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Universal Orlando
Orlando, FL
NBC Universal / Blackstone Group
---- THE LATEST BUZZ ----
(5/14/12) Universal Orlando has announced more acts for their Summer Concert Series. So far the revised list includes (MORE...)
(5/9/12) Wet ‘n Wild is sending a cool thanks to all Florida public school employees with the offer of discounted ticket prices to the park for the remainder of 2012. Up to six (MORE...)
(4/24/12) The last word from our HHN spies is that while TruBlood was given the boot (a good idea I think…) it sounds like everyone was quick to approve a huge cross promotional event (MORE...)
(4/20/12) I’m not sure how much of this is true, but the latest rumor to float my way regarding Halloween Horror Nights 2012 seems to indicate that the park may be looking to partner up with far more existing intellectual properties (MORE...)
 General Resort News - (5/14/12) Universal Orlando has announced more acts for their Summer Concert Series. So far the revised list includes:
June 9 – Nick’s Victorious
June 16 – 3 Doors Down & ZZ Top
June 23 – John Turner
June 30 – Al Green
July 7 – Lupe Fiasco
July 14 – TBD
The finale concert act will be announced at a later date.
(5/9/12) Wet ‘n Wild is sending a cool thanks to all Florida public school employees with the offer of discounted ticket prices to the park for the remainder of 2012. Up to six single day tickets can be bought for just $32.99 each (plus tax). Click here for the official details.
(4/11/12) Universal Orlando has confirmed two of the first acts for their Summer Concert Series this week. Nickelodeon Victorious will perform on June 9th and ZZ Top & 3 Doors Down will perform on June 16th. More concert events to fill out the rest of the Saturday schedule from June 9th to July 14th will soon be released.
(4/2/12 ) Remember that rumor I posted back in January about Universal Orlando making some kind of big change to the Universal Express system? This was followed up by a survey from Universal in Mid-March asking about possible names for a new version of Universal Express that would feature a hand-held reservation unit of some kind? Well… check out the little yellow gadget hanging from the belt of a crew member at Islands of Adventure that was sent in over the weekend.
If you’ve never seen one before, that is a Q-Bot, a nifty little wireless ride reservation system device. You don’t need to go to the attraction to use it, you can put yourself into the virtual queue and select your ride time from anywhere within the park and just show up when its your time to ride. I’ve used them myself at Six Flags and Dollywood and they work very very well. So looks like either Q-Bot is coming to Universal… or at least Universal is testing out the system for consideration.
(3/30/12) Universal Orlando will be hosting another summer concert series it seems… and the first band has been spotted. ZZ Top… yep… ZZ Top has officially listed on their own website a performance at The Universal Music Plaza Stage on June 16th.
(3/23/12) ParkRumors reports this week that plans have been filed by Universal with the city to install a series of “decks” along the hillside between the main walkway and the lower pathway along the water’s edge in CitiWalk. There will be a total of nine deck structures installed between the two parks. Should be an attractive addition to CitiWalk.
(3/13/12) Universal Orlando has been sending out guest surveys about a new Universal Express experience product they are thinking about. From the sound of it, it will involve some kind of hand-held queue reservation management device (much like a Q-bot). For the most part, it seems like the survey is mainly to get a feel of what the best “name” for the service is under the existing Universal Express system. Names like Line Saver, Remote Reservation, Rush Hour, Time 2 Ride, U-Reserve are the more likely choices from the list. The more unique aspect here may be the ability to choose the time you want to ride, or at least choose it from a list of open windows. This isn’t too different from the old free Universal Express kiosk system that used to offer the same option.
(2/20/12) MouseSteps drops in Universal Orlando this week for a preview of the new Blue Man Group show segments, as well as a good look around the new Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf course.
(2/13/12) Behind the Thrills drops into Universal the other day for a preview of Mardi Gras 2012 parade floats during the day. Meanwhile AmusementPics has posted some fantastic after dark pics from the opening night Mardi Gras parade run.
(9/26/11) According to Orlando Parks News, Universal has been seeking some guest feedback about the use of their Express Pass system, and may be considering adding some new perks it. Read all about it here.
(8/10/11) Universal Orlando reported their best 12 months of attendance ever at the theme parks following the first full 12 months since they opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter last summer. All said and done, nearly 13.4 million guests have come through the turnstyles at the two Universal Orlando theme parks since June 2010, blowing past the resort’s previous record of 12.1 million set back in 2004.
(5/17/11) According to the latest report at the Orlando Sentinel, attendance at Universal Orlando is showing no sign of slowing in 2011 as Harry Potter mania is still in full effect. They report that attendance at the resort was up 68% during the first three months of 2011, which is just huge. Attendance is just the tip of the iceberg, as the sales figures are on the rise everywhere in the resort.
