Themed construction walls have been added around the site of the new Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium taking over the old NBA City Restaurant building in CityWalk. The walls feature oversized steampunk gears and whimsical designs, along with a couple of logos and signs describing the venue. The new highly themed dessert-heavy restaurant is planned to be opening later this year. See the video as well as some snapshots of the construction site below and stay tuned for more theme park updates coming soon!
Kongstruction Update: Kong Merchandise and New Fire Effects – With Video
Some new Skull Island: Reign of Kong merchandise has shown up in the middle of the main gift shop in Islands of Adventure and we take a look at all of it today. While I was there I got some more footage of the ongoing Kongstruction as well. Today they had the torches by the entrance arch all lit up and all the street lamps in the area were on for testing. Workers were installing new spot lighting atop the temple gates while a crew of team members toured the area without hardhats. See all the action in the video. Plus, check out the merchandise photos along with some key snapshots of the construction area below. And stay tuned for more theme park updates coming soon!
Incredible Hulk Coaster Refurbishment Update – Most Track is Back – With Video
Things are picking up steam at Marvel Super Hero Island in Islands of Adventure, as most of the Incredible Hulk Coaster's track is back, baby! Within a couple of weeks I can imagine (nearly) all of the track will be back in place, however, that is not the only thing getting an upgrade during this renovation. It still looks like much work is to be done in and around the queue, and who knows how long the new and improved launch will take to install and perfect. Still, with Universal shooting for a summer re-opening date, here's hoping it'll all be done and ready by busy season. See the video below as well as some screenshots to see how the Hulk's shiny new track is starting to look. It's good seeing the skyline start to come back, just like an old friend returning. Stay tuned for more Universal news and updates!
Skull Island: Reign of Kong Ride Vehicle Details Released
This morning Universal Orlando has released a video showcasing the incredible new ride vehicle for Skull Island: Reign of Kong. The vehicles will be 40 feet long, weigh 17 tons, and will carry up to 72 guests at a time (12 per row). It is 13 feet tall with 45 inch wheels. The vehicles will be the first trackless system for Universal, with no guide rails, or lines of any kind on the ground. They will be "driven" by one of five drivers. Rumors have them as being animatronic characters in the truck cab, seated behind a pane of glass separating the guests from the "driver". Check out the video, as well as more ride vehicle information and more details on the "drivers" you may encounter on your trip to Skull Island below. Stay tuned for more theme park news coming soon!
Toothsome Chocolate Factory Replacing NBA City at Universal CityWalk – With Construction Update
Well the official word is in, and the replacement for NBA City at CityWalk will be Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium! From Universal: "Opening later this year, Toothsome Chocolate Factory will transport you into a 19th century-inspired Steampunk chocolate factory. You’ll indulge your appetite amidst towering smoke stacks, funky gadgetry, and staff wearing unique Steampunk fashion." That explains why the rumors for what was coming ranged from the Cheesecake Factory to Willy Wonka, this idea kind of looks to me like a combination of both. In addition to crazy desserts you'll also be able to get breakdast, lunch, and dinner here as well. The menu will feature "unique twists on classic steak, seafood and pasta entrees, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, incredible salads, all-day brunch and so much more." See the full write-up, some incredible food images, as well as my construction update below, and stay tuned for more theme park news!
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Kongstruction Update: Fire, Lights, Doors and Trees – With Video
It's time for a big update of the construction progress for Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal's Islands of Adventure. Lots of plants, trees, and bushes have been brought in by the landscaping team. This not only creates an incredible atmosphere, but is also helping to separate the area from neighboring Toon Lagoon. While I was there they were (briefly) testing fire effects as well as testing the blackout doors in the big temple entrance. These are inner doors behind the big gates used to block out the light after the ride vehicle enters the building. Inside the doors you can see a huge animal skull and bones. Lots of work is also being focused on preparing the queue and ride entrance for guests. New lanterns have been added throughout the path and I even saw a ride warning sign up now! Things are getting really close for their Summer opening. Check out the video and photos below and stay tuned for more updates!
