Since the last update, demolition of the JAWS/Amity plot is going full steam ahead.
As of yesterday, the iconic boathouse portion of the ride has been demolished (according to a recent post by hatetofly at Orlando United, and a photo by King K at Orlando United):
They're also demolishing some of the Amity structures, as a hole was made on one of the buildings as of the 23rd.
Meanwhile, it looks like markers are appearing in the backstage road behind Revenge of the Mummy and SS33, leading from the JAWS/Amity area all the way to the Sinbad area (according to the latest Screamscape update):
2014 - Jaws Replacement / Potter Phase 2 / Project 722 - (1/26/12) Screamscape sources tell us that those new survey markers spotted backstage behind Universal Studios Florida actually do run down towards the backstage area behind the Sinbad stunt show at Islands of Adventure. (1/23/12) According to once source demolition work in the old Jaws area has been going full steam ahead this week, as Amity will soon be nothing more than a giant muddy crater as the work crews are said to be moving quite fast on this. Elsewhere, sources tell us that a bunch of survey markings can now be found all along the main backstage road leading towards the Jaws / Amity area. No word yet on if they stretch all the way from Amity to the Wizarding World at IOA or not, but this sounds like the start of the Hogwarts Express to me. So far markings have been spotted in the area behind Soundstage 33 and down behind the Revenge of the Mummy attraction building.
I think we're all in agreement that this is the route for the Hogwarts Express, connecting the JAWS/Amity area to the original WWOHP.
Also worth noting, on January 20, Universal filed a permit for the demolition of two buildings in the Lost Continent:
On January 20th, 2012, Universal filed permits for the demolition of building 234A and a tent located within The Lost Continent. A quick look at some old construction plans and aerial imagery reveals that building 234A is “The Frozen Desert” building and the tent is directly behind it. Both structures are located just outside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which begs the question, could we be seeing early demolition work in preparation for the Wizarding World’s expansion?
Given the proximity of both buildings to the Hogwarts Express prop, and their direct line of access to the back of house roadway connecting both parks, it kind of makes you wonder if this is in any way related to the rumors of a ‘real’ Hogwarts Express train running between the current Wizarding World and its expansion in the former Amity area of Universal Studios. If they were to build an actual Hogwarts Express train ride, it stands to reason that they’d either keep the existing train prop on display outside the station, or remove it and re-purpose the area it once occupied as the station, to avoid confusion among returning guests.
But perhaps we’re looking too far into this, and there’s an entirely different reason why these two structures are being removed. I guess only time will tell. Below you’ll find several images detailing the exact location of these two structures as well as the demolition permits. What do you think?
The bolded part is exactly what I think is going to happen. I think the Hogwarts Express display/Frozen Desert building/Tent will all be removed for the Hogsmeade Station, with the entrance possibly taking over the Hogwarts Express display. The train would leave the station and travel between Dragon Challenge and Sinbad, transitioning into an indoor tunnel, with the entrance disguised as a cave entrance (outdoors for the part before). The tunnel would include the rumored 360 3D effects, and last for a majority of the train ride. It would travel behind the Sinbad theater and into the backstage road. It would enter the JAWS area at Kings Cross station (the plans state for the station (or another attraction) to be in the southeast plot of Amity, so maybe the station can go over the walkway (queue or track)).
So Universal announced something really big on the 25th of January (haha, 1 day after my birthday). Before you freak out, no this has NOTHING to do with the Potter expansion into the JAWS/Amity plot (more info on that later). Now check out the article in Orlando United:
This year, Universal Orlando Resort will debut more adventure, excitement, laughter and awe-inspiring moments than ever before – making 2012 an extraordinary year to be here.
There will be something for everyone and every family. From a new Blue Man Group show and newly re-created experience inside one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions to a stunning parade, spectacular nighttime show and brand-new blockbuster attraction based on an incredibly popular film – Universal Orlando Resort is bringing guests more new entertainment across our entire destination in 2012 than during any other year in our history.
The new experiences will begin debuting in February. Guests will discover the exhilarating entertainment of a new Blue Man Group show; marvel at breathtaking new animation and effects in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man; dance and celebrate with their favorite animated characters during Universal’s Superstar Parade and relive memorable moments from Universal Pictures most powerful and beloved films during the nighttime show Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories. And coming this summer – families will laugh together as they are transformed into minions for an incredible adventure inside the new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction.
Universal Orlando will also be marking the Universal Pictures Centennial Anniversary Celebration during 2012 with a series of events to be announced throughout the year.
“We are about to offer our guests a historic range of incredible new entertainment experiences,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort. “This year will be filled with excitement and entertainment for the entire family.”
The new 2012 experiences at Universal Orlando Resort include:
Blue Man Group ~ Opening February 2012 at Universal CityWalk
Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking their unique and captivating mash-up of high energy music, comedy, audience participation and collective exhilaration to another level. Featuring a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences, the show will allow audiences to join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology. Signature Blue Man Group moments combine with breathtakingly fun new pieces for an explosive evening of entertainment. New show elements include the curious Blue Men interacting with enormous “GiPads,” a funny and insightful look at contemporary communication vehicles, and a pulsating new finale with an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet. Look closely – you may even see the Blue Men take a spin on one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ~ Experience March 2012 at Islands of Adventure
Universal Orlando is transforming what is already one of the most amazing attraction experiences ever created into what will feel like an all-new adventure. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will soon feature all-new, 4K digital high-definition animation, new high tech 3-D glasses and upgrades to the set, audio and lighting systems. The re-animation of the ride film will include an entirely new level of detail for guests to discover, including a cameo by legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee.
Universal’s Superstar Parade ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida
Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during Universal’s Superstar Parade – an all-new daily parade that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will sing and dance along with characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants during the interactive experience. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet and greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day.
Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories ~ Opening Spring 2012 at Universal Studios Florida
Narrated by award-winning actor and recent Golden Globe – Cecil B. DeMille honoree, Morgan Freeman, Universal Orlando’s brand-new nighttime show, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, will celebrate the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films – all on cutting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon and surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics. The experience will take guests on a journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show opens this spring, runs all summer and then on select nights through the end of the year.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ~ Opening Summer 2012 at Universal Studios Florida
Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, will take guests on an unforgettable 3-D adventure with their favorite characters from the hit film – Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the mischievous minions. The experience begins when guests enter Gru’s home, where they learn that they’re being recruited to become minions and undergo “minion training.” Things don’t go as planned, and guests find themselves on a wildly hysterical journey with Gru and his daughters. Once guests make it through training, they join an interactive, minion-inspired dance party where they can show off their best moves.
