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Universal Orlando Resort (USO, IOA) Discussion Thread

p. 623 - New Epic Universe details, including Celestial Park!

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Hey everybody!

 

This thread is simple! Rather than having a million little threads about everything that goes on at the Universal Orlando Resort, this thread is designed to consolidate it all into one user-friendly thread. Feel free to use it to post updates, trip reports, questions, comments, and of course, general discussion. For pictures and videos of the park as well as past updates, see TPR's Park Index Pages: Universal Studios Florida & Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

 

Official Park Website

 

Below are some links to past updates from the park, you may be interested in. Enjoy!

 

--Robb

 

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2005

March 2005 - Nickelodeon Studios to leave Orlando - SEE BELOW!

 

2006

September 1st, 2006 - Blue Man Group coming to Universal?

September 7th, 2006 - Confirmation that Back to the Future is closing

 

2007

February 1st, 2007 - Harry Potter coming to IOA

March, 7th, 2007 - Concept art for Blue Man Group

March 12th, 2007 - Back to the Future's final day announced as March 30th

April 7th, 2007 - Universal confirms budget for 2007 is $120 Million

May 31st, 2007 - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter announced

November 5th, 2007 - Earthquake closes at Universal Studios

 

2008

January 14th, 2008 - Universal Orlando gets approval for Maurer Sohne's "Project Rumble Ride Project"

Mar 18th, 2008 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit Announced (Hidden Song List Revealed)

Mar 22nd, 2008 - Rising Star opens at Universal Orlando's City Walk

June 19th, 2008 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit layout revealed

October 30th, 2008 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit construction update

November 18th, 2008 - Poseiden's Fury's "Water Vortex" feature shut down

November 25th, 2008 - More Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit construction progress

November 28th, 2008 - Additional Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit concept art leaked

December 30th, 2008 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit lift & station construction goes vertical

 

2009

February 2nd, 2009 - Universal gives away 100,000 tickets on Superbowl Sunday

February 5th, 2009 - Universal cutting hours at some attractions

February 12th, 2009 - More Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit trackwork completed

February 23rd, 2009 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit lift construction rises

March 6th, 2009 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit non-inverting loop construction begins

March 12th, 2009 - Significant amount of Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit track work completed

March 18th, 2009 - Universal and Royal Caribbean form partnership

April 5th, 2009 - Another Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit update

April 29th, 2009 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit lift hill complete?

June 4th, 2009 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit animated POV released

June 6th, 2009 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit lift being removed

June 24th, 2009 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit lift complete, testing begins

June 25th, 2009 - Halloween Horror Nights 'Ripped from the Silver Screen' announced!

July 6th, 2009 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit official song list released

July 7th, 2009 - Halloween Horror Nights 'Ripped from the Silver Screen' logo released

July 24th, 2009 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit rings installed

August 15th, 2009 - Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit soft opening review

August 24th, 2009 - Official Halloween Horror Nights Facebook Page launched

August 27th, 2009 - Halloween Horror Nights Saw & more details revealed

September 8th, 2009 - More HHN 19 details revealed

September 17th, 2009 - HHN 19 Dracula & Frankenstein house details

September 22nd, 2009 - HHN 19 The Usher background details revealed

September 23rd, 2009 - HHN 19 partners with Fangoria for two houses

September 24th, 2009 - HHN 19 Blood Day!

September 26th, 2009 - HHN 19 Media Preview Reviews

October 28th, 2009 - HHN 19 Sting Alley HHNXX Preview Scare Zone "Shadows of the Past"

 

2010

July 14th, 2010 - Halloween Horror Nights XX: Twenty Years of Fear announced

August 2nd, 2010 - Halloween Horror Nights Legendary Truth Collective returns!

August 13th, 2010 - HHNXX house teaser images released

August 25th, 2010 - HHNXX full details released!

