Universal's Many Expansions

Now to talk about a particular Central Florida Theme Park/Resort that has been growing tremendously these past few years with tower cranes building new attractions, and from the looks of it will continue to do so: Universal Orlando Resort.

In 2012, Universal opened Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (replacing the old Jimmy Neutron ride), added a nighttime show, and a parade. Also, at Islands of Adventure, they updated Spider-Man with high definition.

This year, they opened their version of Transformers (replacing the old Soundstage 44) and managed to build it in a year. They also transformed the old International Food and Film Festival restaurant and surroundings into Springfield (next to the Simpsons Ride) including Moe's, Krusty Burger, Lard Lad's Donuts, and even a new spinner flat ride, Kangs and Kodos.

2014 will bring the long-awaited Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley expansion, replacing the former JAWS ride and Amity section. At this point, London has been built along with Kings Cross and Gringotts. The track for the Hogwarts Express stretches from Kings Cross behind Disaster, ROTM and next to Sinbad into Islands of Adventure's Hogsmeade station, also being built. Soon, supposedly the Lost Continent games next to Hogsmeade's entrance and station will be removed. Also, recently the Hogwarts Express trains have arrived. 2014 will also bring a new resort: Cabana Bay Beach Resort, themed to the retro area.

At this point, I think many of us are in agreement that Comcast is the mastermind behind the sudden rise of expansions at Universal, ever since they bought Universal in 2011. So this brings the question: What's next? A employee parking garage will be going up in the employee lot behind Diagon Alley (where they drop off buses for GradBash). But in terms of rides/attractions... are they done?

According to recent reports, mainly from Orlando United... they are not done. In fact, they are FAR from done. There are many more expansions that we can expect in the years after Diagon Alley opens. But let's first start with:

Jurassic Park

It is strongly believed that the next major Universal expansion will take place in Jurassic Park, taking over both empty plots of land in the "island": the old Trike Encounter and the plot between River Adventure and Ripsaw Falls. In fact... signs are already beginning to show in this area.

Last summer brought the installation of new midway games next to River Adventure's entrance (maybe not the best way to give an island attention but...), possibly replacing the ones to be removed in the Lost Continent. Some sources say, though, that these midway traps are only the beginning of a huge expansion in Jurassic Park. Plus, site prep for future attractions are already underway apparently.

Yesterday (Nov 26), RetroKidJaycob at Orlando United reported that movement is occurring in the old Trike Encounter site (7th pic down):

This is possibly the most interesting photo Jwhee took. Notice the Tree on the right. That pink Ribbon, is a Survey Marker. That is confirming that SOMETHING, is going on we just do not know what exactly yet.

http://www.orlandounited.com/forums/showthread.php/7591-Jurassic-Park-Expansion?p=348992#post348992

Surveying is already occurring in the old Trike Encounter zone. If rumors hold up, this area could be home to a Family Amber Mine-Themed Mine Coaster in 2015. This in my opinion is exactly what the park needs! They need a bridge connecting the kiddie coaster (Flight of the Hippogriff) to the thrill coasters (Hulk and Dragon Challenge), and I think a Mine Coaster will do just the trick.

As for what is going on in the plot between River Adventure and Ripsaw Falls, apparently this will be a new mini-island coinciding with the return of a former Universal icon. What may it be? Well, it looks like they're bringing the King back to Universal... King as in King KONG with the mini-island being Skull Island! Originally, King Kong was actually supposed to replace Disaster, but a recent change in plans just shifted the King to IOA as a mini-island and a major E-Ticket attraction.

HateToFly describes the concept of the King Kong ride:

The attraction itself is a MAJOR E Ticket Attraction complete with indoor and outdoor scenes. Think Indiana Jones meets the Great Movie Ride with a little bit of Jurassic Park thrown in. The entrance themed to ruins with waterfalls bursting out of the façade. It will feature a massive themed “underground” temple queue surround among more ancient ruins. The tandem entertainment guided EMV’s will leave the temple and head out into the wilderness. Outside will feature large AA’s most that we avoid as our guide shows us the way on our journey. We then enter the massive sound stage where we will encounter numerous AA’s, giant insects, projected effects, live fire effects, and a host of other live effects. We will also see one creature utilize Kukas for arms that attack the RV’s. At one point even our driver is captured and were left to fend for ourselves in the wilderness. The final and very large scene involves the big man coming from multiple angles on both sides of the RV.

