Universal Orlando Resort (USO, IOA) Discussion Thread

[djboss302]

^ Because it would be foolish to put a major theme park attraction into the biggest theme park destination in the world? I'm sort of lost on the logic here. Orlando is a perfect location for one of these things. Not to mention the flat landscape would allow for excellent views up in the tower.

 

What I meant to say is that I'm not expecting the polercoaster to be placed in a theme park. However I could be wrong.

[ernierocker]

^ Because it would be foolish to put a major theme park attraction into the biggest theme park destination in the world? I'm sort of lost on the logic here. Orlando is a perfect location for one of these things. Not to mention the flat landscape would allow for excellent views up in the tower.

 

What I meant to say is that I'm not expecting the polercoaster to be placed in a theme park. However I could be wrong.

 

No, it definitely isn't going into a theme park. But that doesn't rule out City Walk as it is also an entertainment district like Downtown Disney. I am with Dave on I-drive.

[jray21]

All that food at Margaritaville looks amazing! I ate there a few years ago and thought it was pretty good, but nothing amazing. With a new menu, I'll definitely have to be back. Especially for the pretzels, crab dip, and chocolate hurricane!

Edited December 4, 2013 by jray21

[arby]

It wouldn't surprise me to see it in City Walk as an upcharge attraction. I'm with Dave and ernierocker, though for I-drive.

[Meteornotes]

Yeah, I was underwhelmed with Margaritaville when I ate there years ago, but the new menu and food looks a lot better, so I'll definitely give it another try. They had me at Pretzels...

 

dt

[RAWKIN_coaster38]

Seeing that food just made me really hungry. I'm "pescetarian" so I love a place with good seafood options. And of course...margaritas Also, what's in that dessert? It looks awesome.

 

Hoping to possibly visit this park next year so if I do, I'll keep that restaurant in mind!

[gisco]

Having the Polarcoaster on City Walk would be cool. Giving a good view of the parks and backstage areas that maybe Universal doesn't want. I would think I Drive is the probable location.

[Dragonbreath]

Having the Polarcoaster on City Walk would be cool. Giving a good view of the parks and backstage areas that maybe Universal doesn't want. I would think I Drive is the probable location.

 

I honestly think that Universal doesn't mind all that much. There isn't much to be hidden anyways. Disney is always the one with that everyone is on stage feel. If Universal had issues with it they wouldn't have Doctor Doom that gives backstage views, as well as Dragons, Rockit, Mardi Gras float riders, Macys balloon handlers and also HHN . I doubt Citywalk though. There is no land available there.

[Woodie Warrior]

I could see Polercoaster going into City Walk. If it ends up anywhere near Orlando though I'd definitely ride it next time I went down there.

[Garet]

Having the Polarcoaster on City Walk would be cool. Giving a good view of the parks and backstage areas that maybe Universal doesn't want. I would think I Drive is the probable location.

 

I honestly think that Universal doesn't mind all that much. There isn't much to be hidden anyways. Disney is always the one with that everyone is on stage feel. If Universal had issues with it they wouldn't have Doctor Doom that gives backstage views, as well as Dragons, Rockit, Mardi Gras float riders, Macys balloon handlers and also HHN . I doubt Citywalk though. There is no land available there.

 

I feel like a few of the universal parks have their backstage area exposed or something nearby where you can see the unthemed sides of the bulidings from somewhere. Japan has a huge ferris wheel across the water where you can see most of universal, and singapore has both the cable car and a observation car where you can see some of the backstage areas.

[Rollercoaster Rider]

Having the Polarcoaster on City Walk would be cool. Giving a good view of the parks and backstage areas that maybe Universal doesn't want. I would think I Drive is the probable location.

 

I honestly think that Universal doesn't mind all that much. There isn't much to be hidden anyways. Disney is always the one with that everyone is on stage feel. If Universal had issues with it they wouldn't have Doctor Doom that gives backstage views, as well as Dragons, Rockit, Mardi Gras float riders, Macys balloon handlers and also HHN . I doubt Citywalk though. There is no land available there.

 

I feel like a few of the universal parks have their backstage area exposed or something nearby where you can see the unthemed sides of the bulidings from somewhere. Japan has a huge ferris wheel across the water where you can see most of universal, and singapore has both the cable car and a observation car where you can see some of the backstage areas.

 

 

Doesn't Everest have the ride building visible when driving to the park at Animal Kingdom?

[jedimaster1227]

^Yes, but it is painted to resemble a village on the mountain side, as opposed to just looking like a warehouse.

Edited December 6, 2013 by jedimaster1227

[coasterfreak101]

^Since when? I remember seeing it and it was just a flat sheet of brown all the way down...I also remember hearing that it was going to be painted Go-Away Green once the money was in place, but I feel like I just saw it a year or two ago and it was still just a flat, brown wall as always.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Several years now; however, it was a sinple paint job. But is does blend better then a bare wall. Also, this photos was taken from a service road that goes around the park, not the main Highway.

 

 

Google Search

Edited December 6, 2013 by COASTER FREAK 11

[coasterfreak101]

Oh wow, I guess I haven't seen it for a while. I've got no complaints, it looks good to me!

[jray21]

I've never noticed the painting on the building. It looks really good, though.

[Woodie Warrior]

I love that painting. It completely matches the themeing of the ride and is another thing that shows how much Disney goes above and beyond with their attention to detail.

[kidcoaster 2]

Agreed that does look really good!

[robbalvey]

Lots going down at Universal Studios Orlando right now! Within the past week, we have been invited to two media events. Once for the kick off of Grinchmas 2013 and one for the City Walk expansion that is happening RIGHT NOW at Universal Orlando.

