Universal Orlando- The 3rd Gate is Happening.

Universal Orlando and the Mystery 3rd Gate.

Because let's face it, we know the money from a certain boy-wizard is what is building this for them.

It seems, Universal Orlando has gone off the deep end of the spectrum with their decisions lately. With more paperwork and permits being filed, Universal has made the leap and is building their 3rd theme park (or 3rd Gate as we often call it) but it's not where you'd expect.

Yes, you read that correctly. Universal Orlando is building a NEW THEME PARK. 

In years past, this has been a long-standing rumor that Universal Orlando intedend to build another theme park but always left us with questions like..
Where? How? With what space?!
We've dived back into our own records and various ancient whispers of times long past to break this down.

My fabulous paint skills.

In the red, you'll see the current proper of Universal Orlando Resort. It's, not exactly huge but is locked land-wise on all sides- A major interstate, A high school, Rich People and Hotels abound the property at all angles.

The Pale Blue blot of land is the former Wet'N'Wild site, which is going to be the location of two more hotel properties owned by Universal.

If you look to the south, you'll find the green colors. We know Universal Orlando owns the chuck of green outlined land, it's the former 'Martin Marietta/Lockheed Martin' property which was sold to them in 1998. This property borders Universal Blvd, the Orange County Convention Center and runs along the backside of International Drive.

In the Yellow, we have another chuck of property- Rumored to be owned by Universal Orlando. There was a large sale of 101 acres in 2017 that runs along Sand Lake Road (that is marked as 482 on the map).

Overall, we know Universal owns roughly 570+ acres of land in this general area. The exact details and property lines, those are harder to pin down but we've given it our best guess with all the information that has been dug out over the last 20+ years.

Image from WFTV

So today when these images dropped from WFTV about construction plans for Universal's next theme park- we went to work.

This image, fits in with the chuck of 'green' property from the map- the former Martin Marietta site that borders the Orange County Convention Center. Access would be gained from Universal Blvd, which was been built up rather substantially in the last 10 years with the expanding of the Convention Center. This image also shows a parking lot structure, which is reported to hold 16,200 spaces as well what may well be access roads into and around a central area. It's then very easy to guess this central area? That is going to be our mysterious third theme park.

Another good thing to point out here, Universal is breaking the unspoken 'Theme Park Rule' which has been set down by Disney- That all your property should connect and be inclusive. Meaning, when you go to Disney, they do everything possible to keep your from leaving that property during your stay. Universal has taken this, tossed it out the window and begun an ambitious project which will span a good chunk of the tourist 'zone' in Orlando.

This also leaves the VERY good question- What will be inside this new park?
Simply put, we've no idea. That's the beauty of a new construction park, you get to discover everything for the first time, along with that 'new theme park' smell.

What we DO guess is that Wizarding World will be heavily involved-  We published an article a two weeks ago pointing how Universal is attempting a new trademark related to the Fantastic Beasts franchise. If you put these two together, then we know at least one part of what will be included in this new adventure.  Along with this, another rumor is this is the area which may host the rumored 'Nintendo Land' expansion which has long been slated for Universal.

Rumors are going to be flying in coming months, but don't worry. We'll keep you posted as  confirmations begin to happen!

DreamVision Unveils Plains for DreamVision Soundscape Theme Park in Muscle Shoals, AL

Well, as promised, the folks at DreamVision have announced their second multi-billion dollar theme park in just three days. DreamVision SoundScape will be located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and the idea behind the theme is to celebrate the immense musical heritage of the town.

If this sounds familiar, Hard Rock tried to open up a park based around the musical theme in Myrtle Beach, SC, which later turned into Freestyle Music Park before it's eventual closure and the rides being sold off to various places around the world. 

The 1,400 acre park will employ upwards of 20,000 people and it's said have to have a price tag of $3.5 billion dollars, same as DreamScape Mountain. However, we're not 100% sure on that as $1.5 billion has been thrown around a well. The park would include hotels, retail spaces, shopping areas, golf courses and more, just like in Texas.

