Universal Orlando Resort (USO, IOA) Discussion Thread

[coolcalicoaster]

AndrewRnR- Can you snap a couple of pictures of the first drop? Also, has any track been installed on the lift tower? Thanks for letting us know though!

 

^I agree with you, this ride looks anything but boring! A non inverting loop, an actual headchopper, the crowd surfer and all those sudden direction changes. I find it hard to believe anyone can call this ride boring.

 

That particular person was defensive over that fact that I stated my opinion that Manta looked a little bleh.

Thats when he responded to my comment that HRRR is looking fantastic. Some people get so defensive!

[themeparkman25]

^You said the focus seems to be on the station, is there any section of track left to install besides the station?

 

Thanks for the update too, the ride is looking great!

[Crazy4Coasters!]

^ Well the pictures clearly show the top of the lift hill and the lift itself has not yet been installed, and the 6th picture from the end shows another piece of track no installed yet.

[themeparkman25]

^Ok, besides that section of the final break run all the way through the station and up the lift is what I meant.

[Crazy4Coasters!]

^ Then my friend I would like to know that as well.

[King_K.]

Yeah, the only track missing is the lift hill, the top off and start of the drop, the final brake run, and the actual station track.

[themeparkman25]

Here is another question-How do you install station track when the station is already built and is "roofed" in? You can't crane it because there is no vertical access, you can't cart it in from the ground because there is supports on the ground.

[HatetoFLY]

The entry to WWOHP has gone vertical.

• The construction walls have all been altered and moved up narrowing the walkway.
  
  
  
  
   
   
  Construction is starting to pick up on the Hogsmeade area and crews were working on the roof of the box as well this morning.

[King_K.]

True.

 

I still don't understand why they built the station first.

[tntornadox]

Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean form partnership

Resort and Cruise Line team up for ultimate vacation.

 

Seeing as many theme park enthusiasts also are cruise line enthusiasts, I thought this would be a great announcement to share with you all.

 

Royal Caribbean and Universal Orlando Resort Partner to Offer Ultimate Land and Cruise Vacation

 

Guests Enjoy Savings with Way More Than a Cruise Package

 

Miami, FL (Vocus) March 17, 2009 -- Two of the world's most innovative vacation providers, Royal Caribbean International (http://www.royalcaribbean.com) and Universal Orlando Resort (http://www.universalorlando.com), are joining forces to introduce the Way More Than a Cruise (http://www.waymorethanacruise.com) ultimate vacation package. With a wide variety of options, families will be able to experience the best of land and sea while enjoying unparalleled savings. Bookings for Way More Than a Cruise are open for travel starting March 31, 2009.

 

The land and sea vacation packages combine a three- or four-night stay at Universal Orlando Resort with a three- or four-night Bahamas cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas, or a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Freedom of the Seas. Way More Than a Cruise includes hotel and shipboard accommodations, multi-day passes to both Universal theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, complimentary admission to select live entertainment venues at Universal's CityWalk and ground transfers between airport, hotel, theme parks and the ship at Port Canaveral.

 

"Royal Caribbean is delighted to partner with Universal Orlando Resort to create this special package for vacationers seeking a unique and truly memorable experience," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "The Way More Than a Cruise package seamlessly combines the best of land and sea to deliver an exciting family vacation. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy these premier Orlando attractions along with two of Port Canaveral's newest ships, Monarch of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas."

 

Home to two world-class theme parks, a nighttime entertainment complex and three magnificently themed on-site hotels, Universal Orlando Resort is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination that brings blockbusters to life. At Universal Studios, guests can jump into the action with award-winning attractions based on some of pop culture's best-known movies and TV shows - attractions like The Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4-D and Revenge of the Mummy. Also coming soon to Universal Studios is Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, the most individually unique and customizable coaster in the world. The coaster combines first-ever maneuvers with personalized features allowing riders to choose the soundtrack for their ride and purchase a one-of-a-kind video of their experience. Next door, Universal's Islands of Adventure features the most cutting-edge rides and attractions on five uniquely themed islands - Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent and Seuss Landing.

 

"Universal Orlando Resort is thrilled to enter this partnership, bringing together two incredible experiences to create one memorable vacation," said Bill Davis, President and COO for Universal Orlando Resort. "Our guests will not only enjoy some of the most entertaining theme-park attractions ever created, but also the world-class experiences and service Royal Caribbean is known for delivering."

 

For the cruise portion of the vacation, guests will sail roundtrip to the Bahamas aboard Monarch of the Seas and call at Nassau, Bahamas, and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island paradise in the Bahamas. Guests aboard Monarch of the Seas will exclusively enjoy a day at CocoCay, featuring a myriad of water sports options, an Aqua-Park for children, halcyon beaches and shaded hammocks, beachfront barbeque, and a straw market. Onboard, guests will enjoy spectacular Broadway-style musical revues from the award-winning Royal Caribbean Productions; exciting Vegas-style gaming in Casino Royale; and rejuvenating and invigorating rituals in the onboard Day Spa. Younger guests can hang out with their peers in the cruise line's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, where teens have their own dedicated space. New features in the complimentary onboard youth program, such as extended hours in the Adventure Ocean and teen spaces and pre-cruise ordering of baby supplies, will help provide a stress-free experience for parents. Throughout their stay aboard every Royal Caribbean ship, all guests receive the cruise line's signature friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from staff and crew.

