jedimaster1227

Investment in parks of this size isn't always common, so it is great to see them working on adding content and plussing existing offerings to keep things fresh.

Just like the layout, the trains are particularly unique! I really look forward to seeing these fly through the twisted course of the ride when it starts testing!

The new paint looks fantastic, but I think what excites me most about this project is the removal of the OSTR restraints. This ride has such a neat layout but the old restraints made it nearly impossible to fully enjoy. I really look forward to experiencing the New Revolution whenever I get back to Magic Mountain in the hopes that the work on this classic coaster will do its layout and history the justice it deserves.

The lead car looks incredibly sleek and the track continues to look better and better as it rises. It will be really nice to be able to stop into SeaWorld Orlando for a ride or two after work just to get my airtime fix!

Cobra's Curse really is looking incredible. I love how the ride path interacts with the existing structures in the Egypt section of the park including Montu and I think the locked positions will provide a unique experience before the free spinning even takes place!

I think the Le Mans piece of the teaser is really a red herring... I'd be a little surprised if this ended up being another coaster so soon after Tempesto but it would be nice if this was a collection of new rides including a coaster and the return of a Le Mans-level family attraction, similar to how SeaWorld San Diego is adding the submarine dark ride as well as a few flat rides.

This weekend Theme Park Review was hosted by Universal Orlando for the third annual Harry Potter Celebration, taking place between both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. The event offers unique presentations and panels featuring notable actors sharing feedback on their experience with the franchise while also providing guests the chance to see and participate with many of these film stars. Other presentations included Universal Parks & Resorts-led panels and events on the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios Florida. The Harry Potter Celebration attracts the casual and uber-fans of Harry Potter to the Universal Orlando Resort each year and this year's lineup added new stars, new panels and the newest charm of The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter (Hogshead and Knockturn Alley). Progress across the resort continues on new projects, both major and minor as Comcast continues to invest and the Harry Potter Celebration guests were able to see firsthand all that Universal is actively working on. A new shop has opened in Diagon Alley with another relocated, Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Starring You and Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue have both been closed and are partially demolished in prep for the construction of Fast and Furious: Supercharged. Skull Island: Reign of Kong continues to look more and more complete by the day. The Incredible Hulk is beginning to retake the skyline as fresh track is slowly installed throughout Marvel Superhero Island. The photos below detail the latest progress on each of these projects. Special thanks to the Universal Orlando Resort for hosting us once again for this incredible weekend filled with great talent, fantastic food and many magical moments! Included in this report are videos from our friends at Orlando Attractions Magazine who were at the event as well! Tonight we're at the #HPCelebration at @UniversalORL! Be on the lookout for this dangerous wizard! There's a huge recreation of Hogwarts made entirely out of @LEGO_Group bricks at the #HPCelebration Expo! The #HPCelebration Expo features a display of merchandise available exclusively at @USJ_Official's Wizarding World! Here at the #HPCelebration @UniversalORL muggles can share what @HarryPotterFilm means to them. The @wbtourlondon is here at the #HPCelebration at @UniversalORL with props from the @HarryPotterFilm movies. There were many cosplayers roaming the Harry Potter Celebration Expo space as well as the rest of both parks at Universal Orlando. The #HPCelebration Expo is advertising @HPPlayLDN, a set of Harry Potter sequel stories told live on stage. Starting Day 2 of the #HPCelebration! In the Expo you can meet @HarryPotterFilm graphic designers @minalima There's an augmented reality experience tied to @pottermore here at the #HPCelebration. This year's #HPCelebration at @UniversalORL will include new announcements for upcoming @pottermore content. The stars of the @HarryPotterFilm franchise are here for the #HPCelebration at @UniversalORL Rupert Grint was sorted into Hufflepuff by the @pottermore Sorting Hat. He admits that he wants a recount! Just announced at the #HPCelebration: @HarryPotterFilm The Exhibition opens on 6/30/16 in Brussels, Belgium Today @Evy_Lynch announced details of 4 international schools of wizardry now detailed on @pottermore #HPCelebration A look at this year's @UniversalORL #HPCelebration commemorate print. Construction work on the former @NBACITYorlando continues at @UniversalORL to transform it into a new dining venue. The Incredible Hulk still has plenty of track to be reinstalled before it will reopen... Some fresh track at the finale of the ride has been installed near Storm Force Acceleratron. How many of you would like to be riding Popeye's Bilge-Rat Barges at @UniversalORL today? None of The Incredible Hulk's track on the lagoon side of Marvel Superhero Island has been reinstalled. The view here at @UniversalORL #HPCelebration is marvelous! You may see extra characters roaming The Wizarding World of Harry Potter thanks to the #HPCelebration @UniversalORL More cosplayers in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade at the #HPCelebration at @UniversalORL It is a very busy day in the village of Hogsmeade at @UniversalORL #HPCelebration It may be time to catch a train... #HPCelebration @UniversalORL The queue for the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade gives guests a unique view of Dragon Challenge! #HPCelebration We're on the Hogwarts Express on our way to Diagon Alley! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration As if by magic, we've traveled from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration It is lunch time at The Leaky Cauldron! What pub favorites are you craving? @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Trying the Ploughman's Platter (for one) and the Fisherman's Pie along with Butterbeer Potted Cream! #HPCelebration Butterbeer Potter Cream is a new option at @UniversalORL to satisfy your Butterbeer craving! #HPCelebration Sugar Plum's Sweet Shop opened earlier this week in Diagon Alley replacing Shutterbutton's. #HPCelebration There is no shortage of tasty treats to enjoy at Sugar Plum's Sweet Shop! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Butterbeer Fudge is another new item to satisfy your Butterbeer fancy! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration And there's always No-Melt Ice Cream to enjoy at @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Carkitt Market feels far more open despite the large crowds present for the #HPCelebration. @UniversalORL A look towards the entrance/exit of Diagon Alley from Gringotts Bank. @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Wanted posters in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter actually display moving imagery of the wizards being sought. Shutterbuttons has moved to a new location along the main stretch of Diagon Alley. @UniversalORL #HPCelebration The inside of Shutterbutton's.... A new store in @UniversalORL, Williams of Hollywood sells original props from old attractions like Twister! Merchandise from Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue, Disaster! & @HorrorNightsORL at Williams of Hollywood. @UniversalORL The #HPCelebration Expo had a 180 minute wait throughout the weekend! Students of Durmstrang & Beauxbatons teach young muggles to dance like them onstage at #HPCelebration @UniversalORL Work on "Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon" has the Twister! soundstage gutted through to the other side. The green Dark Mark tattoo used in the @HarryPotterFilm production is green to allow for post-production animation. Only at the #HPCelebration at @UniversalORL can you be sorted into your Hogwarts house by the Sorting Hat! It's been another great day at the #HPCelebration at @UniversalORL! We'll be back tomorrow for the 3rd day of magic! We're currently hearing from Pierre Bohanna, head prop maker for the @HarryPotterFilm franchise! #HPCelebration The #HPCelebration is drawing huge crowds for the final morning of the event at @UniversalORL The line for the #HPCelebration extends all the way to Transformers: The Ride 3D! @UniversalORL The Hair & Makeup exhibit at @wbtourlondon #HPCelebration Expo features items from the @HarryPotterFilm production. This is Daniel Radcliffe's forehead mold used for consistent placement of his scar in the films. #HPCelebration Silicon molds were used for the mass replication of wands used during he @HarryPotterFilm production. #HPCelebration Beware the Death Eaters that may appear in the @wbtourlondon at the #HPCelebration Expo at @UniversalORL Demolition of Disaster! and Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue continues in prep for Fast & Furious: Supercharged. There are all kinds of odd creatures in the Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley. @UniversalORL #HPCelebration How many wish you were here to see the Gringotts Bank? @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Time for a tour of the famous Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration "Here to open an account?" #HPCelebration @UniversalORL Bill Weasley & Griphook share some magic before sending guests on to the Gringotts Bank tour. #HPCelebration Heading down to the vaults... @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Another day, another scoop of No-Melt Ice Cream! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes has lots of gag gifts & very colorful chaos going on inside! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration A Pygmy Puff was just adopted inside of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Time to leave London... #HPCelebration @UniversalORL The Hogwarts Express is here to take us to Hogsmeade! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Dementors on the Hogwarts Express! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration The view of Hogwarts Castle from the Hogwarts Express traveling from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade. #HPCelebration We've arrived at Hogsmeade Station! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Who wants to take a ride on Dragon Challenge? @UniversalORL #HPCelebration The approach to Hogwarts Castle from Hogsmeade is visually stunning! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Some more cosplayers in Hogsmeade for the #HPCelebration @UniversalORL With your wizard's wand you too can make magic throughout Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley at @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Check out performances by the Frog Choir in Hogsmeade for a magical medley of music! @UniversalORL #HPCelebration The Durmstrang Academy boys perform their traditional entrance in the shadow of The Flight of the Hippogriff. The Beauxbatons dance with flair as the introduce themselves onstage. @UniversalORL #HPCelebration More progress at Skull Island: Reign of Kong at @UniversalORL Islands of Adventure. How's this for a view of Hogwarts? @UniversalORL #HPCelebration Have you heard the news? @hellokitty is coming to @UniversalORL later this year! @sanrio It is time for a ride on the last remaining E.T. Adventure attraction worldwide! @UniversalORL We have our Interplanetary Passport! Do you? @UniversalORL The London Waterfront masks the entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at @UniversalORL It is never a bad time to catch up with two of Springfield's most recognizable residents! @UniversalORL While in London, be sure to stop by the Knight Bus for a conversation with two very unique drivers! #HPCelebration Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees perform daily in Diagon Alley's Carkitt Market at @UniversalORL #HPCelebration In Knockturn Alley you will find a group of shrunken heads that sing "Show Me the Way to Go Home" from Jaws." One more blast of fire before departing Diagon Alley for the day... #HPCelebration @UniversalORL There are still a few references to Amity Island, home to Jaws, found in the San Francisco area of the park. Work continues on the removal of Disaster! to make way for Fast & Furious: Supercharged. The Sorting Hat Experience has a 120 minute wait & the #HPCelebration Expo has a 30 minute wait. Both close at 6:00 pm. Back inside of the Harry Potter Celebration Expo, original props from the Harry Potter films could be seen up close. This Quaffle was signed by several of the films' stars while used on set. A large collection of original props, all of which had graphic design by Minalima. With Warner Brothers having a major presence at the Harry Potter Celebration, it was no surprise that Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was teased throughout the weekend. The first in a series of new films set within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter acts as a prequel to the original series, with new characters in a new locale (1920's America) dealing with the repercussions of magical creatures set loose on the non-magical world. The film's cast includes Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell, starring in a screenplay written by JK Rowling herself and directed by David Yates, the director of the final four Harry Potter films. Lots of things to see inside of the Expo! And plenty of freebies to take with you! It was announced that details regarding 11 wizarding schools around the globe would be revealed with new content within Pottermore in the coming months. Huge crowds fill the Music Plaza for the final #HPCelebration panel, a tribute to the @HarryPotterFilm series. The @HarryPotterFilm stars reflect on the lessons Alan Rickman gave them while on set. #HPCelebration @UniversalORL That concludes our live coverage of the #HPCelebration 2016. Look for our event recap online later tonight!