Feb. 2012 - Blue Man Group - (3/22/12) Better late than never… here is Keith’s review of the new version of the Blue Man Group show at Universal Orlando.
The new Blue Man Group show at Universal Orlando is a spectacular evening of surprise, energy, and fun. I have seen the show about four times previously and have always had
a great time. After seeing the upgrades, it's amazing to realize how much our lives have changed just over the past five to ten years. The show creators have always wanted the show to be relevant and to make us realize that we are all linked in ways we don't even think about. The new show combines primal elements from the original show and adds new technology to some of your favorite segments for an updated feel (i.e. Cap'N Crunch), and then completely new elements that dazzle the imagination. Three GiPad's are introduced at the beginning and are about 9 feet tall and really are the centerpiece of the new show.
Everything from a nod to Lady Gaga to brand new portable tubular musical instruments to all an all-stage with digital screens covering every possible dimension on the stage to enhanced sound creates the most exciting and immersive live experience in the Orlando area. The ending is absolutely the most imaginative surprise you could imagine. Enormous (and I do mean enormous) white globes are hanging from the ceiling during the show. During the finale, they begin to light up and change colors to the beat of the music, totally cool. Then just when you think it's over, they fall from the ceiling and float over the audience like giant beach balls while still changing colors and patterns to the beat of the music. The blue men blow the endless streamers of paper from the edge of the stage over the audience in a finale that does not allow you not to participate in. We have been promised that these are not the only updates that will ever be seen with Blue Man Group. As this show expands across the globe, and as civilization moves forward, so will the show.
(1/26/12) Universal Orlando confirmed that an all new Blue Man Group show will open this February. The new show will include some of your favorite bits from the old show mixed with new ideas as they explore the world’s obsession with cutting edge technology.
(1/25/12) While there is no way to know if any of these new acts may be added to the revamped Blue Man Group show yet, a reader did sent us a link to an early 2011 promotional video showing off several new acts. Chances are, some of these may be added to the existing Universal show, though it looks like most of these will depend upon the addition of the three huge GIPads. If you need another reason to suspect a possible show change it’s interesting that the Blue Man Group Insider Facebook page says that they will release details today about an official Fan Meeting taking place on March 3rd in Orlando.
(1/24/12) Blue Man Group fans… be warned. The Blue Man Group show at Universal Orlando is now currently dark (closed) until shows resume on February 9th. An brief annual dark period is normal for high end shows like this as it gives time for some of the cast and crew to take vacations, it also gives the theater time to upgrade it’s equipment and maybe even change up the show a little bit. Check out the details over at Examiner.
Feb. 2012 - Hollywood Drive-In Golf - (3/13/12) Universal Orlando sent out some great images showing off some characters giving the new Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf courses a good shakedown. The
Men In Black (and Frank) were quickly on the scene to check out the Invaders from Planet Putt while Universal’s Classic Monsters enjoyed The Haunting of Ghostly Greens course. Hollywood Drive-In Golf is now open daily from 8am to 2am.
(3/5/12) A nice series of pictures showing off the game play in action on the new Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf can be found at Orlando Rocks. You gotta love the great night lighting they’ve put on here… may make it more fun to play at night than in the daytime.
(2/29/12) Large photo updates of the Hollywood Drive-In Golf course has been posted to OrlandoInformer and Horror Night Frights. Some videos taken during a preview visit to the site have also been posted to their YouTube page. Want to see something a little different? One of our readers managed to capture a small collection of images showing off the course as it looks at night with some spectacular lighting effects all in place.
(2/27/12) A great new photo update from the Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf attraction has been posted to AmusementPics this week. I do wonder if Universal had any clue at all when they decided to build this attraction at the front of CitiWalk just how much internet media attention they would get following each and every little detail of the construction progress. Seriously... this has to have been the most well covered mini-golf course construction project of all time. Not even Disney’s own Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland mini golf projects recieved even a fraction of the media attention that the Hollywood Drive-In has received to date. Simply Amazing!
(2/13/12) A reader snapped a few new pictures of the Hollywood Drive-In Mini Golf course this weekend as they put the finishing touches her and there. Looking good, check it out. While not seen in the photos, I’m hearing stories about nice lighting effects also being run after dark. You can see few after dark shots as well as a bunch more daytime shots over at FloridaThrills this week.
(5/13/11) More details about the Hollywood Drive-In Golf attraction coming to CityWalk next year can be found here, describing the Sci-Fi and Hollywood Blockbuster style themeing that will be used. One course will be called The Haunting of Ghostly Greens while the other will be Invaders from Planet Putt, each will feature cutting edge effects, themed elements and LED edge lighting on the course. It will be located just below the first level next to the AMC Theater, which sounds like it will take the place of the Valet parking area you pass as you enter CityWalk.