 

The ultimate way to experience Universal Orlando Resort is by staying at one of three themed, AAA Four Diamond Award-winning on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Hard Rock Hotel. Best of all, on-site hotel guests enjoy a variety of special theme park privileges, including free Universal Express ride access. Just by showing their valid hotel room key card, on-site hotel guests can bypass the regular ride and attraction lines. The on-site hotels are connected to the resort by a scenic waterway. Complimentary water taxis provide quick and convenient access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. Additional Orlando area hotels located within minutes of Universal Orlando are also available.

 

Beginning in May, vacationers also will be able to choose a 10- or 11-night extended Universal Orlando Resort and Royal Caribbean vacation by combining a three- or four-night stay at Universal with a seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise aboard the world-renowned Freedom of the Seas. On the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, guests will enjoy three days at sea and call at St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and CocoCay. On the Western Caribbean itinerary, guests will enjoy two days at sea and call at Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach paradise located on the north coast of Haiti.

 

At 160,000 gross registered tons (GRT) and a capacity of 3,634 guests, double occupancy, Freedom of the Seas shares the title of the world's largest and most innovative cruise ship with sister-ships Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas. Freedom features the cruise line's exclusive onboard

 

amenities such as the FlowRider surf simulator; the H20 Zone water park; Studio B ice-skating rink; a full-size boxing ring; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean; and the four-bedroom, four-bath Presidential Family Suite, which accommodates up to 14 guests. Guests also have a choice of eight onboard restaurants, including Royal Caribbean's signature specialty restaurants Chops Grille steakhouse and Portofino Italian restaurant.

 

For more information or to book a Way More Than a Cruise (http://www.waymorethanacruise.com) ultimate vacation and enjoy up to 25 percent savings from the combined rates of the individual land and sea experiences, call your travel agent or visit http://www.waymorethanacruise.com or call 877-202-5090.

 

From PRNewsWire: www.prweb.com/releases/Royal_Caribbean/Universal_Orlando_Resort/prweb2240074.htm

Edited August 17, 2011 by Moose

[Fork]

So by the sounds of it, the castle itself will be purely ornamental, and you wont be able to go in it

 

You WILL be able to go inside the Castle. From what I've heard and what's been mentioned by Uni, It'll have the Staircases, Great Hall, Classrooms, the new ride under the Castle, the House Dorms, and a Magic SFX show.

 

Oh, the the Magiquest system.

 

I doubt it. The castle is just a prop structure on the roof. It even says in the City of Orlando filing that the castle is an "unoccupied prop structure", much like Hagrid's Hut. And the only thing inside the 'big box' is probably going to be the Kuka based ride and its queue. The ride's queue might bring you past the staircases and dorms and whatnot, but I highly doubt there's a SFX show and a magiquest system going into that building, it's not nearly big enough. But hey, I could be wrong.

[TurboWagon]

Is this the next wave in cruise ship roller coasters?

[Hercules]

Wow. You can't beat the prices! If I didn't book my Orlando and Bahamas trip last night, I might have considered this. If it is still going on next year, I'll have to do it for Halloween Horror Nights.

[tntornadox]

Carnival's chief architect Joe Farcus has wanted to attempt a roller coaster on a ship for a long time now- maybe on Project Pinnacle (Carnival's answer to Oasis)...

 

I don't see this package going away anytime soon- honestly, RCI has been looking for something to offer people a great inclusive Orlando package like Disney offers its guests at Port Canaveral for years now- they have tested several including Nickelodeon- but this seems to be a real winner to me.

 

Frankly, this may have been a huge reason why they moved Freedom of the Seas to Port Canaveral in the first place- this package will surely be a hit!

[HatetoFLY]

I doubt it. The castle is just a prop structure on the roof. It even says in the City of Orlando filing that the castle is an "unoccupied prop structure", much like Hagrid's Hut. And the only thing inside the 'big box' is probably going to be the Kuka based ride and its queue. The ride's queue might bring you past the staircases and dorms and whatnot, but I highly doubt there's a SFX show and a magiquest system going into that building, it's not nearly big enough. But hey, I could be wrong.

 

Oh its big enough But the real question is, how large will the kuka attraction be, I could see it and a food court and show all be in the building with room to spare. I think the castle shell will be just for looks but the box itself is still large enough to hold two attractions, food, bathrooms, maintenance, etc...If you haven't seen it in person you just wont understand the sheer size of that box...

[raptorcrew2002]

AndrewRnR- Can you snap a couple of pictures of the first drop? Also, has any track been installed on the lift tower? Thanks for letting us know though!

 

^I agree with you, this ride looks anything but boring! A non inverting loop, an actual headchopper, the crowd surfer and all those sudden direction changes. I find it hard to believe anyone can call this ride boring.

 

That particular person was defensive over that fact that I stated my opinion that Manta looked a little bleh.

