Universal Orlando Rumor Alert- A THIRD Park or is this a Wizarding World Expansion?

Universal Orlando Rumor Alert- A THIRD Park or is this a Wizarding World Expansion?

Image from Park Rumors

GOOD NEWS- Universal is attempting and hopefully planning (at some point) to add in Fantastic Beasts to the current Wizarding World line-up.

This leaves a tricky question- Where can they put it?

Could a Jurassic World Makeover be coming to Islands of Adventure?

Could a 'Jurassic World' makeover being coming to Universal Orlando?

Rumors have been flying lately about Universal Orlando finally getting a much needed update to their Jurassic Park area. Lately, these have been heating up and Comcast may have even let it slip! So we're here to poke deeper into these rumors and see what we can dig up.. pun intended!



Ever since the first Jurassic World movie hit theaters, fans have been wondering and speculating if Universal Orlando will finally update the Jurassic Park area located in Islands of Adventure. While excellently themed, it's been needing an update for several years now.  On January 24th during a conference call, Comcast made the 'accidental' comment about 'Jurassic World ATTRACTIONS' we're coming to the US Parks.

ATTRACTIONS. Plural. More than one!

Epcot's 'Norway' May be Safe.. for now.

 Epcot's "Norway" May be Safe.. for now.



 For several months now we've been reporting rumors that Walt Disney World has been considering changing Epcot Centers "Norway" area to something with a 'Frozen' theme based off the hit movie as well as the countries reluctance to pay $9 million for updates to the land and ride found within.

In-case you missed these
The rumor of Frozen/Norway can be found here.
The Norway/Disney $9 Million Demand can be found here.

 For the last few days, Disney has been hinting at a 'Big Announcement' coming at the end of their "The Making of Frozen" special which aired last night ABC Family. This had whipped the speculation wagon into a full gallop with many believing we'd finally learn the fate of Disney's Norway and Maelstorm.

 Well, we can take a relaxed breath, for now. The only annoucement found at the end of "The Making of Fozen" involved the movie getting a new 'movie shot' and not a peep about the World Showcase country. While this may be good news, I hesitate still to accept it as gospel. It could be that Norway is just getting the massive refurbishment the ride Maelstorm and the country overall has needed for years.. or it could mean something else.

 Frankly, I don't know. Speculation exists on both sides of the argument with fans of the movie crying for a Frozen-Norway make-over while fans of Epcot and World Showcase scream that it doesn't belong. Personally, I stand firmly with the Epcot/World Showcase folks.

 We'll simply have to wait and see what the next hints from Disney and rumors mill involve.

Rumor Alert- Kennywood Getting Something New in 2015?

Rumor Alert for Kennywood Park! Could something be in the works for 2015?

 A few weeks ago everyone was sure that in 2015 Kennywood would be 'bringing back' the 'Turnpike' flat ride which was removed to make way for Sky Rocket. When the picture of one of the Tunrpike's Cars surfaced online with the number "15" on it, fans went crazy and one of them nearly blew up on phone in the process.

Image from Screamscape

 While Kennywood did promise to return the Turnpike to the park during it's removal, I'm not sure 2015 will be the year for it.

 Simply because, no work has begun with anything for a new area the size an attraction like 'Turnpike' would need. No woodland has been cleared out, No new walk-ways or work on that very expensive piece of property they had to buy has happened. Simply put, nothing is visible that could hint at the classic rides return.. other then they mystery appearing car.  So, I can't say this is really a good lead.


 However, another rumor has popped up from Screamscape! Rumor has it that a 4D Ride/Movie attraction may show up in the park for 2015. Located in the old arcade building near the "Old Mill/Garfield's Nightmare", The Playdium. I can't admit I'm pleased to hear this, it seems like more of 'Classic Kennywood' is disappearing each season.

...again, this is simply a rumor until confirmed by the park!

Centurion vs Fury 325 - What is Coming to Carowinds in 2015?