Universal’s Creative team is working closely with Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment to bring this all-new adventure to life in the most authentic way possible. In fact, the beloved characters in the attraction will be voiced by the film’s original cast: Steve Carell (Gru), Miranda Cosgrove (Margo), Dana Gaier (Edith) and Elsie Fisher (Agnes). The ride’s experience is being developed by the same creative team that brought you the award-winning film, Despicable Me. The motion-picture event Despicable Me 2 arrives in theaters on July 3, 2013.
There's actually more in the link, including concept art and some other additions (Wet N' Wild, Hollywood Drive-In Golf, and SpongeBob photo op).
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem looks impressive, especially some of the theming (like Gru's living room). This is probably the most exciting addition in 2012, and a very worthy replacement to JNNB.
The show (Cinematic Spectacular) looks nice, and a perfect addition to the park, for guests to stay after dark!
And the new look of the Spider-Man villains are plain sick! As unpopular as Scream is, I always loved her role in the ride, trying to slice us. Can't wait to see her like THIS!
I'm stoked for more announcements (like the Potter announcement)! Bring it on Uni!
On January 2nd, 2012, JAWS sprang from the water, terrorizing riders, one last time, before closing for good. Right after the last attack, walls were being put up. By the next day, the games, shark photo-op, and Amity buildings were walled off (the restroom is still open though), and any evidence of JAWS and Amity have been removed from the park maps (downloadable and paper). The ride has even been removed from the interactive map.
On the 5th, the shark photo-op was unfenced, and became available for guests once again to pose with (in the mouth, as they're about to get "om nomed"... ;)).
The latest update from Orlando United now shows that a majority of the decorations have been taken down:
http://orlandounited.com/2012/01/15/amity-update/
Also, from hatetofly in the Orlando United forum:
...from what I overheard they are wasting no time taking out the ride system and show elements.
I wonder how long it will be until all those carnival buildings get to have a date with a wrecking ball, and the water gets drained (assuming some of the pictures above (some of the last ones) are of the ride in its current state). I can already hear the bulldozers.
Meanwhile, on the rumor side of things, on New Years Eve, Theme Park Insider posted details on what seems to be the plans for the replacement, which is indeed Phase II of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
From the plans seen, it looks like it will take over the JAWS/Amity plot, and will include the secret entrance into Diagon Alley (yes, it will also have the Leaky Cauldron). The two major attractions will be the Gringotts coaster, and another one on the southeast plot of the land (possibly King's Cross station with Platform 9 3/4, and maybe the Hogwarts Express will go over the walkway into the new section (from San Francisco) and would travel behind Mummy and other soundstages to the WWoHP in IOA).
Speaking of the Hogwarts Express, it looks like Sinbad is getting the axe too:
On the southeastern portion of the plot, a second attraction is designated. I can't tell from the plans what this attraction will be, but its position is consistent with the rumor of a Hogwarts Express ride connecting the two Harry Potter land, as this attraction points into the back-of-house access road that runs straight into the rear of Sindbad theater where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expanding into in Islands of Adventure.
Bye Sinbad! You were an OK show!
They even posted pictures of the Gringotts coaster trains:
And here's a quote about the ride system, which looks a lot like the ride system reported earlier:
After the load platform, the two load channels merge to the south, then bearing to the left and entering Scene 1: "Turntable." In this scene, you'll face a brick wall, with two tunnel entrances, to the left and right. But before you proceed, the track below the first of the twin cars will drop from underneath that car. The track will come to rest at a 40-degree angle. Then, the track under the trailing car will begin to rise, matching the 40-degree angle of the leading car.
At that point, the two cars will drop in tandem into a third tunnel, below the tunnel on the right. Basically, we've just ridden a teeter-totter-like vertical track switch, attaching to the roller coaster track for our initial drop.
The Gringotts ride won't be a traditional roller coaster. It appears to be a hybrid roller coaster and motion-base ride, a la Spider-Man and Transformers. There are 3D projection screens throughout the ride, embedded in the rockwork of the tunnel walls, creating an illusion of open space, within which we'll watch battles taking place.
The more I think about it, the more I think JAWS's replacement will be the Harry Potter Phase II expansion.
First off, Universal confirmed that the expansion is happening on December 6th (along with the long-rumored Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood, that I'll get to later):
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to get bigger at Universal Orlando. And it will have a sister world at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in California, the company revealed Tuesday.
Details about the Florida expansion — such as cost, new attractions, time frame or which of the two Universal Orlando theme parks it would be located in — were not shared. The original Wizarding World of Harry Potter, based on the books created by J.K. Rowling, opened at Universal's Islands of Adventure in June 2010.
"We've not announced a time frame, but it's going to take years for us to create something on the scale and scope we envision," said Tom Schroder, a Universal Orlando spokesman. Details will be announced "over time," said a Universal news release.
Universal Orlando announced last week that it would close the Jaws ride at Universal Studios theme park on Jan. 2. Since then the rumor mill has churned with chatter about what could go in that space. If Potter replaced Jaws, the boy wizard would be in both Universal parks.
"I think it's very interesting that Universal Orlando announced the closure of Jaws a mere few days before the confirmation of an expansion," said Ricky Brigante, owner of InsideTheMagic.Net, a theme-parks website.
He would be surprised if Potter elements spilled over into the Studios, but "anything is possible," he said.
"Looking at a map, I can see a clear route between where Jaws is now and the existing Wizarding World of Harry Potter," Brigante said. "A Hogwarts Express [train] could be built between the two, but that would certainly be a major construction project involving both parks and backstage and reworking of facilities."
Previously, buzz centered on Wizarding World expanding into the adjacent Lost Continent area of Islands of Adventure, he said.
"With all this going on, there are certainly doubts that that would happen," Brigante said.
Other speculation calls for the expansion to be themed on London scenes of the "Harry Potter" movies. The resort's contract with Warner Bros. requires it to have elements from the final Potter films, the last of which opened in theaters this summer.
Most industry analysts considered a Harry Potter expansion in Orlando inevitable given the financial success of Wizarding World. Universal's attendance jumped 20 percent in 2010 — to 11.2 million — even though Wizarding World didn't open until halfway through the year. It soared 52 percent — to nearly 6.4 million — during the first half of 2011.
"Normally, you put a new attraction out and you're delighted if you get a 5 percent bump in attendance. Harry Potter came out and we were seeing 40 percent and 50 percent bumps, just a gigantic sea change in the profitability," NBCUniversal Chief Executive Officer Steve Burke said at a conference with analysts this fall.
