Since my last update the scaffolding has come down around the entry arch showing off a beautifully sculpted Kong face. It hasn't been painted yet, but definitely bares a striking resemblance to the big guy as seen in the concept art. In front of the giant temple gate we're getting our first glimpses of the shape of the outdoor portion of the ride path. A short rock wall wrapping around the path has sprung up, as well as structural I beams being placed below the track path in preparation for concrete being poured. The ride is being rumored as being "trackless," so what we're seeing now is the pathway being constructed where the vehicle will travel outside before entering the show building. See the new video as well as some images below and stay tuned for more updates!
Tag Archives: Islands of Adventure
The Incredible Hulk Coaster Will Be Closed For Nearly a Year For Major Refurbishment
Universal Orlando's official blog has just announced that The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure will undergo major enhancement and refurbishment work beginning September 8th. And it will not re-open until NEXT SUMMER! There had been rumors that the refurb would happen in stages, reopening the ride during peak times of year, such as Christmas and Spring Break, but now it looks like the entire ride will remain closed for the better part of a year.
Universal says the beloved coaster will be getting some TLC in the form of some great, new enhancements to its storyline, ride vehicles and overall experience. Rumors have the entire queue building being completely rebuilt from the ground up, entire sections of track being replaced, and most importantly, 
the launch system being upgraded from tires to an electromagnetic (LIM) launch system. This will not only offer a smoother launch, but cost less in maintenance for park operations, without having to replace tires every few weeks. When the Hulk first opened electromagnetic launch systems were not yet up to the task for such a big endeavor, but as time went on the technology has improved, and the time has finally come. I for one am excited to see an updated queue building and improved storyline... Although I may miss the techno-rave party feel in the queue.
See the entire blog release below and stay tuned for more theme park news. ...continue reading
Jurassic World Starting to Take Over Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure
With the blockbuster film Jurassic World stomping all over box office records, Universal Orlando is wasting no time slapping the film's logo all over the parks, especially in the Jurassic Park area at Islands of Adventure. So far you'll find Jurassic World banners and logos plastered all over the Thunder Falls Terrace restaurant and Jurassic Outfitters gift shop. There's signage for all the different attractions you can experience at Jurassic World, such as the Gyrosphere ride seen in the film. Unfortunately though, there isn't (yet) an actual Gyrosphere ride here in Orlando. Maybe one day. There's also a few new pieces of merchandise for Jurassic World at the parks, including some exclusive items. Jurassic World theming has not yet made its way to the Discovery Center or River Adventure, perhaps to keep those attractions in line with the original film, but who knows how far they'll take the theming in the future. See the entire photo report below and stay tuned for more Jurassic sized updates!
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Kongstruction Update: Kong’s Face Appears in Entrance Arch as Work Continues
During my recent trip to Universal's Islands of Adventure I was able to get a bunch of new pictures of the construction progress of Skull Island: Reign of Kong, opening one year from now. The entry arch is starting to actually look like King Kong's head, which matches the previously released concept art (see below). Other work continues at a rapid pace including more facade paint work, walls going up around the queue building, and land being cleared around the front of the structure to prepare for an outdoor track. And who knows how much work is being done inside the building! Check out the full photo report below and stay tuned for more theme park news!
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Universal Jumps on the Chance to Promote ‘Jurassic Park: The Ride’ with New Website and Ad Campaign
With Jurassic World now reaching one billion dollars worldwide, the Universal Parks are jumping on the opportunity to promote their existing Jurassic Park attraction. They have released a commercial for 'Jurassic Park: The Ride' at both Hollywood and Orlando, invoking the ideas of Jurassic World with the text, See The Movie, Then Dare to Ride It, mixed with images from the Jurassic World film and scenes from the Jurassic Park ride. In addition to the new ad, which we might start seeing on television immediately, there's also a new website open, devoted entirely to the Jurassic Park ride. The new website, www.jurassicparktheride.com, is currently just a portal to take you to the ride info page from either the Hollywood or Orlando version's website. While many are hoping to see new rides directly themed to Jurassic World at the parks, it's nice to at least see Universal reminding us of the great ride they already have. Check out my video of the entire Jurassic Park River Adventure ride in Orlando below.
