Tag Archives: Orlando

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P1010519Project 340's construction continues at Islands of Adventure with the perimeter walls continuing to expand and more foundation being laid. Some new construction photos are below. It was recently announced that Tom Hiddleston will star in the Skull Island film, slated for release in November of 2016. Hiddleston is best known (and beloved by many) for his role as Loki in the Thor films and Avengers. Skull Island will apparently be a prequel, telling the story of King Kong before he is captured and brought to New York. It's rumored Hiddleston may play someone shipwrecked on the island filled with giant prehistoric beasts.

Tom_Hiddleston_LokiJordan Vogt-Roberts has been named as director of Skull Island, known for The Kings of Summer, and Max Borenstein is writing. He recently penned the screenplay for Godzilla, also released by Legendary. Legendary and Universal will be releasing the new Skull Island film together, (as well as Jurassic World next year). There has not yet been any official announcement for a King Kong ride at Islands of Adventure, but Diagon Alley at the old Jaws area of Universal Studios Florida wasn't announced for months into its construction. Only time will tell. ...continue reading →

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Concrete walls along Toon Lagoon and the backside of the Project 340 construction zone have started to appear. These walls may rise high enough to block the view of the hotel and road behind the area from guests. Since this area is pretty tight they may be covered in trees or rockwork to create a larger sense of space for Skull Island. Let's hope it looks better than the metal facade behind Dragon Challenge. ...continue reading →

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P1010429There were lots of people working on Project 340 at Islands of Adventure today. The weather was actually mild, for once, with a nice cool breeze. There were a couple surveying teams out and many folks working in large trenches dug out near the back of the lot. It was the most people I've seen on site at once so far. Below are some photos from today's visit. ...continue reading →

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P1010399Work on Project 340, which may or may not be Skull Island, over at Islands of Adventure is in full swing. New porta-potties have arrived, construction teams are congregating, and the area is bustling with activity. There's a lot going on and fast, especially for an unannounced expansion! Here are some photos from my most recent visit. ...continue reading →

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UniversalOrlandoLightningStrikeTwiceAgainWho says lightning doesn't strike twice? This was the tagline for the reveal of Diagon Alley, but then why is the Universal Orlando Twitter feed using it again, just last night, a month after Diagon Alley has opened? The lightning bolt doesn't look much like the Harry Potter bolt to me. So then what is this for? ...continue reading →

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Where Skull Island will be on the park map
Where Skull Island will be on park map

Progress is moving right along at Islands of Adventure between Toon Lagoon and Jurassic Park as the lot continues to grow and they prepare to lay down foundation. Today they were expanding the footprint all the way to the border of Toon Lagoon. Bamboo has been added along the construction walls to help keep the big hole in the ground from being too easily visible to guests. The pathway doesn't look so bad anymore as concrete where the Jurassic Park arch has been filled in as well.

The intrepid folks over at Parkscope uncovered official plans for drainage and construction permits for the area. Dubbed 'Project 340', the area is going to cover about 4.5 acres. There has not been an official announcement yet, but word on the street is that it's definitely going to be Skull Island. Only time will tell. Click on an image below to see a larger version. ...continue reading →

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King Kong
The original King Kong film from 1933

I've wanted to write about theme park refurbishments and expansions for a while now. It's a subject that interests me greatly. I create my own virtual theme park attractions in Second Life, but it does not begin to compare to the real thing. With the new Harry Potter expansions at the two Universal parks here in Orlando, the world saw a new and more immersive theme park experience, unmatched by anything else. I was excited to hear recently that an old friend may be returning to his rightful home. ...continue reading →