The Wizarding World expansion would be part of a flurry of construction projects at Central Florida theme parks. SeaWorld's TurtleTrek attraction is set to open next year, and a major Antarctica-themed area will open there in 2013. The first phase of the Fantasyland expansion at Disney World's Magic Kingdom is scheduled to open in 2012, and Disney's Animal Kingdom plans to add a land based on the "Avatar" films in 2016.
In Hollywood, details about the Potter plan there were thin, although a news release boasted it "will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando." At the Tuesday news conference, it was confirmed that Hollywood would include a Hogwarts castle and its signature ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
No details about a Hogsmeade village, other rides or restaurants were shared.
"I am sure that the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. will bring their expertise and attention to detail to Hollywood to make this new experience equally as exciting," Rowling said in the release. She was not on stage for the announcement.
It looks to have some connections with four people who made a Harry Potter film (Deathly Hallows 1 and 2, Half-Blood Prince, and Order of the Phoenix). One of them even worked on "Project Strongarm" which is the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter at IOA. With these involvements, I am now pretty sure that the boy wizard is coming to the Studios.
Meanwhile, here are some really interesting rumors spreading on Screamscape (that can make one's JAW (haha pun!) drop):
2014 - Jaws Replacement / Potter Phase 2 / Project 722 - (12/22/11) Some great detective work linking the demolition permit of Jaws to the rumored new Harry Potter expansion project has been posted to HHN Rumors this week. Really worth checking out to see just what kind of people are linked to “Project 722”. As for the meaning behind the 722 codename... it could just be nonsense... or on a hunch I did pull out a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows to see what it had to say on Page 722. Sure enough... there is a line about being in King’s Cross where it would be possible to board a train. Of course I may just be reading a bit too much into that, but you never know. (12/21/11) I’ve got a quick Studio item today, plus another interesting piece of the puzzle over at the Islands of Adventure side of things. Today… we’re going to talk about The Hogwarts Express. Most of the Naysayers out there immediately bring up the fact that any train that runs between the park’s backstage is going to run through some very unattractive behind the scenes areas along the way. The report I keep getting on this issue is that the riders view of the world from the train will not be of the backstage area, or even the real world at all, but instead be an artificial view of the journey from London to Hogwarts. What is not clear is just how this will be accomplished… either through the use of video screens instead of windows… or the rumored use of the King Kong 360 technology that wraps projection screens around both sides of the Backlot Tour tram ride at the Hollywood park in an enclosed building. Personally, I’m kind of hoping for the later, as it would allow for some unique thrills and sights to be had along the way during both sides of the journey. In the end, you never know… Universal Creative has some fine clever folks on the payroll like Thierry Coup. As the masterminds behind projection based attractions like Spiderman, Kong 360, Harry Potter and Transformers) who constantly break new ground, anything is possible for the Hogwarts Express. (12/8/11) While I did speculate that the proposed Potter Phase 2 project could also take over the Fear Factor stadium area, I’ve heard elsewhere that is not planned to happen, and that the show theater will remain. No word on if they will keep it running as Fear Factor returns to the airwaves, or if there is some other kind of plan in the works. While on the subject of Phase 2 of the PotterVerse (London), as I had suspected, the rumors of the Knight Bus attraction were wrong. This doesn’t mean that we wont see the King Kong 3D 360ยบ technology put to use somewhere… it just wont be themed as the Knight Bus. The ride focus seems to be entirely on the Gringott’s Wizarding Back dark ride / coaster concept, as they apparently have some really grand ideas for this project. What kind of ideas? Remember that uncovered technology patent Universal files a couple of years ago that would have a coaster car ride up onto a detachable piece of track that was hooked up to the top of a simulator style motion base platform able to tilt and rotate in any direction? (Click here to see it) The latest Screamscape rumor claims that we may see this new idea brought to life as part of the Gringott’s coaster ride. Meanwhile it seems like the Diagon Alley Olivander’s location will be much larger than what we’ve seen built at Islands of Adventure. Rumor has it that the store will feature up to three different “wand shops” instead, but a single queue that will keep them hidden apart from each other, so it looks like you are entering the one and only shop. I’m also hearing something about a possible Wizard’s Duel show… though I’m hoping this isn’t true, as I think the “magic” needs to stay indoors for the most part. (12/7/11) During the big announcement in Hollywood confirming that a version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would be coming to the California park, the company also confirmed that the Orlando Wizarding World would also be expanded, with details about that promised to come sometime in the future. “This is an incredible moment for Universal Studios and the millions of guests who visit our theme parks,” said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios. “The Harry Potter stories are some of the most powerful of our time and we are honored to expand our Orlando experience and bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood, forever changing family tourism in Los Angeles.” Keep in mind that they did not confirm if the Phase 2 expansion was coming to replace Jaws, or if it may go into Islands of Adventure instead, but at this point, every source is in agreement as to the location, confirming what I reported previously about the London focused expansion taking the place of Jaws, Amity, and very likely... the seldom used Fear Factor show theater as well. (12/5/11) In case you missed the late breaking announcement on Friday afternoon, but Universal Orlando announced that the Jaws attraction and the entire Amity themed area around it will be closing down forever after January 2nd to make way for a new attraction. While they were not ready to disclose what is in the works yet… I’ve done a good bit of digging since then and have come up with an amazing proposal that is going to both shock and likely amaze you at the same time. If my various sources are correct, the Amity / Jaws area will be replaced by the proposed Phase 2 expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Now, before you flip out… lets go over it all, because for starters this really isn’t going to be the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at all. Instead, from what I’ve been able to gather, the new land to be build in Universal Studios Florida will actually represent the “London” side of the PotterVerse… including an entrance to the infamous Diagon Alley. Diagon Alley, as seen in the movies, is home to infamous locations such as The Leaky Cauldron, Gringott’s Wizarding Bank and the true Ollivanders wand shop location, as seen in the films. The London location is also said to be home to King’s Cross station, where students would board the Hogwarts Express train from Platform 9 ¾. Many of these locations have been mentioned in the rumored development plans for Phase 2 of the Wizarding World for months now, including an innovative indoor dark coaster ride said to take place inside Gringott’s Wizarding Bank. It’s no secret that the Wizarding World has been popular…so much so that it needed to be expanded to spread out the crowds, and come up with a way to provide new locations for guests to buy Butterbeer, Ollivanders wands and more. But it seems that Universal Creative really decided to try a new idea… and think really outside the box this time. Literally… because this new expansion is going to allow for guests in both parks to get a taste of the PotterVerse… but to get the ENTIRE experience, you’d going to have to have a 2-park ticket. Speaking of having access to both parks… connecting the dots is said to be a true recreation of the Hogwarts Express, allowing guests with two park passes (and Universal Resort guests) to recreate the true journey from the Muggle world of London and actually board travel to the train station and board the train for a trip over to Hogwarts and the rest of the Wizarding World at Islands of Adventure. Now if all that wasn’t enough, I’ve heard some rumors about another possible new attraction likely to go into this Phase 2 project, that may attempt to take advantage of the new 3D projection tunnel technology Universal created for King Kong 3D 360 at the Hollywood park earlier this year. I don’t know if this may be put to use during your train ride on the Hogwarts Express, or if this will be an entirely separate ride experience. (One source suggested it could be a trip on the 3-decker Knight Bus, but I’ve heard that this isn’t likely to happen). Either way this is huge… and apparently it all has a rather aggressive construction timeline as Universal is said to be shooting to have it all up and running by 2014. I’ve also heard that an official announcement or teaser could be released very soon, so stay tuned!
