Select media have been invited by Universal Orlando to tune in to a special webcast in which “major attraction news” will be revealed. The web announcement will take place on May 19 at 10:30am, so check back here and follow us on Twitter and Facebook to find out what Universal plans to announce.
The announcement (I’m sure by no coincidence) takes place the day before Star Tours: The Adventures Continue makes its big debut at nearby Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Depending on the scale of this “major” announcement, Universal is likely interested in stealing some of the media spotlight away from Disney.
While no further details were given in our invitation to watch the announcement featuring the Universal Creative team, it is expected that the replacement of Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast will be unveiled.
UPDATE (5/5/11): The announcement has been confirmed to include the reveal of what will replace Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast, now being said to be “based on a blockbuster film.” In addition, Universal will announce “details about a major, high-tech enhancement to one of Universal Orlando’s single most popular attractions.” No further information about that is available.
Rumors and recent “UORHints” revealed by Universal Orlando seem to point to a ride themed around “Despicable Me” will be the replacement, but that has not yet been confirmed. And, of course, it’s possible that Universal has an entirely different surprise to announce, but we won’t find that out until May 19. Let the speculation begin!
Well, obviously this announcement will involve Jimmy Neutron's replacement, which will indeed be Despicable Me (nice rhyme there).
Now the real question is... what about that so called "major, high-tech enhancement to one of Universal Orlando's single most popular attractions?" Well, check this out from Screamscape:
(2/17/11) I’ve heard an interesting rumors this week, claiming that at some point in the next 8-10 months we will likely see Spiderman close for an extensive rehab. I’m told that the plan is to replace the projection systems with new current digital projection systems, which may also result in the new of an improved 3-D system. Of course the switch to an all digital system will only make any future possible transformations of the attraction (if they give up the rights to Spiderman) a little easier to handle.
Now, if I’m not mistaken, didn’t they already install an all-digital version of Spiderman in the Japanese park, or did I hear that wrong? Anyone know for sure? In any case, they want the new and improved Spiderman ready to go before the new Spiderman film hits the theaters in Summer 2012.
Spider-Man with a new 3D system would be so awesome (even though the current one they have is good too)! That is what I'm currently leaning to at the moment.
Still, a majority of internet users have heard that apparently the announcement will be even bigger... (from BriMan at Orlando United):
According to various good people, if what they are saying is announced by UO, all of you will very happy.
From Spirit of 74 at Laughing Place:
Well, my info is that Potter Phase II has been approved and will be large and include two more signature attractions, plus UNI will be adding two majors at the old park, including the Transformers ride going into Hollywood and Singapore ... and a water park is happening too.
From JungleSkip at Orlando United:
Second biggest announcement. Not bigger than IoA/City Walk/Hotels
So, now I have to dig up the old rumor mill and take a look at all the rumors that have been spreading around the internet lately...
Avatar 4D:
Last November, Screamscape reported the possibility of Terminator becoming Avatar 4D. T2, unfortunately, as much as I hate to admit it, had its time. It's a fun 3D show, sure, but it had better times. And looking back when Avatar got released, it was the number one grossing film of all time. I doubt Universal would ignore Avatar. Also, there have been rumors lately that the Avatar concept has been approved and could be coming soon.
King Kong 360:
Around the time Neutron to Despicable Me rumors started to appear on Screamscape (in February), rumors also started spreading that Disaster will eventually go for a version of King Kong 360 from USH (of course longer). Disaster was a bore last time I went, and a Kong ride would be cool (I guess I consider this bringing back an old attraction), so "toodleoo" Disaster.
Transformers:
As seen in one of the quotes, apparently a version of Transformers from Hollywood could be coming to Orlando. I've always thought it would eventually come here despite us already having Spider-Man, even when in August 2009, a rumor started up about Transformers coming here... which was nothing but a mere mistake of a rumor. I have a gut feeling that Twister will end up getting removed for it, and they will expand the building underneath Rockit to the adjacent Sound Stage 33. Even though the Transformers films are kind of "meh..." in my book, I think a ride themed to it would be awesome (especially with the use of the Spider-Man system), and Twister had its time!
Harry Potter Phase II:
Also seen in the quote is information that the Harry Potter Phase II expansion has been approved. This has been long rumored since last summer. However, I doubt there will be a full announcement on the expansion... but just a sign of confirmation that expansion will happen (like a view of Diagon Alley with Hedwig flying over it, much like when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was first announced). Either way, I sense something related to this.
Fear Factor Replacement:
Fear Factor (as I've said a million times already) just needs to go. I hope this announcement will involve ANYTHING happening to Fear Factor (eg: Mamma Mia (=D), Rush Hour, wrecking ball, explosives, ANYTHING).
Mini Golf Course:
Well, just last week it has been reported that Universal could be looking to adding a golf course in CityWalk:
A tipster tells me that Universal Orlando is working on an adventure mini golf course, which would be built just west of the CityWalk theaters, in between the theaters and Universal Boulevard.
A permit application (ENG2011-00237) for site work to prepare for the course is in the pipeline in the City of Orlando's planning office. (At least it was when I searched the office's online database today.) The designer of the course appears to be Adventure Golf Design & Development of Traverse City, Michigan. They're the folks behind the Congo Golf courses you might have seen around Central Florida.
No word on when construction might begin, or when the course would open.
Thoughts?
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201104/2442/
From HHNRumors:
As you may have read on http://themeparkinsider.com Universal is going to be adding a Mini Golf Course to City Walk. I decided against posting about this since it's (yet again) not HHN related. However, things changed when I saw that hole 18 is supposedly "Haunted House" themed. Granted, it is a mini golf course and I can't imagine how "haunted" this particular hole can be. Especially considering hole 16 is to have a "Green House" theme.
And this is the area where it may go up (pic from kingeric at Orlando United):
While I don't do mini golf, I can see this become a success for CityWalk. =)
Universal Water Park, "Wondersea Island":
Universal has trademarked the name "Wondersea Island" for "Entertainment services in the nature of water parks."
For the past few years, there have been rumors spreading about the possible doom of Wet N' Wild and a new Universal Water Park going up around 2015-2016. The trademarking seems to let the cat out of the bag on this one. While I love water parks, I haven't been to many... pretty much only Säntispark in St. Gallen, Switzerland. This, however, might be one of the water parks I'll visit very often (if what I think about this is true)!
So, that's my two cents on what may be announced on May 19th.
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