Next Universal Project

Some interesting rumors have been spreading about the next big addition for Universal.

To start things off... an expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been all but confirmed:

Harry Potter producer David Heyman didn’t keep mum on the Harry Potter Home Entertainment Celebration red carpet at Universal Orlando last weekend.

He told one fansite that plans for a Wizarding World expansion and new Potter parks were in “early days,” and as it turns out he had a bit more to confirm to a major news outlet.

From the Toronto Sun:

Heyman confirmed with Sun Media that details are being planned, including new Potter-themed thrill rides. Heyman himself has been thrilled with the response. “This is the first time we’ve been here with this crowd,” he said of “real fans” of the Harry Potter universe. “You realize it does live on and it lives on in so many ways.”

So now we know that thrill rides are part of the expansion plan. I’m personally still holding out for a Gringotts ride to take over the existing Poseidon’s Fury area at Universal Orlando.

We’ll continue to keep you updated on any expansion and new park news as it becomes available!

Be sure to check out our list of 8 things we want to see in a new Potter park.

http://www.hypable.com/harry-potter/2011/11/19/more-murmurs-of-wizarding-world-at-universal-orlando-expansion-from-producer-david-heyman/

More interesting rumors are spreading (from JungleSkip at Orlando United):

A whole park isn't in the cards... But a lot more than we would have guessed seems to be. I know I'm being a bit short but I'm headed to bed.

The more I hear, the more I think my friendly Spirit was mistaken on what he heard or what he was told.

A contractor that worked on version 1 has said the plans are very big for Phase II, but not USF big.

He's also said Transformers is on its way (different aka better from the USH/USS versions) and something to replace Fear Factor.

Other rumors (some from Spirit, some from other sources):

Exactly ... and UNI has some amazing things headed down the pike. Potter Phase II has grown so large that it has outgrown IOA ... it's like in that movie Jaws 'we're going to need a bigger park' ... or is that 'we're going to need to borrow some land for an existing one?'

I don't know that I'd go that far. But WWoHP is absolutely the most impressive O-town theme park development of this century BY FAR ... and just wait for Phase II ... so big it's going to be in TWO PARKS! (no, I am not kidding! kiss the plastic sharkie bye-bye!)

Nope. Both expanding in IOA and BEYOND ... and I just heard it this week, but have had it confirmed by two others.

That be the plan ... apparently connected by the Hogwarts Express.

But Amity, Jaws and Fear Factor stage (which isn't used most of the time) would cease to exist under the plan.

~GFC~

In all respect to my very dear friend Spirit, he is misinformed on Jaws. Not going anywhere. Phase II is growing however.

If I haven't told you yet let me also confirm that Potter phase II will be several steps above phase I. The two E-tickets (that is not a typo as I consider one of the other attractions planned for Potter to be an E-ticket) will blow FJ away in terms of show with at least an equally innovative and fun ride system. Transformers is an amazing ride and where it is going in USF is also surprising. USF will become an amazing park with the two E-tickets and the other attractions about to be launched.

It seems that the WWoHP Phase II expansion is bound to happen, but bigger than before. So if that's the case, you might want to take some last pics of the Lost Continent before it gets bulldozed.

Now let's get to Transformers. Before we get to rumors, let's get to some recent commotion.

Now, I know that Screamscape reported that Spielberg misspoke about Transformers, and that it won't come. After hearing some of the rumors lately, I think Universal tried to shoot down this rumor with that report.

Within the last couple of months, the old Hard Rock Cafe by Woody Woodpecker was finally demolished after sitting abandoned since CityWalk opened with a new Hard Rock Cafe. One would expect a KidZone attraction to be added, due to its proximity to KidZone. HOWEVER, this is where things start to get interesting... looks like the Lost Continent isn't the only section on the chopping block:

We’ve heard several rumors lately about Universal planning an extensive new attraction for the Studios park in Orlando. In particular, there seems to be a lot of concerted effort on Universal’s part on restructure the backstage area of the northeastern portion of Universal Studios.

This area within the park is home to the aging American Tale themed play area and other “kids zone” type attractions including Barney, Woody Woodpecker, and Curious George just north of the E.T. attraction.

Prior to the Universal resort expansion that introduced CityWalk and Islands of Adventure this portion of the park exited into what was a large Hard Rock cafe. When a new Hard Rock Cafe was built as part of CityWalk the building became redundant and was closed to the public – used only for internal purposes – and eventually not used at all.

In September of this year Universal began the process of tearing down the old Hard Rock building and subsequently filed the appropriate paperwork with the Florida water management district. This teardown in and of itself adds a sizeable plot of expansion space for a decent sized-attraction to Universal Orlando all on it’s own.

However, this week Universal has begun other backstage preparations for what appears to be a much larger project than originally rumored. They’ve begun restructuring the northern backstage area by moving some of the existing parade float storage areas further north and realigning the roadways. Here’s the pertinent paperwork.

On their own these two projects wouldn’t be terribly thrilling – Hard Rock isn’t that big – but they both border a prime piece of real estate in the park. One that is considered to feature outdated franchises and are thus underutilized spaces. Here’s a handy aerial shot for reference:

So what’s it going to become? Universal isn’t talking. However, we have heard rumbling that it’s going to be a fairly large project once formally announced. So until then we’ll keep an eye on the wires.

Now might be a good time to get photos and final memories of that area of the park, lest it not exist in a year’s time.

http://www.epcyclopedia.com/2011/10/26/universal-tears-down-old-hard-rock-and-starts-other-site-prep-for-new-attraction/

More from JungleSkip:

Also, some food for thought on all of this that I personally believe is connected (though I really have no info to back it up).

This year the HHN team has said they're looking at using both parks to host HHNs yet again. Personally, I think this is ONLY because something will be going on at USF that prevents the event from being solely hosted at the venue, whether it's construction back by the Sprung tents or the Fear Factor stage being unavailable (or gone) for Bill and Ted's necessitating the Toon Lagoon stage for the show.

New Transformers hint from a contractor that's worked heavily with UOR and UC before:

Transformers is an amazing ride and where it is going in USF is also surprising.

The surprising location leads me to believe it will be in the KidZone like I had heard.

Here comes an interesting factor... while the Hard Rock Cafe building was being demolished, a camera was put up by it. Why would they put up a camera by a building demolition that looks to have no meaning... there MUST be a meaning. This tells me something big is happening, and if the two site preps mentioned in the above article mean anything, we could be looking at something big (and Curious George will probably get the axe, since it is in the way of the two sites).

As of now, they are clearing the land around it (from Obi Ubamba at Orlando United):

They are flattening out the area and clearing out some surrounding area.

And another interesting factor... could we be looking at an announcement date soon as part of the Universal Centennial celebration:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/universal-redesigning-logos-centennial-261811

It seems that if Universal Orlando Resort were to announce a giant expansion (Potter and Transformers), it would be that day, sometime in the next few months (April 30 is the 100th birthday of the company, so that would be the latest).

It should get very interesting in the next few months...

Park Updates #8

Manta Confirmed for SeaWorld San Diego:

From SeaWorld Blog:

The new 2012 attraction will blend the exhilaration of a coaster with the grace and beauty of marine life.

Manta is coming to SeaWorld San Diego. The new mega-attraction, which will open in 2012, will combine the thrill of a launch coaster with an amazing marine-life exhibit.

“We are very excited to unveil Manta,” said SeaWorld park president, John Reilly. “This new launch coaster, the first of its kind for SeaWorld San Diego, will take riders on twists, turns and drops, while also immersing them into the world of the bat ray and other incredible marine creatures.”