This sounds like an amazing addition to the park! Plus, King Kong will still fit with the literature theme the park has.

Some say this could also be done by 2015 (latest being 2016). Regardless, the Amber Mine Coaster and King Kong look to be the next major attractions for Universal.

KidZone

KidZone is another possibility for future expansion and has been for years. Some say Woody Woodpecker's theme in the area will finally be removed. It's unknown what the new theme will be, but at this point replacements currently range from SpongeBob to even (at one point last summer) the Smurfs, taking over ET. Though the Smurfs rumor has been long debunked and ET also looks to be staying. I would say they will begin work here once Kong is done at IOA.

Seuss

This is another likely bet for a future expansion, in the plot behind 12RBFish. Supposedly it will be a family dark ride themed to the Lorax (the recent animated film), but HateToFly reports that this is no longer the case:

I've been led to believe the Lorax is dead simply due to marketability. Apparently the suits think this attraction would get lost among Potter advertising and not bring in the crowds a stronger more well known character could. Does this mean we could see the Grinch come to life? Possibly... But whatever happens in Seuss Landing it seems it will not involve the Lorax. 

Whylightbulb had it correct from the get go so shout out to him!

If Lorax is really dead, I say bring the Grinch to life! I would love to see Mt Crumpit in Seuss Landing. The only problem is, will this be too similar to the JP Mine Coaster?

But there does seem to be something going on in Seuss Landing... I'd say after the JP Expansion/Kong attractions are done like KidZone.

Middle Earth

In the beginning of the year, rumors began spreading of Universal talking with the Tolkien family to acquire the rights to the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit franchise to bring Middle Earth to life as a new island, possibly replacing Toon Lagoon (supposedly closing in 2017). At this point, however, this rumor seems very far off in the future. Some say that because of a Tolkien-Warner Bros lawsuit in the past it is unlikely to happen anytime soon. I, being a Lord of the Rings fan, would love to see Middle Earth at IOA, but I'll be sad when Toon Lagoon leaves. I think Popeye will stay and be rethemed, but I have a feeling Dudley will meet the wrecking ball (which is a shame, because I love Dudley). I think the Toon Theater will be demolished, if not possibly exploded (not really, but... you never know)!



In closing, ever since 2012, giant tower cranes now dominate the skyline of Universal building new thrills for guests, and this is not the end of it yet. Some say that Universal may eventually add a third gate southward! Who knows... but by the end of the decade, Universal will be a very different place! Stay tuned!

Falcon's Fury Rising + BGT 2015 Rumors

So what's going on in the Busch Gardens frontier?

A few days ago on November 18th, the base piece for Falcon's Fury was installed!

http://bgtfans.com/2013/breaking-first-falcons-fury-tower-section-installed/

According to BGTFans, the second piece is already in the self-propelled trailer, which indicates that this next piece will be installed Thursday or Friday. Sounds like Falcon's Fury is beginning to rise into the sky! I'd expect the ride to be done when Santa comes to town!

As for 2015, from bobwadd at Orlando United:

I have been able to confirm that Gwazi will be demo'd in the spring of 2014. Still working on info for it's replacement.

Gwazi is now supposed to be demolished in the spring as opposed to the end of the year as before mentioned. This certainly locks in for a Summer 2015 opening.

However, there is a new wild card into the equation. One word: POLERCOASTER

What exactly is a "PolerCoaster"? It is a new design by US Thrill Rides/S&S that features a large tower that can extend beyond 500 ft with glass elevators and an observation deck on top, including retail/restaurant space. It also includes an S&S El Loco style coaster wrapping around the tower.