This has made JAWS removal become not so sad. This is literally an AMAZING idea (though I hope Fear Factor's theme gets removed from the stadium if it stays. Harry Potter Duel Show >>>> FREAK Factor)!
For those wondering about the system the Gringotts coaster is rumored to use, check it out here:
We all know how much Universal Studios likes their motion based ride systems. Several attractions utilize some form of motion base technology including Men in Black: Alien Attack, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. But it’s expensive for every vehicle in a ride to contain it’s own motion base. The engineering, maintenance, and per seat cost can be enormous. So what do you do if you want to build a roller coaster type ride experience but also have the unpredictability of a simulator type ride system? What options are there for amusement parks who want to create a ground-breaking attraction but are limited by cost or real estate?
The Universal engineers have recently come up with a motion base track segment. The invention consists of a fixed track roller coaster or dark ride with at least one section of track which can be de-coupled from the main track and rotated in almost any direction- even raising or dropping vertically. Rides such as The Mummy do contain turntables but the movement is only in one degree of freedom- a rotational movement. This new motion base track can not only rotate but pitch back and forth and tip side to side.
“An amusement ride has a track defining a ride vehicle path with a section of the track that can be decoupled from the main track and is subsequently movable on or about up to three axes with between one and six independent degrees of freedom.”
How does it work? The motion base track invention is actually very similar to the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. The track is mounted to six actuators in an arrangement called a six axis or “Stewart Platform.” Fixed to the top of the platform is a ring and pinion gear which enable the track to rotate 360 degrees, both clock and counterclockwise. This entire assembly could then be mounted on another component allowing the entire track to slide back and forth from side to side.
How does this save on space and cost? Cost is saved by only needing one motion base instead of multiple bases for every vehicle. The footprint of the ride can be reduced by reusing portions of the ride path. This can be accomplished by utilizing theme elements on rotatable turntables- first time you pass through a room you see one thing, the second time the tables have rotated 180 degrees and you think you’re in a totally different room when it’s actually one and the same (see the Carousel of Progress).
Or more likely they could have different projection effects. Imagine being in a cylindrical room with video projections being played 360 degrees around you as your coaster cars pivots and spins all around. Next, the motion base tips at a 45 degree angle and your car is released and plunges down a huge drop backwards, followed by a typical roller coaster experience featuring breathtaking drops, helices, and airtime.
In fact, the patent specifically mentions the motion base track could simulate a collapsing bridge or “…may be used to simulate a flying vehicle evading a pursuer…” Could this be a future Harry Potter attraction? A flying car perhaps? The possibilities are endless. What do you think?
(9/21/11) Universal’s been busy coming up with a new ride concept… mixing a motion base with a roller coaster. It’s simply too much weight to build a motion base into the actual coaster car, but Universal has applied for a patent for a section of detachable track that would have a motion base under it. In other words… just imagine the turntable section of track on Revenge of the Mummy… if it detached and went off for it’s own Spiderman style wild ride segment through a dark ride environment, then reattached to another section of track to let you continue your high speed coaster journey. Check out the patent over at Coaster101.com.
This whole concept = WOW! I am very interested to see how the ride will be if it comes to life! I am also pretty interested to see how King Kong 360 3D tech will be used in this expansion.
I am very interested though in how the Hogwarts Express connection will work. My guess is that the existing Hogwarts Express train (at the entrance in IOA's) will be removed to make room for the Hogsmeade Station (with the two bazaar shops by the existing entrance getting the axe). The Hogwarts Express would travel from the station right next to Sinbad and then travel right and turn left on the existing 5th Ave. Then it would go behind the soundstage next to Rockit's treble cleff, behind ROTM, Beetlejuice, and Disaster. After, it would stop at Kings Cross station.
About the Wizard duel show, I'm going to guess it will replace Fear Factor, and the show theater will become the Ministry of Magic (since London will also be included outside of Diagon Alley). Apparently the contract with Warner Bros says that Universal must add some elements from the final film (Gringotts, and possibly the Ministry of Magic duel).
I'm most excited for the Gringotts coaster. It looks so innovative!! =D
The big news of the day is shocking and unfortunate. Remember those rumors of JAWS going... well... (from Universal Facebook):
Hey fans, we want you to be the first to know… JAWS! and the Amity area will officially close on January 2 to make room for an exciting, NEW, experience we’re planning for you.
We know you love JAWS! and we do too. It has been an amazing attraction and after terrorizing the waters of Amity here at Universal Orlando for 20 years, it’s a VERY important part of our history. So, we’ve got a couple things planned to ensure we always remember and honor it. We know it’s hard to say goodbye, but we can’t express how EXCITED we are about the new, innovative & amazing experience we’re going to be bringing you.
So they're actually removing JAWS...? ='( That sucks.
However, getting out of the subject about how suckish this removal is... check out the huge chunk JAWS has (and hey, on the bright side, they can finally burn that stupid THING next to it (yes, I mean FREAK Factor)). Combining the JAWS space and the FFL space, and you have something big to work with.
The rumors point to Harry Potter Phase II going up as rumored recently (see last post), but I just can't see it. I'd rather take out the remnants of the Lost Continent (with the lame brain Poseidon's "Fury" XD) than mess with a classic like this. However, if JAWS has to go... then it has to go. This sucks, but I heard this ride was a major headache for Universal to maintain. So, I understand why this is getting removed. It was pretty shocking though... no new rumors of it or anything... =/ I am very excited about what they're thinking though!
