Universal Orlando Resort (USO, IOA) Discussion Thread

[Vigil]

If DC does get removed I totally see them doing some attraction themed around the Forbidden Forest. I think motorbike roller coaster where you straddle cars shaped like broomsticks would be really cool, though. They could theme it to quidditch (which is supposed to happen right next to the castle too) or one of the flight scenes from the books. I hope they don't go the Fantastic Beasts route though; it's just not quite the same.

[AUWent]

^If it weren't for FSA opening Mine Blower next door, I'd love to see them build an RMC. There are no wing riders in the area, so that'd be a possibility, but I haven't heard overly good things about them. They do look really nice though, so I feel like it'd fit nice in that area.

[CaptainUnknown]

^If it weren't for FSA opening Mine Blower next door, I'd love to see them build an RMC. There are no wing riders in the area, so that'd be a possibility, but I haven't heard overly good things about them. They do look really nice though, so I feel like it'd fit nice in that area.

 

Mine Blower's going to Fun Spot Kissimmee, the other end of I-Drive.

[robbalvey]

Mine Blower's going to Fun Spot Kissimmee, the other end of I-Drive.

You mean the complete other end of town! Fun Spot Kissimmee is about as far away from Universal Orlando in terms of "theme park distance" as you can get here in Orlando.

Also, Fun Spot's coaster isn't an RMC so why is that even being brought up?

Edited April 2, 2017 by robbalvey

[RollerManic]

What infuriates me is not at all that they have metal detectors, but that they don't deul the ride anymore even though THEY HAVE METAL DETECTORS.

 

I bet it's still for insurance. I'm sure they would still charge them extra whether they dueled with or without metal detectors.

 

EDIT: sorry I am so late to this discussion.

Edited April 3, 2017 by RollerManic

[AUWent]

Mine Blower's going to Fun Spot Kissimmee, the other end of I-Drive.

You mean the complete other end of town! Fun Spot Kissimmee is about as far away from Universal Orlando in terms of "theme park distance" as you can get here in Orlando.

[attachment=0]Screen Shot 2017-04-02 at 18.55.15.png[/attachment]

Also, Fun Spot's coaster isn't an RMC so why is that even being brought up?

 

Ah, forgive my ignorance. I forgot there were two Fun Spots. Also I know Mine Blower is GG, but I thought RMC had a hand in its design. So maybe an RMC could work.

[cookiex]

Mine Blower's going to Fun Spot Kissimmee, the other end of I-Drive.

You mean the complete other end of town! Fun Spot Kissimmee is about as far away from Universal Orlando in terms of "theme park distance" as you can get here in Orlando.

[attachment=0]Screen Shot 2017-04-02 at 18.55.15.png[/attachment]

Also, Fun Spot's coaster isn't an RMC so why is that even being brought up?

 

Huh, I never figured Fun Spot Kissimmee would be that close to WDW. I know the one in Orlando is literally across the street from Universal.

[robbalvey]

I know the one in Orlando is literally across the street from Universal.

It's literally NOT across the street from Universal. Unless of course you consider I-4 a "Street" and you ignore all the other little streets in the way...

 

And, oh yeah, here's a little bit of light reading for you that I strongly recommend: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/literally

[Guy T. Koepp]

^That steamroller graphic literally made me spit out my drink!

[laqueefa]

[boldikus]

And, oh yeah, here's a little bit of light reading for you that I strongly recommend: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/literally

 

Robb you're on fire.

[Guy T. Koepp]

And, oh yeah, here's a little bit of light reading for you that I strongly recommend: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/literally

 

Robb you're on fire.

 

FIGURATIVELY!

[boldikus]

Exactly!

[Garet]

Mine Blower's going to Fun Spot Kissimmee, the other end of I-Drive.

You mean the complete other end of town! Fun Spot Kissimmee is about as far away from Universal Orlando in terms of "theme park distance" as you can get here in Orlando.

[attachment=0]Screen Shot 2017-04-02 at 18.55.15.png[/attachment]

Also, Fun Spot's coaster isn't an RMC so why is that even being brought up?

 

Well at least one good thing came out of this discussion. I know now that public transport won't be an option when we finally do an Orlando trip. Although since we want our son to be old enough to remember it and do all the big coasters they've got around 10 years to make it better.

[Dom497]

 

Even Blake Shelton is tired of screen based rides. (skip to 2:17)

[PVA62]

 

Even Blake Shelton is tired of screen based rides. (skip to 2:17)

 

I had a good time going to Universal for my first time last year, even without Hulk...but this really isn't something that is going to get me to come back, I don't think Fast and Furious will either. I spent 3 days there and I would have rather spent that last day somewhere else, Fun Spot, Disney, SeaWorld, anywhere really. I enjoyed my time there but Universal got old for me pretty quick with a lot of their offerings being basically the same. Until they change that, I'll plan my next Florida visit around Disney.

[cparkes92]

 

Even Blake Shelton is tired of screen based rides. (skip to 2:17)

 

I had a good time going to Universal for my first time last year, even without Hulk...but this really isn't something that is going to get me to come back, I don't think Fast and Furious will either. I spent 3 days there and I would have rather spent that last day somewhere else, Fun Spot, Disney, SeaWorld, anywhere really. I enjoyed my time there but Universal got old for me pretty quick with a lot of their offerings being basically the same. Until they change that, I'll plan my next Florida visit around Disney.