No matter how you slice it, they're looking at $5-$7billion for two theme parks and oh yeah, DreamVision SoundScape? That opens in 4 years with a 2019 opening date announced during today's press event as well. How, I have no idea as they don't even have the land purchased nor ground broken yet for the project. Maybe by phases they mean opening one small piece at a time? Dunno how well that would work after you show everything and don't mention any of those details either.

So, just what will this park include? Well, like the last time, here's the breakdown of the whole thing for ya. Once again, a ton of questions swirl around this one,  but we'll get to them later. First up? A look at the park layout from the concept art shown.

DreamVision Announces Plans for DreamScape Texas, a Multi-Billion Dollar, 5,000 Acre Theme Park in Forth Worth

We've all heard this one before. Some company moves to some place and promises the world with a massive theme park. People are excited, an opening date announced and all manner of other things go on. Most, if not all, never happened or failed to meet expectations.

So, will history repeat itself? That's hard to say but given some of the names attached to this, it's kind of hard to discount it entirely. Also, given some of the names involved, it's just as easy to.

Just what is being planned? Well, if it's to be believed, a $3.5mil dollar theme park is in the works for the Forth Worth, TX area that should open in the year 2020. The folks behind this are boasting quite a bit about it's promise, but I'm going to err on the side of caution and say that not everything below is likely to happen, if the entire thing does at all.

 Why? We'll get to that, but for now here's all the details of this supposed new mega theme park coming to Texas!

The proposed park, DreamScape Texas, would be close to 5,000 acres in size and boast some really unique and never before seen elements in a US based theme park. Things like a massive indoor ski resort for bobsledding, skiing and snowboarding as well as many others. So, here's some of the highlights, DreamScape Texas would include a number of lands within the park; Dreamscape Tinsel Town, Nadia's Storybook Land, DreamScape Metropolis and a Wild West themed area, all surrounding the DreamScame Mountain...the park and company's logo.

According to those at the press conference, a ton of preliminary work has gone on and they even have a site in mind somewhere in the area of Fort Worth. How that shakes out is anyone's guess. Also, as I mentioned above, they have quite the roster of folks on board for this one. Several previous Disney execs and some folks that specialize in other areas, like indoor ski resorts. The entire project will include not only the theme park but hotels, golf courses and of course a movie studio as well.

Certainly looks impressive from that park map there and definitely a lot here to talk about. So, we'll do this section by section and see what comes of it all before looking at the "iffy" bits of this whole thing. First stop? Dreamscape Metropolis.

Minecraft Theme Park Coming to New York Soon?

via poste744 on Deviant Art

Okay, so much of the information comes from The National Report, which in the past hasn't exactly been, what we call "true", not even in the slightest. For now, let's take this one with a MASSIVE grain of salt. More like a truckload. However, let's poke around and see what exactly they're on about anyway, shall we?

This one is definitely a bit of interesting news. It would seem that Minecraft creator Markus “Notch” Persson, is possibly attempting to build a theme park based on the wildly popular computer game in the state of New York. Yes, you read that right.

Now, there are a few details of just what this project will entail somewhat too. It's "reported" that the park will cost somewhere in the $290million range and Notch himself will be fronting $150million of that money himself.

The rest of the financial support is reportedly to come from other investors, one of which I assume would be Microsoft who owns the rights to the game now after purchasing it for $2.4billion not that long ago. It's been reported that Notch has hired the Thinkwell Group, a theme park design firm, to handle the design end of things. Apparently there has been a number of construction companies in the area that have been put on notice and it's quite possible the ground breaking could happen sometime this year and hopes to open in 2018.

Construction Scheduled for Grand Texas Theme Park Unveiled

There hasn't been much news since the initial announcement on this one, but it seems as if things are still moving forward with the Grand Texas theme park and entertainment complex just north of Houston, Texas.

Originally it had been thought that the park would be open in 2015, but it would seem that they're taking a slightly different approach to just how they're phasing in each of the elements that will make up the entire property.

The first stage of construction will start this coming August and consist of the massive indoor sports complex and should be open sometime around March in 2015. Additionally, this coming September will be mark the start of construction on the Big Rivers Waterpark with an opening slated for June 2015.