How exactly is this involved with BGT's 2015 rumors? At this point, three installations have been confirmed: one for Las Vegas standing 650 ft tall, one for the LakePoint Sporting Community around the Atlanta area standing 325 ft tall (opening 2015)... and one for Florida standing 525 ft tall (also opening 2015). It would begin with an inversion on the top and would have a length of 8000 ft. This monstrosity will take the title for the tallest coaster in the world. "Okay, I still don't get, what does this have to do with BGT?" Bobwadd from Orlando United reports an interesting rumor that the PolerCoaster for Florida could very well end up rising at BGT:

All I'm saying is a little birdie  chirped something about BGT regarding a PolerCoaster

This is just my honest opinion... I honestly don't know if I believe this just yet. This system just doesn't seem right for Busch Gardens, except if they theme it to an animal climbing to the treetop, and the observation deck being themed to a view from the top of the tree. I can think of one benefit though: with the addition of a thrill ride, there will also be an addition of a calm and gentle observation tower which is another thing BGT needs (calm rides).

I love the concept of a PolerCoaster, and I'm excited see it in Florida... but BGT just doesn't seem right for it. I'd rather have an Intamin Plug n'Play or a B&M/Intamin Giga than a PolerCoaster in Busch Gardens. Plus, if it has an inversion (like what they're saying), I'll be a little disappointed. I love inversions, but BGT has ENOUGH. We need AIRTIME! I also think the ride seems way to priced for BGT. If anything, I can see this amazing creation go up in I-Drive somewhere (possibly a project conducted by Merlin, or even one of the Fun Spot parks).

You never know though, this could very well be the rumored Gwazi replacement. I'm sure whatever comes, I'll enjoy it! But we'll see what happens in the next few weeks...

Stay tuned!

Giga Coaster Coming to Busch Gardens Tampa?

I think a week or two ago, I talked about the future of Busch Gardens Tampa in terms of major investments. Screamscape just a few days ago reported this tidbit:

2015/2016 - Gigacoaster - Rumor - (10/7/13) According to a local area source members of the ride engineering department from Busch Gardens Tampa were spotted at Canada’s Wonderland over the weekend. While neither park is a stranger big rides, especially B&M coasters, the one big thing that you can find at Canada’s Wonderland and no where else in the world would be Leviathan, a B&M Gigacoaster. Is BGT ready to build the coaster coaster in Central Florida to break the 300 foot height limit? Stay tuned!

I would go crazy over a giga, because Florida needs a great airtime machine, and this one will definitely satisfy it (more than ever)!

There is also three reasons why I think it would be a possible/smart strategy:

1. With BGT breaking the 300 ft limit with Falcon's Fury, it would make sense for them to build a 300 ft coaster
2. With Carowinds building a giga for 2015, having a giga at BGT would allow a nice "duel in the South" in terms of gigas. However, if Carowinds is going with B&M, I'd want BGT would go with Intamin (because a B&M would be too similar). Though if they were looking at Leviathan, maybe they might choose B&M. Either one would make me happy! :P
3. BGT also needs something to attract crowds heading to Universal for Diagon Alley in 2014, plus the rumored Jurassic Park expansion and King Kong attraction (mainly Diagon Alley). A simple hyper wouldn't do the trick, nor would a woodie (except if they went with RMC or Intamin and aimed for tallest wooden in the world). A giga, however, would do the trick.
4. We have enough inversions in Florida!! LOL I love inversions, but we need an airtime machine with nothing but gigantic hills!

I do wonder if this is really replacing Gwazi or not though. While I'd think Gwazi would go, given the rumors recently, Screamscape didn't actually mention about the giga replacing Gwazi. Additionally, they reported that BGT has opted to keep Gwazi for the time being (on "life support"):

???? - Gwazi Status Updates - (9/3/13) According to the latest crazy rumors about Gwazi, I've heard that they only expect to keep Gwazi up and running (or rather the half that is still running) for another couple of seasons before they give up and demolish it. I'm guessing this means that they have a long-term plan in place to build some kind of replacement attraction on or near the site, which means we may not see a new coaster in the park until 2016.
    Of course if this means that Gwazi is officially on "life support" until they are ready to replace it, if anything very costly were to come up in the form of maintenance over the next couple of years, we could see the park opt to simply close it down early. So get your last rides in while you can.

So if Gwazi doesn't go, where will this new ride end up rising? There's always the old rumors of Jungala Phase II, with a coaster being built from there all the way to Kumba/Congo River Rapids (those rumors died out after the InBev situation in 2008 I believe). That rumor could rise again. Plus, there's the possibility of tearing out Rhino Rally for a themed area, with a giga heading to Kumba/Congo River Rapids and a dark ride, plus animal exhibits and a new train station. However, I don't think it will happen just yet (trust me, as much as I would love for it to happen. RR definitely needs to go).