^That was exactly what I was referencing.

^That looks glorious!

Based on the concept art, this is a lot smaller of an attraction than I expected... Seems like it would make more sense as a new land in PortAventura than as a separately ticketed offering.

^Or that it was in that small Florida town where Walt's parents originally met and were married. That part really surprised me!

With all of the challenges with OSHA over ADA Compliance and evacuation routes (needing railings throughout the ride and evacuation points frequently along the course) that would be extremely difficult to pull off... There are also sections of track that may no longer be full accessible thanks to Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters being installed in the old Rocket Rods queue building. That also brings to question where guests would even queue if such an attraction were to ever open on those tracks. It'd be easier (and cleaner) to remove the track altogether and open up the breezeway like it is in Walt Disney World's and Tokyo Disneyland's Tomorrowland. The area often has trouble with managing crowds thanks to the pinch point the Astro Orbiter creates by blocking off much of the mouth of the land's main entryway. Removing the track could alleviate some of that stress.

In looking at the pictures that have come out during construction, it appears that not much of Twisted Twins was actually used in the development of Storm Chaser aside from the station. Am I missing something or did this end up being more of a from-scratch project than originally implied?

Just seems like Merlin is trying to jump on the VR train as quickly as possible... Considering how heavily they over-marketed Thirteen and Nemesis Sub-Terra as psychological experiences, you can bet they'll do it again with this one.

I love that Jack Hanna's relationship with SeaWorld has remained so strong after all of these years. I remember seeing him live in the parks growing up at SeaWorld, and I remember his pre-show videos that would play before the start of the Shamu Adventure show that ran before Believe replaced it. He is correct... SeaWorld is important, and I'm glad that someone so respected in the community continues to recognize this.

^If that is 100% accurate, I feel like this could be the best flying coaster B&M will have built to date.

^The canopy covers the portion of the ride that is not contained by the show building itself. The canopy lighting will change as the trains pass underneath each section. I was pretty sure that the outdoor section was actually the finale of the ride, not the beginning. Concept video from the D23 Expo showed the ride launching from inside and going through the indoor section first.

^Do we know if they intend to move the independent ride operators out if the land acquisition goes ahead?

^^There is no documented proof of JK Rowling's "hatred" of Dragon Challenge. Like Joey mentioned, if she wanted it axed or excluded from Hogsmeade, it would have been removed or the queue would have been reworked to leave it as a part of The Lost Continent (which up until the Hogwarts Express was built, was still feasible). The area needed extra capacity to balance out the insane queues they expected for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and the shops of Hogsmeade. Now that crowds have leveled out, the likelihood of the coaster being removed is significantly greater--but that isn't by the choice of JK Rowling alone, it would be up to Universal to dictate how they use that plot of land. It should also be noted that just because the coaster could be taken down in the future, it doesn't mean that couldn't be rebuilt somewhere else... Universal does have a South Korean park, Beijing, Moscow and Dubai all still technically in the works in one way or another. Do I see Dragon Challenge getting removed at some point? Yes. Do I see that happening in the near future? No. Do I see Universal scrapping the ride entirely? Not a chance. Selling it? Why sell when you can market it as brand in an alternate destination owned by the same company?

It is great to see this ride going up so fast. This revamped section of the park will be an insane mess of track when it is done!

^^^The SeaWorld Parks & Resorts parks almost always (I'm 98% positive they do every time, but I could be forgetting an instance in which they didn't) soft open their rides before the grand opening. It presents an opportunity for the parks to iron out the operational kinks, test out evacuation procedures and allows the team members to become comfortable with the operation so when the ride is expected to operate for every day of the year without pause, they can deliver. The best part (from an operational standpoint) of a soft opening is that the park can open and close the ride as they see fit without truly negative repercussions. Guest expectations once the ride is officially open are very different than they are when the ride is still in technical rehearsals.

In fairness, Test Track does the exact same thing and the transition is actually one of the most fun elements of the ride. I think the best part of the ride will be the inside, but the ride's most unique maneuvers look like they will take place outside of the show building underneath the open air canopy. I think it is a pretty great balance of the two, and with the canopy changing color to follow trains as they move underneath, I feel like it could provide a really neat atmospheric effect, much like watching the Columbiad Cannon launch Space Mountain in Disneyland Paris' Tomorrowland.

There are some really gorgeous looking elements on this one! Can't wait to see how the ride looks when it is fully finished!

If the modifications GCI did for Boulder Dash are anything to go by, this will only plus the ride. It is nice to see Holiday World paying such attention to its existing rides (and not investing in gimmicks like slapping an inversion on an already-rough ride like Mount Olympus did with Hades), taking the time to plus the coasters and lengthen their service life. It is a very smart investment on their part!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/01/experience-lights-motors-action-extreme-stunt-show-one-more-time-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/ http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-lights-motors-action-disney-closing-20160115-story.html