supplemented the ride experience instead of being the focus. That's one issue I have with Rise of the Resistance, in that the few stormtrooper scenes feel very flat and one-dimensional and you can clearly tell that they're some sort of screen/projection tech. I will say that I didn't think of Shanghai Pirates as having unconvincing show elements, but I haven't experienced it for myself. Where the screens border the water for example, those don't look good to me on video, but I assumed it was one of those things where you really need to experience it before making a judgement. However, I take your point now. That's one issue I have with Transformers. I've noticed that Spider-Man uses much larger screens that blend a lot better into the sets of the ride-track, whereas Transformers is very obvious in where its screens end. I've come to warm up to the attraction, but that's an element that still sticks out to me every time I ride it.

[@nathanthesmartie9631]

I mean, from a theme thats just kind of meh, to be spun into a beautiful and faithful dark ride is just amazing to see. I remember going on them when i was just a young lad, and it not only imitates, but breaks ground on how dark rides should be done, and all of your points a beautifully put.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I still haven't seen the film, but this attraction seems to be elevated far beyond it. I think it's a lesson that if you build a great attraction, people will respond positively to it, regardless of whether or not an IP is attached.

[@JOURNEYworldeats]

I love little touches to make a queue more interesting. One of my favourites is the seagulls at Crush's Coaster in DLP. Just... simple, but really effective.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I haven't been on it myself, but I take your point. It's the little touches that sometimes make something feel more substantial.

[@claudiamiller7730]

Solidarity of theme + obsessive compulsive devotion to detail + explosive imagination + sly humor + desire to create a memorable experience + $$$$ for proper execution = a great theme park ride. Looks like Universal has the edge over Disney!!

[@SuperAwesomeness64]

Say what you will about the movies, but I personally think that this is the most creative ride Universal Studios (especially Hollywood) has made in a long while. This is practically this generation's version of Waterworld where a mediocre film is turned into an amazing attraction. I'm not lying when I say that I cried tears of joy getting off the ride. Because not only was it the most immersive attraction in the park, not only was I happy with how it used so many practical and physical stuff, but it also filled the hole in my heart that ET left when it closed. This was the ride Universal so desperately needed ever since ET's closure, and it was totally worth the wait. I can see this becoming a huge hit at the park later down the line along with Jurassic World 2.0. This video pretty much encapsulates everything I love about the ride. Sure it has a few minor issues, but those can be forgiven for the execution of everything else. So thank you so much for creating this video. You've earned yourself a new subscriber!

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Theme park seem to have left these types of slow-moving and atmospheric rides by the way-side 20 years ago, but I'm glad to see them start to return. It was attractions like this that built Disney and Universal and hopefully the attraction receives enough positive feedback to encourage more like it.

[@SuperAwesomeness64]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Funny you mention that. I'm currently co-developing an independently created slow moving dark ride with a friend that may blow even Pets out of the water with its use of practical effects mixed with digital effects and immersive worlds, plus a deep story with relatable characters. We think that it'll increase the chances of seeing more creative rides like this in theme parks in the near future when it does open. The ride is set to open sometime between 2022 and 2023, and I'll be showing off more of it when the time comes.

[@velocicoastermarathon3483]

I loved this ride! I got adopted by a family with two moms 💜

[@nickcolman3599]

This is so refreshing and I love to see it. The movie I thought was very meh but it’s totally worthy it to have an amazing ride like this based on it. Definitely hope it comes to Orlando.

[@ZimtikiBar]

I love the direction they’re going with their rides after all the screen based BS we’ve gotten. What bums me out is that the dark ride is based on Secret Life of Pets. Illumination Studios, arguably the worst big-budget animation studio on the planet, are starting to take over the Universal Parks. I really hope they start using worthy IPs.

[@rckblzr]

Just because a movie is bad doesn't mean it wouldn't make a great ride. Look at Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. Secret Life of Pets is a perfect property for making a dark ride. I'm iffy on Trolls as well, but if Universal made a musical boat ride out of it, I think it would turn out great.

[@estebanavelar4118]

I’ve never seen the movie but I LOVED the ride! It’s fun, exciting and tells a beautiful story that makes sense!

[@dannielz6]

Regarding interactive elements, the one that immediately comes to mind is the rope in Indiana Jones that says "Don't pull".