August 26th, 2010 - HHNXX conference call details

November 28th, 2010 - Universal Orlando VP, Jan Stratton dead

 

2011

January 1st, 2011 - Universal's Islands of Adventure Ripsaw Falls is on Fire!!!

March 16th, 2011- Blackstone to sell its stake in Universal Orlando

July 19th, 2011- The Thing house confirmed for HHN 21

August 3rd, 2011- Halloween Horror Nights launches Twitter account

August 17th, 2011 - Dueling Dragons will no longer "Duel"

August 30th, 2011 - HHN 21 full event details released

September 15th, 2011 - Ghost Hunters to return to Universal for HHN 21

September 23rd, 2011 - HHN 21 Media Night Review

November 1st, 2011 - Holiday offerings for the Universal Orlando Resort announced!

November 2nd, 2011 - JAWS to close forever on January 2nd, 2012

December 6th, 2011 - Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion confirmed!

 

2012

January 1st, 2012 - Mummy & E.T. evacuated after technical malfunctions

January 2nd, 2012 - Jaws comprehensive coverage plus two on-ride videos!

January 3rd, 2012 - Huge photo & video report of Jaws closing day!

January 12th, 2012 - 2012 Mardi Gras Concert lineup, plus Jaws farewell

January 25th, 2012 - Huge announcement details revealed for 2012 additions!

February 4th, 2012 - Jaws behind walls plus a resort-wide photo update!

February 16th, 2012 - Spending continues to rise at Universal Orlando

February 16th, 2012 - Blue Man Group Re-Opening VIP Media Event Coverage

February 22nd, 2012 - Time lapse of Blue Man Group Theatre revamp posted!

February 26th, 2012 - New info on Hollywood Drive In Mini Golf revealed

March 1st, 2012 - Spiderman set to reopen on March 8th!

March 2nd, 2012 - Hollywood Drive In Golf opening photos

March 3rd, 2012 - More Spiderman reopening details released!

March 13th, 2012 - Hollywood Drive-In Golf officially open!

March 19th, 2012 - Amity Deconstruction Progress photos

April 3rd, 2012 - Cinematic Spectacular & Parade to debut on May 8th

April 9th, 2012 - Jaws corridor update, Despicable Me & streetmosphere

April 19th, 2012 - Sneak preview of the Universal Cinematic Spectacular

April 22nd, 2012 - Universal employees will begin testing Electronic Express Pass system at IOA on May 2nd/3rd.

April 23rd, 2012 - Pics of Jaws from the day AFTER closing!

May 2nd, 2012 - Two new entertainment dining packages announced

May 2nd, 2012 - Photos of Universal Express Q-Bots in Islands of Adventure

May 10th, 2012 - Universal's Cinematic Spectacular & Universal's Superstar Parade VIP Premiere Party photos & videos posted!

May 30th, 2012 - Ticket prices increase to become the most expensive in Orlando

May 30th, 2012 - Passholder previews for Despicable Me Minion Mayhem coming soon

May 30th, 2012 - Rock the Universe 2012 tickets now on sale

June 11th, 2012 - Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem in soft opening phase

June 12th, 2012 - Wet 'n Wild Orlando opens Blastaway Beach

June 14th, 2012 - Despicable Me Minion Mayhem to open on July 2nd!

July 2nd, 2012 - Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Grand Opening Coverage!

July 9th, 2012 - Cabana Bay Beach Resort Announced!

July 15th, 2012 - Shaquille O'Neal visits Despicable Me Minion Mayhem!

September 9th, 2012 - Huge resort-wide construction photo update

October 17th, 2012 - Update of future plans, including the fast tracking of Transformers

November 1st, 2012 - Transformers: The Ride officially announced for Universal Studios Florida!

November 14th, 2012 - New dining experience offerings announced!

November 25th, 2012 - Universal Orlando Holiday Pass now for sale!