Okay, now we can officially say that we're confused. We know it's a coaster and we know it's likely to be from B&M, but outside of that, no clue at all. Carowinds has leaked yet another logo out there somehow and it's not Centurion. This time it's for Fury 325 and it seems a little more official since their main website even has a similar honeycomb/hive pattern on it as well. Of course, this could be all one giant ruse to throw us all off again before the announcement this Thursday.

So, we're back to square one here it would seem. Well, not entirely since we do have two logos which are both possibilities for the name of the new coaster now. That's more than we had at the start of this whole thing as well. The only question is which, if either, will be the name.

There's a good case to be made for both, so let's take a little look at just what evidence we have to support both. Centurion leaked first and it's a good a place as any to start this off here. Something Roman themed would make sense in quite a few ways.

For starters, there were the banners seen inside the park as well as columns and even Roman numerals out there.

I mean come on, the thing even says "Rome wasn't built in a day..." right on it followed by the date of August, 21st, 2014 in roman numerals right below. If that's not a good indication, then I don't know what is. The fact that the Centurion name was also trademarked by Cedar Fair makes a strong case for this as well.

So, there's that much of things and then there's even more evidence to support the whole Centurion name with the columns going up in the construction area and even a website leak showing the countdown with logo and and all too. Interestingly enough, the website leak, sporting the countdown splash page image below, was after the whole beekeeper thing.

However, this is just the first side of the puzzle and the website that was leaked had a little of the old publishing trick of "Lorem Ipsum" going on with at as well. So, while it looks like Centurion is coming for sure...there is another way. A much more...stingy way.

Just released was another logo image this time featuring the Fury 325 name with a hornet over top of a honeycomb/hive background. Before this was another series of clues that had some people thinking that it could be themed after the Charlotte Hornets. Phrases like "You can't stop it, only contain it" and other clues led folks to believe that was happening.

However, the one thing that really had people wondering was the bee keeper deliveries that happened on and around August 6th. This was the first thing along with the quote above that happened which was really against the Centurion/Roman theme that had been hinted at all along.

The boxes that were delivered had the same quote on them and inside was a net and a card, the writing on it not known at this time at all. Though, it's probably nothing of significance here either.

Around the same time, the splash image on Carowinds website showed up with a honeycomb/hive background. So, it would appear that whatever is planned has something to do with bees or hornets from the looks of it.

Curious indeed. It seems as if there's two entirely different things happening here and none of us here at ISI can make heads or tails of this. Is it possibly two new rides coming, like Kings Island did with The Bat and Banshee, or is it just a very complicated distraction to throw folks like us off? Again, not sure at all.

The new logo that's shown up today definitely fits with the new line of images and events, but until Thursday there's just no way of knowing.

However, that's not all that's been going on either. There's been even more clues and hints as to possible elements and other things going on from the park too.

Three days after the whole beekeeper stuff was going on, another image was sent out via Twitter from the park and this time they were talking about, what I assume is a ride element.

Definitely seems like they're talking a possible tunnel or something else going on with the coaster. Which, if the earlier fan made video based off of the blueprints of the ride are any indication will be part of the layout and this sign at the park entrance just seems to confirm that.

So, we have two possible names, and a bunch of clues that support both. We also know that it's likely going to be built by B&M, who also built Intimidator. The whole bit about lightning striking twice could be that it's is another B&M hyper.

The 325 in the newest name could also be hinting at the height, which would make it the tallest traditional non-launched coaster in the world as well, topping Millenium Force at Cedar Point and Leviathan at Canada's Wonderland.

UPDATE: A Cedar Fair Coaster Construction Facebook Fan Group has posted up this image of track being spotted at the park. Teal with green/yellow and white supports...yeah, at a total loss here too.

And there ya have it, pretty much everything we know and have speculated on so far as Carowinds has slowly streamed out the info to us. Anything is possible here and either name/theme could easily happen at this point.

