Universal Orlando Resort (USF, IOA, Epic) Discussion Thread

[SharkTums]

These running events basically print money for the parks, I'm surprised it took Universal Orlando so long to jump on the bandwagon! Thanks for the TR!

[LDedios432]

Aren't the Roots the Jimmy Fallon show band?

 

... wow

 

The Roots are a Grammy-Award winning, platinum-selling band, and Questlove is an incredibly accomplished producer and musician with a long list of credits. They're definitely more than just a show band! Before they got the Fallon Gig, they had huge hits in the Hip Hop/RnB charts, but they're multi-genre and dable in other kinds of music. "You Got Me" with Erykah Badu even has a little 90s Drum N' Bass. Check out "Things Fall Apart" to start - classic album. Much respect for Questlove & The Roots!

 

[coasterbill]

Cool, I never knew that.

 

PS: Very quietly, Hagrid's seems to have gotten to the point where it's running reliably all day like a normal coaster.

[boldikus]

^ Forgive Bill, y'all. He is one of the best dudes but the worst taste in music.

 

[jedimaster1227]

^^I waited 75 minutes for Hagrid’s the other night (the ride did not close to capacity before park close) despite a posted 120 minute wait. It has definitely gotten better.

[Canobie Coaster]

^ It was the same for me a few weekends ago. I asked the employee at the entrance if they'd close the queue early and they said they'd only do it if it were in excess of 3-4 hours.

[pianojohn]

Found some pictures of Islands of Adventure from April 1999, about 2 months before they officially opened.

 

Enjoy!

Edited April 15, 2020 by pianojohn

[SharkTums]

I miss 1999 IOA!!!!

[pianojohn]

I don't miss the BLINDING paint colors of Seuss Landing! I opened that part of the park and it was VERY bright!

[VegasBaby]

I miss 1999 IOA!!!!

 

Totally agree, I loved my first visit back in the fall of 2000. I remember being completely blown away by the Spiderman ride, which is still one of my favorite dark rides. Dueling Dragons actually dueled at that time and it was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had at a park. It wasn't that busy of a day, so we got tons of rides on the Dragons--and didn't have to go through metal detectors! I've been back to the park several times since then, but that first time back in 2000 is still my favorite visit.

Edited April 15, 2020 by VegasBaby

[bert425]

great pics, John!

 

especially the DD ones.

 

 

 

but I have to give you kudos for the color blocking on this one. . . how perfect that y'all are all "Red up top"

 

[Jew]

I miss 1999 IOA!!!!

 

Definitely moved the needle for the industry. Was jaw dropping at the time.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

Very nice! I tried to get my dad to take us there back in '99 or 2000...never happened. I'll be making up for that with my kids, but I know it's not the same. Thanks for sharing what I missed.

[jarmor]

^ You can make up for it with Epic Universe.

[ytterbiumanalyst]

I really hope so! It looks...epic.

 

I'll see myself out.

[RollerManic]

I know it's not the same park it was when it opened up but, I think what USO has become is more of an atrocity than IoA. We've lost Lost Continent and DD, and added metal detectors, but we've also have gotten some pretty awesome additions over the years too - Forbidden Journey, new Hulk, and this kickass Intamin you can see being built below in this video from a local news chopper:

 

[fbvideonew]

[/fbvideonew]

IoA flyover starts around 4 and lasts till around 11

 

The Jurassic Park area is about to get a lot better than it ever has been (so long as they leave JPRA alone)!

Edited April 17, 2020 by RollerManic

[KBrylczyk]

^ You can make up for it with Epic Universe.

 

For everyone's sake I sure hope it can measure up to IOA's premier.

 

If they can pull off a huge, industry-changing attraction like they did with Spider-Man I will be very happy. I'm not going to hold my breath, though, as back then the Universal parks invested in large-scale, innovative, practical attractions for practically everything, as opposed to the previous decade-plus trend of glorified simulators with the oddball traditional ride (albeit heavily-themed) every now and then.

 

My first visit to IOA was that opening year in October. Every single thing was brand spankin' new (except Dr. Doom, really), immersive as hell, spectacularly themed, and essentially stood for everything a teenager wanted that Disney didn't offer. As a 15 year old at the time, I loved the hell out of it. I still do, though I've not visited since 2012. Other parks, namely Disney, have stepped up their game dramatically in response and have since outdone Universal at their own game multiple times in both new lands and entire new theme parks. I really hope Universal can come out swinging and hit a homer. I really do, but I'm honestly not sure.

[DoinItForTheFame]

I know it's not the same park it was when it opened up but, I think what USO has become is more of an atrocity than IoA. We've lost Lost Continent and DD, and added metal detectors, but we've also have gotten some pretty awesome additions over the years too - Forbidden Journey, new Hulk, and this kickass Intamin you can see being built below in this video from a local news chopper...

 

Okay... What the heck did I miss?!?! What is this new coaster being built!??!

 

[SharkTums]

^Intamin Jurassic Park coaster.

[RollerManic]

Not a family Intamin like Hagrid’s this time either. Oh no. It’s a blitz coaster along the lines of iSpeed.

[robbalvey]

Universal Orlando City Walk will partially open on May 14th: Details: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/terms-of-service/operations-update?linkId=88480280

 

May 14 CityWalk is Opening for Limited Operations

 

Select CityWalk venues are opening for our guests to enjoy from 4–10 pm daily. Our team and all of our guests should follow all recommended CDC guidelines.

 

- We are requiring temperature checks for all guests upon their arrival. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be able to enter CityWalk. As part of our standard procedures, Team Members will undergo temperature checks as well.

 

- Everyone – including all Team Members and guests – is required to wear face coverings while at Universal CityWalk.

 

- Each venue will limit capacity to help enforce social distancing

 

- All chairs, tables and high-touch surfaces will be thoroughly and frequently cleaned and disinfected

 

v

 

Self-parking is complimentary. Valet parking is not available at this time. Subject to change.

 

In addition to shopping at the Universal Studios Store and select merchandise carts, there are plenty of tasty temptations across CityWalk, each is opening with a delicious but limited menu, as well as limited seating.

[Satans Hockey]

They should roll out the butterbeer carts at CityWalk until the parks are open again.

[Nrthwnd]

^

[KarlaKoaster]

Lot of videos from Citywalk's first day of post-lockdown operation on Youtube. It's obviously quieter than normal but a nice amount of people and it appeared to be well organised with the majority of people following the rules.

 

In the car park, every other space was being filled until people had left their cars, then the empty spaces were filled which seems like a good system. There is a contactless temperature check prior to security and markings on the ground but no obvious queues as it's such a fast process.

 

Some parts of City Walk are quite cramped/congested compared to Disney Springs, so it will be interesting to see how queues outside places like Starbucks are managed when more places open, particularly when the parks reopen and there's additional foot traffic.

[Satans Hockey]

I saw on TPR's social media that the intital rush when they opened was people not following the rules at all when it comes to staying 6 feet apart.