Thats when he responded to my comment that HRRR is looking fantastic. Some people get so defensive!

 

Dude grow up.

And I didn't respond to your post.

 

^ I think Manta has a chance to hit that Raptor element of fun, maybe.

 

It's not the size rather the layout and arrangement of those elements that make them great. I would rather have a smaller shorter action packed coaster with sustained speeds then drawn out pocket rocket or trims of death one.

 

Manta just might have enough action to make it great and not just good. I think this was a smart idea for them, and again like with Kraken opens the door to being exclusive.

 

Hope to find out soon

One things for sure I am going to be whoring my re rides on this one.

 

That was defensive? Really?

How old are you?

 

Hey if your excited about an out and back steel coaster which I see being built every few weekends, hey whatever. Some people like more intense rides, some don't. Move on, I'm not giving anyone a hard time who's excited for it. Hey it's a new coaster for Orlando whats not to like. And also next time actually please quote my remarks and not pick and choose as I also stated my hopes for this to be a sleeper hit, and also stated I hope I'm wrong with my opinion.

 

To me, again get past it (my views) Rocket looks currently boring. Boring in sense could have been much more. (Again my opinion, sorry it differs)

 

 

Cheers!

[Teacups Make Me Sick]

To really give a movie going experience, they should offer a one time Titanic (or Poseidon) themed cruise. (Complete with a shortage of lifeboats.)

[tntornadox]

I wonder if this package won't open more doors between the two- bringing some elements of Universal and DreamWorks aboard RCI's ships?

 

Characters perhaps?

[HatetoFLY]

Back on topic, here is a couple of pictures from today March 18 2009

 

[Fork]

I've seen the building in person. It's 82,000sqft according to the building permit filed for it, which, while huge, really isn't THAT huge. For reference, Mummy and Spiderman are roughly 70,000sqft, and ET is roughly 60,000sqft.

 

I'm not saying it's impossible for there to be several attractions in there, but given the type of attraction, I'd imagine they'd want it to take up as much room as possible and for it to have a fairly elaborate queue and possibly pre-shows.

 

But at this point it's really anyone's guess. I just don't see them squeezing all the stuff King K. was mentioning into the building.

[coolcalicoaster]

AndrewRnR- Can you snap a couple of pictures of the first drop? Also, has any track been installed on the lift tower? Thanks for letting us know though!

 

^I agree with you, this ride looks anything but boring! A non inverting loop, an actual headchopper, the crowd surfer and all those sudden direction changes. I find it hard to believe anyone can call this ride boring.

 

That particular person was defensive over that fact that I stated my opinion that Manta looked a little bleh.

Thats when he responded to my comment that HRRR is looking fantastic. Some people get so defensive!

 

Dude grow up.

And I didn't respond to your post.

 

^ I think Manta has a chance to hit that Raptor element of fun, maybe.

 

It's not the size rather the layout and arrangement of those elements that make them great. I would rather have a smaller shorter action packed coaster with sustained speeds then drawn out pocket rocket or trims of death one.

 

Manta just might have enough action to make it great and not just good. I think this was a smart idea for them, and again like with Kraken opens the door to being exclusive.

 

Hope to find out soon

One things for sure I am going to be whoring my re rides on this one.

 

That was defensive? Really?

How old are you?

 

Hey if your excited about an out and back steel coaster which I see being built every few weekends, hey whatever. Some people like more intense rides, some don't. Move on, I'm not giving anyone a hard time who's excited for it. Hey it's a new coaster for Orlando whats not to like. And also next time actually please quote my remarks and not pick and choose as I also stated my hopes for this to be a sleeper hit, and also stated I hope I'm wrong with my opinion.

 

To me, again get past it (my views) Rocket looks currently boring. Boring in sense could have been much more. (Again my opinion, sorry it differs)

 

 

Cheers!

 

Again, you are getting way too defensive! lol

Relax for a minute, please. You are taking things way too personally. You are right to have your own opinion. I thought we cleared that up. If you are looking for an argument, you are looking in the wrong direction. I come here to have fun and enjoy everything TPR has to offer, not to engage in meaningless debates. I hope Manta is everything you are expecting, despite my opinion. My hypothesis is that HRRR will be the more thrilling ride of the two, but we wont find that out till later this year.

I'm sorry you were so offended by my comments. I will try to steer clear of you in the future to avoid this sorta thing.

 

Cheers!

[Cobra Commander]

I wonder if this package won't open more doors between the two- bringing some elements of Universal and DreamWorks aboard RCI's ships?

 

Characters perhaps?

 

Like Funship Freddy?

[tntornadox]

^ Don't mention Funship Freddy- I dunno how he is supposed to be a kids character because he even freaks me out...

[gerd.muller]

Just drove down Intl. Drive and passed by Universal.

HRRR is such a great addition to the parks skyline.

I think it will over you a great ride, the non-inverting-loop seems to be a great thing.

To bad the ride isn´t open yet, can´t wait to return in November.

[timberskara]

Back on topic, here is a couple of pictures from today March 18 2009

 

Great shots! Thanks for the update...this thing is really coming along .