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

[dragonskeep]

^ I agree, the steel is most likely for the permanent concert stage. There is work going on for the station as well, just not steel yet. I stopped in to get a look at the track the other day and there was a lot of steel there as well. Some was painted the color of the supports and some looked grey, I am guessing it is for the station. Any body have any idea what the block and wood structure is at the front of the construction area?

[KrakenKing]

My guess to those strange looking track pieces people are talking about is that they're going to be for the non-inverting loop.

 

Look at this picture, you can see that between the first drop and part of the loop is a thicker spine and the rest of the coaster track (Jump cut) is thinner.

 

[King_K.]

Rumors flying through the islands say that the show will go down in the new year to put in the old show up again. No idea about the vortex though.

 

I hear they've been toying with the idea of putting a spinning vortex like the one they used in the HHN house Interstellar Terror.

[thrillgeek]

That model is just incredible! I can't wait to see that 1st drop in person. Pure coaster bliss right there.

[Justin]

Taking out the vortex is like taking out one of the huge projection screens or show elements at Spider-Man. They are both needed to move the story to the next stage, or even add to the realism factor. I hope I get to experience it one more time next Saturday if that is the case!!!

 

 

Justin

[Mr. Volcano]

Shame... we went a couple of days ago and it seemed to be working fine, but if they're planning on eventually removing it I don't know what good that will do the attraction. The Vortex was one of the main icons of that ride, IMO. And it's always really cool to walk through it.

 

-Justin

[jedimaster1227]

Hello everyone! Its time once again for an update regarding The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is set to open between 2009 and 2010.

 

Not much seems to be going on with the site right now, with much of the work taking place within the "big box." Much of the cranes and demolition vehicles have left the site leaving room for work to begun on new construction and development of the new land.

This attraction is still a mystery, but something tells me it will really push the limits of Universal Creative's work to a new level...

Though very difficult to see here, catwalks seem to be filling the "big box" on multiple levels.

Most of the "big box" has received a slab to cover its brick walls, likely in preparation for an additional, themed layer to be added soon.

The Flying Unicorn sits dormant waiting for its inevitable retheme.

Not much has changed here...

[Not For Sale]

Construction update!

Stupid auto focus...

The left thing one is where the catwalk is.

To me this looks like that's a catwalk near ground level. Is this a sign of some of Harry Potter being underground?

See?

They've covered up a lot of the cinder blocks already. Also, no scaffolding.

Demolition has ended!

[jedimaster1227]

It is time for another large update regarding Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit! at Universal Orlando! This week, we bring photos of the expanded construction that has begun since the end of Halloween Horror Nights with much vertical expansion having begun as well as a few surprising aspects to the project that have started preparation...

An overview of the work taking place on the BMG entryway.

And there is plenty more to be had!

This side of the BMG entryway is full of dirt...

Again, somewhat artsy.

An excavator is digging below grade--for what, we are not yet sure.

"And we had just finished landscaping this entryway..."

This area hasn't really been ravaged like the midway has...

The lone worker spends hours to build us a new coaster. You keep it up Mr. Doe!

More vertical work can be seen from this side of the park.

Work extends all the way over towards the Sharp Aquos Theater.

This is a new poster. Nothing that significant, but it is relevant.

Dirt fanatics, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Time for some more piping/wiring to be layed down...

Any idea what this will be?

Things seem to have changed since October.

"Don't you know? This is that new fangled Fast and Furious coaster they're building... I read about it on wikipedia!"

See what I mean?

On the other side of Twister, the midway's side of the construction zone has quickly started vertical construction.

An artsy shot...

Save any Adam+hole jokes for later.

We can safely assume that this will be where Rockit busts through the building as shown in the layout charts.

For some reason, I feel like these are pieces of the temporary (or permanent) stage to be assembled soon...

Something looks different here...

This is new!

Rockit's construction has forced guests to use parts of the extended queue for Twister: Ride it Out!

Some supports have shown up on the side of the construction zone for Rip, Ride, Rockit near the Guggenheim Museum.

[Not For Sale]

And here's my Cliffsnotes version of Adam's update.

Dirt sure is fun. Thanks, folks.

No clue what this is.

Station (maybe)

Drill, baby, drill! (Don't kill me)

Gotta see where you're goin'.

RRR will be coming through this.

Looks like we found the stage framing in the most secretive place: right in front of us.

[aldredd]

Thanks for the update!

Can't wait to see some coaster track going up!

[thunderguy345]

wow can't wait for my trip to florida i'm going to be in harry potter land

[thunderguy345]

Cool update and it's a lot of DIRT can't wait to see track.

it is cool they have started building vertical

[thunderguy345]

that non loop looks really cool specially the support for it

[Jakemeister]

 

It's going to be part of a new permanent stage for special events in the Boneyard. Expect it to be used at all sorts of special events ranging from Rock The Universe to Mardi Gras.

[Jumboshrmp]

Wow, it's so weird being able to see that much of dueling dragons.

I'm really excited about this project, I am hoping for just something interesting!

[fleastcoaster]

 

It's going to be part of a new permanent stage for special events in the Boneyard. Expect it to be used at all sorts of special events ranging from Rock The Universe to Mardi Gras.

 

It is supposed to be a replica of the famous Hollywood Bowl.

[CoryPa77]

I don't know if this has been posted yet but that first "loop" is going to be 136 feet high (found out at IAAPA)! Judging by the model, it would appear then that the second hill/drop will be up around 110 or 120'. So this thing will really change their skyline!

[packfanlv]

Thanks for the updates guys!

[Expedition Everest]

Thanks for the update!

[window]

Didn't I read somewhere that the loops are being taken out of this to make it more family appealing?

 

ps. great PICS!

[jedimaster1227]

^The one loop the ride features is considered to be a "non-inverting loop" meaning that you will never technically be upside down while in the element. This element was chosen for Universal to keep the ride on a "family friendly" level according to Mauerer Sohne.

[dragonskeep]

Hey guys, I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving. Here is what I think is going on with the Rockit construction.

 

Reguarding the non-inverting loop. I dont see this as being very family freindly. At 136 feet and fast it is going to be completely wicked. I know some people are not in to the going upside down thing but I think this is going to be one of the coolest elements on any coaster. Next time you are on Hulk imagine yourself rotating to the outside of the track and going over the top of the loop, pretty nasty if you ask me.

 

I am also pretty sure there will be several good pops of airtime. My anticipation level continues to increase fpr this ride.

This is definitely the new permanent stage

This trench is big and deep, there is a footer in the bottom of it so the track will definitely be below grade. Drop tuning (sideways drop ).

I am betting this is for the station

not for sale< i think you are right about this being for the new stage

[InsanityFreak]

1. Large Orange Steel Sticks = New Perm Stage

 

2. Lone Construction Worker + Behind Nick Ride + Side of Blue Man = Station

 

3. Trusses between Hole in Wall + Mummy Building = Asylum In Wonderland Stage or Arrival Show or Thunder Dome for One Mighty Night or Rock The Universe or Mardi Gras ... the list goes on. it's two stages that they merge to fit their needs. None of this will be used for the new perm stage. I am quite sure it will be used else where in the park for special events and what not.

 

[dragonskeep]

I saw on another site that we should see track work within the next two weeks. They also confirmed the stage and station are the two areas of vertical construction discussed above.

The stage area, they say, will be lined with decorative trees. Sounds sweet.