 

This is one of those cases where the photos speak for themselves, so here goes...

Welcome to Universal Orlando! 2014 is going to be a year with lots of changes and new expansions at the resort! 8 new restaurants at City Walk, the brand new Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and of course the second phase of Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley!

First lets take a look at the final event in 2013...

GRINCHMAS!

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, guests will smile from ear-to-ear during the heartwarming live show, “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular,” featuring The Grinch and the Whos from Who-ville, accompanied by an original musical score by Mannheim Steamroller.

Guests can meet the mean, green one himself and the Whos daily and, on select dates, enjoy a special breakfast with the characters.

The show is a new "re-telling" of the classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

But I think most of us will at least recognize the story and the songs!

Had a great time checking out this year's version of the show!

At Universal Studios Florida, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will fill the streets with the same larger-than-life balloons seen in the famous New York City parade.

Guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats and a tree-lighting ceremony with the big man himself, Santa Claus.

This year, there is a brand new addition to the line-up of timeless holiday parade icons.

Happy the Hippo, a recreation of a 1940s Macy's Parade balloon, made her debut in New York City this Thanksgiving before heading to Orlando to appear in the Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida.

Guess what? HIPPO BUTT!!!

I was just in NYC a couple of weeks ago to see the Macy's parade...

...and now it's here at Universal Studios Orlando!

Following the parade, the acclaimed musical group Mannheim Steamroller will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios six nights this year to perform memorable holiday hits on Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.

Remember - Grinchmas at Universal's Islands of Adventure...

And the Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios! Now through Jan 4th!

Ready for some more big announcements? How about a make-over of City Walk at Universal Studios Orlando! Check out these 8 new eating and dining locations:

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food: Take a journey through the cantinas, street carts, and markets of

Mexico for unique tapas-style dining at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. This restaurant takes the place of "Latin Quarter."

Bread Box: With a Bread Box sandwich, you’ll be transported back to your childhood kitchen or your

favorite street corner deli. Bread Box takes the place of Cigarz.

Cold Stone Creamery: For more than 25 years, Cold Stone Creamery has served up the finest, freshest ice

cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes using only the highest quality ingredients and their signature process of

preparing your custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone.

Hot Dog Hall of Fame: Strike out your hunger at Hot Dog Hall of Fame with some of the most iconic

hot dog creations from our nation’s most famous ballparks. Take a seat in the bleachers and enjoy a loaded

Chicago dog with all the toppings, a perfectly charred Boston brat, a monster LA dog and more.

Menchie’s: One of the world’s most popular frozen yogurt shops is coming to Universal CityWalk. Menchie's is replacing TCBY.

NOW OPEN – Red Oven Pizza Bakery: Take a quick trip to Italy for authentic, artisan pizza--made

fresh, while you wait--at Universal CityWalk’s first-ever Neopolitan-style pizza bakery. The combination of

the highest quality ingredients and a traditional 900-degree stone-lined oven ensures every slice is pizza

perfection.

Starbucks will be moving downstairs into a new location and will be expanded for better service.

The Cowfish: Innovative sushi joins forces with creative burgers for an untraditional dining experience at

this reincarnation of the popular North Carolina hotspot. The result: "Burgushi". A cutting-edge fusion of

burger and sushi, burgushi items include sushi rolls created using burger components and sandwiches

created using sushi elements. Cowfish will go upstairs where the old Starbucks used to be. Downstairs will be the new Italian Kitchen with the current working name of "Pranzo" that will replace Pastamore.

A refreshed "Universal Studio Store" will also open at City Walk and expand the offerings from the Universal parks.

The guys from The Cowfish doing the "Burgushi!" Where burgers and sushi collide!

Construction photo from today of Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. You can already see the restaurant taking shape and we are told it will be opening "soon."

This sign will be changing soon as Cigarz, TCBY, and the Candy store will close to make room for Menchie's and Bread Box.

The Lombard Street area of City Walk will also look a bit different than it does now!

We got more teasers about Cabana Bay Resort opening soon...

The resort will feature 10 lanes of bowling...

1,800 rooms split between family suites and normal guest rooms. Targeted at more of a "value" priced range.

Giant pool areas, lots of amenities, and easy access to the parks! Cabana Bay Beach Resort will focus on families and accessibility for your budget.

We also got another teaser for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter phase 2: Diagon Alley.

Yup, Hogwarts Express is officially happening. You will board the train from one section of the Wizarding World and travel to the other. No mention on how tickets and passes will work between the two parks, but I'm sure those details will be coming soon!

Here's an overhead shot of Diagon Alley concept art.

Announced was the Leaky Cauldron restaurant!

Universal said it will be just like walking into the location from the books and movies!

Yup - Summer 2014 for the opening! And that wraps up this update on Universal Orlando! I'm sure there will be LOTS of additional updates in the coming months!

Edited December 12, 2013 by robbalvey

[cfc]

I'm all for better dining options at City Walk . . . well, anywhere, actually.

[chargersmichael]

It's amazing how much Universal has transformed in the past couple of years. Looking forward to an "epic" 2014 year a Universal.

[necoastergp]

Based on the concept art, I assume, Pastamore is leaving in favor of the Italian kitchen? This all looks awesome IMO, the concept art looks great. I can't wait to try these new offerings on my next visit.

[robbalvey]

^ Yes, Pastamore will be no more! lol

[necoastergp]

Ok thanks, where is the Hot Dog Hall of Fame going? I can't tell based on the concept art.

[robbalvey]

^ Directly across from Latin Quarter. I think there is a take-out bar or something there now.