Hulk is enough to at least stop in for a day. IMO, it's the best coaster in Orlando.

[AUWent]

 

Even Blake Shelton is tired of screen based rides. (skip to 2:17)

 

I had a good time going to Universal for my first time last year, even without Hulk...but this really isn't something that is going to get me to come back, I don't think Fast and Furious will either. I spent 3 days there and I would have rather spent that last day somewhere else, Fun Spot, Disney, SeaWorld, anywhere really. I enjoyed my time there but Universal got old for me pretty quick with a lot of their offerings being basically the same. Until they change that, I'll plan my next Florida visit around Disney.

Hulk is enough to at least stop in for a day. IMO, it's the best coaster in Orlando.

 

Hulk in the back edge seats is debatable, but the middle of the first three rows is best ride in Orlando to me.

[disneyfan1313]

For the past two days TPR had the opportunity to be part of the media event for the grand opening of Race Through New York staring Jimmy Fallon. We also got to sample some awesome food from Volcano Bay and experience the attraction and its new virtual queue and entertainment. What a fun filled two days - on to the pictures!

We are checked in and ready to go! We got an awesome swag bag filled with Jimmy Fallon merchandise including a musical Hashtag the Panda doll!

We started off with a presentation on Volcano Bay. This artwork really shows the depth of the theming of the park.

WOW! Look at what it will look like at night. Can't wait to see it in person in just a little over a month!

This park is going to be PACKED full of slides.

But also tons of places to relax when you aren't riding!

We then got to sample some of the unique and interesting offerings for Volcano Bay.

Of course we start off with the yummy desserts!

TONS of specialty drinks. Umbrella drinks and sitting under the volcano. Perfect!

They also will have their own custom brew beer! How cool is that?

The food looks (and tastes!) phenomenal. This isn't your average water park meal.

Chicken, shrimp, mahi and more!

They also will be doing these "Grab and Go" meal containers at all restaurants if you just want something quick!

Now it is time to check out #FallonRide!

A test seat is available out front, but it was designed to accommodate most guests.

NOTED!

And we enter into 30 Rock (in Orlando!). Lots of history in this building.

This famous logo will become your guide! It will turn all one color which will match...

Your ticket! This will tell you when it is time to advance to the next virtual waiting area.

These display cases of Tonight Show memorabilia are very unique and cross all eras of the show.

[disneyfan1313]

Check out the rest of the fun that we had!

Even though he is the newest one, Jimmy Fallon has a full case of memorabilia.

You then proceed up to the second floor where you will enjoy some entertainment while you wait!

Once your color appears - you grab your "racing goggles" and get ready to ride!

No photos are allowed inside the ride, but the pre-show video has The Roots rapping the safety instructions. It is awesome!

The entertainment while you wait to ride is very fun - first you enjoy "The Ragtime Gals" barbershop quartet.

And of course the beloved HASHTAG THE PANDA!

Poor bear has to dance when he hears his music. Sometimes he dances so much he collapses.

You can even meet Hashtag and get your photo with him!

There are also interactive tables to play on while you wait, here you can send one of Jimmy Fallons "thank you notes".

TONS of outlets to charge your phone all throughout the waiting area.

And some fun quick games based on the show!

The best part was when Hashtag showed us his skills!

[disneyfan1313]

The next day we saw the grand opening ceremony!

Bright and early! We are ready!

"The Beat Builders" was a percussion group masquerading as construction workers.

"Sing It" was an acapella group and they were awesome.. almost time for the big entrance!

Carson Daly (who remembers TRL on MTV!) is doing a live shoot for the Today Show.

Jimmy Fallon rolls up on this awesome NY themed float! He got a ticker tape parade!

[fbvideonew]

[/fbvideonew]

His wife and daughters are there as well to help with the ribbon cutting.

How many of the characters from the Jimmy Fallon show can you name?

We came back at night to ride again, and Jimmy Fallon surprised the audience. It was amazing!

[twitter]

[/twitter]

He took questions and talked to everyone waiting for about 15 minutes.

Don't forget to check out the merchandise shop where you can buy a Hashtag the Panda costume!

You can also get your "Tight Pants"

And of course shirts from his character "Sarah" who says EW!

We then got to finish out our night seeing Jason Derulo do his musical number for the Tonight Show with a HUGE crowd!

Edited April 7, 2017 by robbalvey

[djmadmanray]

Great report, thanks! We got down there to ride it during soft openings and thought it was great! Loved everything about it, especially the waiting area with the entertainment. Looking forward to doing it again soon.

[cfc]

You can also get your "Tight Pants"

 

 

Hmm--definitely one souvenir I will not be buying. Looks like they put on a good show for opening day.

[TheCoasterKid211]

You can also get your "Tight Pants"

 

Hmm--definitely one souvenir I will not be buying.

 

-I would pay to see you in those, Chuck.

[cfc]

You can also get your "Tight Pants"

 

Hmm--definitely one souvenir I will not be buying.

 

-I would pay to see you in those, Chuck.

 

Oh, you would pay most dearly, indeed.