Stay tuned as we'll be bringing you all the information from Carowinds on Thursday, August 21st as they reveal to the world just what they're up to. Be it Fury 325 or Centurion, based on what we know it is going to be truly awesome either way!

Rumor Alert- Universal Studios Orlando May Remove Attractions in 2015

 Rumor Alert- Universal Studios Orlando May Remove Two Attractions in 2015!

  While this is rumor only many are believing the final park of Universl Studios Orlando's 'face-lift' may be coming to pass.

   Rumor has it that "Woody Woodpeckers KidZone' may be removed and completely re-themed.  This area has been a sore spot with many fans of the parks who've hoped in the past that great things would move into the sad kids area. Some believed that DreamWorks would take over the area while others yet wanted more 'Universal' themed characters involved.  Well, the rumor is going about that in the next year or two the area will be closed and bulldozed, making room for new construction. 

 In additional rumor news- Twister. 
 Yes, rumor has it that Twister may finally be removed. According to a source from OTPN "As soon as Early 2015 for closure".  This attraction never went over as a fan favorite when it removed the much lamented 'GhostBusters' show, now it looks like Universal Studios may finally be listening and replacing the attraction with something new! 

 More details when and if they become available!
 

Indoor Spinning Wild Mouse or 3D Dark Ride for Hersheypark in 2015?

Well, it's no secret that Hersheypark is planning something for 2015, the clues have been slowly trickling out on the park's website and various other places. What we do know is that something is planned for the area around where The Whip currently is. Now, while we do have semi-confirmation that The Whip won't be leaving the park, it could be moved to another location as well.

So far all the signs seem to be pointing to some kind of dark ride, or at least an indoor attraction of some sort. The latest three only make things even more confusing though. Though, I kinda suppose that's the point of all this, isn't it?

UPDATE: Looks like we were right! Hersheypark has announced an indoor spinning "glow coaster", Laff Trakk, for 2015. Click here for all the details and POV!

Now, onto to the newest clues!

This is the key to the whole dark ride idea, and it seems like it's being telegraphed a good bit

The "only dark" has to be a sign of an indoor attraction. Just what that might be is anyone's guess but there's a few more clues that just might help out on this one. 

Now, what a crystal ball and the previous clue about a card deck of red, white and blue have to do with each other? Yeah, that's anyone's guess because I have no earthly idea what kind of link could be there.

The next couple of clues that have surfaced have +Carrie H.C. and I thinking that this is likely to be one of three things. But let's examine the clues first.

Here's the more interesting part. Not only is spinning mentioned, but also a distorted view. The first thought is an indoor spinning wild mouse, but the distorted view part kind of throws that out as it definitely sounds like 3D is going to be implemented in some form or another.

There's only one other indoor spinning wild mouse that I know of, Exterminator at Kennywood. Would be interesting to see another showing up in PA.

The final clue that's been released so far has them saying that it's "not the first", so whatever it is has been done before and that leaves us with quite a few options. 

As stated above, there's the indoor spinning wild mouse idea which has been done. There's also been a number of 3D dark rides that include a lot of spinning as well. Most notably; Transformers at Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, Spiderman at Islands of Adventure and Curse of DarKastle at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Something similar to Ratatouille at Disneyland Paris or even Mystic Manor in Hong Kong could be possible too.

Of course, there's the possibility of getting into something like some kind of shooter where the cars spin as well. That could be getting into the "first ever" thing though and by the clue, it's not the first of it's kind. So, right now I'd be willing to bet it's going to be something like Exterminator or one of the other rides listed above.

We'll know soon enough though as the big announcement is coming in just 5 days so stay tuned and follow us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the news out of Hersheypark and everyone else that's building in 2015!

Carowinds Park- New Coaster Blueprints, Fury 325?!

Image from Screamscape

 Carowinds Park- New Coaster, Fury 325?!

 Hello, New Hotness!

 Well folks, it may be very late (or early depending on how you look at things) but Screamscape leaked something amazing and we're here to report it!