[@busdriver1275]

I'm beginning to notice a trend with your videos: I 100% agree with them! My brother and his family went for the Taste of Universal last weekend and were pleasantly surprised that they were allowed to ride this attraction as it was being tested and previewed. Though it broke down both times they rode it, they all loved the attraction and thought that it was a lot of fun, especially my nephew and niece who are fans of the films. Admittedly, I've only watched the first film, and since I viewed it as an uninspired, blatant rip off of the first three Toy Story movies (there are KZbin videos dedicated to this!) I didn't watch the sequel and I was prepared to hate the attraction when I watched the first emerging videos of it. Like you, I was blown away. It's beautifully immersive and it does what Disney has always done best: it tells a story that brings the guest into the world being created in a cute, clever way. Once again, this attraction looked to me like Universal copying Disney, except I think the outcome is brilliant, creative and sorely missing from theme park attractions for the last decade, as you pointed out. In this case, Universal's copying ended up making a fantastic product and I hope that this new trend become the norm, because attractions like this are SO much fun as an experience! Also, let's take a moment to OOOOH and AAHHHH over the upgraded finale of the Lost World attraction. In a video I watched, you not only saw the Indominous Rex moving, but HEARD it! That's a level of detail that I think takes guests right back to Jurassic Park and that infamous ripple in the cup on the dashboard at the beginning of the T-Rex attack! Universal is killing it in a good way. Disney now has some catching up to do. "Boogie Down Kylo Ren" I LOVE that!! Also.... I'm mentioned in this video! Hehehe

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Do you mind elaborating more on how you see Universal and copying Disney attractions? I definitely understand from the film perspective, but I feel that attractions like Men in Black and The Cat in the Hat are examples that Universal has been doing this for a long time. It's my understanding that a lot of Disney imagineers also had a lot of input and worked on the classic scenes from the Studio Tour that became full attractions at Universal Studios Florida. I definitely see crossover, but also a lot of subtle differences in attraction design between the two companies as well. I agree with you about the Indominous as well. I don't believe that the Jurassic Park version in Hollywood had any effect like this, though if I recall correctly, River Adventure at IoA does before the T-Rex appears. It's also astounding to me that they essentially had the Indominous walk into the scene. In the video I posted, Blue does as well, but all the newer videos cut away for the Indominous. The last time that we've seen (at least that I can recall) an animatronic walk is Thomas Jefferson in The American Adventure, so it definitely sets a new standard for animated figures. I strongly suspect that the Indominous is attached to a KUKA arm, allowing such a large figure so much mobility and movement.

[@busdriver1275]

@@PoseidonEntertainment what I meant about Universal copying Disney attractions is that this one very much hearkens back to what made Disney the leader in theme park entertainment in the past. Perhaps copy isn't the right word, but rather emulating? Essentially, Universal is making a return to the elaborate dark ride with this attraction after churning out more screen based attractions. With this return, Universal is "copying" what made me love Disney and kind of winning me over to the future of Universal, more than the future of Disney, which at the moment, looks kind of depressing... I suppose that isn't really fair because as you pointed out, Universal has been doing this for years now, but my point is that Disney did it first. For years, Universal was the one playing catch-up, but now, with Disney's creative bankruptcy, I think Universal might be taking the lead, and certainly will when Velicicoaster opens, if Hagrid's Motorbike didn't already make that happen I guess a more fair assessment is that now Disney is copying, as you pointed out in your last video where the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy coaster looks eerily similar in design to Escape from Gringotts.

[@busdriver1275]

@@PoseidonEntertainment as to the Indominous Rex, the true test of time will be whether or not it ends up Disco Indominous lol. I suspect it won't.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@busdriver1275 Ah okay, I definitely see your point. I feel that Universal attractions have always been fundamentally different in aiming to turn dark rides into thrill experiences full of commotion and pyrotechnics. Whether that be delivered with the original Kong in Kongfrontation, or the various large dinosaur figures in Jurassic Park, but you're right in saying that they've always had to play catch up. I thought that a lot of the attractions that defined early Universal Studios Florida were incredible, but apparently weren't bringing people back in the same way Disney was and even Islands of Adventure continued to decline until the addition of the Wizarding World. I think Disney still stands at the top of the industry, because I believe that just the Magic Kingdom alone sees comparable attendance to both USF and IoA combined, but we've definitely started to see the direction of wind begin to change. I don't think Hagrid's is a Disney-killer, but I remember being quite surprised when I first rode it because it felt very much like a return to form. If it and all of these new attractions continue to deliver, I think we both definitely see how this will begin to play out.

