The Orlando area theme park guests have noticed the reduction in general entertainment at the theme parks. The lack of “streetmosphere”, if I can use that term, compared to several years ago looks obvious in some theme parks. In addition, Universal Studios Florida suffers from a reduced number of traditional attractions open currently. With Shrek 4-D being converted to a rumored “Minions” attraction and Revenge of the Mummy still undergoing a refurbishment, guests find less to do. This issue magnifies since the Mardi Gras festivities ended April 24th.
With Mardi Gras food tents no longer selling food and no Mardi Gras parades and entertainment to consume guest’s attention, a potential issue of longer ride queues could occur. For example, one of the contributing factors to guests feeling everything more crowded at Walt Disney World is what you might call a lack of diversions.
Universal Studios Florida recently added two comedy style team member driven random entertainment ensembles. These comedy groups will never headline a theme park but could provide a solid entertainment diversion from a long day of waiting in queue. I recently witnessed these team member style entertainment diversions in action at Universal Studios Florida. Not surprisingly, they tend to base themselves near or between Shrek 4-D and Revenge of the Mummy.
One comedy group is called City Force. Not to ruin their pattern, but proper disposal of trash in Music Plaza Area matters to them. Expect loud noises and way too much effort to throw away a piece of trash. So far, kids and tweens have enjoyed this comedy diversion. Also, they will often look like construction workers with orange cones and “hard hats.
The other comedy duo is called “Second City.” They feature a cameraperson and a director who interact with guests. The starting idea revolves around filming (spoiler: they are not really filming) promos about Universal Orlando. I saw them as they were interacting with queue for the current “Minions” attraction as well as guests passing by. Once again, kids and tweens seem most entertained.
Both comedy groups will never be headliners at Universal Orlando. However, if diversions like this can ease the potential crowding in attraction queues, we all win. If Universal Orlando effort works, we should expect to see more. Maybe, these two additions will expand to more entertainment options for a theme park day at Universal Studios Florida.
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