December 4th, 2012 - Macy's Holiday Parade & Grinchmas Media Event report

December 11th, 2012 - New Harry Potter content being filmed for Universal

 

2013

January 2nd, 2013 - Is Universal talking to the Tolkien family?

January 8th, 2013 - Mardi Gras 2013 Concert Lineup revealed!

January 25th, 2013 - Universal hosting 'Days of our Lives' fan fest

February 10th, 2013 - Universal Studios Mardi Gras Media Night Coverage!

February 13th, 2013 - Comcast buying remainder of NBCUniversal ownership

February 20th, 2013 - Big Update from both parks.

March 4th, 2013 - Transformers Gift Shop Opens!

April 1st, 2013 - Megatron begins making appearances at Transformers

May 8th, 2013 - Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley details announced!

May 23rd, 2013 - The Simpsons' Springfield is coming to Universal!

June 17th, 2013 - 'Universal Dining Plan' announced for resort guests

June 17th, 2013 - Despicable Me Kids Suites coming to Portofino Bay

June 20th, 2013 - Universal Orlando Media Event & Transformers Opening

June 26th, 2013 - Cabin in the Woods announced for Halloween Horror Nights 23

June 27th, 2013 - Universal buys Wet n' Wild land & extra parcels!

July 1st, 2013 - In-depth look at the food & beverages of Springfield

July 1st, 2013 - Latest Halloween Horror Nights viral video posted!

July 16th, 2013 - Evil Dead house for Halloween Horror Nights 23!

July 17th, 2013 - Rocky Horror Picture Tribute Show return confirmed!

August 2nd, 2013 - Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit closed after guest injury

August 7th, 2013 - Harry Potter Celebration set for January 2014

September 11th, 2013 - Halloween Horror Nights Media Preview posted!

October 17th, 2013 - Robin Thicke & The Wanted set for Mardi Gras 2014

October 30th, 2013 - Attendance up, Greenroof Bridge coming, TNA returns

November 28th, 2013 - Bill & Ted rights renewed for HHN for five years!

 

2014

January 2nd, 2014 - Harry Potter Diagon Alley Officially Announced!

January 31st, 2014 - Mardi Gras 2014 Concert Lineup Revealed!

February 5th, 2014 - Report from the new Antojitos Restaurant

February 14th, 2014 - Aqua Drag Racer mat slide coming to Wet 'n Wild

February 21st, 2014 - IOA Starbucks opens & resort construction photos!

February 23rd, 2014 - Mardi Gras Grand Celebration Media Night Report!

April 1st, 2014 - Universal plans to add more hotels to the Resort

May 13th, 2014 - Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts details announced!

May 13th, 2014 - Diagon Alley entertainment & interactive experiences announced!

June 9th, 2014 - The Walking Dead returns with huge maze at HHN 24

June 17th, 2014 - Cabana Bay Beach Resort trip report

June 17th, 2014 - New CityWalk Venue Media Preview report posted!

June 18th, 2014 - Universal Orlando VIP Tour Report Posted!

June 19th, 2014 - Wizarding World of Diagon Alley Media Report posted!

June 19th, 2014 - Wizarding World of Diagon Alley Daytime Media Report posted!

July 22nd, 2014 - Halloween Horror Nights 24 house & mazes announced!

August 5th, 2014 - Alien vs. Predator house announced for HHN 24!

August 11th, 2014 - Diagon Alley photo report - One month after opening!

August 14th, 2014 - 2nd Annual Harry Potter Celebration announced!

August 14th, 2014 - Loew's Royal Pacific Resort convention space expansion announced!

September 9th, 2014 - Halloween Horror Nights 24 Media Preview posted!

September 9th, 2014 - Universal announces Loews Sapphire Falls Resort!

October 3rd, 2014 - TPR's HUGE Halloween Horror Nights 24 Trip Report!

October 31st, 2014 - First Halloween Horror Nights 25 Teaser posted!

November 2nd, 2014 - The Cowfish Orlando Soft Opening Review Posted!