Swooping, diving and twisting, Manta will not only inspire visitors with its 100,000-gallon underwater animal habitat, but take them on an unforgettable ride on a coaster shaped like a giant manta ray.

Manta also will feature a unique “launch station” where the passengers will start the ride enclosed in a launch tunnel with larger-than-life images of rays projected on a 270-degree enveloping screen. This stunning introduction to the world of the rays also will visually enhance the physical acceleration as the ride launches down the track. This state-of-the-art projection system will be the first of its kind in the United States.

“We are delighted to bring energizing new attractions to our guests year after year, and Manta does just that and more,” said Reilly. “It combines the thrilling excitement of a coaster, with the wonderful educational experience of an incredible marine-life exhibit. Our visitors are going to love Manta.”

Riders and non-riders alike will be able to immerse themselves the graceful beauty of bat rays and fishes. Forbidden Reef, an existing SeaWorld attraction where guests can feed and touch bat rays, will be incorporated and enhanced as part of Manta.

“With Manta, our guests will be able to see and interact with 65 bat rays, 10 guitar fish, and hundreds of fishes,” said SeaWorld San Diego curator of fishes, Thad Dirksen. “The below-water viewing area will include eight acrylic windows and a reef design. The above-water interaction area will allow our guests more opportunities to touch and feed the rays.”

http://www.insideseaworld.com/seaworld-san-diego-announces-new-manta-coaster

This link also shows some concept art and an on-ride video.

Manta SoCal looks like fun. I've enjoyed the one in Florida and Blue Fire at Europa Park, and this one will look very enjoyable.

Thorpe Park 2012:

Recently, Thorpe Park has been teasing about their 2012 coaster project. Now it looks like this will be the next B&M Wing Coaster:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53056&start=60#p999885

Now before you say something... check out the pics of the side elevation... where it looks like the ride will flip ON TOP OF THE LIFT HILL! =O B&M has never done that before! And it looks like there will be four inversions:

1. The half loop on top of the lift hill (used as a drop)
2. Zero-G-Roll
3. Corkscrew
4. In-line twist

Those sound GREAT to me! Now I'm REALLY praying for one of these to come to America! =D

And it looks like there will be a post-apocalyptic theme (there are some ruined vehicles that act as theming, like a helicopter, airplane, and some ruined trucks(for shopping purposes)). The track will be painted light military green and dark green (according to a post on Page 9 of the above link).

Just in case there is any doubt this is B&M, check this out (Screamscape):

2012 - LC12 - In Development - (2/10/11) According to a posting at UK Park News, Thorpe Park has confirmed through a planning application that their 2012 coaster project is from B&M to be located on a new development island “adjacent to Stealth” and will be just under 40 meters tall. One item though that I have to question… why does this statement say refer to B&M as being a “German manufacturer”?
The error aside… If I were a betting man, I’d be placing all my chips on this being one of the new B&M 4th Dimension / WingWalker style designs (like Raptor at Gardaland) with some all new more progressive design elements.

From UK Park News:

That’s right! In a recent press release, it has been confirmed that renowned Roller Coaster manufacturers, Bolliger & Mabillard, have been commissioned to build a unique, 40m high Roller Coaster for the 2012 season!

The full press release can be read below

“In line with THORPE PARK’s Medium Term Development Plan, application for full planning permission for a new rollercoaster in 2012 has been submitted to Runnymede Borough Council. This can be viewed on the Runnymede Borough Council website, www.runnymede.gov.uk (ref: RU.11/0101).

The German manufacturer Bolliger and Mabillard have been commissioned to build the unique new rollercoaster due to their consistent record of delivering extreme rides of the highest quality. Subject to planning permission, the ride will open in Spring 2012 and will be located on one of the new development islands adjacent to Stealth, measuring just under 40 metres in height.

Mike Vallis, Divisional Director, comments:

“THORPE PARK has developed significantly over the last decade to create the ‘must do’ destination for thrill seekers in the UK. We have focussed our investment on delivering exciting new rides and attractions including SAW – The Ride: the world’s first horror movie themed rollercoaster, Stealth: one of Europe’s fastest rollercoasters, Colossus: the world’s first 10 looping rollercoaster and Nemesis Inferno the 4.5 G-force experience.

This new development for 2012 will further add to the Park’s impressive ride portfolio and firmly establish the THORPE PARK as the nation’s Thrill Capital with a wide range of adrenaline pumping rides.”

http://www.ukparknews.co.uk/entry/cms/?p=3016

Yep, it will be the next B&M Wing Coaster. =)

Invertigo Dorney Park:

Last week, Dorney Park sent plans to the local township for a new coaster to replace the old Laser site:

Mum's the word on a new ride slated to join Dorney Park's lineup of belly-dropping, giggle-inducing thrillers, and park representatives say enthusiasts will have to wait until summer 2012 to try it out.

Dorney Park's parent corporation, Cedar Fair L.P., submitted a plan to South Whitehall Township for a new 138-foot-high amusement ride. But the plan doesn't mention what kind of a ride it is, and the park's general manager, Jason McClure, said his lips are sealed.

"We are keeping our focus on 2011 and all the new things we have in store with Planet Snoopy," McClure said.

The park's opening day will reveal the results of an $8 million top-to-bottom makeover of 10-year-old Camp Snoopy, the 3.5-acre children's area named after the too-cool beagle from Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" comic strip. The renovation will bring six new rides, an amphitheater, a souvenir store and a "soda pop shop" featuring root beer floats.

Dorney representatives will take questions about the proposed 2012 addition from the South Whitehall Planning Commission on Feb. 17, but even that won't demystify the new ride.

"The Planning Commission can ask us a variety of questions… but it's premature to get into a lot of detail," McClure said.

That hasn't stopped people from speculating that the incoming ride will be a coaster from California's Great America called Invertigo. The coaster happens to be 138 feet tall and is being relocated to another park within Cedar Fair's amusement park empire, according to a Great America news release issued last week.

Invertigo takes riders sitting face to face up a 138-foot-tall tower, then on several loops and twists both forward and backward through three inversions.

The rumor of the swap surfaced last week on a theme-park fan site called Screamscape.com, but Dorney spokesman Chuck Hutchison said the rumors are just that — rumors.

Invertigo reopened in July almost a year after a mechanical failure left two dozen people trapped 80 feet in the air for at least three hours, according to CNN. All of the trapped riders were rescued and no one was injured.

Under Dorney's proposal for a new ride, several kiddie rides would be removed, as well as a basketball game, concrete midways and a portion of a paved service drive, affecting about 1.7 acres of the 187-acre property zoned as commercial recreation.

Three Dorney rides are listed for sale on Ital International LLC, which dubs itself as the amusement industry's most comprehensive new and used ride brokerage source. The Antique Cars and Dune Buggy rides are both listed for $18,000, and the Kiddie Merry-Go-Round is listed for $25,000.

The ride is slated for the western portion of the park, just north of Lincoln Avenue and Dorney Park Road and south of the mammoth Steel Force coaster, where the old Laser coaster used to be.

The Laser was removed in 2008 after 22 years of double-loop thrills. The portable coaster, anchored by tanks of water, was originally named Colossus.

The site of the new ride, where Laser stood, is on the edge of a 100-year flood plain. The location caused heated debate at the township level when Dorney sought approval for Laser. It was eventually approved with a host of conditions attached.

If Invertigo greets fans in 2012, it would be the park's third inverted coaster, making Dorney Park the only amusement park in the country to have three true inverted coasters, according to a post on Screamscape.com.

McClure said the park will release more information on the ride this summer.

