December 31st was the last day fans could ride ‘T2:3D Battle Across Time’ before its doors closed for the final time at Universal Studios Hollywood. The ride had obviously come to the end of its run after the Terminator franchises last two outings (even though loved by some fans) were overall failures and disappointing to say the least which has led to the series not being financially viable/as popular as it once was. If T3 and T4 had been hits/box office smashes this ride would not be closing! If it would have closed it would be to be replaced with a new Terminator ride…
The ride will be replaced with a Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem ride/attraction. The new ride (DM) was due to open in Summer as the T2:3d ride is now being dismantled and workers have begun work on the new ride. One of the workers welding torches accidentally triggered a fire. Firefighters got a call around 1:15 PM on Jan 23rd 2013 that there were flames on upper floors of the three-story building that used to be the home of the machines. It was classed as a two-alarm blaze.
It has been stated that the park opening times will continue as normal but the new ‘Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem’ ride’s construction will be slightly delayed due to the damage of the fire.
A Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson gave The Hollywood Reporter this following statement:
“A small fire contained within the former site of the Terminator 2 attraction was reported. LA County Fire Department confirms the fire is out with no injuries reported relating to the incident. Park hours to the theme park will not be affected.”
Are the machines unhappy that their beloved home (Cyberdyne Systems) has been taken away from them? or is it just the curse of Terminator in general taking form once again after all Edward Furlong (John Connor) who appeared in the ride is currently in prison and Arnold’s come back movie “The Last Stand” has been a big flop at the box office. These could just be terrible coincidences however.
The T2:3D rides at other Universal Parks will remain open until further notice but the ride’s life is now looking bleak.
Our friends over at TheArnoldFans.com also held a meeting for fans, sadly we couldn’t be there as we are based in the UK but they offered the opportunity for fans to have a “final ride” and meet up with other fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Terminator in support for the ride before its closure. You can see what they got up to at the park by clicking here
Farewell T2:3D at Universal Studios Hollywood… you will be missed by the fans. If T5 is a hit and a good movie (here’s hoping) then please bring Terminator back in style to your theme parks.
“Goodbye”.