 It seems the rumors of a new coaster coming to Carowinds will be true. While we're still not sure who is building this, it's massive. With a possible name of "Fury 325" being trademarked by Cedar Fair, we could easily be looking at a Giga/Hyper coaster with a huge lift hill and shockingly tall drop.

Image from Screamscape

 The best guesses right now seem to be that the drop will be close to or slightly over 300 feet and will likely the be the parks 2015 project.  The picture to the right is also another guess of where this new monster could fit into the park.

 Honestly, this is so new we're all going to be guessing in the dark for a while now (or until someone better at reading blue-print then I am looks at it). This could match or even out-size Leviathan at Canada's Wonderland. This also looks very, very similar to the general layout of Leviathan (with slightly different elements, naturally).  Not to worry, we're now going to be watching Carowinds closely.

 More news when we can find it!

Disney Parks- Star Wars Land Likely Delayed?

 Disney Parks- Star Wars Land Likely Delayed?

 New rumor circling today, regarding the much rumored 'Star Wars Land' which may show up at Disney Hollywood Studioes as well as other Disney Parks.

 Rumors have been going around since this one broke the surface, with fans and fanatics going bonkers in regards to the idea. Some love it, others hate it. Well, it looks like we're all going to be waiting a while longer before hearing anything more concrete on the matter.

 With new movies being released, we'll likely have to wait until those are underway. On top of the fact another blog (Disney and More) believe that the final update of Star Tours will be Disneyland Paris but not until 2016.  They make some valid points, we'll likely not see a full 'land' coming until this point due to updating the current rides. When you toss out the idea that Disney World, the most likely park to receive a new 'Star Wars Land' first, is still in the middle of working on AvatarLand.. it's unlikely that they'll take on two massive construction projects at once.

 So, we can rest easy (or upset) for a while. We likely won't be seeing changes or announcements for some time!

Rumor Alert- New Darkride at Knott's Berry Farm?

Rumor Alert- New Darkride at Knott's Berry Farm?

 Interesting new rumor coming from Knott's Berry Farm this week, could they be planning to add a new darkride in the park for 2015/2016?

 Well, According to Screamscape that's exactly what the rumor mill is saying. With the work nearly complete on Calico Mine Ride and the restoration of the Log Ride last season, they seem to be focusing on building the parks flat rides and dark rides back up. Not a bad thing considering many parks are missing the classic 'dark ride' style attractions in recent years.

  Rumor has it that workers have been seen in the area of the old "Kingdom of the Dinosaurs" building doing clean-up. During our recent visit to Knott's we didn't notice anything going on as they where still highly focused on Calico Mine Ride at the time, so this rumor must be very recent.

 However, it's still just a rumor until some more confirmation comes around!

Rumor Alert- Cedar Point has More Bad News, Dragster has Issues. (UPDATED)

Rumor Alert: Ceder Point has More Bad News, Top Thrill Dragster may have blown it's launch.

 Cedar Point just can't seem to win this month, between the water-main break which shut down the park for a weekend and this newest rumor- it seems bad luck is haunting the park this season.

 While Cedar Point has re-opened today, it looks like Top Thrill Dragster wasn't as lucky. Rumor has it that the launched roller coaster has blown it's hydraulic launch motor.  As this is still being classed as a 'rumor' right now there is no way to know how long the closure may possibly last if true.

 Length of closure could depend on time to fix, spare parts needed and severity of the breakdown.

Updates coming soon, once we can confirm this rumor!

**UPDATE**
Yes, Dragster did have problems but apparently it was over-blown.
Top Thrill Dragster Re-Opened late Monday to the public, no word on what the problem was.

Busch Gardens Tampa- Falcon's Fury Update and Rumors

 Falcon's Fury Updates and Rumors from Busch Gardens Tampa.

 While we're still waiting on final word about an opening day regarding Falcon's Fury, the newest attraction to Busch Gardens Tampa, we do have some good news as well as a few rumors to pass around.

