JAWS Getting Demolished

Since the last update, demolition of the JAWS/Amity plot is going full steam ahead.

As of yesterday, the iconic boathouse portion of the ride has been demolished (according to a recent post by hatetofly at Orlando United, and a photo by King K at Orlando United):

http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?6723-The-Amity-Demolition-New-Ride-Construction-Thread&p=216436#post216436

http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php?6723-The-Amity-Demolition-New-Ride-Construction-Thread&p=216438#post216438

They're also demolishing some of the Amity structures, as a hole was made on one of the buildings as of the 23rd.

Meanwhile, it looks like markers are appearing in the backstage road behind Revenge of the Mummy and SS33, leading from the JAWS/Amity area all the way to the Sinbad area (according to the latest Screamscape update):

2014 - Jaws Replacement / Potter Phase 2 / Project 722 - (1/26/12) Screamscape sources tell us that those new survey markers spotted backstage behind Universal Studios Florida actually do run down towards the backstage area behind the Sinbad stunt show at Islands of Adventure.
(1/23/12) According to once source demolition work in the old Jaws area has been going full steam ahead this week, as Amity will soon be nothing more than a giant muddy crater as the work crews are said to be moving quite fast on this. Elsewhere, sources tell us that a bunch of survey markings can now be found all along the main backstage road leading towards the Jaws / Amity area. No word yet on if they stretch all the way from Amity to the Wizarding World at IOA or not, but this sounds like the start of the Hogwarts Express to me. So far markings have been spotted in the area behind Soundstage 33 and down behind the Revenge of the Mummy attraction building.

I think we're all in agreement that this is the route for the Hogwarts Express, connecting the JAWS/Amity area to the original WWOHP.

Also worth noting, on January 20, Universal filed a permit for the demolition of two buildings in the Lost Continent:

On January 20th, 2012, Universal filed permits for the demolition of building 234A and a tent located within The Lost Continent. A quick look at some old construction plans and aerial imagery reveals that building 234A is “The Frozen Desert” building and the tent is directly behind it. Both structures are located just outside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which begs the question, could we be seeing early demolition work in preparation for the Wizarding World’s expansion?

Given the proximity of both buildings to the Hogwarts Express prop, and their direct line of access to the back of house roadway connecting both parks, it kind of makes you wonder if this is in any way related to the rumors of a ‘real’ Hogwarts Express train running between the current Wizarding World and its expansion in the former Amity area of Universal Studios. If they were to build an actual Hogwarts Express train ride, it stands to reason that they’d either keep the existing train prop on display outside the station, or remove it and re-purpose the area it once occupied as the station, to avoid confusion among returning guests.

But perhaps we’re looking too far into this, and there’s an entirely different reason why these two structures are being removed. I guess only time will tell. Below you’ll find several images detailing the exact location of these two structures as well as the demolition permits. What do you think?

http://parkrumors.com/lost-continent-demolition-evidence-for-hogwarts-express/

The bolded part is exactly what I think is going to happen. I think the Hogwarts Express display/Frozen Desert building/Tent will all be removed for the Hogsmeade Station, with the entrance possibly taking over the Hogwarts Express display. The train would leave the station and travel between Dragon Challenge and Sinbad, transitioning into an indoor tunnel, with the entrance disguised as a cave entrance (outdoors for the part before). The tunnel would include the rumored 360 3D effects, and last for a majority of the train ride. It would travel behind the Sinbad theater and into the backstage road. It would enter the JAWS area at Kings Cross station (the plans state for the station (or another attraction) to be in the southeast plot of Amity, so maybe the station can go over the walkway (queue or track)).

This is getting interesting! Hope to hear more!!

Big Announcement on January 25th

So Universal announced something really big on the 25th of January (haha, 1 day after my birthday). Before you freak out, no this has NOTHING to do with the Potter expansion into the JAWS/Amity plot (more info on that later). Now check out the article in Orlando United:

http://orlandounited.com/2012/01/25/universal-2012-yeartobehere/

This year, Universal Orlando Resort will debut more adventure, excitement, laughter and awe-inspiring moments than ever before – making 2012 an extraordinary year to be here.

There will be something for everyone and every family. From a new Blue Man Group show and newly re-created experience inside one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions to a stunning parade, spectacular nighttime show and brand-new blockbuster attraction based on an incredibly popular film – Universal Orlando Resort is bringing guests more new entertainment across our entire destination in 2012 than during any other year in our history.

