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!
Tag Archives: Florida
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.
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!
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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Kongstruction Update: Kong Gets Painted and Food Stand Appears
This week's update of the construction progress for Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal's Islands of Adventure shows us that the Kong entry arch is finally being painted. Also, a new food stand (presumably) has appeared along the walkway. Little touches are always being added day to day, including many many more skulls being added atop stakes along the ride path and outdoor queue section. This week also saw the update of the attraction info page on Universal's website with an all new ride description and details. See it yourself here or read below!
The monstrous new ride for your life. Opening Summer 2016
Live the brutal struggle of a 1930’s expedition that’s caught in a clash between prehistoric predators, man-eating beasts and the most colossal ape ever to walk the earth—King Kong. Around every thrilling turn, ferocious monsters fight for dominance, while you just fight to survive. It’s the multi-sensory, multi-dimensional ride for your life.
Enter the ruins of a primal realm and journey into the dark heart of an island filled with untold dangers. Vicious, ancient predators and unspeakable monstrosities rip into your crew and swarm from every side. Then, in an act of sheer ferocity—or monstrous bravery—King Kong charges between you and certain doom with an earthshaking fury. With each thundering roar and each chest-pounding thud, one colossal truth comes clear.
This is his home, his kingdom. Only he reigns.
Check out this week's full photo report below and stay tuned for more theme park updates! ...continue reading
Incredible Hulk Coaster Refurbishment Update – All Track Pieces Gone – With Video
All of the track pieces for The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure have been completely removed as the dramatic refurbishment continues. The ride is scheduled to re-open Summer of this year, and the very first pieces of new track supports are just now going up. No word yet on whether or not the track layout will change when the ride comes back, but the ride cars and the coaster's launch system will be coming back new and improved. The queue building is being completely redesigned as well. Rumors of on-board audio for the new cars being added have also been swirling around. See the video and images below for the progress on this rehab, along with comparison pics from before and after the track was removed. Stay tuned for more theme park updates!