While the Walt Disney World parks in Florida posted some strong gains in attendance during 2006 (see yesterday's blog, Which Theme Parks Made the Turnstiles Click?), Universal Orlando's two theme parks saw less visitors coming through its gates. To help lure more guests in the competitive market, Universal is allocating a hefty $120 million this year to design and build new, crowd-pleasing attractions. According to Florida Today, the capital expenditure figure is listed in Universal Orlando's regulatory filing statement. The document states that the money will be used to plan and construct multiple attractions that will open during the next few years. It includes costs for intellectual property rights. Universal wouldn't provide detailed info about the nature of the new attractions. In an earlier blog (Universal to Float New Island at its Florida Park), I wrote about Universal's hush-hush plans to make over one of the lands at Islands of Adventure with major attractions themed to one of the most popular children's franchises. I also alluded to the long-rumored Simpsons attraction slated for the now-shuttered Back to the Future ride and a new attraction based on "Saturday Night Live."

• Universal Orlando Overview
• The Incredible Hulk at Islands of Adventure Coaster Review