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

[KingNemesis]

This picture is probably the best piece of IP based theme park theming I've seen in a long, long time...

"We need more Bort license plates in the gift shop...I repeat, we are sold out of Bort license plates"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vihYeWip4g#

That inside joke is glorious.

 

[Danny]

Images taken from Dragon Challenge showing the progress on the IoA Hogwarts Express station:

There are also suggestions that the pully system for the Hogwarts Express has arrived and is currently being stored on site, away from prying eyes. Rumours are also suggesting that testing is underway for selected members of staff in a mock up of how the finalised trains will look.

 

[DiogoJ42]

Pully system? You mean it won't be real steam? That's it, the whole park is ruined. Bring in the bulldozers!

 

[Alastair]

You can just tell that this is going to look amazing when it's finished. Even just looking at that barebones station structure.

 

[Cheese]

After the frankly amazing job they did on the replica of 'Hogwarts Castle' (Olton Hall) for the existing Wizarding World, I'll be really disappointed if the trains aren't at least reasonable reproductions of GWR Halls and BR Mark 1 coaches.

 

[BigAl]

Screamscape have news on the Jurassic Park construction that has just started:

2014 - Jurassic Park Midway Games / Improvements - Planning - (7/19/13) A new netting covered fence has gone up in the Jurassic Park area construction on the new midway games area is now under way. Construction pictures have been posted to OrlandoParksNews showing it running from just past the River Adventure ride entrance down almost to Pizza Predatoria.

Universal has also signed a new 10 year contract with Coca-Cola for their parks, so those awesome Coke Freestyle machines will be around for a while yet! Orlando Sentinel published this article on the deal.

 

[BigAl]

Orlando Rocks has new photos of other areas of Springfield still under construction. I can't wait to see all of this work finished. Universal really are going all out with both parks.

 

[Danny]

The wheels for the pulley system for the Hogwarts Express have been installed. They're erm.... kind of big....

 

[rightbackgranty]

Was lucky enough to visit IoA and Universal 2 weeks ago on holiday. The pictures don't do any of the areas - Springfield, the HPW expansion or the new Transformers ride any justice.

Transformers was a great ride, with some great effects and brilliant technology. I'd say the queueline was the best feature of the ride, with some really good props and you really get immersed into the transformers universe. However, I did much prefer Spiderman - the storylines of the two rides are almost identical in nature, and with Spiderman having been upgraded to 3D and also having fire effects (I'm a sucker for them) it won for me!

Despite resenting Springfield and The Simpsons ride as I was a massive fan of Back to the Future and its ride, I must admit that the Springfield area has really improved the park. The Springfield expansion is brilliant, and both the Duff Beer and Flaming Moe's taste great! The Kodos/Kang Spinner ride was well themed and testing whilst I was there and will be a good addition to the area. Pity Alton can't take some lessons and open some flat rides too!

 

[SLC]

Screamscape are reporting a small fire at the Jurassic Park attraction. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported and it sounds like it is under control.


Sent from Tapatalk, excuse any mistakes.

 

[BigAl]

^ The fire turned out to be a false alarm.

Anyway, Orlando Rocks have some photos of the next area of Springfield that was opened up a day or two ago here. This area's looking really good. I hope they add another ride at some point though, as it's mostly shops.

 

[BigAl]

Between January 24th and 26th of next year, Universal Orlando are holding a special Harry Potter celebration event in anticipation of the next stage of the Wizarding World, Diagon Alley. The event involves a Q&A with members of the movie cast and crew, a private evening reception, interactive experiences and, most probably, a few teasers regarding Diagon Alley.

 

[BigAl]

The Kang and Kodos Twirl 'n' Hurl is now open!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So4uLjNkSwg#ws

 

[Benzin]

Just the ride Florida needed (again)!

 

[Danny]

Several of Twister's effects are set to be upgraded, starting with fire system:

 

[joelpagett]

In my opinion the Twister ride needs replacing as it is a tired ride and it could be used for something a bit more recent and exciting. Prehaps a scene from a recent film like Battleship or something similar.

 

[Alastair]

In my opinion the Twister ride needs replacing as it is a tired ride and it could be used for something a bit more recent and exciting. Prehaps a scene from a recent film like Battleship or something similar.

I agree, it is very odd given that the film is now 17 years old and wasn't really that well received even when it came out. Having said that, the effects are still very impressive.

 

[BigAl]

Waterworld wasn't very well received either, but Hollywood and Japan turned it into a stunt show and it's extremely popular. If Twister is still popular then they may as well upgrade it instead of replacing it. Shame they couldn't keep Jaws though.

 

[Benzin]

Twister (the 'ride') is amazing <3

 

[Sam]

The first of the Hogwarts Express cars has arrived!