Now that every piece of track has been replaced for The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Island's of Adventure, all attention has shifted to redecorating the queue, launch tunnel, and surrounding area. The launch tunnel is almost entirely repainted now and more black accents are being added. Soon there won't be any purple left around the attraction. Scaffolding has been put up all around the queue building as work continues there. I assume work is being done inside the queue as well as in the launch tunnel as they upgrade the launch system. Hopefully the newly refreshed ride will roar back to life soon. The park just isn't the same without the sound of the Hulk trains in the background. Rumors have the Hulk Coaster re-opening by June 10th. Fingers crossed that it opens before the summer busy season kicks into high gear. Check out the video and photo update below!
Construction Updates
Kongstruction Update: Vehicle Testing, Food Stand Almost Ready and New Lighting – With Video
The non-stop construction continues for the new multi-sensory ride, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, opening soon at Islands of Adventure. Today I got my first glimpse of vehicle testing and got a chance to see what else is being worked on at the site. The food stand, named "The Mess Tent", is nearly ready to start serving guests. It already has all the equipment and warmers it needs to offer snacks like soft pretzels, churros, and cold drinks. And now they're decorating it with nets, ropes, and other decor to better match the area. New exterior lighting has appeared, mainly pointing at the temple gates and surrounding area. Much of the lighting has a blue tint to create the perfect nighttime mood after dark. I also saw folks painting and set-dressing the area near the entrance, adding accents to bamboo spears and painting. Check out the video and snapshots below and stay tuned for more updates!
Mako Coaster Construction Update – Full Track and New Area Theming – With Video
The Mako hyper coaster track's full circuit is complete at SeaWorld Orlando, but they're not quite ready to open this new attraction just yet. UPDATE: Mako is planned to open June 10th! The surrounding area theming is starting to take shape. When complete the new "Shark's Realm" themed land will look like an underwater shipwreck and include the Shark Encounter attraction, Sharks Underwater Grill, and other area shops. For now, the area is named Shark Wreck Reef, but I think that sign might be temporary until the coaster is ready to open. When I was there today there were workers all the way up at the top of the lift hill, 200 feet up. Work is also being done on the track section over the main lagoon. And it's already listed on the park map, surfacing this Summer! Check out the video as well as snapshots below of the current progress. And stay tuned for more theme park updates coming soon!
Incredible Hulk Coaster Refurbishment Update – Full Track and Launch Tunnel’s New Paint – With Video
All of the track pieces have been installed for the Incredible Hulk Coaster over at Marvel Super Hero Island in Islands of Adventure. I got some video and images of the construction site just a few hours before the very final piece was installed, which I assume happened ceremoniously. So check out the video and images below to see the (nearly) complete Hulk circuit as well as the new coat of pain the launch tunnel is receiving. It's a much darker tone and you can say goodbye to purple! Stay tuned for more theme park news coming soon.
Toothsome Chocolate Factory Update – Themed Construction Walls – With Video
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!
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.