It looks quite similar to Invertigo at CGA:

2012 - Invertigo - Rumor - (2/3/11) Dorney Park has now submitted plans to the local township for a 138 foot tall ride for the 2012 season. Funny how that proposed attraction height matches up almost perfectly with the Invertigo coaster being removed from California’s Great America. The proposed site will take up the former site of the removed Laser coaster, as well as some surrounding area, removing a few kiddie rides in the process.

Hmmm...

Cheetah Hunt Construction:

Looks like track is nearly complete, as the only bit of track left is the drop, second trench, and the first half of the first s-bend (which according to pics looks to be going OVER the Skyride =O). It's looking really good.

Raptor Begins Testing:

You heard that right, testing has begun on Raptor at Gardaland recently (from paolobrescio):



http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56021&start=530#p996406

Oh my, those trains look so awesome! =D And also...

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56021&start=600#p999878

They've added some theme elements to one of the turns. Looks good! =)

Harry Potter Phase 2:

From Teebin at Orlando United:

Hmm... about two weeks ago, two baby sand hill cranes that were born on the property next door almost a year ago were sent packing by their parents. One of them was sent west to meet with a very well known theme park design group on the west coast regarding a more distant pacific new project. The other, so it was hinted to me took an eastern flight of 6 hours or so... to propose/present a whole lot/small lot (I do not know) of somethings re: a non-sPACIFIC project. Said crane is hesitant about a breakfast of neeps and tatties for several days. The parent cranes maintain a constant presence in the area since I have lived here and appear to breed "industry" cranes. Have a nice day.

It looks to me like the first crane he mentioned went for Universal Singapore or Dubai (or even South Korea) and the other could be for London, England, to meet with JK Rowling for Harry Potter Phase II. And to prove my point about that last one, from Disneyhead at Orlando United:

OK, Teebin beat me to it, but what I am hearing is that the plans are drawn up and have been presented to JK. They are waiting for her approval. The expansion plan presented includes one major attraction and at least one minor attraction. And that is all I know about it. I have no clue what the area will be or what any of the attractions concepts are.

Yep... definitely starting to reach the grips of reality. =D

Let me just say that the Lost Continent, unfortunately, has become a shell of its former self. Poseidon's Fury was my least favorite attraction at IOA (though last time it was a little bit better, but still lame), and I'd take a Gringotts indoor coaster over this attraction anyday. While I haven't tried Mythos, I wouldn't mind seeing Leaky Cauldron going up (though they can keep it to, like Screamscape says) in its place. And while Sinbad is a fun show, it unfortunately can't save this poor island. And a Triwizard show would be awesome! =D

Well, next time I'm at Universal (assuming I won't be there for a long time after that), I'm going to have to experience the Lost Continent and Terminator one last time.

Harry Potter and Invertigo Removal

Wizarding World Phase 2:

From Screamscape:

???? - Wizarding World Expansion - Development Phase - (1/29/11) According to one rumor, Universal is looking into having the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter finished by 2013… which is confidently the same time that Disney should be done with their Fantasyland expansion down the road. (I love it when they play nasty…)
As for the expansion, the plans are still being worked on, but the general idea is to take over the rest of Lost Continent, though at the same time they do not want to disturb the Mythos restaurant. (Just my 2 cents… but just place the new gateway to the Wizarding World just beyond the entrance of Mythos to avoid the clash.) The obvious and early idea here right now is to re-create a Diagon Alley environment… full of more theme appropriate shops to sell merchandise of course. An action show of some kind is being tossed around to replace Sinbad, and one possible storyline could involve the TriWizard Tournament. As for what may become of Poseidon’s Fury… the jury is still out, and many ideas are said to be on the table, however one possible idea under consideration would be an indoor steel coaster ride themed to Gringotts Wizarding Bank vaults seen in the first film. In case you’ve forgotten, check out the video embedded below.
(1/26/11) Screamscape sources tell us that survey markings are appearing in backstage areas behind the remainder of The Lost Continent as they attempt to map out how Phase 2 of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will take shape. It would be easy to convert Sinbad into a new live action show, but what kind of attraction could make good use of the Poseidon’s Fury structure?

I'd take the 2013 opening with a grain of salt, but with surveying apparently happening... hmmm... if this 2013 opening rumor is true, expect construction to begin in a matter of months.

I'd rather see a Ministry of Magic-themed show, instead of a Triwizard-themed show (though it would be fun too). But either case, this expansion is already sounding exciting to me. =D

Invertigo Removal:

From Screamscape:

Park News - (1/29/11) Cedar Fair has confirmed on the CGA website that Invertigo is indeed being removed from the park before it opens for the 2011 season, to be relocated to another Cedar Fair park. As for the Invertigo site… they say they have plans in the works.
I say that it better be a new coaster… something wickedly cool in steel… or that awesome GCI design they had all but confirmed a few years ago. If they try to put in another Windseeker there, you have my permission to riot.
(1/27/11) Screamscape sources tell us that California’s Great America will remove Invertigo before the start of the 2011 season. If true, we can look for it to start to coming down around February 1st. Unfortunately they have no plans for the site in 2011, and this means yet another coaster removed from the park, in a long series of such events, without having added a new coaster in the past ten years.
The good news is that apparently they are finally eyeballing the park for a major new attraction in either 2012 or 2013. One rumor is that the GCI wooden coaster that was designed could be back on track, possibly moved a bit to take up some of this location and avoid the complaints from the neighbors that delayed it before. Other rumors say that something entirely new may come in to replace Invertigo. Either way, if Invertigo is coming down, we wont have long to wait.

From the California's Great America website:

Invertigo Going to a New Home

After 12 years of service at California's Great America, Cedar Fair has decided to move the ride to another Cedar Fair park and open up a new opportunity for Great America.

This is a business decision that is taking into consideration all of the Cedar Fair properties and allowing us to infuse capital into another park while opening up a great opportunity for a new attraction at Great America.

Although we do not discuss future plans that are not definite, our Corporate Design team has evaluated the location and plans are underway for the future of the location.

This is not unusual as in 2003 the ride Stealth was removed and relocated to Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C., to make way for what is now known as Boomerang Bay water park.

Stay tuned for more details as they are available!

California's Great America is in Santa Clara, California (of course in California). And the park consists of 5 (er... 4) big coasters:

1. Vortex (B&M Stand-Up) - I hear this is one of the roughest B&Ms ever made, but it kind of looks like fun. I think a refurbishment will fix it.
2. Flight Deck (B&M Invert) - This coaster has a low-to-the-"ground" helix on top of a lake.
3. Demon (Arrow Corkscrew) - This was originally "Turn of the Century" when it opened.
4. Grizzly (??? Wooden Coaster) - I have no idea who the manufacturer is, but next to Vortex, I hear this is one of the most despised rides in the park (it looks cool though).
5. Invertigo (Vekoma Invertigo) - This coaster has a clone at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. THIS RIDE IS NOW BEING REMOVED.

And three smaller ones:

6. Psycho Mouse (Arrow Wild Mouse)
7. Taxi Jam
8. Woodstock's Express

I'm just shocked though. They just reopened Invertigo last summer, and now they are removing it? =O I hope something big comes to this park. I would hate to see another Kentucky Kingdom/Geauga Lake/Astroworld tragedy. Unfortunately, many people are speculating that this is the first step in selling the park to the impending 49ers, whom the park had many issues with over the past few years (along with some cranky neighbors in office buildings next to the park that delayed the 2009 GCI wooden coaster (hey, newsflash! You chose to LIVE by a park... imbeciles -_________-)), as they want a stadium in the parking lot.