I'm leaning logically towards either Gwazi's space or the old Jungala rumors. Bird Gardens needs a new attraction the most though so I'd prefer Gwazi's plot (though I'm probably the only one who likes Gwazi)! But we'll see how this goes! Stay tuned! :3

BGT: The Future

Busch Gardens Tampa announced their 2014 addition: the long-rumored drop tower installation, called Falcon's Fury. It will stand 335 ft tall (making it the 6th tallest drop tower in the world, counting Zumanjaro going up in SFGAdv, and the 3rd tallest in America, also counting Zumanjaro). It is replacing Sandstorm and will open next Spring. I'm really excited for this installation!

Looking at the future, 2015 and beyond, one has to wonder what could possibly be the next coaster installation in the park. Rumors are actually spreading about the next coaster already. Unfortunately, however, these rumors seem to point to another coaster departing from the park.

Yes, if rumors are true, Gwazi will be getting removed in the coming years. At this point, Gwazi's maintenance budget has taken a huge toll, and the ride has been stripped to running only one side (Lion). It even got to the point where some of the trains have been dismantled and a bridge has been built over the old Tiger station last year. Very sad to see, but it's the truth.

So what could possibly replace Gwazi? While I am one of the few who like Gwazi, I think if they replaced it with a better coaster, I will be pleased! I've narrowed it down to three options: B&M Wing, B&M Giga, and RMC/Intamin Wooden.

B&M Wing

I think this is least likely, because I think a Wing Coaster will fit better in SeaWorld Orlando. Though it'd be cool to see a keyhole inversion over the Serengeti Express (with the "keyholes" themed as rockwork). Maybe the ride could be themed as some bird of prey, though it could be redundant with SheiKra being themed to a bird of prey. Then again, Gwazi has lions and tigers, and Cheetah Hunt has... cheetahs.

B&M Giga

There is one type of coaster Florida has been lacking for a long time: a coaster designed for nothing but AIRTIME. The only problem is space, but I suppose it could run through the service roads behind SheiKra. I think it'd look better in the Rhino Rally plot, interacting with Kumba (similar to Shambhala running through Dragon Khan, and Leviathan running through Dragon Fire) and running to Congo River Rapids and back. That or behind Jungala and running through Rapids and Kumba (interacting with it) and towards the employee lot by Kumba and back. I think it's possible for it to be a giga, because Busch has proven that they can go above 300 ft with Falcon's Fury. Also, Central Florida has a demanding theme park audience. A giga will bring in the money!

RMC/Intamin Woodie

This is my favorite choice! After riding El Toro last summer, I have fallen in love with Intamin Plug n' Plays! Also let's face it: the general Floridian view of wooden coasters isn't too spectacular (though I'm not sure about White Lightning at Fun Spot. I personally enjoyed it and other woodies). If an El Toro-type ride comes, this could change this less-than-stellar view. Florida needs a great and large wooden coaster!

I also think a Rocky Mountain coaster is possible. There has been a recent popularity in these rides, starting off with "Iron Horse" conversions, like New Texas Giant at SFOT (2011), Iron Rattler at SFFT (2013), and Medusa: Steel Coaster at SFMexico (2014), to full-on coaster installations, like Outlaw Run (SDC) (2013) and Goliath (SFGAm) (2014). I would also love to see one of these rides in Florida, and this can also fill in the airtime criteria!

Well, we'll see how this turns out! With Universal going all out with additions left and right, BGT is going to have to find some way to combat back!

Carowinds to Build a Giga for 2015?

It seems like for their next coaster, Carowinds will be going BIG!

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/09/18/4323933/new-carowinds-ride-to-be-70-feet.html#.UjqthhC76tN

Cedar Fair Entertainment, the parent company of Carowinds, plans to build a 300-foot-tall roller coaster – 70 feet taller than the park’s biggest attraction, the Intimidator – according to a closed-session transcript the Charlotte City Council released Wednesday.

The council and Mecklenburg County commissioners voted this week to give Cedar Fair $922,000 in incentives through rebates on property taxes over three years.