While this sounds very cool… I do have to chime in with one request I’d love to see if Universal was going to take the FEC entertainment route. How about a high-end laser tag experience (or paintball if your willing) in high-quality Hollywood style sets, inspired from famous action and Sci-Fi movies? Aliens anyone?
(5/12/11) Universal Orlando sent out a Tweet earlier today announcing that Hollywood Drive-In Golf, a 36-hole mini-golf course, will be added to CityWalk by early 2012.
Summer 2012 - Wet ‘n Wild New Attraction - (1/27/12) A few new details about the unnamed sand-castle themed water fortress attraction were mentioned in this News13 report. The giant castle structure will stand an impressive 60 feet into the air and will be built on the site of the current “Kids Park” attraction. This is the area directly to the left of the main entrance, sitting in the shadow of the Mach 5 slide tower.
Universal also claims a unique feature that I’m sure all parents will be glad to know about… it will feature only one exit, making it easier for parents to keep track of their children. I’m a bit confused myself as to how this will work, as there are numerous slides leading away from the fortress in all directions, so I can only assume that they may be planning on surrounding the entire play area with a barrier of some kind, so that there is only one way in or out of the entire attraction area, keeping the little ones from wandering off.
(1/26/12) Wet ‘n Wild will open a giant new water fortress attraction themed to look like a giant sand castle. The play area will feature 15 slides and over 100 water soakers, cannons, jets, etc. Look for this to open in Summer 2012.
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2012 - Halloween Horror Nights XII - Rumor - (4/24/12) The last word from our HHN spies is that while TruBlood was given the boot (a good idea I think…) it sounds like everyone was quick to approve a huge cross promotional event with AMC for an attraction themed to The Walking Dead, which should be launching it’s third season around the same time HHN kicks off.
(4/20/12) I’m not sure how much of this is true, but the latest rumor to float my way regarding Halloween Horror Nights 2012 seems to indicate that the park may be looking to partner up with far more existing intellectual properties than they have in the past.
According to our source, the Alice Cooper themed maze from HHN Hollywood last year was such a break away hit, that we may see it copied in Orlando this year. We’ve already talked about the pending inclusion of Penn & Teller, but there are also rumors claiming that we may see haunts themed to current shows like TruBlood and The Walking Dead. I’ve also heard some about kind of possible creative changes taking place with this year’s Bill & Ted show. More when we hear it…
(3/29/12) It’s a bit early for major rumors to start leaking, but Behind the Thrills has posted some thoughts and early rumors about the possible themes under consideration for HHN 22.
(2/16/12) Our friends over at Inside The Magic report that they were tipped off by a possible Penn & Teller themed HHN show concept earlier this month when Universal sent out another HHN based guest survey, getting feedback about certain Celebs or Horror franchises. The list included a who’s who list of Horror / Gothic film directors, hard rockers like AC/DC, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Mansion, Alice Cooper and Ozzy, as well as dropping the names of Criss Angel as well as Penn & Teller into the mix.
Now this certainly isn’t a lock that we’ll see a Penn & Teller show at HHN 2012… but it does seem a sure thing that at least Universal and the duo have been talking about it. Time will tell if they can come to an agreement.
(2/13/12) According to a reader, Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller fame) was tweeting this past week about being in Orlando and in talks with Universal Orlando about a possible “new thang” with the theme park. Going through my own personal memory banks, Penn & Teller were hosts of a rather gruesome blood & guts show performance back at one of the first Halloween Horror Nights at the Hollywood park back in the early 90s. Maybe even at the very first HHN in Hollywood… but I’m not sure. It would be great to see them come back and wow the Orlando crowd in 2012.
Late 2013/2014 - New Resort - Rumor - (1/30/12) Early word is that Universal Orlando may be working with their hotel partner (Lowes Hotels) on finalizing plans to open a forth resort hotel by the end of 2013 in one of the empty lots beyond the Royal Pacific. More than likely, they may opt to build this resort of the bigger plot of land, which is also the furthest one away, directly behind the giant Jurassic Park ride building.
The rumored theme of this resort may be a 1960’s era California ocean side resort hotel with a heavy surfing theme. The Surfing theme may be played up quite a bit here, with the creation of an on-site waterpark for hotel guests that will include an abundance of surf wave equipment (wave pool, stationary surf waves, etc). From what I’m hearing, a surfing lesion may even may be included as part of the experience for hotel guests. Even better news, it seems the price point they are shooting for with this new hotel may be to fit in more with Disney’s Moderate resort level price point.