As for where Invertigo will go up, Screamscape posted this:

2012 - Invertigo - Rumor - (1/29/11) In case you missed the rumor from California’s Great America, it has been confirmed that their Invertigo coaster will be removed in the next few weeks to be sent to another Cedar Fair park. The early rumor, even before the removal was confirmed, was that it was going to Dorney Park for the 2012 season. This would make Dorney Park the only park in the country (world maybe too) to have 3 true Inverted coasters. (No, I’m not counting Suspended or Flying coasters) Stay tuned!

I've got to admit, I felt that it would go to Dorney Park when the announcement occurred. My gut tells me it is where Laser once stood. The space seems perfect for a ride like this. Also, there are some kiddie rides adjacent to the site up for sale:

Park News - (12/3/10) It looks like Dorney Park has put three (1 / 2 / 3) of its small kiddie rides up for sale on Ital Intl, all of which I believe are located in the same general area of the park, along with the Steel First kiddie coaster. Could they be clearing the area out for a new future development?

I'm getting pretty interested in what Dorney Park is getting for 2012 (guess Hersheypark's 2012 coaster is getting some competition), and what the future of California's Great America holds. Will the park survive? Or will the park die in the hands of the 49ers and cranky neighbors? Wait and see!

Park Updates #8

Well, I'm in the middle of my California trip (in Sacramento) and I thought I'd catch what I missed lately:

SoCal Harry Potter:

From Screamscape:

???? - Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Under Consideration - (12/17/10) While there is a huge push right now to bring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Hollywood, I’ve also heard from some insiders that not all members of management are hot to jump on the bandwagon. It’s not that they aren’t impressed with the Wizarding World, but more to do with the timeline the Hollywood park would face if they were to approve the project.
Even if a deal is signed, the land designed and budgets approved, your still facing the fact that a West coast version wouldn’t be ready to open until at least 2014 at the earliest. With the final film in the series set to launch a little over 6 months, it would be 3 more years until guests could walk the corridors of Hogwarts. So to these more concerned management members, they have to address the elephant in the room and ask, does Harry Potter have the staying power to stay a hot property for 3 solid years beyond the release of the final film?
In most cases, the answer would be no… something new is always ready to come along, but there is a chance that Harry Potter could become a timeless and endearing entertainment series for the ages, much like Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Back To The Future. Still, the ever enticing profit margin reports from Universal Orlando are proof enough for most Execs that they need to pursue this. After all, you’ve got to take risks in business from time to time…
That all said… one does also have to ask, is Harry Potter’s story all over and done? Are there other tales that JK Rowling may have left in her pen that may take place in the Wizarding World, outside of the goings of Mr. Potter? Even JK Rowling isn’t sure it seems, as she apparently told Oprah not long ago that she could definitely write an eighth or a ninth book but, “I think I am done, but you never know.”

Honestly, IMO, HP does have the staying power to last 3 years (and possibly more).

And even if it didn't, I would still say build it. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been the greatest success for Universal since 1999, when they added Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, and the resort (the hotels). I really don't see a reason why they can't build it in Hollywood.

As for my idea, now I think it makes sense to put up Forbidden Journey where the Gibson Ampitheater sits, and Flight of the Hippogriff in between that and the Waterworld site. They can put up Hogsmeade after Hippogriff, and a Dragon Challenge clone where Waterworld currently sits.

If USH were to do that, I'd be all for it. =)

Cheetah Hunt Construction:

Well, it seems like track work has shifted to the old wet portion of Rhino Rally, where the drop from the block brake and most of the canyon track has been installed recently. As of today, footers for what seem to be the third launch and the block brake have been poured. Footers have also been poured for the heartline roll. As for the third trench, rebar is going in for the footers, so looks like footer pouring will begin pretty soon in that area.

Foundations are also getting poured for the entrance theming (they started on December 16), as seen in the concept art leaked out in September, and as of today, work has begun on the entrance itself. And another thing I didn't notice was that the old Skyride sign was removed (as of July 6, when they were starting construction in the old monorail station). I actually thought it was still there, until I saw a pic from RCPro's latest update. XD

Another thing I've noticed is that some Rhino Rally props are still in the canyon (such as the big waterfall, the falling water scene, and the old jeep). Could they be reusing them for this new coaster? Hmmm...

This is REALLY starting to excite me... =D

Kentucky Kingdom New Coaster:

It seems that Ed Hart wants a B&M coaster when he reopens the park in 2012, according to one of his recent videos. Here is what Screamscape has to say about it:

Park News - (12/21/10) An interview with Ed Hart about Kentucky Kingdom has been posted to ParkThoughts. The big surprise is that Ed claims that the new coaster he wants for the park will be a B&M, though the exact type was not mentioned. With so many other B&M’s in the Ohio area (Diamondback, Mantis, Raptor) I would almost thing that Ed might want to look into a coaster design not already used in the area.
That knocks out Hypers, Stand-Ups and Inverted designs, and due to height restrictions a Dive Machine is right now as well (unless they go deep underground), so to me that leaves Floorless, Flying and the new Wing Rider style design under construction in Europe right now.
Any of these would be a good idea, but I think a really classy Flyer may be a great idea for the park, and as SeaWorld has shown with Manta, a nice intense Flyer with lots of low to the ground elements can be a fantastic addition. Plus it would blow away Firehawk at nearby Kings Island, which is always a plus.
Other news from Ed Hart included: a dedicated parking lot for the park, with free parking for guests, plus the prices of food will be competitive with outside food vendors in order to keep guests IN the park rather than leaving to eat elsewhere.

I really like the Flying Coaster idea (partially because of my love for Manta and Tatsu, which I've ridden recently at SFMM). Ed also mentions that it would go up in the old entrance area.

I'm really looking forward to how this park will be brought back from the dead. A redone Twisted Twins, a new B&M coaster, a big water park expansion... I'm just wondering what he will do with Greezed Lightning (currently sitting in the park entrance).

Either way, this is getting interesting... =) It's hard to believe that this park, which I thought would be demolished, is coming back from the dead with some great additions.

HP Phase II:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/os-universal-harry-potter-20101215,0,1982334.story

When "60 Minutes" profiled Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg earlier this month, the TV piece included a look at some of Zuckerberg's personal posts online. They showed that the 26-year-old billionaire, whose website has more than 500 million users, had recently been in Orlando — visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

It was yet another jolt of publicity for Universal Orlando, which has been basking in a global spotlight since Wizarding World's formal opening in mid-June. The rides, shops and eateries themed around J.K. Rowling's beloved boy wizard have triggered a renaissance at Universal this year, snapping an extended slump and powering the resort to the strongest performance in its 20-year history.

"It has definitely exceeded our expectations," said Alice Norsworthy, Universal's executive vice president for marketing and sales.

But now, as it concludes 2010 and prepares for a new year, Universal faces a new challenge: keeping Potter's magic alive. Already, resort executives are wrestling with questions such as when to expand Wizarding World and how to keep business balanced between Islands and Universal Studios Florida — the park without Potter.

Experts say how Universal answers such questions will ultimately determine whether it is able to hold on to the gains it has made this year.

"The challenge will be to create a continuous buzz," said Abe Pizam, dean of the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management. "It's difficult to maintain the high level of [initial] interest. You have to create buzz on a regular basis."

36% attendance jump

It is difficult to overstate how dramatic Universal's turnaround has been. Last Christmas, Orlando's No. 2 theme-park resort was limping to the end of a year in which attendance tumbled by 1.3 million people to 9.3 million — its first year with fewer than 10 million visitors since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999.

This year's yuletide is far merrier. Attendance for the third quarter — which began days after Wizarding World formally opened June 18 — skyrocketed 36 percent, as Universal drew an extra 1 million people in just three months. It has continued to climb through the fall.

"I can't remember the last time anyone saw a 36 percent increase in attendance," said Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services, a Cincinnati consultancy.

