Note: This rumor is unverified, and none of the following information has been confirmed by Universal at this time. This post will be updated if we receive further details.
There is a new rumor that Universal has been thinking about making a big change to one of the Harry Potter rides at Universal Orlando. According to anonymous sources, the company has been testing a 2D version of Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Florida.
Located within the Diagon Alley section of the park, the Escape From Gringotts attraction features roller coaster type ride vehicles that run along a track, combined with 3D screen moments and some motion simulator effects.
The rumor for removing 3D from this attraction feels like it could be true, as it would continue a trend within this particular park. This would not the first time this park has removed 3D from an attraction.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem went from 3D to 2D back in 2019. Just one year prior, Fast & Furious: Supercharged was originally planned to open with 3D, same as its Universal Studios Hollywood counterpart. The queue for that ride was apparently even built with glasses distribution windows, but 3D was supposedly removed last minute before the ride opened.
Now, it sounds like the company has been testing Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts in 2D after hours, possibly to see if the conversion can be done or not.
Removing the 3D feature would save money, not only on replacing lost or damaged 3D glasses, which can wear out over time and be extremely costly, but, it also decreases the number of projectors by half, saving on upkeep costs like new projector bulbs. It also would save on staffing, no longer requiring Team Members to collect and clean 3D glasses, or “Cart Goggles” as they’re called on the ride.
Furthermore, it feels like the company believes that there may be 3D fatigue with their guests, which could explain why Shrek 4-D closed after Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon opened. (Although, one could argue that Universal Studios Florida relies too heavily on screen-based rides, and not necessarily 3D rides.)
Magic effects appear to fly towards the riders on Escape from Gringotts, Universal Orlando Resort
Unfortunately, attractions that were created with 3D projection in mind from the start will never play as realistically in 2D as those intended to be displayed in 2D. The magic wand effects for Escape from Gringotts were clearly developed for being shown in 3D. You will even see riders put their hands up over their faces to protect themselves from this realistic magic illusion.
The scale of objects and characters within a large-format projection can also feel off when 3D is removed from a film developed for 3D productions. I have spoken in the past about why guests feel Vin Diesel is 20-feet tall on Supercharged, which is a side effect of removing the 3D element from that attraction. Similarly, the banana on a string used to tempt you on Minion Mayhem no longer appears right in front of you, but instead now 30-feet tall.
Realistically distanced characters appear further away with 3D projection, Universal Orlando Resort
If this change occurs for Gringotts, that would leave only Transformers: The Ride 3D and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon as the remaining 3D rides in Universal Studios Florida, (despite 3 other attractions in the same park having been originally developed for 3D projection).
Islands of Adventure has The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Skull Island: Reign of Kong, which are projected using 3D technologies. So, it seems like the company may prefer to only have two rides that require 3D glasses per park at a time, I suppose?
It certainly seems like the company may be moving away from 3D, with attractions like The Bourne Stuntacular and the upcoming Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast opting for other methods of screen elements that do not require 3D glasses.
Universal’s upcoming theme park, Epic Universe, is not rumored to have any 3D-based attractions. According to rumors and early information, the closest thing to having 3D glasses at the new park would probably be the Mario Kart attraction. Instead of 3D glasses that combine two screen-projected images into one image with depth, Mario Kart will utilize an Augmented Reality visor that is worn to add digital characters and objects on top of actual reality.
What do you think? Will the quality of the Escape from Gringotts attraction suffer without the use of 3D, or would you be happy to no longer have to wear “Cart Goggles” on a roller coaster-type attraction?
This is a developing story, and again, I must stress that Universal has not confirmed any of the above details. This is merely a rumor circulating at this time, and does not mean that the company will in fact remove 3D from the ride. This post will be updated with further information as we get it.
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24 Comments
Kyle
This is a bad idea. Like you said, the problem isn’t too much 3D, it’s too many screen rides. And if you’re going to have screen rides at least go all out and make them 3D instead of making them even less immersive by being 2D
William
The Gringotts Ride would suffer enormously relegated to 2D. I think they need to have more 3D rides, not less. By all means have more non-screen rides, too – but I don’t think they should sacrifice the 3D rides in the process. Harry Potter is magical – let’s keep it that way.
Adam M
I wear glasses with a strap on rides. It is really hard for me to keep the 3D glasses on on Gringotts. I have had them fly off my face more than once. Trying to hold them on during the whole ride is not fun. I have the same problem on the spinning sections of Spiderman and Transformers, but Gringotts is the worst. I would not miss the 3D on that ride.
Bobby
I’m in exactly the same situation as you…and therefore would not miss the 3D glasses either.
Jeff Tankersley
Just a suggestion…put the strap on the 3d glasses so they hold the glasses right against your normal ones. Both secured easily
Bob Morrow
I’m one of the minority who don’t have normal depth perception, and most 3-D effects are lost on me anyways.
Gia
This would be beyond terrible. I hope Universal don’t carry through with this just to save a few bucks.