Part of me thinks that this may be a better option for Phase II though. If they put up Diagon Alley (supposedly that's what they're aiming for) in the Lost Continent, it would be right next to Hogsmeade (and as an HP fan, I know that Diagon Alley (in London) is very far from Hogsmeade/Hogwarts (in northern Scotland I think)). They can maybe connect the existing WWOHP with the Amity/FFL area (and hopefully they can still build that awesome Gringotts coaster along with a Potter show (possible Fear Factor replacement?)).
Though I'd rather see something new in the JAWS/FFL space... like SciFi City (with possibly Transformers (yes, I know the rumors that it is supposed to go up in the old Hard Rock Cafe space), and maybe Florida's first Wing Coaster (hey, I can dream! =D)). But either way, we'll see...
In the meantime, get your last rides on JAWS!
1990-2012 JAWS RIP
P.S.: Just something worth noting (from Screamscape this morning):
2014/2015 - Wizarding World Expansion - Development Phase - (12/2/11) While the overall theme of every rumor regarding Phase 2 of the Wizarding World is that it’s a sure thing… the one factor up in the air was the ‘when’. When will the construction start? According to new rumors starting to flow through the park staff, construction walls could go up for the first phases as early as February 2012. With the various news sources all aflutter about the reports of a Hollywood version of the Wizarding World being finalized over the next week or two, it would only make sense to get those same people at Warner Brothers to sign off on Phase 2 of the Orlando attraction at the same time, don’t you think?
EDIT: I also just remembered. Last blog post, I posted a rumor of two E-ticket-style attractions going up in the Studios side, one of them being Transformers. I kind of think Transformers will go up in the old Hard Rock/tents (or plot of land behind Simpsons and MIB that I've always been blabbing about) site, because unless they do Sci-Fi City, Transformers will take up only 1/4th of JAWS space, or just Fear Factor's space (heheh... I actually wouldn't mind that! Just push into the lagoon, or move Backlot Drive behind it a little, and there... GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE! >=D). I think the other E-ticket attraction could be our JAWS/Amity/FFL replacement. As for what it could be themed to... I have ABSOLUTELY no idea! =P So we're going to have to wait and see what goes on... maybe we'll hear some interesting rumors later (I know HP Phase II is now rumored to go up there, but I still kind of have a hard time believing it).
EDIT 2: And also, with JAWS gone, FFL probably gone, and possible construction by the tents, maybe the rumors of the return of the 2-park HHN are true after all (for example, instead of FFL, Bill & Ted would be in the Toon Lagoon Theater). Just food for thought.
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.
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.
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:
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...
I've been talking on and on about the possibility of the Transformers ride coming to USF for the past few years (ever since I first heard of the USH/USS rides, and that misinformed Screamscape report a few years back). Looks like after years of talking about it... it may actually happen:
Here’s a Universal theme park-related quote from Steven Spielberg, who chatted with Sentinel movie critic Roger Moore over the weekend.
“I always like to hear that people are still coming to the attractions we already have in the park. I know everybody’s going to Harry Potter right now. But we think Transformers is going to pretty amazing. We’ve been working on that for about three years now. It should be ready soon. I don’t have an announcement, yet, but it should be coming there soon,” Spielberg said.
Transformers attractions are currently under construction at Universal parks in Singapore and Hollywood. Universal Orlando officials said Monday that they had no announcement to make about one being constructed here.
Are the “Robots in Disguise” on the way to Universal Orlando? Steven Spielberg is saying so.
Plans are on the way to bring the Transformers attraction, currently slated to open in Universal’s California and Singapore parks next year, to Universal Orlando. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the director told film critic Roger Moore that an announcement is coming soon.
“We’ve been working on that for about three years now. It should be ready soon. I don’t have an announcement, yet, but it should be coming there soon”. Spielberg said.
Fans of the franchise, and the Universal Orlando theme parks, have been clamoring for an Orlando edition since the ride was announced for Orlando’s sister parks back in 2008.
Stay tuned to Orlando United as we will surely cover any announcement made for the rumored attraction.
I've been thinking and hoping this will come for years. I mean sure, I'm not the biggest Transformer fan, but IMO it has the potential to be a pretty sweet ride! But now the question is... where to put it?
I think a perfect place for it would be Disaster. The name for this attraction is pretty self-explanatory (ahem... a complete DISASTER). Disaster is basically a cheap and stupid version of Earthquake (which, dare I say it, was WAY better). Transformers would fit nice there. I'd say T2:3D, but I'm leaning towards Avatar for that space.
However... will it use the same ride system as Spidey though? I mean, it's possible, but new rumors point to an entirely new ride system, supposedly better than even Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey! That would be a cool move IMO, but I wonder how it will be though? Oh well, that's the nice part of speculation! =D
I'll keep you updated on any further developments!
UPDATE 9/24/11:
From Screamscape:
???? - Transformers - Rumor - (9/21/11) Screamscape sources tell us that Spielberg apparently misspoke and that there are currently no plans to bring the Transformers attraction to Universal Orlando at this point in time.
Personally, I doubt this. I have respect for Screamscape, but they're not ALWAYS right. I doubt Spielberg would misspeak about Transformers. Maybe it is just Universal trying to shoot these rumors down.
For example, Six Flags Great America last summer shot the rumors down of Iron Wolf closing and moving to SFA, and now look what we have (Apocalypse). Maybe this Transformers ride is very top secret, and Universal is trying to shoot down the rumors until an official announcement.
I doubt the "Transformers coming to Orlando" rumor is dead. But we'll see... and as before, I'll keep you updated!
Select media have been invited by Universal Orlando to tune in to a special webcast in which “major attraction news” will be revealed. The web announcement will take place on May 19 at 10:30am, so check back here and follow us on Twitter and Facebook to find out what Universal plans to announce.
The announcement (I’m sure by no coincidence) takes place the day before Star Tours: The Adventures Continue makes its big debut at nearby Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Depending on the scale of this “major” announcement, Universal is likely interested in stealing some of the media spotlight away from Disney.
While no further details were given in our invitation to watch the announcement featuring the Universal Creative team, it is expected that the replacement of Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast will be unveiled.
UPDATE (5/5/11): The announcement has been confirmed to include the reveal of what will replace Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast, now being said to be “based on a blockbuster film.” In addition, Universal will announce “details about a major, high-tech enhancement to one of Universal Orlando’s single most popular attractions.” No further information about that is available.