Wizarding World's effect has been even more pronounced in areas beyond attendance. Universal's merchandise revenue more than doubled to $48.7 million, fueled by sales of magic wands and other Potter souvenirs. Food-and-beverage sales jumped 59 percent to $43.4 million on the popularity of butterbeer. And non-theme-park revenue rose 61 percent to $48.2 million, thanks primarily to sales of vacation packages through Universal's travel unit that offered early entry to Wizarding World.

The resort's CityWalk nightlife district has benefitted, as well. When " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" arrived in theaters last month, Universal scheduled midnight shows on all 20 screens in CityWalk's movie megaplex. The resort said every showing sold out.

Universal has had to make adjustments on the fly to manage the crowds. The resort has at times distributed to guests receipts with return times just to enter the Wizarding World section of Islands of Adventure. Inside, it halted sales of liquor over the summer so workers in the "Hog's Head" tavern could more quickly fill mugs of butterbeer.

It has faced some complaints. Some fans, for instance, have criticized the small size of Wizarding World's shops, where long lines routinely spill outside. And some experts say the limited capacity has likely cost Universal sales as frustrated guests forgo purchases.

"The undersizing was a major issue," Speigel said. "It cost them money."

But Universal executives, who call the shops "retail theater," said they were designed to look just as they are described in the Potter books and appear in Potter movies. The authenticity, they say, is what has made Wizarding World so popular in the first place.

"That's how crowded it is; that's how chaotic it is [in the books and movies]. I think that is what helps to create the demand," said John Sprouls, Universal's chief executive officer. "I don't think we have any concerns about leaving revenue on the table."

Add to Universal Studios?

Few, if any, experts expect the frenzy to subside in the immediate future.

John Puchalla, an analyst with Moody's Investors Service, predicts Universal's attendance will continue climbing by 15 percent or more through the first half of 2011. He expects it will turn slightly negative in the second half of the year — but only because Universal will be facing tough comparisons against this year's grand-opening crowds.

"We believe the attendance lift generated from the June 2010 opening of [Wizarding World] will continue for the next several years," Puchalla wrote in a research note last month.

Still, amid all the attention being paid to Potter and Islands of Adventure, Universal is taking steps to prop up Universal Studios, which is the resort's original theme park and was, until Wizarding World opened, its busiest. The resort's lowest-priced annual passes for 2011 prohibit entry to Islands of Adventure over the summer — but permit admission to Universal Studios.

Executives have also begun discussing how and when to add to Wizarding World. Among the debates: whether to add something more to Universal Studios first.

Puchalla expects Universal to spend about $80 million on construction in 2011. Though that would be significantly less than the $105 million a year it averaged from 2007 to 2010 — when it built Wizarding World in Islands and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and The Simpsons Ride in Universal Studios — it would still be about twice the annual capital spending that Universal averaged during the middle part of the decade.

Although they won't discuss specific plans, Universal executives say additions to Wizarding World will happen at some point. The resort's licensing contract with Warner Bros. requires it to incorporate elements from the final Potter films, the last of which will open in theaters in July.

"We intend to very gladly live up to all those commitments," Sprouls said.

I wonder what USF will do if they were to expand before Potter... hopefully the end of Fear Factor. >=D And maybe they will expand to that plot of land behind the Simpsons Ride (Back to the Future-themed MACK LSM anyone?).

As for one of the last sentence... I wonder if that will involve a Gringotts-themed indoor coaster, with a dragon animatronic? Hopefully so. =D And maybe a Ministry of Magic walkthrough in Poseidon Fury's place (of course, WAY better than what is currently there)? Oh yeah... *drools*

Either way, all this is making me smile... with a BIG grin! =D

Park Updates #7

Harry Potter USH:

From Screamscape:

???? - Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Under Consideration - (12/13/10) The buzz about the possibility of a second Wizarding World of Harry Potter coming to Universal Hollywood has got some of the big Hollywood gossip hounds talking now. The news we revealed even made the headlines over at Perez Hilton, though for some reason they chose to link to our news indirectly through a posting at MuggleNet instead of coming right to the source, but what can you do, right?
Of course from what I’ve been told, Universal is 100% at this point, and like the Universal Orlando project, the fate of it all lies once again in the hand of JK Rowling. Of course this may not be the end-all either as there may be another mystery project in development between Universal Creative and JK Rowling as well… hmmm. More on this later.

Well, if this is true, HP is bound to come to California soon... I hope so! With me being a huge Harry Potter fan, I think "the more Potter, the better!" =D

Trike Encounter Returns:

Well, after months of speculation, the Trike Encounter in Jurassic Park (at IOA) has reopened today:

http://orlandoparksnews.blogspot.com/2010/12/breaking-news-triceratops-discovery.html

Well, JP does need more things to do... I hope this is their first step. Then maybe a Raptor Encounter, a Pteranodon Flyers redo to Canopy Flyers, and a B&M 4D/Wing Rider using the Pteranodon theme.

I305:

From Screamscape Twitter:

PKD Fans, John Pagel (PR Mgr) will be live on In The Loop tonight at 8pm EST, talking about Intimidator 305.

I can't see the video tonight (because its almost bedtime), but I wonder if this involves the rumored reprofile. I can't wait to see.

Cheetah Hunt:

As of now, the track has been complete from the final brake run, through the station, the first launch, first turn, first trench, second launch, and half of the Windcatcher Tower (with the supports for it up too). I wonder if before winter break, they will complete the tower and the second trench, or if they'll just complete the tower.

Either way, I'm getting excited! =D

X-Raptor:

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56021&start=400#p971151

As of December 5, 2010, X Raptor is complete, with the over-banked turn after the first drop up.

Hmmm... I wonder when I'll see one of these go up in the USA (I know, I keep saying it)...

More On HP Phase 2

From Teebin at Orlando United:

Ok kids... this probably has nothing to do with WWoHP... but a contract has been picked up for demolition of something big at UOR. I have no idea what it is and it could be backstage stuff, one of the older buildings perhaps. Perhaps the supervisors building behind Sinbad or PF that has been spoken of. This is not comptroller hype, it is a word spoken into my ear just a short time ago. It sounded big because I know details I cannot repeat here. It is happening... contract awarded... so what is it? Any guesses?

If this does have to do with WWOHP Phase 2, I think it might be the supervisor building he mentioned. If I can assume correct, I believe he could be referring to this building:



If this is the building (and if this is involved with Phase 2), then that pretty much exposes where Phase 2 will go up.

This should be interesting.

HP Phase 2 News

From Disneyhead at Orlando United:

I have actually heard this "rumor" from 3 separate sources. 2 of which are basically clueless types of folks who just heard through the grapevine that it was happening. So I was pretty skeptical. Then I heard the exact same rumor from someone that I know to be VERY connected and VERY reliable. And I can tell you that the folks down at TDO DO believe this rumor.

I have heard NOTHING about what attractions/ shops/ potter locals are to be included. I have heard that Sindbad is history. Don't know anything about Posiden's or Mythos.

And the timeline is that construction will start very soon (like right after the Holiday Season) and they are aiming for a Spring 2012 opening.

Oh, and this is just my guess but I am betting it is going to just be the area from the arch just past Fire Eaters Grill to the current Hogsmeade entry arch by the train. That way they could use the temp bridge to get around the area and they will use the older bridge to access TWWOHP during construction.

But please keep in mind as of yet this IS still just a rumor.

So Sinbad is history... haha, I actually found it hilarious. But if it does go for something better (*cough*Ministry of Magic battle stunt show*cough*), then so be it.

And whoa, I'd take this with a grain of salt, but construction may begin by the end of this year??? If so, I'd probably imagine some permits getting filed in mid to late November-early December.