At some point construction on the 71 acre theme park portion of the project will begin with Phase One and according to their master plan it should be open sometime in 2016.

Monty Galland, CEO of the Grand Texas Sports and Entertainment District said, “With AstroWorld, one of the biggest things is not the closing, it was very successful, but AstroWorld’s growth potential was stunted by being boxed in. That’s why we developed [Grand Texas] with the ability to continue to grow for 30 years.”


The fact that they have room to expand the park upwards of 150acres or more is also a very big plus in their favor and looks like they'll be able to keep things going for quite a long time. When it's all said and done, the theme park will boast five roller coasters, flat rides, entertainment facilities for live music and even educational areas to teach people about the state of Texas itself.

With this news, it seems like the park is definitely moving forward and I guess we'll just have to wait and see for what they'll be offering up the folks of the Houston area and beyond as more information is released!

Sochi Park Faces Massive Delay

Sochi Park Faces Massive Delay

 Despite the promises that the Sochi Park, The Amusement Park Russia was building as part of their 2014 Olympic Complex would be open in time for the Winter Games, the project has been delayed.

  As recent as a week ago, people where still assured the park would open on schedule, the day after the games opened. The park's opening was pushed back when all workers where diverted to helping finish the construction on the troubled Olympic Villages and hotels needed for the Winter Games.

 The new opening day hasn't been announced yet but it's believed around the online communities that Sochi Park won't open until May or June of 2014.

Shanghai Disneyland Gets A TRON Coaster.

Image from Instagram

Eisner Out's Shanghai Disneyland and the new "TRON Lightcycles Power Run" Coaster.

 Michael Eisner, the Ex-CEO of the Walt Disney Company, has outed the newest ride at Shanghai Disneyland. Fan are both elated and completely pissed off at the exact same time once they found out what this new roller coaster with the black supports was.

 The new roller coaster coming to Shanghai Disneyland is based on none other than the beloved franchise- TRON. The new "TRON Lightcycles Power Run" coaster is rumored to open with the park in December, 2015. No one is yet sure which coaster company is building the ride of if it's a Disney "In-House" project- without track yet being visible, fans and coaster folks aren't speculating.

...either way, why the hell is Shanghai getting all the awesome stuff?
We're getting stuck with Avatarland and Shanghai gets a Tron Coaster!

NOT FAIR. 

Sochi Park Adventureland- Ready to Open for Winter Olympics?

Image from ThemeParkX

Sochi Park Adventureland supposedly Ready to Open for Winter Olympics.

 While Russia may not be your first choice for an theme park, their not letting all this Olympic hype go to waste. Along with their grand, somewhat finished plans for the Sochi Winter Olympics, Russia has built a Theme Park to go with the complex!

 Sochi Park is reported to be ready to open on February 8th, 2014. The day after the opening ceremonies for this winter seasons big event. While rumor is flying left and right that the Olympic Complex is still incomplete and security concerns have panicky US athletes up in arms, the park appears ready to give them some distraction.

Image from ThemeParkX

While information about the park is rather hard to come across, it will boast three roller coasters and five themed lands: Gate of Fire, Bogatyr's Land, Enchanted Forest, Eco Village and Land of Science Fiction.

 Each land will have a heavy Russian theme or influence on it, from crafts and food to their lovely legendary myths. No information can be found on exactly how many total rides will be included within the park but from the various images it appears several "flat rides" will in included in the parks offerings.

 The plan it to keep the park open after the 2014 Winter Olympics as tourist destination open year round. Hopefully after the opening ceremonies and the parks opening, more information will be available about the attractions within.

 Website: Sochi Park Adventureland 

Image from OnBoardMag

....also, we may see Putin riding a Bear. That would be awesome!

(Yes, I did have to put that in here.)

New Theme Park- Diggerland USA

 Well, it seems a new theme park is coming to West Berlin, New Jersey in Summer 2014.

 But this isn't your normal theme park, apparently "Diggerland USA" is a smaller theme park which is being attached to Sahara Sam's Waterpark. Sitting just 14 acres the park will be themed around "Large Construction Equipment" which guests can ride on and play with in some capacity.