[@busdriver1275]

@@PoseidonEntertainment I've been to Walt Disney World three times yet haven't been to Universal Orlando yet and I think that needs to change. Just as soon as I can afford it. I wish I'd been able to ride Jaws. The videos for that look like so much fun. Also Kongfontation. One day, perhaps, I'll set foot in Universal Orlando. Hagrid's Motorbike and Velicicoaster are calling to me for sure!

[@bryancurdi451]

4:18 I cannot tell becaise I've only seen videos but I think there is also an animatronic in the beginning of the queue, where the elevator is out if order, above it, you can see the hamster. At 8:40 and 10:29 the boxes holding the fireworks look like they shake.

[@stabster9366]

Ngl I don't exactly see what's so amazing about the new Secret Life of Pets ride. Sure, its really well themed and has a lot of impressive effects and animatronics, but it just doesn't click with me, mostly because I find the franchise its based off of to be pretty bland and uncreative. It is amazing that Universal is putting more effort like this into their attractions, so I will say I'm glad Universal appears to be stepping up their game again.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I don't really take a franchise into account when I experience an attraction. For example, I don't really care at all about the Jurassic World films, but the two new attractions look to have a lot of thought and creativity put into them. Part of what I really like about the Secret Life of Pets is definitely that aspect of atmosphere and physicality of set dressing and animatronics. Perhaps that's just a personal preference, but they put a lot of money and effort into areas whereas previously they would have used screens and projections, with maybe the odd animatronic or two. It's what makes attractions like Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway feel empty to me. It often feels like a warehouse with projection effects and so therefore lacks a sense of atmosphere. I understand that it has a decent number of animatronics, but they're not great looking with the odd projected faces. The only one that I think looks good is Daisy. Obviously this is a matter of preference, so if you don't really see my point, I can't relate but I do respect a difference in opinion.

[@brandonyates9504]

Disney needs to step it up. Hopefully GotG at Epcot and Ratatouille will be the start of a new change. How boogie kylo ren got cleared, especially with rise being the most ambitious E ticket they’ve ever created is beyond me. I do not like the lap restrains though, although I’d have to see them in person. They are unnecessarily restrictive especially for bigger and taller people or small children. In parks where there is not very much for small children to do, opening a dark ride anyone could ride but has restrictive seats is frustrating.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Yeah, I get that. I initially thought that the restraint just had to come down, but apparently has to meet a threshold. Obviously that makes sense for larger coasters, but here it's a strange decision. I'm sure there's a reason behind it, but I don't think its defendable. Had it just been a new type of lap restraint that came down until you were secured, it would have been acceptable, but I've come to realize what a bizarre decision it is.

[@dominickolas]

Looks great! Universal, please bring it to Florida!

[@jgower310]

Another great video. Keen to understand your thoughts on FOP at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I'm definitely interested in exploring that. It's likely to be the next video topic.

[@MeederC]

I just went on this ride a week ago and I was very excited to go on and after seeing your video title and I will say it was a wonderful experience and I'm glad you got me excited for it By the way great video

[@Defender_messenger]

I think disney should make a “pets” ride where Rodger rabbit is. Keep the same ride system and call it Pluto’s pound escape or something along those lines. And it’s you following Pluto trying to escape the dog catcher and you enter different areas with different Disney “pets” 101 Dalmatians, lady and the tramp, the aristocats. I think pets never get old and you could sell a lot of merchandise

[@velocicoastermarathon3483]

Ooo I love this idea!

[@mikeiseastman]

Roger Rabbit is Disney's best classic darkride. Why replace it?

[@Defender_messenger]

@@mikeiseastman just to change things up, it is a great ride but I don’t think things should stay the same forever. It no longer has relevance sadly.

[@mikeiseastman]

Don't see how it's no longer relevant. The ride works on it's own. Splash worked without anyone having knowledge of the film inspiration. They should replace Peter Pan and Pooh before Roger Rabbit. Cartoon Spin is a fantastic darkride. The best in the park. Replace the mediocre ones first. We already saw how they turned Snow White from a great darkride into something sloppy and poorly executed. Why wish that upon Roger?