Should be interesting... =D

Harry Potter Phase 2?

From Screamscape:

Park News - (9/18/10) While Universal has other fish to fry, it hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from already lining up the rest of the Lost Continent area attractions to be scrapped in favor a Phase II expansion to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Personally I don’t really see this happening as a complete transformation as the rumors indicate, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see an additional attractions added down the line.
Some of the more popular rumors going around that could come to light include changing the Sinbad stunt show into a Harry Potter themed live show and the transformation of the market into a Diagon Alley area, complete with a Gringots bank location. Universally (not a pun) everyone feels that Mythos will be left alone, but Poseidon’s Fury will eventually have to make way for something new. Could it be Potter based or perhaps something entirely unique? Time will tell…

From JungleSkip at Orlando United:

Okay, take this with a grain of salt, but a very reliable friend has said that a WWOHP Phase II is a guarantee, and he is very confident in the person who told him this.

But again, take this with salt, because I have no idea where he is getting it from.

From MuggleNet:

Just a few weeks ago we told you Universal is looking to expand the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park by taking over the existing Lost Continent area within the next two to three years.

Today we're seeing that a two to three year wait may actually be too long even for Universal. In a new survey sent to some guests who visited the park, Universal asks the following:

What if -- instead of expanding it -- we DOUBLED the size of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? How likely would you be to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter again within the next 12 months to visit a Wizarding World of Harry Potter that was twice as big with twice as much everything?

The options you can select are "Very Likely", "Likely", "Somewhat Likely", "Not Very Likely", and "Not at all Likely".

While this is by no means official confirmation of a sooner-rather-than-later expansion, it proves Universal is really considering doubling the park and wants to know if past guests would come back within just a year of their last visit.

It's also great to hear that Universal is thinking about more than a little expansion. Doubling the park's size would bring it to 40 acres. As always, we'll keep you updated! Thanks to Al for the graphic showing the survey question.

This should be interesting.

While I'd rather see the Lost Continent add more rides instead of tearing down, I'm all for a WWoHP Phase 2... and I'm also all for getting rid of Poseidon's Fury! Sure the effects/theming were decent (including the water vortex that returned), but the rest was kinda... meh...

So, I can't wait for more info! =D

I'm Back From Switzerland

I went to Switzerland from June 16-July 6. Now I'm back. Anyways, lot's of stuff happened while I was gone (BTW, I've updated my old Manta rumors post)...

Chang:

It has been reported by Screamscape that Chang will NOT go up in SFGAm as planned, and instead there will be a water park expansion, and Chang will go to Six Flags Great Adventure instead (replacing the Great American Scream Machine). I'll let the article speak for itself...

2011 - Waterpark Expansion - Semi-Confirmed - (6/22/10) Screamscape sources have confirmed that Chang is now no longer being planned for the park in 2011. New expansion plans are currently in the works and seem to involve the same basic plot of land… but with a focus on expanding Hurricane Harbor instead. Nothing has been finalized yet it seems, as all the plans are still in the air, though we have heard of one plan to add a water-coaster style slide to the park, possibly similar in style to the Wildebeest slide added to Holiday World this year. More as we find out.
(6/21/10) A new rumor has come up over the weekend at SFGAdv (New Jersey) that claims that the park may now be planning to replace their Great American Scream Machine coaster with CHANG. Up until now Chang has been all but confirmed for Six Flags Great America, with even a few pieces and the trains already spotted on site. The meetings to obtain the needed height variance permit are all but over... with the final approval meeting expected to take place today... Monday, June 21st.
While I haven’t seen it myself, I’ve heard a rumor that the Six Flags issue may have been unexpectedly removed from the agenda for tonight’s meeting, which only adds fuel to the fire that Chang could now be looking for a new home. Of course the online version of the agenda still shows it there, waiting to be finalized. I had been told that as soon as Al Weber took control of Six Flags, he began to made huge and immediate changes to the plans set in place for the 2011 season by Shaprio. I guess we’ll know more once the Monday meeting is over if the proposal to add Chang has been dropped or not. Stay tuned!

2011 - Chang - Semi-Confirmed - (6/22/10) Screamscape sources tell us that the rumors from this past weekend are true and that not only is GASM set to end it’s life at Six Flags Great Adventure on July 1st, but Chang will indeed be coming to the park to take up it’s place in 2011. As for that mystery 5D project... it’s dead for now.

(6/28/10) Anyone have an update about Superman at Six Flags Great Adventure? As of last week, so far the ride had yet to reopen for the season. In other news, the rumors about GASM coming down continue to hold true, however there is apparently a bogus ‘reason’ being handed down from park management to the lower-end staff.
I’ve heard from a few insiders who have been told that the ride’s time was simply up because it had become impossible to buy spare parts for the old Arrow coaster anymore. Nothing could be further from the truth as S&S purchased Arrow several years ago primarily for their lucrative ‘spare parts’ division and checking into this rumor I’ve been assured that there was “no truth whatsoever” to this crazy rumor.
(6/21/10) A new rumor has come up over the weekend that may anger more than a few fans of Six Flags Great Adventure. If there is any truth to it, the new management calling the shots may be considering removing the park’s infamous Great American Scream Machine coaster. While at first the move seems shocking… keep in mind that GASM’s sister ride, Shockwave at the Chicago park, also met with a similar fate a few years ago. Of course it’s also well know that Shockwave, the first of the three Arrow made Six Flags Megaloopers (Viper at SF Magic Mountain was the final one) did suffer from a fair share of problems that the other two did not.
So the next question would obviously be to ask what reason there would be to remove such an iconic ride? According to the discussion going on at CoasterFusion, plans have been spotted at the park that now place CHANG… the B&M Stand-Up Coaster from Kentucky Kingdom, as possibly going into GASM’s spot. Up until now Chang has been all but confirmed for Six Flags Great America near Chicago… with a few pieces and the trains already spotted on site. Meetings have been taking place with the local government as well to get a height variance permit to build the ride there as well, with the final approval meeting expected to take place on Monday, June 21st.
While I haven’t seen it myself, I’ve heard a rumor that the Six Flags issue may have been unexpectedly removed from the agenda for tonight’s meeting, which only adds fuel to the fire that Chang could now be looking for a new home. Of course the online version of the agenda still shows it there, waiting to be finalized tonight. I had been told that as soon as Al Weber took control of Six Flags, he began to made huge and immediate changes to the plans set in place for the 2011 season by Shaprio. I guess we’ll know more once the Monday meeting is over if the proposal to add Chang has been dropped or not. Stay tuned!

Great American Scream Machine's removal has been confirmed by SFGAdv (through Facebook) on July 5. The removal date will be July 18, and there will be a send-off event. From SFGAdv Facebook:

Hey guys, Scream Machine will close July 18 to make room for a major new attraction in 2011. We'll offer double rides on GASM July 11 & 18. We'll host an ERT (Exclusive Ride Time) event on July 18, 10 p.m.-11:30 p.m. to invited guests; to be invited, see this contest>>http://ow.ly/27be9 [see more below]

Date:
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Time:
10:00pm - 11:30pm
Location:
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson NJ 08527

•WHO: 25 winners will be chosen; winners may bring a guest.

•WHAT: Show us your biggest SCREAM face! Post a photo or
video of you screaming as though you were on Great American Scream Machine at www.facebook.com/sixflagsgreatadventure. Guests that shoot a SCREAM video or include patriotic items are more likely to be chosen as winners. There is no limit to the amount of entries. Winners will be announced July 15, 2010. Be creative, have fun and keep it clean :)

•WHEN: 10 p.m.-11:30 p.m., July 18, 2010

•WHERE: Great American Scream Machine at Six Flags Great
Adventure.

