Any updates about anything Universal Orlando?
Universal Orlando: Any updates about anything Universal Orlando?
From Steve D
Posted February 29, 2012 at 10:35 AM
Any updates about anything Universal Orlando?
From Steve D
Posted February 28, 2012 at 11:55 PM
Any updates about anything Universal Orlando?
From Rob Pastor
Posted February 29, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Screamscape is reporting today that the Hogwart's Express Project (Potter Phase 2/London/Project 722) "transportation ride hardware may be provided by Doppelmayr, who recently created the Ocean Express themed funicular transportation system for Ocean Park in Hong Kong...the company does also make a series of regular cable powered shuttles that will transport riders on aerial tramways...the interior will feature a single large window (ie. video screen) to the outside on the far wall end. This will be your window into the Wizarding World for the duration of your journey between London and Hogsmeade."
So it's basically not a rumor anymore that Universal is expanding WWoHP to USF, right?
Nothing has been announced or confirmed from Universal, thus still a rumor.
From N B
Posted March 1, 2012 at 6:25 PM
I find it funny the news is "leaked" right before the Disney One More Day celebration. A striking similarity to the Gringott's dark ride plans being posted online (exclusively at TPI) just hours before Disney announced the all night celebration on New Years Eve.
It's either an amazing coincedence or USF just having fun trying to upstage Disney at every opportunity.
I think Robert knows.... :)
Anyone know when the Mini-golf at City walk will officially open?
I think it's pretty obvious that the leaks are calculated unofficial announcements by the Universal powers to be. Harry Potter at the Studios is a fait accompli. And, as NB insinuated, R. Niles, as illustrated by his New Years announcement, is probably fully aware of all the projections.
Universal just announced that the revitalized Spider Man will reopen on March 8th. Orlando Parks News has a sample video. Looks FANTASTIC!!!
I saw the video it looks awosome the special effects look way better
From Tony Duda
Posted March 2, 2012 at 3:18 PM
Insidethemagic.net just posted permit plans for the Jaws area new construction which has buildings outlined. Go Ricky!
Tony: Thanks for the link...Yes, the planning paperwork submitted is in name Project 722 . And the 722 code name paperwork has previously disclosed the name of four artists and designers that worked on the Harry Potter movies as well as "Project Strongarm', the code name for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter... Sarah Marshall, Shepperton Studios, UK Art Dept. Assistant...Nicholas Henderson, Leavesden Studios London & Warner Brothers. Art Director...Gary Tomkins, Shepperton Film Studios & Warner Brothers. Art Director...Jilia Dehoff-Bourne, Warner Brothers, Draghtperson. If you look at the buildings of the planning submission, its easy to see that they are comparable to the ones mentioned in Robert Niles New Year's exclusive. Harry Potter in Universal Studios replacing Jaws.. A fait accompli indeed!!! There will be a lot of crow served whenever Universal decides they have milked enough speculative promotion and broadcasts their official announcement.
From David L.
Posted March 3, 2012 at 8:22 AM
The plans via Inside the Magic seem to work perfectly for the coaster(the facade matches gringots bank) and the entry to the land. This plus Robert's source pretty much confirms that HP is coming again, and it makes perfect sense.
Yeah the plans revealed show Gringotts and what I believe will be the Leaky Cauldron restaurant along with the "brick wall".
From Steve D
Posted March 3, 2012 at 9:13 PM
Dom, I think it's cool that you're a big "Disney guy", but when it comes to Universal, don't bother to comment.
I've got agree with Steve. If you're going to post some sort of bias, don't bother to post at all.
From N B
Posted March 5, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Here is my best Photoshopped guess:
[EDIT] - I changed the position of the Hogwarts Express arrows to line up with what would be a perfect platform according to Screamscape's latest post with a similar map, thanks for the head's up Rob.
I think it may be safe to say that HP is coming to Universal.....
NB: Looks good. Either the building to the left or to the right of the dotted line will probably be the Hogwart's Express Station.
From N B
Posted March 4, 2012 at 11:38 PM
I thought the same thing... I overlayed the map that is floating around on a Google Earth screenshot to get the scale perfect. Since this isn't an "island" like IOA has where you need multiple rides, it will basically be the Gringotts dark ride, shops and the Hogwarts Express.
They will have to release some concept artwork sooner or later, but the building plans seem to point to HP in an obvious way. It makes sense that you would see Gringotts in the far back as you walk up the main corridor.
A soon as I saw that line of site and the part of the building that is visible, I knew it was the front of the bank for the wow factor. I could be wrong, but this all makes a lot of sense.
I bet USF is waiting for some big formal announcement, but the Super Bowl and Oscars were a perfect venue to start getting everyone hyped.
NB: After you posted your photoshop map, Screamscape posted one also. Very similar. Screamscape is saying that the loading platform for Hogwarts Express is the building with the elongated passage. Screamscape stated that it is exactly where their sources previously said it would be & that it matches up (survey markers?). You're getting pretty good with those overlays. Your's is even more professional looking than the Screamscape overlay.
WESH Channel 2 Orlando, in their report on the above plans, credited Theme Park Insider for releasing the original plans & Gringott's Coaster specifics on New Years....To answer Dom. I would not rule out the prospect of additional Harry Potter expansions on the Lost Continent in the future. After all, the Diagon Alley/Gringott's/Leaky Cauldron will only occupy about 7 acres.
Little does anyone know (before now), that I actually altered the plans when I saw them, and created a private spur route for the Hogwarts Express that will connect the Wizarding World to my home.
Where Universal is installing a bottomless Butterbeer cask, too.
Yeah, I wish. ;^)
From N B
Posted March 5, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Well that explains this picture someone snapped of a cart leaving the USF resort......
NB: It just gets better & better.
i guess if the plans are true then they will take down the Hogwarts express train at the entrance of WWHP
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