[@annikaruelo1383]

I literally would ride this ride just for the que because it’s so cool

[@hillelhalevi]

It looks like a Disney ride. The old Disney. Did Universal hire imagineers from Disney. The ride looks great!

[@FakeDavyCrockett]

A lot of the gags in the line are taken directly from the movie, but that really doesn’t retract from the rest of the great experience.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I still haven't seen the film, but I agree that it doesn't detract from the overall experience. As someone who only has the ride for context, everything seems to work pretty well.

[@Pop_Candyz]

Really hope to have this ride in Florida!♥️

[@indian_coaster_enthusiast]

It's crazy how far more work was put into this ride than the movie itself

[@peelingonions]

wild that they made a ride better than the movie its based on

[@republiccommando1463]

I’m glad that universal has a new dark ride that is mainly physical, but I don’t really see the stand out features here that elevate it. Maybe it’s the IP or the setting that I’m not a fan of but it doesn’t look that great. I’ll have to ride it for myself to judge but it definitely seems on par with the DCA dark rides.

[@user-vl7xw8tb8z]

At first, I thought it was going to be sort of low quality because the source material isn’t great, but I was charmed by the ride after watching the video. They made a great one

[@maxrebo2466]

Universal studios Hollywood although very small seems to be making the most of the land given to it. The fact that their adding Super Nintendo world to the park will really add to the park. The fact that we’re getting a incredibly themed land with a great ride seems to be very good. Jurassic World: the ride really angered at me at first, since they were taking one of the best rides out of the park and replacing it with a lesser version but with the changes over the past two years that it’s been open really grown on me. The theming is honestly incredible.

[@HMFan2010]

The last time I visited Universal, the new King Kong ride had been open for about 6 months. The ride exterior was impressive, and the queue very engaging. The ride itself was a bit of a let down as it was a tram stopping in various projection tunnels. Obviously, they spent most of their money on the Kong head animatronic, but an impressive head covered in latex and fur does not a complete dark ride make. I understand that it’s much easier-and to some extent cheaper-to do virtual props and set dressing but like you said towards the end of this video: if the ride stops mid-transit, you’re left looking at a whole bunch of blank fabric screens and the magic is completely sucked out of the experience. When you stop on the Haunted Mansion, the atmosphere doesn’t go away. As costly and time-intensive as props and sets are (not only fabricating them but maintaining them), they still do wonders to immerse the viewer into the world that is trying to be created. I suspect that the over-use of virtual stuff is a reflection from the film industry itself where it’s cheaper to build a virtual set than it is to build an actual set. But as most actors will tell you: they prefer to interact with real sets, props, and environments because they feel their interaction with the real world results in a more authentic performance. There’s a difference between reacting to a green ball on the end of a stick and an actual dripping, oozing xenomorph head with long, pointy teeth.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

In other videos, I do reflect on how Universal is very much moving away from screen-based attractions, or at least using them in more innovative and interesting ways. I agree that Kong is an underwhelming experience, but I suspect that Universal is done producing attractions like that.

[@HMFan2010]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Let’s hope so. Mind you, I’m not AGAINST screens, but like so many things in life, all things in moderation. And as in the theatre: if your audience is paying more attention to the technical aspect of a show than the story, then you need to ease back on the technology and beef up the story. Technology is there to SUPPORT the story, not BE the story.

[@francinefalter9332]

I agree 100% with your view and thoughts on these rides. I really hope the secret life of pets makes it way to Florida in that play area they just closed.

[@yusmiffins]

omg, this looks amazing. I also appreciate dark rides with actual animations and set pieces and was disappointed with runaway railway. Refreshing is 100% the word! i would love to ride this

[@soltandvinegar]

I can't believe that one of the most forgettable movies of all time has an unironically amazing ride. We are living in the weirdest timeline.

[@rckblzr]

That's not unheard of. There have been plenty of mediocre movies that made great rides/shows. Waterworld, Cars, Dinosaur, Transformers.

[@soltandvinegar]

@@rckblzr good point! Hadn't thought of them

[@vphil09]

Nice video Poseidon. Could you please give the history of the American adventure a try?

[@SirKevinMartin]

Super love The Secret Life of Pets ride. Your eyes wander and there's so musch to see! 🥰

[@countphil1]

I never heard about this ride , it seems very good .