 It's every little boys (and some little girls) dream.. and a good portion of adults, being allowed to play with the giant construction equipment seen on construction sites around the world.

 Rides seem to be a mix of kiddie land styled attractions and "play with construction equipment". However, one crazy attraction called "Spin Dizzy" seems to strap you onto a bench, attached to a three ton excavator and spin you stupid.

 Prices haven't been announced yet nor have hours or an opening day.

 For more information and to view a full list of attractions, Please Visit- Diggerland USA

Universal Studios China- Happening or Not?

 Universal Studios China- Is it Happening or Not?!

 Years ago, Universal Parks and Resorts was playing with the idea of building one of their theme parks in China. However, the project was rejected for unknown reasons but now it appears these talks at still in the works.

 Beginning in 2012, Universal was in talks with the city of Tainjin, a port city, in regards to possibly building a theme park there. News leaking slowly from Universal Parks has given folks a new reason to believe that Universal Studios China may still happen.

 According to this job listing, Universal Creative is looking for a project manager who can speak Mandarin.

 Another bit of news that's leaked through is that Universal has also applied for permits from Tongzhou District according to Shanghai Securities.  The site of the proposed park is currently undergoing demolition and if this source can be believed, may begin construction soon.



(Info complied from Screamscape and ThemeParkInsider)

New Theme Park- Twentieth Century Fox World

 Twentieth Century Fox World?

Not content to be left out of the Theme Park game any longer, Twentieth Century Fox has announced they will be opening their very own theme park.

 Set in Malaysia,  Fox will build it own 25 acre theme park about an hour outside of Kuala Lumpur which has an subjective opening date of 2016. It will be attached to an already established resort property called "Genting Highlands" which is currently operated by Resorts World Genting. At a cost of around $300 Million the park will feature over 25 rides themed off Fox Properties such as "Rio", "Ice Age", "Planet of the Apes", "Alien Vs. Predator" and "Night at the Museum".  

“The opening of the first Twentieth Century Fox World theme park at Resorts World Genting takes our rich history of storytelling to a whole new level and will provide an exceptional entertainment experience,” said Jeffrey Godsick, President of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products.

  Early rumors about the park include an "Ice Age" themed family roller coaster and a possible simulator ride.

 Many believe rumors that this is just the first in Fox's new Theme Park venture, with plan to possibly open them all over the world. However, don't expect one to show up in the United States anytime soon. Fox has stated the US market is "over-saturated".  This makes me wonder, has Fox has dropped their bid to open a Theme Park at the Miami Zoo?

 Oddly enough this isn't Fox's first sprint in the Theme Park world. Their first attempt, a place called "Fox Studios Backlot Theme Park" which was a conversion of their filming studios in Sydney, Australia. That property closed down in 2001 and blames a drop in tourism as well as the 9/11 attacks for a lack of foreign travel interest.

All Images from Fox News

Grand Texas Theme Park- Opening Date Announced

Image from GrandTX.com

 Grand Texas Theme Park has an Opening Date!


 It's Official, the Grand Texas Theme Park which has been dubbed by some as "The New Astroworld" will beginning opening in Summer of 2015.

 The Theme Park is set to open first but no announcements have been made yet as to which parts of the park will be open or if it will be opened in phases. However, an interesting rumor from another blog, The Montgomery County Police Reporter, has posted that the park plans to have one of the "Top 10 largest Wooden Roller Coasters in the Nation". As of this moment I can't find any details of the ride nor who may be building this mystery coaster.

 The same blog has posted that soil tests are fully underway right now and the heavy equipment will begin to arrive in January of 2014, giving the park a very short timeline to work with- only a year and a half.  They also have a timeline of projected opening dates for the many projects which will be engulfed by the 630 acre site.

Big River Water Park- April 2015
Hospitality Village- April 2015
Destination Fields- May 2015
Theme Park- Summer 2015
Event Center- October 2015
Baseball Stadium- 2016 Season

 We have contacted Grand Texas Theme Park to inquire about their media and news releases, more information as we have it!