Hello Kitty Store Opens at Universal Studios Florida – With Video
The Hello Kitty store at Universal Studios Florida has soft opened in the former location of Lucy: A Tribute, welcoming park guests to buy buy buy everything featuring the famous kitty and her trademark bow. While the store itself is now open, we're still looking forward to seeing a permanent character meet & greet for your chance to meet Hello Kitty and her friends, as well as a hair bow customization station, allowing little girls to create their own custom bows. The store features literally everything you can think of featuring the adorable Sanrio characters from shirts, slippers, and hats - to headphones, designer purses, and of course plush dolls.
As promised in the press release back in June of last year, there are a few Universal exclusive items, namely shirts that say 'Universal Studios' on them and a shirt design featuring the Jaws poster with Hello Kitty in place of the woman at the top. The store also features a full candy and baked goods section, offering similar treats as the new Sugarplum's in Diagon Alley, like fudges, cupcakes, and gourmet candy apples. The biggest difference being that these snacks feature a little candy bow on top. At the same time this store opened, Betty Boop's store has returned to its original location as well. The temporary Boop store in the old camera shop on Hollywood Blvd has once again closed. Check out the photos below and my detailed video report. I'm a big fan of Sanrio characters myself, and I think it's a nice addition to the park.
Mako Hyper Coaster Construction Update at SeaWorld Orlando
While I was visiting SeaWorld over the weekend I was able to get some shots of their new Mako coaster being constructed. It's incredibly tall and intimidating and can be seen from nearly anywhere in the park. I am looking forward to riding as this will be my first "Hyper" coaster. SeaWorld is touting it as Orlando's fastest, tallest, and longest coaster. It will be 200 feet tall at its tallest point and will reach 73 mph along 4,760 feet of steel track — nearly a mile long. The best part is, this coaster will have several air-time moments, where you feel weightless and come out of your seat a little! I cannot wait until it opens this Summer. The surrounding area is also being re-themed as "Shark's Realm," which will look like an underwater shipwreck, and will include Shark Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, and other area shops. Check out the construction update below as well as a concept video and images. And stay tuned for more theme park updates!
Concept Art
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Universal Orlando Releases New Details, Images and Video for Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Just a few days ago some folks caught a glimpse of some great lighting effects turned on at the construction site for Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal's Islands of Adventure. Turns out they were filming some promotional videos to help explain what this new attraction will be all about, as well as grab some amazing photographs. Universal also confirmed that this will be "one of the longest rides of any Universal attraction", and it feature "several new firsts for Universal Orlando Resort." This attraction is scheduled to open Summer of this year. See the full ride description, new videos, and more news about the viral marketing campaign they started earlier this month called Myth Explorers: The Quest for Kong, all below. And stay tuned for more Kong news!
Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop Now Open at Diagon Alley Universal Studios Florida – With Video
Diagon Alley's new candy store and home to the new Butterbeer Fudge is now open! Sugarplum's Sweet Shop is now open at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. It takes over the former location of Shutterbuttons Photography, which was not getting enough business in its former location. Shutterbuttons has moved to a new location on the main Diagon Alley street across from Ollivander's, and they appear to be doing better now in this more visible location. Shutterbuttons is the place where you create your own magical portraits, (moving pictures,) to take home with you.
Sugarplums's also seems to be doing well in the former photo store, packing in people and selling lots of candy. Hogsmeade already has Honeydukes for candy, so it's nice to see Diagon Alley get their own candy store. This is the first place in the world offering Butterbeer fudge, the sixth incarnation of Butterbeer products in the Wizarding World. Sugarplum's is connected to the neighboring Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes joke shop and Quality Quidditch Supplies store, so guests can easily slip in and out between all three shops. Check out the video and more images below and stay tuned for more Universal news coming soon!