 

2015

February 17th, 2015 - Permits filed for new Water Park near Cabana Bay

February 22nd, 2015 - Mardi Gras Media Day preview

May 7th, 2015 - Universal & Nintendo sign a deal for attractions!

May 25th, 2015 - Halloween Horror Nights 25 dates, icon & more announced!

May 25th, 2015 - Volcano Bay Water Park announced for 2017 opening!

June 11th, 2015 - Freddy vs. Jason house for Halloween Horror Nights!

June 17th, 2015 - Wet 'n Wild officially closing December 31st, 2016

July 30th, 2015 - Walking Dead returning to Halloween Horror Nights

August 17th, 2015 - Purge maze for Halloween Horror Nights

August 25th, 2015 - Fast and Furious ride announced for USO

November 1st, 2015 - The final show of Twister video

December 23rd, 2015 - Universal closes deal to purchase 450 acres of land

 

2016

August 3rd, 2016 - Summer Media Event w/ KONG, HULK and Sapphire Falls

August 4th, 2016 - Krampus coming to Halloween Horror Nights in 2016!

August 10th, 2016 - HHN Original Houses, Scarezones & Shows announced!

August 25th, 2016 - Toothsome Chocolate Emporium review posted!

September 17th, 2016 - Halloween Horror Nights 26 Media Night report posted!

October 25th, 2016 - Halloween Horror Nights extended for 2 extra nights

November 1st, 2016 - Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon details posted!

November 7th, 2016 - Aventura Hotel, 6th onsite hotel announced for 2018

November 29th, 2016 - Nintendo-themed area confirmed for the Universal Orlando Resort!

 

2017

March 7th, 2017 - Jimmy Fallon Ride Sneak Preview!

March 29th, 2017 - American Horror Story house announced for HHN27!

March 30th, 2017 - Volcano Bay ticket & annual pass options announced!

April 6th, 2017 - Race Through New York Grand Opening Event!

August 14th, 2017 - SAW: The Games of Jigsaw HHN house revealed!

August 15th, 2017 - Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure ending with 2017 run

August 15th, 2017 - Academy of Villains & HHN scare zones announced!

August 15th, 2017 - Halloween Horror Nights 27 Media Event TR!

August 15th, 2017 - "A Celebration of Harry Potter" returns 1/26 - 1/28

November 6th, 2017 - Two new hotels announced for Universal Orlando!

November 19th, 2017 - Holidays at Universal Media Event Photo Report!

 

2018

January 11th, 2018 - Announcements & additions teased for 2018!

January 11th, 2018 - "The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle" announced!

January 18th, 2018 - Voodoo Doughnut coming to CityWalk in Spring 2018!

January 29th, 2018 - "A Celebration of Harry Potter" event photo report!

March 29th, 2018 - Bar 17 Bistro at Universal's Aventura Resort announced!!

March 29th, 2018 - Halloween Horror Nights Dates & Tickets now online!

April 3rd, 2018 - Stranger Things coming to Halloween Horror Nights!

April 16th, 2018 - Fast Furious Supercharged soft opening photos

April 27th, 2018 - Dead Exposure: Patient Zero HHN maze announced!

April 27th, 2018 - Fast & Furious Supercharged - Opening Media Event

May 16th, 2018 - Trick ‘r Treat coming to Halloween Horror Nights!

June 14th, 2018 - Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration announced

July 2nd, 2018 - Slaughter Sinema, Chucky & Killer Klowns announced!

July 17th, 2018 - Universal's Cinematic Celebration Nighttime Show!

August 8th, 2018 - Seeds of Extinction Horror Nights house announced!

August 10th, 2018 - Poltergeist coming to Halloween Horror Nights!

August 15th, 2018 - Universal's Aventura Hotel Media Event report

August 15th, 2018 - Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers at HHN!

August 15th, 2018 - Mardi Gras event dates announced!