Rumors and recent “UORHints” revealed by Universal Orlando seem to point to a ride themed around “Despicable Me” will be the replacement, but that has not yet been confirmed. And, of course, it’s possible that Universal has an entirely different surprise to announce, but we won’t find that out until May 19. Let the speculation begin!
Well, obviously this announcement will involve Jimmy Neutron's replacement, which will indeed be Despicable Me (nice rhyme there).
Now the real question is... what about that so called "major, high-tech enhancement to one of Universal Orlando's single most popular attractions?" Well, check this out from Screamscape:
(2/17/11) I’ve heard an interesting rumors this week, claiming that at some point in the next 8-10 months we will likely see Spiderman close for an extensive rehab. I’m told that the plan is to replace the projection systems with new current digital projection systems, which may also result in the new of an improved 3-D system. Of course the switch to an all digital system will only make any future possible transformations of the attraction (if they give up the rights to Spiderman) a little easier to handle. Now, if I’m not mistaken, didn’t they already install an all-digital version of Spiderman in the Japanese park, or did I hear that wrong? Anyone know for sure? In any case, they want the new and improved Spiderman ready to go before the new Spiderman film hits the theaters in Summer 2012.
Spider-Man with a new 3D system would be so awesome (even though the current one they have is good too)! That is what I'm currently leaning to at the moment.
Still, a majority of internet users have heard that apparently the announcement will be even bigger... (from BriMan at Orlando United):
According to various good people, if what they are saying is announced by UO, all of you will very happy.
From Spirit of 74 at Laughing Place:
Well, my info is that Potter Phase II has been approved and will be large and include two more signature attractions, plus UNI will be adding two majors at the old park, including the Transformers ride going into Hollywood and Singapore ... and a water park is happening too.
From JungleSkip at Orlando United:
Second biggest announcement. Not bigger than IoA/City Walk/Hotels
So, now I have to dig up the old rumor mill and take a look at all the rumors that have been spreading around the internet lately...
Avatar 4D:
Last November, Screamscape reported the possibility of Terminator becoming Avatar 4D. T2, unfortunately, as much as I hate to admit it, had its time. It's a fun 3D show, sure, but it had better times. And looking back when Avatar got released, it was the number one grossing film of all time. I doubt Universal would ignore Avatar. Also, there have been rumors lately that the Avatar concept has been approved and could be coming soon.
King Kong 360:
Around the time Neutron to Despicable Me rumors started to appear on Screamscape (in February), rumors also started spreading that Disaster will eventually go for a version of King Kong 360 from USH (of course longer). Disaster was a bore last time I went, and a Kong ride would be cool (I guess I consider this bringing back an old attraction), so "toodleoo" Disaster.
Transformers:
As seen in one of the quotes, apparently a version of Transformers from Hollywood could be coming to Orlando. I've always thought it would eventually come here despite us already having Spider-Man, even when in August 2009, a rumor started up about Transformers coming here... which was nothing but a mere mistake of a rumor. I have a gut feeling that Twister will end up getting removed for it, and they will expand the building underneath Rockit to the adjacent Sound Stage 33. Even though the Transformers films are kind of "meh..." in my book, I think a ride themed to it would be awesome (especially with the use of the Spider-Man system), and Twister had its time!
Harry Potter Phase II:
Also seen in the quote is information that the Harry Potter Phase II expansion has been approved. This has been long rumored since last summer. However, I doubt there will be a full announcement on the expansion... but just a sign of confirmation that expansion will happen (like a view of Diagon Alley with Hedwig flying over it, much like when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was first announced). Either way, I sense something related to this.
Fear Factor Replacement:
Fear Factor (as I've said a million times already) just needs to go. I hope this announcement will involve ANYTHING happening to Fear Factor (eg: Mamma Mia (=D), Rush Hour, wrecking ball, explosives, ANYTHING).
Mini Golf Course:
Well, just last week it has been reported that Universal could be looking to adding a golf course in CityWalk:
A tipster tells me that Universal Orlando is working on an adventure mini golf course, which would be built just west of the CityWalk theaters, in between the theaters and Universal Boulevard.
A permit application (ENG2011-00237) for site work to prepare for the course is in the pipeline in the City of Orlando's planning office. (At least it was when I searched the office's online database today.) The designer of the course appears to be Adventure Golf Design & Development of Traverse City, Michigan. They're the folks behind the Congo Golf courses you might have seen around Central Florida.
No word on when construction might begin, or when the course would open.
As you may have read on http://themeparkinsider.com Universal is going to be adding a Mini Golf Course to City Walk. I decided against posting about this since it's (yet again) not HHN related. However, things changed when I saw that hole 18 is supposedly "Haunted House" themed. Granted, it is a mini golf course and I can't imagine how "haunted" this particular hole can be. Especially considering hole 16 is to have a "Green House" theme.
And this is the area where it may go up (pic from kingeric at Orlando United):
While I don't do mini golf, I can see this become a success for CityWalk. =)
Universal Water Park, "Wondersea Island":
Universal has trademarked the name "Wondersea Island" for "Entertainment services in the nature of water parks."
For the past few years, there have been rumors spreading about the possible doom of Wet N' Wild and a new Universal Water Park going up around 2015-2016. The trademarking seems to let the cat out of the bag on this one. While I love water parks, I haven't been to many... pretty much only Sรคntispark in St. Gallen, Switzerland. This, however, might be one of the water parks I'll visit very often (if what I think about this is true)!
So, that's my two cents on what may be announced on May 19th.
UORHint: The new attraction is being designed by the same team that has brought to life many of Universal Orlando’s great entertainment experiences -- but it is based on a concept that is entirely different from what is now in our theme parks.
Hmmm... I don't know if they mean a new concept as in a new theme or a new ride system. I'm not sure if a ride system change is possible, considering the timeline between August 18, 2011 (the time Neutron closes) and Spring 2012 (the time I'm guessing when the new attraction opens). But I think a new ride system for the Jimmy Neutron replacement should be pretty interesting.
I can't wait until they announce the new attraction!
Here’s the first UORHint: We captured this photo of Thierry Coup, Senior Vice President of the Creative Studio, working in his office at Universal Creative. What do you think he is working on?
Well the first Universal Orlando hint on their new 2012 attraction (replacing Jimmy Neutron) has been posted. Now for some notable clues:
1. A banana. This means either King Kong 360 or Despicable Me (the Minions' favorite food). There have been rumors of a version of the Kong 360 coming to Florida replacing Disaster. I doubt it will fit in the Neutron building though. So I'm leaning towards Despicable Me (and even more reasons will come in the next two clues I spotted).
