Tag Archives: Universal Studios

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photo(53)When I was at Islands of Adventure a couple of days ago I noticed a big hole in the queue near the entrance of the now defunct Triceratops Encounter at Jurassic Park. The hole was surrounded by caution tape. I managed to snap a couple quick pictures as I passed by (see below). Now rumors are flying around the Twittersphere about the possibility of a new attraction coming to the area, specifically one featuring Velociraptors! More info and pictures below.

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00083.MTS.Still005Screen-used cars from the new Fast & Furious film are now on display at Universal Studios Florida. Get up close and take a picture with three cars from the new film. You’ll find these Furious 7 automobiles on display at the entrance to KidZone, in front of the Animal Actors stadium. These vehicles were driven by Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jason Statham in the seventh installment of Universal’s Fast and the Furious franchise, which hits theaters on Friday, April 3rd. Universal has displayed other vehicles from the Fast & Furious films in the past so it's not too surprising that they're doing it again. It's always pretty cool to see something that was used in a film in person. Check out the video, and the screenshots below as well, for more details about the cars.

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stateofidriveflyerAt The State Of I-Drive 2015 meeting yesterday evening presented by Rick Singh, the Orange County Property Appraiser, some information about Universal's new water park was released. An info-sheet containing information about upcoming projects for the I-Drive area available from idrivedistrict.com shows not only the supposed name for Universal's water park, but also an opening date. Universal's Volcano Bay Water Park shows as opening Fall 2016!

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Since March of 2011 there have been rumors flying around that Universal Orlando was getting into the water park business. That was when they filed a trademark on the name Wondersea Island, with the description of use for "Entertainment services in the nature of water parks". Four years later, we're finally seeing some action beyond just a name, and it may be getting a new name to boot. Continue reading.

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Proposed plans for Universal's new water park, known currently as Project 533

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P1020220While I was at Universal Studios Florida earlier this week I noticed that the pathway from Hollywood to the Springfield area was closed off. Cast members were redirecting guests through the Central Park pathway along the lagoon instead. Construction continues on the Garden of Allah Villas. It has been told to me that the two buildings are being connected and that's where the current construction seems to be focused. Construction pictures are below.

The latest word from Screamscape is that the inside of the buildings are being remodeled into series of conference and special event rooms. The rooms are being equipped with several monitors mounted to the walls. It doesn't seems as though anyone was right in guessing the area would be used as a Universal museum for the 25th anniversary or as a new entrance to E.T. Adventure. I'll keep posting in case of any new developments.

It also seems that Fieval’s Playland will close for a brief rehab from March 1 to March 12, 2015, so no hope of that area being rethemed or torn down any time soon. ...continue reading →

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P1020086Lately I have been noticing a bit of construction happening between the Kids Zone and Hollywood areas of Universal Studios Florida. The area is currently empty of attractions and just for show, except for the seasonal restaurant Cafe La Bamba. I remember visiting in the 90's when they had a walk-through attraction there, but I always wondered what would come of the area. Now it seems something is happening , so I thought it might be a good time to look into the history (and future) of the Garden of Allah area. Be sure to also check out the construction update below to see how it's looking now! Continue Reading...garden-of-allah ...continue reading →

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P1010860On a brisk November Florida morning I was able to grab some more pictures of the construction progress at Project 340 in Islands of Adventure. Things are moving right along as the wall continues to be completed along the front. The building has already grown 20% wider since I last saw it, bringing it all the way behind the Thunder Falls Terrace restaurant now. You can see new steel arriving and being assembled along the front wall. My guess is this will be the skeleton for the massive amount of rock-work and temple facade we can expect for this structure. There are many footers in place surrounding the front of the building where the facade will most likely be installed. Check out the pictures below from today's update. ...continue reading →

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The first wall is starting to appear on the front side of the show building for Project 340, which may (or may not) be a new ride coming to Islands of Adventure named Kong: Terror of Skull Island. The structure is nearly twice as wide and deep as it was the last time I visited and a lot of internal elements have been added as well. What appears to be catwalks and different rooms/sections are being created within.

The structure is around six stories tall and continues to grow wider by the day, edging closer and closer towards the Thunder Falls Terrace restaurant in Jurassic Park. It's hard to get a sense from photos just how massive this building is so far, especially considering it is much farther back away from the footpath as it appears. Even with it so far away I cannot seem to get the entire thing in a single photograph. Look at the workers in the photos to get a sense of size. Check out the current progress below in my biggest photo update thus far. ...continue reading →

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P1010584Construction has gone vertical at Project 340 in Islands of Adventure. The steel structure is already several stories tall and can be seen all the way from the highway. Rumors around the web are saying when completed the facade for this attraction will reach 100 feet tall. Universal is not showing any signs of slowing down with their recent additions to the parks. They're certainly not afraid to go big when it comes to new ride technologies and hyper-themed lands.

In addition to the new construction photos below, I wanted to also post some interesting news and juicy rumors about this possible King Kong attraction. Even though the internet has been talking about this project for nearly a year now, there has still been no official word from Universal. I wouldn't expect an official announcement from them until after Halloween Horror Nights is over, so as not to take any of its spotlight away. With the construction now rising above the walls it's going to be harder to keep people from asking what exactly is coming. News, Rumors, and construction photos below!

Wall that keeps us safe from the beasts of Skull Island. Is this what they're building?
Wall that keeps us safe from the beasts of Skull Island. Is this what they're building?

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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 →