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Universal Orlando (Studios/IOA/Epic Universe) : General Discussion

josht said:
King Kong ;)
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There's a lot more aside King Kong that will be finished by 2017 in Orlando. Mako, Cobra's Curse at Busch (who doesn't go to Orlando from our lot without stopping for a visit to Busch), Volcano Bay, Avatar Land, all the refurbishments happening across the parks, Skyplex on I-Drive, all of which will be open by 2017.

It'll be the perfect year to go until the next heavy flurry of investments begin.
 
Danny said:
There's a lot more aside King Kong that will be finished by 2017 in Orlando. Mako, Cobra's Curse at Busch (who doesn't go to Orlando from our lot without stopping for a visit to Busch), Volcano Bay, Avatar Land, all the refurbishments happening across the parks, Skyplex on I-Drive, all of which will be open by 2017.

It'll be the perfect year to go until the next heavy flurry of investments begin.
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After riding transformers last year i can't wait to see the creative genius being unleashed on kong
 
There is no such thing as an 'ideal year' to visit. New stuff opens or gets upgraded every year. Also, going in 2017 you'd probably miss out on the excellent 'Disaster'.
 
Danny said:
There's a lot more aside King Kong that will be finished by 2017 in Orlando. Mako, Cobra's Curse at Busch (who doesn't go to Orlando from our lot without stopping for a visit to Busch), Volcano Bay, Avatar Land, all the refurbishments happening across the parks, Skyplex on I-Drive, all of which will be open by 2017.

It'll be the perfect year to go until the next heavy flurry of investments begin.
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Cobras Curse, Mako and Kong are all open summer 2016 and Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom should be running, Hulk also reopens summer '16.
So still plenty to see next year.

2017 should hopefully bring Avatar and something to replace Twister

Then need to wait for Hollywood Studios redo with Star Wars etc.
 
This is getting a bit off-topic for Universal but there is indeed never a perfect time to visit the theme park mecca of Florida. The investment rate over there is crazy so in whatever year you go there will always be something very exciting coming within the next year or two of your visit.

Universal will no doubt have some pretty exciting theme park plans from 2017-2020 that have no yet been announced.

:)
 
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Me and the missus were looking at going around May 2016 but with all this stuff I think I may look at going around mid June and hope the new things will be open.
 
Very interesting rumour from Screamscape regarding Hulk:
Screamscape said:
So what's going on with the Incredible Hulk? I had heard a few rumors before, and now I'm hearing similar tales again, but apparently the refurbishment may be much more involved that previously thought. This may not be a case of a new launch system, new trains and new paint... we may actually be seeing a complete replacement of the entire coaster, track piece by piece, support by support, where Hulk will be rebuilt as a brand new ride. Say nothing of the fact that while Universal would only say that the coaster will return with the same "Incredible" personality... they did not actually confirm it will return with the same name, or the same theme... which matches up with some older rumors as well.

The interesting thing is that the Incredible Hulk Coaster just opened in 1999... so it's only 16 years old, and apparently ready for a complete rebuild, even though there are far older B&M coasters out there in the world, like Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa for example, which is actually 6 years older than Hulk. So this is somewhat of a first for a B&M coaster, though it goes without saying that Incredible Hulk is not only one of the world's most well known B&M coasters, but probably the one with the most train cycles as well due to being in Orlando where it runs at full capacity almost daily. Though I can't help but wonder how the nearby Dragons Challenge coasters are aging by comparison. Either way, I can't wait to see how this story plays out... just hoping that Hulk doesn't return with a Nintendo theme.
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This is a rumour that I have seen elsewhere previously so there could well be something in it. On the face of it I do think it seems unlikely - why would a B&M, which are regarded as the best aging coasters in the world, need a complete re-track? But it is a good point made about how often the coaster is run on full capacity, it's certainly been put through its paces over its 16 years.

I'm not sure whether is is something I would want to see or not, although if it led to an improved ride experience but still with the good old B&M feel I wouldn't complain too much. And here's one - if it was identical layout but with a complete track replacement would it count as a new credit?