Pottermama
It’s great as 3D how else will the snake freak you out or getting zapped by Bellatrix??? we love the ride the way it is!!
Brad
Bad Idea!!! That’s a part of the ride experience!
Gordo
No. This is not a rumor. They are considering this for all the attractions at Universal Florida. I cant speak for the other parks. I was just told this the other day at work.
Jake
Lol. I guess that’s one way to make a screen based ride even worse. How could they not know the “Fatigue” is of screens, and not the 3D aspect? The 3D is literally the only thing that makes most of these rides passable.
Jason
I am a ride tech at Gringotts and can tell you that we have not been testing 2D after hours and are not considering getting rid of 3D.
Kyle
Glad to hear that
Joseph Elias DiGaetano
thanks for inside info
Adam
Not one person here talking about persons getting sick on 3D motion based rides. First Harry potter ride had 3D for awhile in Japan and Hollywood. And both removed it when guests were literally getting sick on the ride. As I did. Perhaps guest illness in coaster type 3D rides is a thing?
Admin
Surprisingly, Gringotts does not have the motion sickness issues as much as other 3D attractions. It probably helps that most of the time the car is stopped in front of the screen for the 3D scenes, and not constantly moving.
Donald Smith Devengencie
This is a terrible, terrible idea!! Comcast is making money hand over fist with the theme parks!! There’s no need to cut expenses!! The minions ride experience has been vastly diminished by downgrading to 2D – The Gringott’s ride will suffer more!! I don’t understand the commentary concerning Universal having too many screen rides – The original concept of the parks was and still is “Come ride the movies” They are adding more coasters to the portfolio and that’s great, but please keep the screen rides!! indoor rides are a godsend in Florida, as rain can an usually does pop up alot!!
Kyle
But that’s it though. It’s come “ride” the movies, not watch them. We are asking for more indoor dark rides but with practical effects, not just more screens. There’s a 4D screen at a local theater. I can just go there for a lot cheaper if that’s what I want
Donald Smith Devengencie
Well, Spiderman, Gringotts, Forbidden Journey & Transformers are hybrid coaster/screen rides – You cannot duplicate their ride experiences in a movie theater – Granted, Fallon, Simpsons, Minions Kong and the (terrible) F&F rides are more passive motion simulators, but still highly enjoyable. ( the simpsons ride is just hilarious!! ) You are getting your wish at Epic, no screen rides, more coasters – But i do hope the screen rides remain intact at Universal Orlando for many years to come!!
AH
“Surprisingly, Gringotts does not have the motion sickness issues as much as other 3D attractions. It probably helps that most of the time the car is stopped in front of the screen for the 3D scenes, and not constantly moving.”
Unfortunately, Admin, you or I do not know the overall stats of people who get sick or do not. Because you don’t get sick doesnt mean it’s not an issue. Minions 3D had much less motion and they took out the 3D because of guest illness. This has less to do with $ and more to do with guest illness. Google it. It’s a big issue on 3D rides with fast motion.
AH
Gringotts ranked in top 10 of Rides that create motion sickness (see link). Number 1 is main Harry Potter ride (imagine it in 3D. I did it in 3D and almost puked. The design of the first Potter ride is one of the reasons it’s not on the all time great rides list. And, the cars are too confining, claustrophobic. Where persons have been stuck on for over an hour). Gringotts by far is the superior ride of the two and I am wagering it’s coming to USH taking over Animal Actors/VFX show stages. It’s the perfect spot for Diagon Alley. No, a Fast and Furious Coaster is not coming.
https://mouseearstv.com/universal-orlando/motion-sickness-universal/
Donald Smith Devengencie
the link above is a disney website, and it’s the opinion of a single person who has motion sickness. There is zero evidence or statistics to backup or confirm the author’s opinions. HP FJ and the Simpson’s are the 2 biggest problematic rides for those who suffer from motion sickness, and there is actual evidence available to confirm this – Motion sickness has never been a major issue with Gringotts – But some people who have really bad cases of it do suffer on it as they suffer on all rides of that nature. I have a very bad case of it, but I have figured out a hack that allows me to ride
AH
“the link above is a disney website, and it’s the opinion of a single person who has motion sickness. There is zero evidence or statistics to backup or confirm the author’s opinions. HP FJ and the Simpson’s are the 2 biggest problematic rides for those who suffer from motion sickness, and there is actual evidence available to confirm this – Motion sickness has never been a major issue with Gringotts – But some people who have really bad cases of it do suffer on it as they suffer on all rides of that nature. I have a very bad case of it, but I have figured out a hack that allows me to ride”
Absurd. There is a lot of evidence as Universal has been vocal in the removal of 3D from HP Escape and Minions. Crowd illness was the sole reason 3D was removed. Please do research before using silly phrases like “There is zero evidence” when there is factual 100% evidence by Universal corporate and many ride managers around these rides that I and many have confirmed this FACT.
Donald Smith Devengencie
BTW, Alicia, Thank you so very much for articles and videos – We are huge fans!!! Keep up the great work!!