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It's only been open for about a week.

[@robertporter6641]

It should replace Fallon. SLoP takes place in NY, Fallon is in the NY area of the park. A good ride can replace a terrible one. It’s a win/win!

[@abdulrayah]

My daughter likes Secret Life of Pets. It's a shame that it's not coming to USF. I remember when I first watched the POV of the newest Jurrasic Park ride and had to do a double take to make sure I was seeing correctly. Amazing that it chases after you.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I think the issue with SLOP is how low capacity it is. For being an omnimover, the vehicles are so spaced out and it always seems to struggle to keep the line moving. I would like to see it come to USF, but I understand why there would be capacity concerns until the park is built out a bit better.

[@DarMar106]

It’s cute, idk I’d call it an instant classic. But it is a welcome edition to the park

[@MultiMediaAssassin]

with the success of this ride do you think this will ever inspire Disney to do a Lady and the Tramp ride in the future?

[@DiegoMatos-u6u]

I really love the Secret Life of Pets Ride in Hollywood, and it should’ve been to Universal Studios Orlando instead of the Minion Garbage Blast! It’s basically the Disney Equivalent to Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek from Tokyo Disneyland which is another amazing ride!

[@AziaXtremeNFinity]

if it wasn't for this ride I never woulda had any interest in going back to Universal because of the over-reliance of simulator rides as you mentioned I'm glad that they made this ride and I hope Universal will make more animatronics based rides for their parks

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I'm just hoping that it replaces Shrek 4-D in Orlando.

[@AziaXtremeNFinity]

@@PoseidonEntertainment isn't there rumors that the Mummy ride at Universal Studios Orlando is closing down as well along with Shrek 4-D and another simulator ride?

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@AziaXtremeNFinity Mummy is closing for a lengthy refurbishment and is reopening sometime next year.

[@mrl2126]

cried at the adoption part, so sweet!

[@DisneyDancer1990]

Seeing as I highly doubt Universal spent a lot of money on the Fallon ride (apart from maybe the queue and store) can we please replace it with Secret Life of Pets instead? I wonder how long a ride has to stick around and be terrible for a park to get rid of it.

[@thefergyfilms]

Well I agree the ride itself is impressive, I think you were underestimating the popularity of the Secret Life of Pets IP. I would borderline guarantee that this ride is replaced within 20 years simply because people will have long forgotten those pretty trash films. Universal can use all the cool technology they want but if they always pick lame and instantly outdated IPs Just to try to have some corporate synergy, You can end up with a ride ultimately weighed down by the property it's tied to.

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I think you’re right and that’s an issue I’ve had with Universal parks. They seem to lack a sense of legacy and many classic attractions have been replaced because they weren’t seen as “relevant” despite being fantastic experiences in and of themselves.

[@rmannayr2129]

UNIVERSAL HAS BEEN KILLIN IT LATELY! WHILE DISNEY NEEDS TO STEP UP!

[@itskermitborne9904]

When i got on it my first time the ride stalled and we were stuck for several minutes the small foot space started making me cramp up really bad

[@i.wannabe.m.e]

I don’t know, this ride doesn’t feel TOO special. But, it’s definitely better than what Disney is planning for their future rides!

[@kingx101]

You mention Men in Black as Universal's last scene-heavy dark ride, but surely Forbidden Journey qualifies? It is fused with simulator elements, but there are great physical scenes and effects. No disrespect, just want to hear your take on it.

[@paulthomas3247]

I looked forward to riding Forbidden Journey for years, and actually thought the sets and props looked like something bought from Party City. The spiders and dementors especially looked cheap. Great ride vehicles, but aside from the dragon it was pretty meh.

[@TravelWithCesarin]

Anyone remembers when the Yeti was the most amazing animatronic? how times change based on cheapening XD

[@charvelgaming2975]

We rode Pets over the weekend. What an awesome dark ride better than anything Disney has come up With in recent history. The ride truly makes you feel like you are in the story not just watching something on a 3D screen. Disney needs to get their act together. It’s unacceptable to make cheesy rides full of screens and charge prices that are higher than before.

