Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is giving Twister the boot

What else can we say, Twister? You had a great run. Sure, most people never appreciated you for what you were, but one day they will. That day will probably be November 2, 2015 when you close for good to make way for Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, coming to Universal Studios in 2017.

Rumors have been swirling around (like twisters) for quite awhile now about a Jimmy Fallon attraction coming to Universal Orlando. That rumor has been put to rest with an official announcement coming from Jimmy himself. So, what will this new attraction look like? Well, the concept behind the brand new 3D (ugh) ride puts guests in the middle of one of the most popular segments of Fallon’s Tonight Show, celebrity races. If you’re unfamiliar with celebrity races, take a minute to watch this ridiculous video of Jimmy racing Liam Hemsworth on giant tricycles. Impressed? It’s going to be more than just racing around Jimmy’s studio. Jimmy was able to let it slip that there will be… wait for it… smoke, scents, water, Higgins and The Roots. Here is the description from Universal Orlando’s official blog:

Soon, you will get the full Tonight Show experience as you make your way to the fabled Studio 6B for a very special taping in which Jimmy challenges his studio audience to the ultimate race through the greatest city on earth.

You’ll rocket through the streets—and skies—of New York City, from the deepest subway tunnels to the tallest skyscrapers, encountering colorful characters, famous landmarks and anything else that comes to Jimmy’s mind—and “that is some weird, wild stuff,” to quote an iconic previous host.

Time to get real. Should we be looking forward to this attraction? Fans of Universal are starting to suffer from simulator weariness, and the subtraction of “movie magic” for the addition of more simulated movement could be a misstep. However, the creative director behind this project is none other than Jason Surrell, a popular ex-Imagineer who originally got his start at Universal and returned to the company in 2014. Having him involved in this new project adds a certain level of weight… at least for Disney fans out there.

Again, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon will be opening sometime in 2017 and Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt will end their historic feud once and for all on November 2nd.