The incentives drew some criticism from council members, who said the projected number of new jobs from the park’s $43.5 million expansion would be too small. Carowinds expects to create 15 full-time jobs with an average salary of $43,000 and 270 seasonal jobs that would pay as much as $8.25 an hour.

Some also questioned whether Cedar Fair would expand with or without the incentives.

The closed-session discussion, held in June, gives additional insight into Cedar Fair’s plans and the city’s deliberations:

• At a news conference in August at the Charlotte Chamber announcing the expansion, Cedar Fair was vague about its plans, saying only that it would build new rides, improve restaurants and make other infrastructure improvements.

The city economic development office had given council members more details about plans for the park in June.

The new 300-foot roller coaster would cost $30 million. In addition, the park would spend $2.5 million on a new water slide, $7 million on a new food complex and $4 million on ticket booth and parking lot improvements, according to Peter Zeiler of the city.

• In the June closed session, only two of 11 council members voted against the project – Democrats Patsy Kinsey and Michael Barnes.

Barnes voted against the deal again Monday, but Kinsey has since been elevated to mayor. She did not veto the incentives Monday.

Her replacement, Democrat Billy Maddalon, voted no Monday, as did Democrats Claire Fallon and Patrick Cannon. Fallon and Cannon voted for the incentives in closed session.

“I just have a sense that when something like this comes through the Chamber or somebody else, I feel pressured for one thing, but secondly I just don’t know if the Chamber says, ‘Oh, well, you can go to the city and county to get some money,’ ” Kinsey said during the closed session.

• Carowinds also told the city that half of the 270 seasonal jobs likely would be filled by North Carolina residents and half by South Carolina residents.

The city estimates the expansion would generate an additional 20,000 hotel room nights, about 0.4 percent of the total Mecklenburg hotel market. The city doesn’t expect that to be large enough to drive any new hotel development. Carowinds told the city that about two-thirds of its current hotel stays are in North Carolina.

• When the city’s incentive, called a Business Investment Grant, expires after three years, the city expects the Carowinds additions to generate an additional $110,000 a year in new city property taxes.

• The city said in June that Sandusky, Ohio-based Cedar Fair was deciding whether to expand Carowinds or its King’s Dominion park in Virginia. Some council members were skeptical, saying they believed expansions were likely at both parks.

But city staff didn’t discuss in detail the park’s announcement in 2011 that it had bought 61 acres of vacant land next to Carowinds. That purchase suggests that a Carowinds expansion was a priority for Cedar Fair.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/201...#storylink=cpy

According to the latest Screamscape report, the coaster is supposed to replace Xtreme Skyflier (which will be removed at the end of 2014) and will be located in the Thrill Zone section of the park:

2015/2016 - New Coaster - (9/23/13) Carowinds’ official revealed at a Q&A session this weekend that the park’s Skycoaster (Xtreme Skyflyer) would be removed at the end of the 2014 season. Since we know the new 300+ foot roller coaster coming in 2015 will also be placed entirely on the North Carolina side of the park, this makes sense as the most logical location for Carowinds to place the station and queue for the 2015 coaster.
    If it were me and we were looking at a long / narrow style coaster layout, I’d love to see the coaster run from here along the treeline down to the freeway and back.

I think that is the perfect location for a coaster in Carowinds, as the North Carolina side is lacking in attractions compared to the South Carolina side (when I visited in 2011).

As for the giga, I think this is possible considering what Cedar Fair did at Canada's Wonderland when they added Leviathan in 2012. The park already had Behemoth as a hyper and I think this will be similar at Carowinds with Intimidator as a hyper. I have yet to ride Leviathan, but I think that ride is designed more as a "speed" coaster then airtime after airtime like Behemoth. I think this will be a similar case with Carowinds's Giga, either Intamin or B&M (most likely B&M).

Taking a nod from another recent Cedar Fair installation (Gatekeeper at Cedar Point), I also expect to see changes come to the North Gate, possibly involving the giga interacting with the entrance plaza like an airtime hill going right over the entrance (similar to Gatekeeper's two keyholes over CP's entrance).

Having been to the park once, I think a giga will definitely drag me back there (I loved the park in my visit too). Expect more news to come soon!