:)
 
This seems highly improbable to me. New trains (floorless?) and a new launch system I could understand, but a whole new ride? Surely not?

As for the "new cred" debate, I would say yes, just as I've been saying about the Scenic at Margate. You could argue it would count as a clone if you only count unique layouts.
 
If I'm reading this right, the existing Hulk may be dismantled, and a rebuild of it will be exactly the same if it is? That's strange. I understand it runs a hell of a lot more throughout the day compared to other B&M coasters, but what does leave for rides like Revenge of the mummy, which is a Premier, and and is 11 years old? Although with Hulk, I'm guessing it's to do with the launch system, it was a first for B&M, and maybe it's nearly life expired? Even then I still don't see the need for a complete rebuilt if that's the case.
 
Maybe they mean only the launch track is being replaced? Would make sense, as LSMs will need very different mounting points to friction wheels.
 
TedTheHuman said:
If I'm reading this right, the existing Hulk may be dismantled, and a rebuild of it will be exactly the same if it is? That's strange. I understand it runs a hell of a lot more throughout the day compared to other B&M coasters, but what does leave for rides like Revenge of the mummy, which is a Premier, and and is 11 years old? Although with Hulk, I'm guessing it's to do with the launch system, it was a first for B&M, and maybe it's nearly life expired? Even then I still don't see the need for a complete rebuilt if that's the case.
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1) The Mummy is indoors
2) The Mummy is nowhere near as forceful
3) The trains are nowhere near as heavy
4) As you say, the powerful incline launch.

The indoor point particular, has a HUGE baring on the life of a coaster.

If they do completely re-build the track, I can;t imagine it will be a clone, I hope they would change the final 3rd, maybe incorporate a second launch, but the second half is too generic and could be significantly improved quite easily.
 
The guys at Orlando United who are usually pretty accurate reckon the following will happen.

1) Update the theming by rebuilding the station and queue
2) The launch will become LIM or LSM
3) There will be new trains with on board audio and possible lighting
4) The track over the water will be retracked

Someone raised the point of the second half being redone and they said they hadnt heard anything about that so I doubt anything will happen on that front.
 
I find the bulk of the Hulk coaster to be a bit lacklustre and not really packing much of a punch. This may explain why a complete retrack could be on the cards. It's definitely aged a lot faster than the Busch B&Ms
 
There will be no chance they will be re-making the ride, they are giving it a substantial retheme, its an icon and probably the worlds most recognisable coaster. Hopefully they will be moving away from the comic book style theming.
 
Danny said:
The Hulk as the world's most recognisable coaster is the most ridiculous claim I've heard on this forum for a very long time. In fact, perhaps ever.
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I did say Probably one of the most recognisable coasters, those vertical rolls do take a good photo,also the ride is used In all of Universals adverts. And just doing a quick search, if you type in Rollercoaster into google, it's the 8th on the list, type in Orlando, its at the top, ahead of any Disney images. It's not necessary a great ride but people do know it.
 
It appears that the latest development at Universal has been revealed, here is the press release below. (Courtesy of Orlando themepark news)

"You’ve seen the cars. You’ve seen the action. And soon, you’ll be able to live it.
I’m so excited to share that one of the most popular film franchises of all-time is about to become an all-new action-packed ride experience at Universal Orlando Resort.
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Buckle your seatbelts, because in 2017, Fast & Furious: Supercharged is coming to Universal Studios Florida! You’ll have the opportunity to ride along with your favorite Fast stars in a thrilling adventure that will put you right in the middle of the action.
This ride is going to be combine everything that you love about the films with an all-new original Fast & Furious storyline that is set in San Francisco. You’ll encounter your favorite characters. You’ll get to check out some of the high-speed, souped-up cars you’ve seen on the big screen. You’ll board special ride vehicles and take off on adrenaline-pumping ride through the underground racing world. You’ll join the Fast family as you’re placed right in the middle of the action. It’s going to be explosive.

It will be replacing Disaster (Closing 8th September) and Beetlejuice within SanFrancisco, with Beetlejuice rumoured to be moved to the Fear Factor live arena.

2017 is certainly going to be a busy year inOrlando.
 
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