Kongstruction Update: Facade Work Continues and Something Taking Shape on the Ground
Work never seems to let up on the facade for Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal's Islands of Adventure. I was able to grab some photos on my recent visit this week and it's looking just as amazing as ever. There seems to be something being constructed on the ground near the left-most side of the area. Not sure if it's going to stay there or be moved into place later. Check it out and let me know what you think it is. This will be just a small photo update since my last big update with video. If you haven't yet, please check out the video from my last update as it explains some of the concept art by comparing it to the construction site. Check out today's photos below!
Raptor Encounter Full Experience Video Plus Jurassic World Shirts Now at Islands of Adventure
The Raptor Encounter at Universal's Islands of Adventure opened to long lines over Memorial Day weekend. Guests are lining up in the hot Florida sun for the chance to come face to face with one of the two "trained" raptors in the park: Lucy and Ethel. This new meet and greet is certainly a hit. The loud raptor noises ensure everyone walking by take notice. The photos and video you'll see do not do it justice as it is very impressive in person. It may be a guy in a suit, but for a few minutes it really has you questioning how they're pulling it off. There's a "trainer" there to help make the experience feel more authentic, and her interactions with the animal really sold it for me. It's a lot of fun and I'm glad I was able to get some video and photos to share with you. Check them out below!
In addition to the Raptor Encounter I was happy to see that many new Jurassic World shirts have arrived to the park as well! They're available at both gift shops in Jurassic Park, as well as the main gift shop in Port of Entry. Check them out, along with some more new Jurassic World merchandise below. ...continue reading
Raptor Meet and Greet News: Raptor Encounter Soft Open Today! UPDATED with Video
Rumor has it that the first couple "shows" for the new Raptor Encounter meet and greet at Universal's Islands of Adventure will be today! There's no guarantee that they'll go on as planned, but there has been talk of trying to get this open by Memorial Day weekend. Some images and videos have surfaced on the web as well! The puppet looks more like a full-size raptor suit, worn by a performer, and is very impressive. The suit is said to be created by Michael Curry Design, known for his work on the Transformers meet and greet costumes as well as many other theme park characters and puppets from around the world.
Check out the video and pictures below! Given that these folks have used the hashtag #raptorencounter, I'm guessing that's what the park will be calling the experience. I'll get some video and photos myself when I visit in a few days!
Kongstruction Update: Scaffolding Comes Down and Entrance Arch Takes Shape – With Video
Since it's my first visit back to the parks after the official announcement for Skull Island: Reign of Kong was made last week, I decided to get some video in addition to my usual construction photographs. All of the scaffolding has now shifted to the right, leaving a breathtaking view of the giant temple gate. They've also started work on the attraction entrance near the pathway. From the concept art we can see it will be an arch with Kong's head shaped into it. It's very exciting to see everything taking shape, and to have concept art to compare it to! See all the photos below and check out the video here as well!
Raptor Meet and Greet Announced as Jurassic World Merchandise Lands in the Parks – With Photo Update
As I've been reporting since it was just a small hole in the ground, a Velociraptor Meet & Greet is coming soon to the Jurassic Park area in Islands of Adventure, and it has been officially confirmed by Universal! Well, sort of. In the Annual Passholder newsletter there's a short paragraph about the Jurassic World movie opening next month and to look for photo opportunities with a raptor in IOA. So, we should expect the area to open within the next few weeks, just in time for the film's release! The previously filed permits did show that they had until the end of June to finish their work, but it sounds like they'll be ready before that. Rumors have it opening as soon as Memorial Day later this month!
While visiting the parks today I noticed the DinoStore gift shop in the Discovery Center has gotten lots of Jurassic World toys. You can also find some select Jurassic World candies in various gift shops throughout both parks. Check out the images below to see how construction is going and check out the merchandise pics as well! ...continue reading