2. I don't know if this is just his shadow or not (with the pen), but Coup's hand apparently has a shadow of Gru, the main character of Despicable Me, pointing his finger.
3. At first I didn't see it, but if you look carefully from the window:
I seem to have created a red circle, circling what appears to be a Minion looking inside the office.
I think this spills the beans. Despicable Me is coming to Universal! =D I might miss Neutron still, but I have no doubt that Despicable Me will work epic as a ride! =)
Yesterday was the last day for Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast before it runs seasonal until closing permanently on August 18th (according to the stuff USF said on Facebook).
In fact, it seems that work has ALREADY begun on removing the attraction, from objects in the post show room being removed (such as the Nickelodeon benches that used to be at the old Nickelodeon Studios attraction and the trivia games) to some of the Jimmy Neutron facade getting painted over outside.
The little speck of slime next to the main Jimmy image is gone (with the old Nickelodeon logo too, next to it). The "Hey Arnold" facade next to the Cosmo and Wanda facade is also gone, as is the image of Tommy from Rugrats in the walls next to the area before you enter the pre-show room.
And now, two pics.
From figment1986 at Orlando United:
Also from figment 1986 at Orlando United (showing the trivia games gone):
So long, JNNB! =(
Now, it is time to move on... hopefully to Despicable Me! =D
Well I believe it has come... I didn't really expect the announcement to be now... but it is... straight off of Universal's Facebook page:
Hey fans! On April 1, we will close Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast and immediately begin work on an all-new experience based on an amazing concept. The new attraction is just one of many exciting things planned for the next couple of years. Meanwhile, Boy Genius fans will be excited to know that the attraction will re-open for limited periods during the spring and summer before closing permanently on August 18.
So that is that...
RIP
Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast
2003-2011
=(
Hopefully the replacement will be worth it. I'm ready for something new, and I have no doubt Universal will do this right! =) Please be Despicable Me! =D
The thing that really intrigues me is this quote:
The new attraction is just one of many exciting things planned for the next couple of years.
Maybe there will be other things too... like Avatar replacing Terminator... or Harry Potter Phase II dominating the remainder of the Lost Continent... or finally putting something in that old Herc/Zena building... or better yet, even the death of Fear Factor Live!! Seriously, one could hope... >=D
2012 - Despicable Me & Kong 360 - Rumor - (3/11/11) I’m hearing rumors that either Universal will not lose the rights to use Jimmy Neutron until the end of the year, or that they may have struck an extension deal to allow the ride to continue to operate a little longer. Either way, the rumors about a 2012 replacement attraction, still thought to be themed to Despicable Me, is going strong. (2/18/11) In case anyone was wondering how much Universal may really want to have a Despicable Me attraction in their theme parks, consider this little tidbit. Sales of the Despicable Me DVD’s allowed Universal’s to show a 38% increase in their Q4 report. (2/17/11) While I still don’t have any more solid info on the opening of a Despicable Me attraction for 2012, I did uncover that Despicable Me 2 was in production for a 2013 release. Adding a theme park attraction for 2012 would make perfect sense to see the characters alive and in the public focus for the year ahead of the new film’s premier. After all, Universal did the same thing with Shrek 4D, by opening it a year in advance of Shrek 2 hitting the theaters, and hyping it as the official story to bridge the gap between the two films.
I've come to the conclusion that I will just wait and see what Universal does. I trust them, and I'm ready for something new.
Don't get me wrong viewers, JNNB is a great ride at USF, but if it goes for a better attraction (Despicable Me), you got a deal! But if the rumor gets cheapened (Disaster), horrible (Fear Factor), or something bad (Miss Congeniality comes to mind), then just forget it: SAVE JIMMY NEUTRON!!!
So I will just wait and see what Universal does.
Cheetah Hunt:
Well, recently there was a fuss about the Skyride cable clearance and the airtime hill over the Skyride. It seems that the solution is to lower the towers around the coaster area:
(3/3/11) After yesterday’s big fuss over a possible miscalculation on Cheetah Hunt, I’m happy to report that I was able to get in touch with the park for a statement on the issue, which they report to be false. False as in there was no miscalculation… they have known all along that the they were going to lower the Skyride towers in that area to allow for Cheetah Hunt to jump over it. Here is the statement from the park below… “…part of what makes Cheetah Hunt such an amazing addition is its use of an interaction with existing park elements. To make that happen, of course it has been necessary to make major changes to several park landmarks like Rhino Rally, the Clydesdale Hamlet, the Crown Colony and the Monorail Station. Some of the more subtle changes include raising the floor in the Monorail Station, cutting back the waterfall outcropping in Rhino Rally canyon and moving some of the Serengeti Express’ train tracks. Some of the more major changes – many of which are immediately noticeable to guests in the area – that are taking place include building new guest bridges and pathways between Nairobi and Edge of Africa, building a seating terrace in front of the Crown Colony, replacing the Clydesdale Hamlet’s wooden stalls with secure “bedrooms” for the cheetahs, and, indeed, lowering certain Skyride towers near the area where the track “jumps” the cable.” While we’re on the subject of Cheetah Hunt, check out the latest construction update over at BGT Nation and RCPro this week. (3/2/11) The big rumor coming in from several contacts and sources over the past 24 hours is that a couple of big issues have come up with Cheetah Hunt. First of all, several people are saying that the work in “Trench 2” has hit a snag as the digging down there may be having a problem with water seeping into the trench that has to be addressed. (It’s hard to dig too deep in Florida before you hit the water table you know…) The second and larger issue of note has to do with that “leap” over the Skyride. The big rumor going around this week is that a serious miscalculation was made here and that there is going to be clearance issues between Cheetah Hunt and the SkyRide. I attempted to get a statement about this rumor from Busch Gardens Tampa today, but as of this writing, they have not gotten back in touch with me with a comment. Having said that, one has to wonder where the error was made. Did the surveyors make the mistake long before the construction started, or did an error come from Stengle’s layout calculations, the track fabricators or even Intamin itself? We can’t just point the finger at Intamin here and say, “Look, another Maverick” as there really are simply too many piece of the puzzle right now to know where the fault came from. In the end, it sounds like either the coaster is going to have to be altered or the SkyRide itself. Don’t think that it would be simply to try and “shorten” the SkyRide towers however, as there is a lot more involved than that. They would have to get a new shorter cable for the ride, and then likely have to adjust the whole counter-weight system that maintains the tension on the cable at all times. If they used the same old counter-weight, it would likely put too much tension on the cable and could damage or even snap it. Of course manufacturing new track for a higher jump over the SkyRide may not be a viable solution either if the coaster’s layout does not allow for the train to have enough velocity to achieve the higher jump at that point in the ride. In this case, they could be forced to return to the original idea, as seen in the animation, where the track simply goes under the SkyRide once again. In the end, I’m really hoping the rumors are wrong here and that we’ll see Cheetah Hunt open as promised for Memorial Day Weekend. More as I find out…
Vertical construction has restarted today with the 130 ft. drop into the second trench going up.