In a previous master plan amendment filed with the city back in 2007, they did identify both of the empty lots beyond the Royal Pacific as future resort sites. The closest site (labeled Site D) was planned to have an 800 room, 8-story tall hotel structure, while the bigger site we’re talking about here (Site E) was to hold a proposed 1800 room resort with 16-story tall hotel tower wings branching off a central structure. The plan at the time did show that Universal intended to expand the river system to allow for transportation to these two new hotel projects. (This was the same master plan where they revealed the apartment complex that was built behind the Jaws area and The Promenade at Universal Plaza office complex that went in across from the Hess station.)
2015/2016 - New Waterpark - Rumor - (3/17/11) Over the years I’ve talked on and off about the long term plan for Universal to build their very own on-site waterpark. This is because the land under Wet ‘n Wild was only leased to the park when it was built back in the mid ‘70s, and the clock has been ticking down towards the inevitable expiration date of the deal. While no one with solid knowledge of the deal has ever come forward to give an official answer about just how long the lease was for, several years ago I did read a report in the Orlando Business Journal that did confirm that the land owners would not be looking to sign another long term lease deal.
Why bring this up again? Because a few days before the Blackstone news broke, I had started to hear rumblings about possible preparations beginning again to get the official plan for this new on-site waterpark in development again. The plans would drop the new waterpark onto that remaining vacant site across the street from the backside of Ripsaw Falls and the big Jurassic Park building.
This time they are apparently not just in a Blue-Sky dreaming mode, as they have been previously when submitting a few guest surveys to find out just what kind of waterpark experience the public expected from the Universal brand name. If the rumors are true, the idea this time may be to put a solid entry for the waterpark project into the new 5-year Masterplan that Universal is working on as a follow up to the Potter-verse.
Five years is also an important date that may fit well into the scheme of things. While Wet ‘n Wild Orlando opened in 1977, the lease on the land would have likely been signed the year before (1976) which would make 2011 the 35th year of the lease. Many long term lease deals use rounded numbers, and while this is just speculation, 2016 would be year 40, and a good possible year for the lease to end. Again, this is all just speculation… but I’ve got a good feeling about this possible timeline. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, as the current ownership shifts taking place between Comcast and Blackstone could cause some major ripples here.
(7/10/10) Universal Orlando is conducting a survey online that asks a lot of questions about a possible new blue sky waterpark concept. It claims that they don’t have anything planned yet, but are using this to find out what people think about waterparks for “when a project does come up”. Well we all know the lease on the property Wet ‘n Wild sits on will eventually expire or just become too cost prohibitive, so the fact that Universal is fishing for waterpark ideas and freeback is a good sign.
Overall they seem interesting in what the public’s perception of an official Universal themed waterpark would be, and what it should have. Should they have attractions tied into movies and entertainment properties? If so, they want suggestions as to what you would like to see, so go give them your ideas.
(8/2/07) Today we have to discuss the fate of Wet ‘n Wild. It’s been a few years since anyone talked about this, but the latest rumors claim that the end of the road for Wet ‘n Wild may be in sight. For those who need a little history lesson, I confirmed a few years back that the property under Wet ‘n Wild is actually not owned by the park or Universal, but was part of a land lease deal signed by the creators of Wet ‘n Wild back before it opened in 1977.
Even today no one really knows for sure just how long the term of the lease was for, but shortly after I uncovered that fact one of the local Orlando papers did their own research to contact the property owners who confirmed that there was little chance of them signing a deal to renew the lease due to the increased value of the property and it’s key location on I-Drive that could be put to better (and more profitable) uses. An older article in the Orlando Sentinel about Aquatica once mentions that the terms of their lease start to change in 2007 and the price is expected to rise through the roof by 2012.
The bottom line… Wet ‘n Wild is living on borrowed time. This has led many to speculate about when and if Universal Orlando may take the next step to build their own new water park on their own resort property. It’s also been noted that all of the “new attractions” added to the waterpark over the last few years have either been rehabs of older attractions (The lazy river, The Blast) or larger above ground attractions (Storm, Disco H2O, Brain Wash) that would be fairly simple to move to a new location when the time comes.
These days the rumor mill has picked up once again claiming that 2009 could very well be the last summer for Wet ‘n Wild. If this is true, then my best guess may be that Wet ‘n Wild signed a 35 year lease possibly as early as 1975 which could come to an end in 2010. Remember that the park will need time to remove their property from the site, so you can see where the 2009 closure idea may be coming from.
Keep in mind that other than the fact that there is a ticking clock… everything else is just speculation right now. For all we know the park may have another 10 years left on their lease… or they could already be in some kind of overtime extension where the fees grow higher and higher each additional year. If the end is near, I’m sure we’ll hear more about this very soon and Universal is likely to promote this fact to drive up attendance in the final season when they find themselves up against the new waterpark on the block, Aquatica.
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