•WHY: To make room for a new attraction in 2011, we’re
celebrating Scream Machine with the send off it deserves!

•Event Details:Guests invited to the event will receive ERT (exclusive
ride time) from 10 p.m.-11 p.m. Seats on the front and back row of the last train of the last ride (dispatched at 11 p.m.) will be auctioned off; other seats during the last ride will be $50 each—details TBA—and all proceeds will benefit the NRCMA (National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives)!

So with two Arrow Megaloopers gone from Six Flags parks... Viper's (SF Magic Mountain) the only one of those three left.

BGT 2011 Coaster:

The Skyride is now down to the end of the year, and both the temporary path behind the Clydesdale (June 16) and the path from Nairobi to Edge of Africa (June 29) are now open. By the second bridge of the EOA path (which is not technically a "bridge" yet as the trench hasn't been dug yet), you see footers like Maverick (which adds more fuel to the fire that this coaster's from Intamin). In the south side, the old path from KaTonga to Egypt is closed and demolished (but meanwhile the Clydesdale Hamlet is still standing...) and the old control booth of the monorail is removed, as well as half of the platform, as the old monorail station is starting to become a coaster station. Construction walls are also starting to go up in front of the Crown Colony (it is said that the whole Crown Colony section will get a face lift to fit the new theming). The old Edge of Africa Gift Shop is gutted out (I came up with the theory of that becoming the coaster's gift shop/on-ride photo booth). Meanwhile on the construction walls, teasers have gone up saying "Feel the spirit. Feel the speed." There is also a new website for the coaster project:

http://buschgardens2011.com/

It has some cool videos. =)

And Screamscape continues to update us with coaster rumors:

(6/28/10) Busch Gardens Tampa has launched a new preview teaser site for the 2011 coaster… aka: Cheetaka. As part of this the park is also posting QR codes on the construction walls that will lead you to this same site and a preview video. QR codes are those square digital barcodes your starting to see here and there that are readable by most barcode scanner programs you can load into your smart phones (Android & iPhones). If you want to view it on your PC, just go to BuschGardens2011.com.
Of course the latest rumors for Cheetaka are quite interesting, claiming that the ride may feature inversions after all as well as a new style vertical tower element. I’ve also heard that the trains put to use here will be a one car longer than what Cedar Point put on Maverick… offering 4 cars (4 seats each) per train.
You can also see some construction updates at RCPro
(6/23/10) A new construction update can be found at BGT Guide this week, but it was also pointed out last week on Johnny Upsidedown’s update that it looks like the first coaster footers have been poured. Now… about this Cheetaka coaster project itself… I’ve heard that perhaps we don’t have all the details on it yet. Perhaps there is a chance that it may have a buried inversion or two in the trenches… as well as a vertical plunge at one point. More as we find out.
(6/21/10) A teaser poster for the 2011 attraction has been posted in the park with the tagline, “Feel the spirit. Feel the Speed. Coming Spring 2011”. While this could very well still be a hint about the rumored Cheetah theme, another rumor coming in from BGT Guide shows off a piece of artwork said to have been designed as a proposed promotion for the ride in Puerto Rico which clearly shows off a Cheetah theme. Of course it also shows off a photograph of a wooden coaster as well, which this ride definitely will not be, so you can only trust this one so far. Still, the artwork used here does look professionally done.
Meanwhile you can also find some new construction pictures posted over at BGT Nation. More as we get it.

Why do I have this strange feeling that "Cheetaka" will actually be the name...? Okay let's see... buried inversions, a new type of vertical tower element, three launches, vertical plunge... yep, it's gonna rock. =D

Gwazi:

Screamscape also reported this:

(6/24/10) A few months back you might recall that Busch Gardens Tampa was testing a borrowed GCI Millennium Flyer train on one side of Gwazi. If the latest rumor is true, it must have impressed them (how could it not?) and the park is now rumored to have put in orders for all new trains to replace the current PTC trains. Don’t look for these to go online until at least the end of the year or next spring.

That's nice to hear! =D Now if they do that and keep the noise... I'll be happy (even though I didn't mind Gwazi's roughness).

Hulk:

Okay, recently the Incredible Hulk Coaster has been reported to get incredibly (pun) rusty and rough. I've seen pictures, and I felt like I was going to puke. But fear not Hulk fans, Screamscape has reported this:

(7/6/10) While most of the attention at Universal’s Islands of Adventure park has been focused on the Wizarding World lately, they did take the time to spruce up several other park attractions as well. Unfortunately, as this article points out, the Incredible Hulk coaster was the one high profile ride that apparently was left-off the list of things to be spruced up. On top of looking a bit ulgy, the ride is apparently rubbing some fans the wrong way with a rougher than normal ride experience as well.
All is not lost however, as I have heard a few rumors being tossed around Universal campus claiming that there may be plans afoot to take what Universal has learned from the Hollywood Rockit and Hollywood Dream coasters (onboard lights & sounds system) and may apply it towards building some new themed trains packed with lights and sounds to take the Hulk to the next level. Cross your fingers…

Here's a similar rumor I've read from Screamscape:

2011 to 2014 - Island Refurbishment - Rumor - (10/16/09) Once the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens next year, Universal’s next step for Islands of Adventure may be to begin a series of “refresh and refurbishment” projects to the rest of the Islands over the next couple of years. With the success of the light up panels on the Rockit coaster, there is now a plan in place to go back and add green lighting to the Hulk trains as was promised way back when the park was first announced. If the rumors about audio being added to Dragon’s Challenge are true, I would count on seeing it added to Hulk as well. There is also a rumored plan to “upgrade” Spiderman, by adding a new scene or two by replacing a couple of scenes that don’t work as well as the rest. Seuss may just get repainted, possibly some new scenic elements, and there has been talk about adding a new attraction to the Jurassic Park area for years. What about the remains of Lost Continent? I think we could see something happen here as well, though would it be an expansion of Potter’s Wizarding World or something brand new?

All I can say is... I hope this is true! Hulk would look so cool at night with LEDs (and possibly LED the outside of the gamma tube. Speaking of which, a new light effect is inside the gamma tube)! =D

Cedar Point 2011:

From Screamscape:

2011 - Thrill Ride - Semi-Confirmed - (7/9/10) According to this article the announcement for the 2011 attraction will take place in mid August. Dick Kinzel has hinted that, “It's going to bring back a lot of memories for people that follow Cedar Point”. Makes it sound like a throw-back ride… or a recreation of something popular long ago but lost. While one source tell us that it may actually be a flat ride coming to the park, it was also pointed out that The Point has seen a fair share of wooden coaster come and go over the years… 8 in fact according to RCDB. With our last leak claiming that Cedar Fair was looking more favorable at building new wooden coasters again… could this be a possibility? Certainly the early announcement date also seems to indicate that work on the project may become visible before the end of the season as well. More as we find out.
(7/7/10) The latest rumors about Cedar Point’s next big project claim it will be a coaster from Intamin once again… despite all the various technical problems The Point has had with rides from them. According to another source, this new Intamin creation may be a new prototype creation we haven’t seen anywhere else before. Stay Tuned!

An Intamin prototype would be incredible! =D Hopefully it comes true...