August 20th, 2018 - The Horrors of Blumhouse coming to HHN!

August 21st, 2018 - ScaryTales: Deadly Ever After house announced for Halloween Horror Nights, two HHN nights added due to popular demand

August 22nd, 2018 - AMC Universal becoming Universal Cinemark with new enhancements

September 15th, 2018 - Halloween Horror Nights 28 Media Event TR!

November 1st, 2018 - HHN Stranger Things house to reopen on Nov. 6th!

November 15th, 2018 - Holidays at Universal Orlando media preview report!

 

2019

January 15th, 2019 - Mardi Gras 2019 concert lineup & event details released!

February 21st, 2019 - Harry Potter coaster name & opening date revealed!

February 26th, 2019 - The TODAY Cafe coming to Universal Studios Florida!

March 4th, 2019 - Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle projection show announced!

March 12th, 2019 - New Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure details

April 15th, 2019 - "Nightingales - Blood Pit" HHN 2019 house announced

April 22nd, 2019 - 'Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure' creatures revealed!

April 29th, 2019 - "Universal Monsters" house announced for HHN 2019!

May 6th, 2019 - Hagrid animated figure unveiled!

June 12th, 2019 - Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure TPR Review posted

July 26th, 2019 - Killer Klowns from Outer Space HHN maze announced!

July 30th, 2019 - Universal teases "Epic" announcement for August 1st

August 1st, 2019 - "Universal's Epic Universe" theme park announced; fourth gate to open at new South Campus of the Universal Orlando Resort

August 8th, 2019 - 'Us' and Graveyard Games HHN houses announced!

August 12th, 2019 - Halloween Horror Nights 2019 scare zones revealed!

August 14th, 2019 - Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses house announced!

August 15th, 2019 - "Halloween Marathon of Mayhem" HHN show announced!

October 15th, 2019 - The Bourne Stuntacular coming Spring 2020!

 

2020

January 31st, 2020 - Mardi Gras 2020 event details released!

November 6th, 2020 - 2020 holiday experiences announced!

November 6th, 2020 - Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites grand opening & Loews Portofino Bay Hotel reopening dates announced!

November 18th, 2020 - Universal Holidays & Velocicoaster photo report posted!

 

2021

January 13th, 2021 - Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval announced

March 3rd, 2021 - Universal's Epic Universe construction resuming!

March 5th, 2021 - Halloween Horror Nights are back

March 10th, 2021 - Velocicoaster testing photos!

March 15th, 2021 - Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval trip report!

May 14th, 2021 - VelociCoaster passholder preview photo report posted!

May 18th, 2021 - DreamWorks Destination interactive character experience announced!

June 18th, 2021 - Jack the Clown returns for Halloween Horror Nights 2021!

July 8th, 2021 - New HHN maze based on The Haunting of Hill House!

July 19th, 2021 - Bride of Frankenstein & Texas Chainsaw Massacre HHN houses announced!

August 9th, 2021 - "Halloween Horror Nights Icons: Captured" house announced!

August 12th, 2021 - Full Halloween Horror Nights 2021 lineup revealed!

 

2022

May 17th, 2022 - "Universal Monsters: Legends Collide" HHN house announced!

June 8th, 2022 - "Halloween" house announced for HHN 2022!

June 18th, 2022 - "Universal's Great Movie Escape" escape rooms announced!

June 23rd, 2022 - "The Horrors of Blumhouse" HHN house announced!

October 5th, 2022 - 2022 Holiday offerings announced!

December 8th, 2022 - "Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast" announced!

 

2023

January 17th, 2023 - Universal's Mardi Gras 2023 details announced!

May 17th, 2023 - Minion Land announced!

 

2024

January 30th, 2024 - New Epic Universe details, including Celestial Park!

 

Original Post:

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Nickelodeon Leaving USF

 

Quote
ORLANDO -- The slime has stopped at Universal Orlando.