[@sunfvalley]

i watched the secret life of pets and it was not memorable at all, i don't even remember the plot but wow how the hell they manage to turn that movie into this

[@RAINPlaysGamesOfficial]

As much as I don’t want the Men In Black ride to close in Florida, this ride can like have a perfect fit in replacing it

[@suttongriffin8154]

We can’t ignore the insanely complex Jurassic world dark ride in Japan, atleast I think it’s in Japan, I can’t really remember off the top of my head but it’s crazy.

[@dravenpop]

Sadly I feel like Rise will be the last great Disney ride until there’s a switch in leadership

[@LoyaFrostwind]

I found the Secret Life of Pets was really cute and thought out well. It's a fun attraction.

[@catmomjill]

Sounds Adorbs!!

[@bepisthescienceman4202]

If only illumination put this amount of effort in their movies

[@rmannayr2129]

THIS IS A FUN CUTE RIDE!

[@no_lft_shft]

How about some shade at universal. That would be great

[@AllieB1996]

I appreciate rides that focus more on practical effects vs screens because simulators really make me motion sick 🤢 Rise of Resistance worked because of the mix of both, but the new ratatouille had me nauseous in a lot of places. I hope universal brings this ride to orlando!!!

[@snarkus63]

This does look pretty impressive...and I've never seen the movie either, nor do I plan to.

[@cocacolagarlic9015]

All i'll say is that the new guardians ride in epcot better be exquisite to top what universal has been doing. Even ignoring the fact that guardians doesn't even remotely fit the theming of epcot but whatever lol

[@annw7843]

I like the detail you provide. Just as a note: Secret life of pets (the first movie) was designed to be a family friendly movie, not a kids movie. It’s a buddy comedy that happens to have two animated dogs as leads. A lot of the marketing was targeted to adults who own pets, and a large percentage of the box office went to adult attendance without any children. The critical reception of the film was all over the place, largely due to many American critics not knowing how to critique an animated movie made to appeal to adults in a family friendly format. Then with the second movie illumination made the decision to shift the franchise in a more childish direction and tone. That movie was marketed much more to children. The sequel had a much higher attendance of families and much lower attendance of adults without children.

[@ajzeg01]

Both Disney and Universal have a Patton Oswalt ride now.

[@sharky255]

I went to Disney many times and recently just went to Universal Orlando, while there was a lot of screen rides the other rides really stood out and I enjoyed them a lot more Disney hasn’t really changed much and the rides feel like they’ve gone stale maybe it’s just because I’ve ridden those rides so many times and I needed something new. But seeing universal investing in more dark rides and things like hagrids makes me want to return to universal and skip out on Disney, coming from a Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney enjoyer

[@MiguelDurazo]

This was liked so much by my son he rode it twice

[@LoLo25A]

How u only have 11k subs I don't know. U definitely need to be over 100k easy

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It's getting there. I appreciate the support though!

[@Stweaner]

I wish Disney would update Dinosaur to put it on par with Jurassic World The Ride. Dinosaur was always one of my favorites, but once they darkened the entire ride and added the projections, it just wasn't the same

[@MrStGeorgeIllawarra]

Disney? Spend a lot of money in a US park? Never!

[@Mana-dq7pn]

dont forget the dog image you get is based on AI process do decide what you would look like as a dog And the family that adopts is purely random, which is very fun

[@isthatajojoreference]

Unfortunately I kind of just hate life of pets ride. I honestly find the queue more entertaining than the ride itself.

[@monovision566]

A great ride for kids based on a terrible movie that's already mostly forgotten. I'll take the Slinky Dog, personally. Great films and a fun ride.

[@randolphwilliams2365]

Totally agree

[@44bthknuckles]

do a video on geaga lake and who destryoyed this park six flags or cedar fair?

[@michelelyons9410]

I have to agree that this ride is creative and very imaginative, far more so than any I have seen in decades. It is just a shame that all that creativity was wasted on such a poor movie. It is not likely to bring in any hordes of people.

[@brycefourn2001]

I hope that Universal Studios Florida puts this in as a replacement for Shrek 4-D after that ride closes in two months on January 10th, 2022. :)

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

I agree. I don't think they will because it would be difficult to find the space for it even if the building was torn down, but otherwise it does seem to be the perfect spot.

[@brycefourn2001]

@@PoseidonEntertainment True, but...who knows? Maybe they can still manage to fit the attraction into that building area.