Hersheypark 2012:

I've heard that once again, Hersheypark will go with Intamin, and the project has been delayed to 2012. From Screamscape:

2011/2012 - New Coaster - (7/7/10) Some may be thinking back to the coaster project that got away from Hersheypark… Turbulence (aka: Frequent Faller), as a possible inspiration for the park to buy a ZacSpin coaster from Intamin. However it has also been pointed out that the overall project area contained within the known survey points is really far too large for a ZacSpin, so we’ve got to think bigger. Could Hersheypark be thinking of building the first Mega-Lite coaster in the US perhaps? We know they have been a huge hit internationally. Of course Intamin also has a few other tricks we have yet to see in the US like the Wingwalker coaster, the new Spinning Coaster or even the infamous AquaTrax system. So far all we have is very mild rumors and lots of speculation. Time to do some digging.
(7/6/10) While nothing more have been firmed up, the latest rumor going around the park does seem to indicate that the next coaster at Hersheypark will likely be from Intamin again.
(6/14/10) The latest rumors swirling around Hersheypark’s next big coaster project actually now throw Premier Rides into the mix with Intamin as well… and hint that B&M is now more unlikely. Many also seem to think that the project may not be until the 2012 season, though with surveying going on right now, anything can happen.
As for those markers, I’ve been contacted by a reader with some professional experience as an actual surveyor and was told that the markings we’ve seen so far have nothing at all to do with the layout of the project. All of the triangle markings found so far have a “Mag Nail” driven into the asphalt in the center and are actually “Control Points”, which are then usually number sequentially as they are created. These points mark the locations the surveyors use to work from... and not the location of the project itself. If people look hard enough, there should be more of these Control Points discovered around the site, as they are set up in a loop around the actual area where the work will be done. So once all the different Control Points are discovered, we should have a large loop surrounding the overall location of the new project area. However the loop could be quite large... much larger than the actual project itself, as I’m told that the permitter loop would also include any and all sites where other infrastructure work (electric, water, sewer, roads, walkways, etc) will also be modifed or tied into.
So really the best thing to do right now, other than to find more markers, would be to also create an overhead map showing off the location of each discovered and numbered marker as time goes on.

Something tells me that these "control points" are starting to get fun. =D

And if you scroll down this page, you can see a map of where the markings are located:

http://keystonethrills.megabb.com/hersheypark-happenings-discussion-f18/2011-2012-new-coaster-rumor-discussion-t157-30.htm

According to the second map, the lift looks to be behind Traffic Jam and Helicopters (right by Comet).

Guess this should be an interesting project to look at...

Chopping Block Update #1

From April at IOACentral:

I think that survey is going through the different attractions. I remember one day it was one set of attractions, another a different set with E.T. and Twister and now I'm hearing about Poseidon's Fury.

Ah, now I can finally make my decision on what should go! =)

Now here's Poseidon's Fury story:

Poseidon's Fury wasn't always the PF it is today. Originally when it opened, the storyline was that a tour guide by the name of the "Keeper" wove a tale about the great lost city of Atlantis and an epic battle between Zeus and Poseidon. The Keeper leads the guests to the temple of Poseidon, where he appeared and welcomed guests to their new permanent home. Then, the Keeper reveals himself as Zeus, and an epic battle occurs. Poseidon's Fury was then changed to the storyline it has today. In November 2008, the water vortex was removed and replaced by mist.

My opinion:

Personally I say get rid of it. It was disappointing before, and without the water vortex, it is bound to be more disappointing. The newer storyline is cheesy and lackluster. Can we please just tear that thing down already for something better after HP opens???

Wait... remember that Odyssey-themed water ride I thought of a few months ago. Maybe they should replace PF with that.

If Poseidon's Fury gets chosen for removal over JNNB, then I'll be happy.

So yeah, I vote getting rid of Poseidon's Fury! THAT'S FINAL!!!!!!

Top 2 Favorite/Least Favorite Attractions at Islands of Adventure

What is your Top 2 Favorite and Least Favorite Attractions at USF?

Mine?

Favorite:

1. A tie with Spider-Man and Hulk. Spidey has to be the best 3D dark ride in the world! Hulk's launch is awesome!

2. Dr. Doom's Fearfall. I love freefalls, what can I say?

Least Favorite:

1. Pteranodon Flyers. You can't go if you're taller than 56'' (without a child). That's lame. If it goes for the Helicopters simulator or a bigger coaster (or even a Vekoma junior suspended), I'll be all for it.

2. Poseidon's Fury. Seriously, they could've done it WAY better. And without the water vortex, it's even lamer.

Yours?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opening Official!

OMG! I'm so excited! HP is opening June 18, 2010!

"Grand Opening Of The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Orlando Resort Set For June 18

Universal Orlando Also Unveils Details for the Highly Anticipated New Attraction: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 25, 2010) - One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort - is set for a public grand opening on June 18.

Today, Universal Orlando Resort also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience.

And as they live their adventure, guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects - and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter's world.

The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.

The Adventure

Imagine...

...meeting Harry, Ron and Hermione as if they were in person
...soaring over Hogwarts castle with Harry
...being swept into a Quidditch match
...feeling the chilling effect of a Dementor
...exploring your favorite places inside Hogwarts castle
...living adventures you've only been able to imagine - until now.

The Story
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws you into the excitement and chaos of Harry's life. As you venture through Hogwarts castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.

"Guests will experience firsthand a completely new adventure featuring the iconic characters, amazing creatures and recognizable locations they've only read in the books or seen in the films," said Thierry Coup, creative director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Location
The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience starts as soon as you walk through the gates of Hogwarts. Within the towering Hogwarts castle, you explore a truly magical place. You journey through iconic locations taken from the films and take in the extraordinary detail of each scene. They include:

Dumbledore's office: Here, you meet the Headmaster as he welcomes you to Hogwarts
Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom: Where you first meet Harry, Ron and Hermione

Gryffindor common room: You meet three additional characters who prepare you for your journey

Room of Requirement: Here, with hundreds of floating candles above, you take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey

Other locations: In addition, guests will pass through the Dungeon passageway and hallways of Hogwarts where they will have the chance to see hundreds of wizard portraits from the films, including several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four founders of Hogwarts. Guests will even get a glimpse of the Sorting Hat.

The Innovation
This is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It's a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking - specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.

"We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. "What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience."

The attraction's newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. This fusion of robotic technology and filmed scenes has never been achieved until now. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series-and the future of theme park entertainment.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Quick Facts
Storyline: As you venture through Hogwarts, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice you travel by Floo powder, and begin your adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
First-ever combination of advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking
Award-winning composer John Williams oversaw the creation of the attraction's score
The queue includes the following Harry Potter book and film elements: Headmaster Dumbledore's office, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor common room, Room of Requirement, and the greenhouse; talking portraits including the Fat Lady and the never-before-seen four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw; the Sorting Hat, the One-Eyed Witch statue and the Mirror of Erised
Duration of ride: The full attraction experience, including the queue, takes about an hour
Number of scenes in the attraction: 12
Characters (featuring Harry Potter film talent): Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy
You may also catch a glimpse of Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom
For the latest news about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

Universal Orlando Resort
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation - but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. It is a completely separate destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It's the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained - you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. You can be courageous, be outrageous - and be extraordinary.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 68 languages with more than 400 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $5.4 billion at the box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history."

Dueling Dragons Closes Today!

From Captainwalker42 at Orlando United:

"I rode DD three times today, one on Ice and twice o Fire to see the pieces of the train. I saw the pieces of a Fire Dragon on the ground in a row, but didn't see any new pieces. There was something covered with a tarp next to the pieces, so I assume this was the rumored new dragon shells. I asked two attendants about the ride, and they both confirmed that today was indeed the last day of DD. I can't wait to see what's going to start happening once tomorrow rolls around. I hope we'll still be able to get cool photographs since a lot of great viewpoints of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade were from the DD queue."

Well, farewell Dueling Dragons. After two years of avoiding... it's finally happening...

=(

But, the good news is... HP is coming closer!!!!!!!!!

=D