Grand Texas Theme Park- Opening in Summer 2015

 Ever since Six Flags AstroWorld closed in Houston, Texas the area has been without an amusement park. That won't last much longer with the new and highly anticipated Grand Texas Theme Park.

 Officials of the proposed park have set an opening date of summer 2015 but this won't be your normal amusement park. This park is going the full 'theme park' route and without Six Flags in the mixture, it's likely to be a success.  Developer Monty Galland and CEO Chuck Hendrix have stated they want a family friendly complete district which you can spend more then a single day enjoying.

 The park will open on 150 acres with room for future expansion. The theme park its-self will draw from local Texas history for it's seven themed lands. Officials state some of the theme will be-  The Grand Boardwalk aims to be themed as turn-of-the-century fair. Yet the Pecos Territory will contain most of larger thrill rides. Main Street will give a more romantic look at Texas' past, going more for fun over historical accuracy. Rides are obviously going to be a massive part of this new proposed park but little information exists about them so far.

 They will also have their own waterpark called "Big River Water Park" which will be themed as a "quaint 1800's fishing village" and said to be located on 40 acres of land.  Currently no information is known about what attractions the waterpark will contain or when it's projected opening date may be.

 On the rest of the 480 acres, the park will build additional goodies for guests and locals alike. It will have a massive retail area, many restaurants, two hotels as well as an RV park. As for entertainment the park plans for a possible  3 different sports venues, not much detail on that right now though. There is also no current time-line on these additional areas, just the opening date range of the theme park.

Mr. Hendrix was the final CEO of Six Flags AstroWorld and the man most people blame for it's demise and destruction.  With this new proposed park, he states he wants to leave a different legacy to the people of Houston.

For more Concept Art, Please Visit- Culture Map Houston

Breaking News-The Land of Midendhil Coming to Orlando

The Land of Midenhil

Coming to Orlando

 Okay, Seriously. What the HELL is this?! 

 It came out of left field. No one knew about this and no one still does.

 The Orlando Sentential doesn't even know anything about this project which apparently revolves around a book series. A series which was released.. get this.. LESS THEN A WEEK AGO. Also, it's not even available in English yet- Only Italian. I've looked as the first thing I wanted to do was get my hands on the book and find out what this is all about.

 Honestly, I have no idea if this project will even happen considering no one can guess if a book series will do well or even catch the public interest. What does shock me is that they've already jumped the gun and launched a "entertainment complex" project idea. I say 'Idea" because there is a complete lack of information about it.  No one even knows where this project will take place other then "Orlando" and "Italy" but apparently the desginers have a fairly nice resume. Having worked with various theme parks such as Disneyland Paris and Gardaland. 

 However, No one is talking about this or reporting on it. I haven't even heard rumors about this thing but here it is, popping up on one of my normal news sources- The awesome folks at Orlando Theme Park News.  They report the project will apparently include: An Special Arcade, A Theme Shop, Special Restaurant and Musical Theater. No other attractions or rides are listed at this time.

The website for this project reports the following:

MIDENDHIL EXPERIENCE
The saga of Midendhil will be soon an incredible entertainment center located in Orlando, Florida.
In Midendhil Experience there will be a special arcade with innovative and spectacular videogame to live starring the wonderful world of Midendhil, a theme shop where you can buy all the magic described in the novels and a great restaurant to taste the dishes and recipes described in the saga.
But above all, in the gigantic theater,  you can watch the magnificent Musical of Midendhil, an incredible show, produced by the best theatrical producer and the greatest professionals of the theme parks and the film industry in the world. Packed with special effects ever seen, give all the spectators an unforgettable experience.
Midendhil: a new world for a new experience of fun.

 Information is sketchy at best about this project. It has no projected time frame nor any location listed. There is nothing to know other then this seems to be someone's pet project.  Either way, we'll be closely watching this to see what happens. I do have to admit, it's looks pretty at least!

**If you know anything about this project or have heard rumors about it- please comment or contact us at InSanitylurkInside@gmail.com**