On the road to Orlando

December 7, 2008 at 4:47 AM · Hey Robert!

If you make to the soutrh end of International Drive (near the convention center) check out the construction going on for the new Orlando Peabody.

Finished product will look like this.

http://www.peabodyorlando.com/images/high_res/exterior_6x4.jpg

Have a great trip!

December 7, 2008 at 4:50 AM · If you have a chance, I would love to see some photos of Manta's construction at Sea World!

December 7, 2008 at 2:36 PM · I would love to see all the Xmas stuff for sure!

Also:

While at the MK, try to get the scoop on the oft rumored Space Mountain refurb.

If you go to Epcot, several of the World Showcase restaurants have been refurbed or replaced since my last visit in 2007 (Tutto Italia, Tokyo Dining, Teppan Edo). If you're interested, some reviews of the new restaurants would be welcome!

If you get to USO, pictures of the Harry Potter changes and Rip Ride Rockit's progress would be nice.

Other than that, just keep an eye out for signs of our economic collapse and its impact on Orlando entertainment.

One last thing: if you get a chance, go to Downtown Disney and visit Raglan Road. Get the fish and chips, then don't forget to thank me for the great advice.

Have fun!

(I am sooooo jealous!)

December 8, 2008 at 11:07 AM · If robert doesn't make it to Seaworld let me know and I'll take some updated pics of Manta on Thursday. Its really coming along and there is only a small piece of track remaining!
They really have worked fast on this coaster, unlike Universal who seem to be taking their sweet time on RRR.

December 9, 2008 at 5:05 AM · Yes, Epcot restaurant reviews would be great. The 25th Anniversary saw the addition of many new palettes.

December 9, 2008 at 5:42 PM · Didn't Sea World start construction a whole lot earlier than did Universal with the RRR? Universal is really picking up speed on the building on RRR as well as HP. The RRR project in my opinion is coming along pretty fast. I remember in from Rock the Universe to the start of HHN Universal tore up the Yard area and right after the finish of HHN basically closed the entire area and is now working hard on the construction. I'm not a roller coaster expert or engineer but seems like they did all the concrete pouring where the supports for the track will go done already. So I would guess it's not much longer before the track goes up.

December 10, 2008 at 1:40 PM · Wel Seaworld have nearly completed the track (Heading there now actually, so will update) whereas Universal have ripped upthe land for ages, but as far as I can tell, only started laying track this week. I pass the storage area everyday and have seen track laying there for a few weeks, but only yesterday did I see any actually being moved to the park!!

Maybe they'll get it up quickly, and I'd imagine they will have less themeing that Manta is going to have (Although they are doing a pretty speedy job on that too)
I went to Universal Saturday and didn't see any track or support poles erected!!!