[@prakesh2904]

While the movie kinda sucks, this ride looks really good

[@malachitelive]

No matter what you say lol You're biased with the numerous comparisons that aren't truly needed but added for screen time or a dig at an opposing amusement park

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

Or, you know, the comparisons work to illustrate the overall point. Did you feel clever typing this out?

[@malachitelive]

@@PoseidonEntertainment statistically look at your channel and just read the titles then if you ACTUALLY watch them, it says it all lol I don't have to care about disney to know you're biased so if anything maybe say you like one part more than the other without blatantly lying about it with actual evidence

[@spencerthompson6419]

If this is the height of themed park entertainment just give me a six flags pass and let me ride whatever they're calling Goliath.

[@geoschilling]

I agree with a lot of what you are saying but here is what I take issue with. I believe universals biggest problem is having more rides that a 3 year old toddler AND a 90 year old man can ride together, and this rides restraint system makes the height limit so much higher therefore making it harder for young kids to ride, poor choice.

[@CMWaters910]

Boogie down Kylo Ren🤣🤣🤣

[@raphaelmarquez9650]

I just wish Universal had more rides and attractions based on their own IPs instead of relying so much on third-party IPs like Transformers, Harry Potter, and Nintendo. I would like to see them try to make a Fifty Shades attraction, lol.

[@republiccommando1463]

I’m glad that their new park is including a classic monsters area cause that would be amazing. When it comes to the other stuff, I feel like Harry Potter is overly saturated and Nintendo was a decent land. That classic monsters and how to train your dragon areas of the new park would be pretty sick tho.

[@raphaelmarquez9650]

@@republiccommando1463 Now if only Hollywood got a classic monsters haunt maze to replace the Walking Dead attraction.

[@republiccommando1463]

@@raphaelmarquez9650 that’ll be sick. Wasn’t there a classic monster walkthrough at some point, I don’t exactly remember what it was but I remember it being some type of walkthrough

[@raphaelmarquez9650]

@@republiccommando1463 There was, Universal's House of Horrors, and it was pretty sweet.

[@republiccommando1463]

@@raphaelmarquez9650 cool

[@TheFrostFilesPodcast]

this is good for everyone disney has gotten lazy and now they have to step it up again although currently disney is still in the lead while this looks amazing it dosen't hold up with a dark ride like rise

[@matthewanderson1916]

thanks for the spoiler warning :( wanted to watch thi one but i'll wait

[@barrythompson6936]

Universal rubbing it in. Genie not helping.

[@zeddieperryiv799]

Ok this looks like a cool ride, but back to Disney. What type of ride is that Spiderman ride gonna be like? And more importantly what's that Avengers ride gonna be like because you can't really bs an Avengers ride and make some cheap crap. Like I remember JK Rowling wanting to work with Disney first, but Disney's plans weren't ambitious at all. I'm scared for that Marvel land because that's literally the biggest franchise in the world and I don't want it to be half assed

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

It seems like it will be. Disney's Marvel attractions seem to have ranged from "meh" to being poor. I will say that Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout is pretty decent, but there's definitely an element of creativity there that these other attractions and lands are missing. The concept art for the new Spider-Man attraction reminds me quite a bit of the Potter idea you're referencing. A half-baked, "eh, it'll be fine" kind of idea that Universal would otherwise really run with. When that attraction opens, it will inevitably be compared to Spider-Man at IoA and the competition is justifiably rough.

[@zeddieperryiv799]

@@PoseidonEntertainment Yeah besides the Spiderman animatronic I say that ride looks pretty lame. But, we'll have to wait and see because the one at Universal was literally a trailblazer

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@zeddieperryiv799 I'll wait to see how the attraction turns out, but I'm not optimistic.

[@zeddieperryiv799]

@@PoseidonEntertainment What u think the Avengers ride gonna be like?

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@zeddieperryiv799 I really have no idea. I have no idea what the ride system even is, though I've heard rumors that it's going to be a Flying Theater system like Flight of Passage. We'll wait and see, and perhaps it'll be more innovative than anticipated, but the vague details on it don't seem reassuring to me.

[@LoyaFrostwind]

Isn't Jurassic World just Splash Mountain with a different theme?

[@stephenfreitas7159]

Sorry, Disney still wins. Nothing beats Rise of the Resistance or Pandora.

[@1ronEntertainment]

Ummm Hagrids does