...though I hope I have time to post it! LOL

I'm A Proud UCF Knight+My Dream Park

Hey everyone, once again I neglected the blog, over a YEAR. This is one of my most prized possessions and I shouldn't be neglecting it like this.

But with that said, as of now I am a Freshman in college (UCF - Go Knights!) going for the Civil Engineering degree, so it will be difficult to update my blog. However, I think I will make a commitment to try and post every month (at least three times).

I have also finally started designing my theme park that I will build in the future. South Florida has some quality places: South Beach, Miami, great shopping districts, other great beaches, great nighttime entertainment, etc. The only thing South Florida lacks is a quality theme park, the closest one(s) being three hours away in Tampa/Orlando. Now, I live in the Oviedo area now, but I would still love a theme park in South Florida, for that reason. And that is what I am designing now.

My park is apocalyptic-themed. No this won't be the occasional "zombie theme park" that some keep hearing (though it will have zombies). Some of this park will be inspired from Universal Orlando, Busch Gardens, and Europa Park (theming wise) and combined with high speed roller coaster thrills found in Cedar Point and other Cedar Fair parks, as well as Six Flags parks. There is a big division in the theme park universe: theming vs. thrills. I am intending this apocalyptic-themed park to combine BOTH aspects (theming AND thrills). Europa Park serves as a great example of this: they have an abundance of amazing coasters and they combine it with heavy theming and dark rides. This will be much more special then just a "zombie theme park."

This apocalyptic-themed park will have 7 sections: Hollywood, Rocky Mountains, New York, La Palma, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Some of my coasters will include an B&M Giga (themed to a meteor impact), a Rocky Mountain woodie (themed to the Big One - an earthquake that is supposed to devastate Los Angeles), a unique Intamin hyper coaster/dark ride combo combining I305 and Expedition Everest (themed to Yellowstone), an Intamin strata (themed to Cumbre Vieja and the megatsunami that will strike the eastern seaboard), and other coasters like a Premier Shuttle (like Superman Ultimate Flight in SFDK), B&M Dive Machine, dueling MACK LSMs, B&M Inverted (similar to Banshee in Kings Island), B&M Wing Coaster, as well as dark rides such as a Godzilla ride (like Indiana Jones in Disneyland), a shooter ride (like MIB in Universal), and a 3D thrill ride (similar to what has been seen on Spider-Man and Transformers). There will also be flat rides like a HUSS Giant Frisbee, a drop tower, and many more (yes, there will be water rides).

Of course, we gotta have stuff for the little kids too. While the park itself sounds scary being apocalyptic-themed, to cater to the families this park will need a kids area, as well as many family rides scattered throughout the park, like a spinning coaster from MACK, family dark rides, and small flats like the scrambler. It will be themed "apocalyptically" but at the same time cater to families of all ages. Additionally, this park would have a new resort hotel and shopping district

The name of the park may sound stupid at first, but thinking about it, it fits the theme of the park nicely:


APARKALYPSE


Basically, take "Apocalypse" and replace the "poc" with "park."

I even thought of a great location for the park at this point. South Florida still has plenty of space for a theme park, mainly in the area around I-75 and the Homestead extension of the turnpike. What I am looking at is the HUGE plot to the southwest corner of that intersection. No water retention, no land buyouts (as opposed to the northwest corner which I was originally looking at). Plus it will bring plenty of attraction to an otherwise poor looking area (as well as new jobs for South Floridians):

This plot is 2927.28 acres. It's big enough for not only a theme park, but plenty of new shopping districts and resorts (of course, keeping the apocalyptic theme). The only difficulty is traffic, and flow from the Florida Turnpike and I-75. A few adjustments, as well as the addition of a highway in the southern section of the plot, will do the trick.

Additionally, I said it will bring "plenty of attraction to an otherwise poor looking area." I was also talking about the areas in the southern section, around US 27 and NW 138th St. I think with the addition of a new apocalyptic-themed complex, this area will thrive into a new Intl Drive-like district (like what Walt Disney World did to International Drive).

Thus, I think the addition of a theme park in South Florida will not only be a great addition to an already thriving metropolitan area, but it will also bring in great benefits to this area as well. I will try posting ideas of Aparkalypse in the coming months. I have plenty of ideas already! :)