They look very cool... perfect for hunting with cheetahs! =D
Invertigo On the Move:
Looks like Dragon Coaster, one of the rides by the old Laser site getting removed, is going up at Valleyfair for Planet Snoopy (it has been reported on February 18). Meanwhile, more evidence of Invertigo going up at Dorney Park is appearing in the form of deliveries (this also includes recent Invertigo deconstruction updates):
February 14, 2011 - A crane has appeared by Invertigo.
February 18, 2011 - Some track from the spike is gone.
February 22, 2011 - Invertigo's cars arrive at Dorney Park.
February 25, 2011 - The spike supports/track are gone
March 8, 2011 - Invertigo track pieces have been discovered in the Dorney Park parking lot.
And from Screamscape:
2012 - Invertigo - Semi-Confirmed - (3/7/11) A local area reader snapped a great picture of a piece of Invertgo track leaving CGA on it's way to Dorney Park this week. This has been followed by two more pictures sent in showing off two entirely different trucks carrying different Invertigo track pieces crossing the country, which is kind of amazing coverage to have all in one short weekend. Way to go to the Screamscape readers for keeping their eyes open and camera phones at the ready!
This information pretty much confirms Invertigo's final destination.
Kings Island 2012:
From Screamscape:
2012 - New Attraction - Rumor - (2/22/11) Kings Island has been teasing their facebook fans for a couple of weeks now with strange drawings of a twisted red-line. At first I was thinking it was some kind of walk-around path, created by a GPS style tracking system, but now others also believe it may be a topography map that could show off a possible expansion to the X-Base area of the park. In any case, this seems to be the start of hints for what’s to come in 2012 to Kings Island. You can catch the latest image and some comments posted over at KICentral.
Recently there has been crazy rumors spreading that Kings Island will get something big for 2012 (their 40th season). I remember posting a rumor that Flight Deck (Arrow Suspended) was getting removed in 2011. The rumor then was the 2012 ride. As of November, however, the ride is getting repainted, so it seems it could be staying for a few more years.
Now the 2012 rumor (as seen on Screamscape) seems to involve a forest behind Racer (as seen on the "Planning" from February 14, 2011):
Other teases from the park include:
January 28, 2011 - A picture of a dinosaur footprint in the snow.
February 4, 2011 - A strange picture of a red outline is posted on KI's Facebook page.
March 7, 2011 - A picture of Don Helbig (president of Kings Island) doing some work on the 2011 park map and covering the Son of Beast area and the stated area (I'm not sure if this is a teaser or not).
March 9, 2011 - Something weird appears on Kings Island's main page, showing the words "Something big is coming. You're history. 3-18-11" (hinting an announcement six days from now). It returns to normal later.
March 11, 2011 - The weird tagline appears again as: "Turn Back The Clock On Thrill. SOMETHING BIG IS COMING TO KINGS ISLAND." "3.18.11"
And today, a little more of the page is revealed, showing a hilarious teaser video of the "announcement" (which is censored):
XD And other goodies include some pics:
^A marked out tree.
^Some really muddy water.
^Some dirt with tracks on it (probably from construction equipment).
What could this be? Rumors seem to be out of control from a new section of the park (probably themed to prehistory), a new section of the park with a new coaster, or a new coaster. I doubt this has anything to do with Son of Beast, so we can rule that out for now, though some rumors state that the coaster will be getting a Texas Giant-type makeover (all depends on if the new Texas Giant is successful or not, which it seems so).
Anyways, I think the 2nd choice seems the most logical. As for the type of coaster, I think we could be dealing with one of the following options:
B&M Inverted Coaster
Intamin Blitz
Intamin Giga
B&M Dive Machine
B&M Wing Coaster
Any one of these sounds good, but I sense that this could be America's first B&M Wing Coaster, like Raptor at Gardaland and LC12 at Thorpe Park.
Either way, this looks like an interesting project to look, though this can be for anything (I still have a wild guess this is a B&M Wing Coaster). Why would I say something like that... well...
Because I'm CRAAAZY!!!!! Haha, just had to put it there somehow (I'm not just a coaster fanatic... Plants Vs. Zombies = HEAVEN TOO!!)...
2012 - Despicable Me & Kong 360 - Rumor - (2/14/11) Screamscape sources tell us that the license rights for Universal Studios Florida to use the Jimmy Neutron character will quickly run out. As such, we may see the Neutron ride close down sometime in Spring or early Summer, as the last hold-over from the old Nickelodeon days. A new attraction great animated family attraction is reported to be in the works to replace it based on Universal’s own Despicable Me film, which I’m sure will be full of those crazy Minions. (I just gotta love the Minions. I think they may be a distant relative of sorts to Screamie…) On another note, there is another small rumor floating around the Net today claiming that a version of King Kong 360 – 3D is rumored to possibly replace Disaster. While I know this is something I’ve talked to a few people about myself over the past few months, my sources had pretty much confirmed that the powers that be had other fish to fry at the moment (Neutron, Terminator 2, etc) and any plans for Kong were off the table until those issues were handled first. Still… Kong was quite popular in Hollywood, where the only complaint I’ve heard was that it was much too short of an experience. As part of the whole Backlot Tour experience however, they could get away with Kong being only a 90 second experience. Somehow I think the Orlando crowd is going to want something a little longer if they were to do it.
Ouch... guess this means I'm going to restart "SAVE JIMMY NEUTRON!!" again. =( But I wouldn't mind Despicable Me. If Neutron goes for the better, than so be it. I still rather they keep Jimmy and update it than remove it.
Disaster however can go, because it just lost its touch. I'd take Kong over that any day.
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.
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
My name is Kyle and I am a University of Central Florida alumnus in Digital Media. I have been a long-time roller coaster/park enthusiast; however I used to be afraid of coasters. That all changed after I rode Dragon Challenge for the first time in 2006 (RIP) on the Ice/Hungarian Horntail side. Since then, it's been upward from here; fast forward to today, and I've ridden some of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world. I've also visited parks throughout North America and Europe. And I'm not done yet; in fact, I intend to design a theme park myself!