The new experiences will begin debuting in February. Guests will discover the exhilarating entertainment of a new Blue Man Group show; marvel at breathtaking new animation and effects in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man; dance and celebrate with their favorite animated characters during Universal’s Superstar Parade and relive memorable moments from Universal Pictures most powerful and beloved films during the nighttime show Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories. And coming this summer – families will laugh together as they are transformed into minions for an incredible adventure inside the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction.

Universal Orlando will also be marking the Universal Pictures Centennial Anniversary Celebration during 2012 with a series of events to be announced throughout the year.

“We are about to offer our guests a historic range of incredible new entertainment experiences,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort. “This year will be filled with excitement and entertainment for the entire family.”

The new 2012 experiences at Universal Orlando Resort include:

Blue Man Group ~ Opening February 2012 at Universal CityWalk

Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking their unique and captivating mash-up of high energy music, comedy, audience participation and collective exhilaration to another level. Featuring a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences, the show will allow audiences to join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology. Signature Blue Man Group moments combine with breathtakingly fun new pieces for an explosive evening of entertainment. New show elements include the curious Blue Men interacting with enormous “GiPads,” a funny and insightful look at contemporary communication vehicles, and a pulsating new finale with an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet. Look closely – you may even see the Blue Men take a spin on one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ~ Experience March 2012 at Islands of Adventure

Universal Orlando is transforming what is already one of the most amazing attraction experiences ever created into what will feel like an all-new adventure. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will soon feature all-new, 4K digital high-definition animation, new high tech 3-D glasses and upgrades to the set, audio and lighting systems. The re-animation of the ride film will include an entirely new level of detail for guests to discover, including a cameo by legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee.

Universal’s Superstar Parade ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during Universal’s Superstar Parade – an all-new daily parade that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will sing and dance along with characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants during the interactive experience. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet and greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Narrated by award-winning actor and recent Golden Globe – Cecil B. DeMille honoree, Morgan Freeman, Universal Orlando’s brand-new nighttime show, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, will celebrate the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films – all on cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon and surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics. The experience will take guests on a journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show opens this spring, runs all summer and then on select nights through the end of the year.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ~ Opening Summer 2012 at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, will take guests on an unforgettable 3-D adventure with their favorite characters from the hit film – Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the mischievous minions. The experience begins when guests enter Gru’s home, where they learn that they’re being recruited to become minions and undergo “minion training.” Things don’t go as planned, and guests find themselves on a wildly hysterical journey with Gru and his daughters. Once guests make it through training, they join an interactive, minion-inspired dance party where they can show off their best moves.

Universal’s Creative team is working closely with Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment to bring this all-new adventure to life in the most authentic way possible. In fact, the beloved characters in the attraction will be voiced by the film’s original cast: Steve Carell (Gru), Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith) and Elsie Fisher (Agnes). The ride’s experience is being developed by the same creative team that brought you the award-winning film, Despicable Me. The motion-picture event Despicable Me 2 arrives in theaters on July 3, 2013.

There's actually more in the link, including concept art and some other additions (Wet N' Wild, Hollywood Drive-In Golf, and SpongeBob photo op).

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem looks impressive, especially some of the theming (like Gru's living room). This is probably the most exciting addition in 2012, and a very worthy replacement to JNNB.

The show (Cinematic Spectacular) looks nice, and a perfect addition to the park, for guests to stay after dark!

And the new look of the Spider-Man villains are plain sick! As unpopular as Scream is, I always loved her role in the ride, trying to slice us. Can't wait to see her like THIS!

I'm stoked for more announcements (like the Potter announcement)! Bring it on Uni!

Jaws is Dead and Phase II Plans

On January 2nd, 2012, JAWS sprang from the water, terrorizing riders, one last time, before closing for good. Right after the last attack, walls were being put up. By the next day, the games, shark photo-op, and Amity buildings were walled off (the restroom is still open though), and any evidence of JAWS and Amity have been removed from the park maps (downloadable and paper). The ride has even been removed from the interactive map.

On the 5th, the shark photo-op was unfenced, and became available for guests once again to pose with (in the mouth, as they're about to get "om nomed"... ;)).

The latest update from Orlando United now shows that a majority of the decorations have been taken down:

http://orlandounited.com/2012/01/15/amity-update/

Also, from hatetofly in the Orlando United forum:

...from what I overheard they are wasting no time taking out the ride system and show elements.

I wonder how long it will be until all those carnival buildings get to have a date with a wrecking ball, and the water gets drained (assuming some of the pictures above (some of the last ones) are of the ride in its current state). I can already hear the bulldozers.