 

Cable network Nickelodeon has plans to abandon a television production operation at the theme park resort at the end of June.

 

At the same time, the theme park resort has shuttered the Nickelodeon Game Lab, an attraction based on a former Nickelodeon game show that ended with a contestant on the receiving end of a bucket of green goo.

 

Less than 10 people will be laid off from the Nickelodeon production unit, which has been at Universal Studios since the Florida theme park opened in 1990.

 

Nickelodeon culled an audience for its shows from the millions of tourists who visit Universal's two theme parks each year, but Nickelodeon has had a diminishing presence at the resort in recent years.

 

Also, its due to conflict of interest, Nick is owned by CBS and Universal is now owned by NBC. Along with that, Nick had little interest in the Orlando unit these days since no shows are taped there.

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Man, I remember the old days of Nickelodeon, back when they used to film those game shows there all the time. Nick Arcade, Legends of The Hidden Temple, and GUTS were a few of my favorites.

 

So it doesn't surprise me that this place has closed other than the ownership issue. Today Nick is all about the Nicktoons, which is really a shame in some ways.

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I definetly understand why they did this. Last time I was there was 12/03 and during past trips there the tour took you upstairs where you could see the sets of shows. We were told the studio isn't even used for shows anymore (save for Slimetime Live or Spalt) so the tour doesn't go upstairs. All it went to was that Gamelab.

 

I remember when the studio opened and they always used to make a big deal about how certain shows were filmed there like All That or What Would You Do?

 

It's still sad to see it go though and I hope they preserve the time capsule that was burried there.

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There is a Nickelodeon hotel on 536 (a rode that leads to Disney). Its near a place called the World Gateway. Its very strange, its right next to Disney. There are pictures of Nick characters along the buildings and a big Nickelodeon sign at the Lobby. Very odd placed.

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USF seems to be losing it's original attractions at a rapid pace, but this really was just a waste of space in the last few years. It was completely abandoned. Which is sad, since the golden years of the network were taped there. I still remember seeing the graphic of the studio at the end of practically every show. I know I'm not the intended audience anymore, but I think their current programming sucks quiet frankly, from what I've seen while channel surfing.

 

Hopefully this is turned into an attraction. There's actually room for several in there. Hell, they could even have a Nick theme, since it's just the studio that's leaving.

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I remember going to Nick Studios back in 1995. I got to see the Allegra's Window set (which apparantly used to be Clarissa's old home) and the Hidden Temple set. In 1998, my brothers went to see the Figure it Out set.

 

Who remembers:

Nick Arcade

Guts (Do you have it?), they even made a SNES game based on it

Clarissa explains it all

Legends of the Hidden Temple

Roundhouse (my brother liked it)

Weinerville (a weird show)

What Would You Do?, featuring the infamous Pie Coaster (was it made by Vekoma or Arrow?)

Double Dare / Family Double Dare

U to U (you could even connect to it on Prodigy)

Solute Your Shorts

Hey Dude

Wild and Crazy Kids

"This show was recorded in front of a live studio audience at Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida"

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What was that one hosted by Summer Sanders?, I forget what it was called. I didn't know they stopped SlimeTime Live also, which is outside the studio. Spongebob is highly overrated in my opinion. I mean hes a grown up man that acts like a friggin preschooler and doesn't have his drivers liscense and thinks he has the best job in the world as a fry cook.

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What was that one hosted by Summer Sanders?, I forget what it was called. I didn't know they stopped SlimeTime Live also, which is outside the studio. Spongebob is highly overrated in my opinion. I mean hes a grown up man that acts like a friggin preschooler and doesn't have his drivers liscense and thinks he has the best job in the world as a fry cook.

 

Figure it Out.

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  • 1 year later...
I"m excited IOA is finally adding a new attraction.

 

It's not something new, it's something that was supposed to be there (and was) since day 1.

 

I wounder if they are going to market it in commercials and brochures as a new attraction.

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