Meanwhile, on the rumor side of things, on New Years Eve, Theme Park Insider posted details on what seems to be the plans for the replacement, which is indeed Phase II of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201112/2824/

From the plans seen, it looks like it will take over the JAWS/Amity plot, and will include the secret entrance into Diagon Alley (yes, it will also have the Leaky Cauldron). The two major attractions will be the Gringotts coaster, and another one on the southeast plot of the land (possibly King's Cross station with Platform 9 3/4, and maybe the Hogwarts Express will go over the walkway into the new section (from San Francisco) and would travel behind Mummy and other soundstages to the WWoHP in IOA).

Speaking of the Hogwarts Express, it looks like Sinbad is getting the axe too:

On the southeastern portion of the plot, a second attraction is designated. I can't tell from the plans what this attraction will be, but its position is consistent with the rumor of a Hogwarts Express ride connecting the two Harry Potter land, as this attraction points into the back-of-house access road that runs straight into the rear of Sindbad theater where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expanding into in Islands of Adventure.

Bye Sinbad! You were an OK show!

They even posted pictures of the Gringotts coaster trains:
































And here's a quote about the ride system, which looks a lot like the ride system reported earlier:

After the load platform, the two load channels merge to the south, then bearing to the left and entering Scene 1: "Turntable." In this scene, you'll face a brick wall, with two tunnel entrances, to the left and right. But before you proceed, the track below the first of the twin cars will drop from underneath that car. The track will come to rest at a 40-degree angle. Then, the track under the trailing car will begin to rise, matching the 40-degree angle of the leading car.

At that point, the two cars will drop in tandem into a third tunnel, below the tunnel on the right. Basically, we've just ridden a teeter-totter-like vertical track switch, attaching to the roller coaster track for our initial drop.

The Gringotts ride won't be a traditional roller coaster. It appears to be a hybrid roller coaster and motion-base ride, a la Spider-Man and Transformers. There are 3D projection screens throughout the ride, embedded in the rockwork of the tunnel walls, creating an illusion of open space, within which we'll watch battles taking place.

Sounds good to me! =D

Can't wait to hear more!

Six Flags Ride Rotation Rumors

From JJ2K at Great Adventure History forums:

The mumblings I'm hearing from within the park all seem to be pointing to this season quite possibly being the last season for Bizarro. From what I have been able to piece together and again I can't confirm any of this but it does come from a collection of reliable sources is that all of the parks in the SF chain were asked to submit to corporate a coaster to be put on the "list" for ride rotation. Gadv was told they could not submit SUF because Gam had already put their SUF on the list so there was absolutely no other choice that could be made Bizarro was pretty much forced on the list.

More things I'm hearing suggest that the five "big parks": Gadv, MM, Gam, oT & oG are all required to give a coaster to the ride rotation program once every 5 years....Gam & MM have already done so. One source of mine claims however that gadv, MM & Gam have three coasters on their 5 year plans. The push that seems to be getting made right now for this year is that Bizarro is out...IMO its likely destination is between SFstl & SFoT. And 2013 we will be getting an all new B&M coaster in its spot.....I have my fingers crossed its a B&M 4D and NOT a wing rider.....but the hurtful pit in the bottom of my stomach tells me its a wing rider which makes me angry cause I've been actively posting that I wanted a B&M 4D since 2003! And you know if we get a wing rider it means you can kiss a B&M 4D goodbye

This kind of makes me worried about some of the rides at SFMM... hopefully X2, Riddler (though it's likely), Goliath, and Tatsu (very unlikely) stay far away from the list. And for SFOG, I don't want their Goliath on the list either (though it's very unlikely, since it's the signature ride of SFOG).

As of this moment, SFMM has submitted Deja Vu into the list (Goliath at SFNE) and SFGAm also submitted a coaster, Iron Wolf (Apocalypse at SFA). Now Bizarro (SFGAdv) may be removed as well. So here's some speculation from yours truly (with the bold meaning confirmed and italic meaning rumored):

SFMM: Deja Vu, Scream, and Riddler
SFGAdv: Bizarro... not so sure about the others
SFOT: Mr. Freeze, Flashback, and Pandemonium
SFOG: Georgia Scorcher... IDK about the others on this one either
SFGAm: Iron Wolf, Superman: Ultimate Flight, and Rajin' Cajun

I'm not sure that I like the concept of this that much. Some of the rides listed above (SFOG, SFMM) are either ones I like, or are ones (or ONE) that I haven't ridden yet, however I was in the park.

It should be interesting though to see where these rides end up (or if these rides even get moved). I'm also curious as to wondering what SFGAdv has in mind for Bizarro's plot. Could we be seeing another Wing Coaster or something new entirely (or even one of the other rides listed above)?