 The ride is testing again and has been for the last several days. From all accounts (including the great folks at BGT Fans) the ride is working and testing normally and any problems seem to have been sorted out in recent time.

 An interesting rumor, which I also heard for chatting with BGT Fans on Twitter, the ride wasn't the main delay. Most of the delays regarding Falcon's Fury are construction related outside of the ride, such as the Pantopia are and Queue Line involved in the direct vicinity of the ride. Since I consider BGT Fans to be a pretty damn reliable source, I'm inclined to believe that they have, in fact, been behind on construction since December. This is what's causing the majority of the delays and not problems with the ride.

 However, there is still no hint or rumor of a possible opening date for Falcon's Fury. I'm sure it will open sometime in Summer of 2014 but we have nothing about a date yet.

 More updates when available!

*Rumor Alert* Busch Gardens Williamsburg- 2015 Expansion A Coaster?

Image from BGWFans

 Busch Gardens Williamsburg- The 2015 'Festa' Expansion A Coaster?

 The great folks at BGWFans thinks they've found the answer that's been lingering in all our minds.

 We've all known an expansion is coming to the 'Festa Italia' area of the park in 2015 and we know it was suppose to be decently sized, based alone on the permit submissions.  However, what I don't think anyone expected what BGWFans has possibly figured out.

Image from BGWFans

 Based on Size and Footprint someone put two-and-two together can game up with Primer Rides.  One of their smaller, single train coasters which would match the height and generalized footprint which we believe Busch Gardens is currently working with.  Their fairly small, have a low rider capacity and are what fans call "Off the Shelf" coasters. Their not original and have a stock footprint any park can buy. The example to the left is "Superman" from Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Which has a low rider capacity and low through-put time. All these will create long times and general headache type situations.

 Please keep in mind, all of this is speculation. Nothing has been confirmed.

 Now, here is when I begin to speculate on my own. While many are having fits over this, I think there are a few things their not considering. A several different types of coasters can and will fit into this small space, things much better than a stock ride. Several of these aren't my favorite type of ride.

Image from RCDB

 For Example-
 In that small small footprint you can fit in an Intamin AG 4th Dimension 'Ball Roller' style of roller coaster. One good example of these is to the right- Green Lantern- First Flight.

 These are small, compact and rather damn fun. They also have the benefit of being fairly unique styles of rides with a much higher rider/capacity rate overall.  Sure they get lines and can't chew through the lines the way a giant 'steel monster' can, but their better that the original proposal of a Primer stock Coaster.

 This could easily fit into the general parameters which people smarter then I can read on the permit sheets filed by Busch Gardens. 

 This is just one example.
 Other rides like this exist, which fit in small areas. Busch Gardens also has ZERO history with Primer Rides and these parks are creatures of habit. I've gone through   We should be looking outside to someone which Seaworld Parks has worked with in the past- B&M, Zierer, Intamin AG and Mack Rides. I'd look to them first. If I've learned anything about these parks, they go with what they know.

 I'd bet my money on Intamin AG to build the new attraction. I'd like to see it be a 4th Dimension coaster but I'm not even going to speculate on the type! Just know that Seaworld Company Parks have a relationship established with this company already in the form of 'Cheetah Hunt' found down at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Rumor Alert- Legoland to return parts of Cypress Gardens?

Image from WorldofStock.com

Legoland Florida- Parts of Cypress Gardens to Return!

 While Legoland Florida hasn't yet confirmed, many fans of one of Florida original theme parks are finally given reason to rejoice. Orlando Sentinel is stating that this Wednesday Legoland will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for reopening more parts of the iconic gardens.

 The Oriental Gardens and the "Florida Pool" which was made famous in the old movie "Easy to Love" will once again be open to the public.

 Rumor has floated around for a while now saying that previous owners of the park had removed the Florida-shaped pool and that the majority of the gardens where in ruins. A little quick searching on Google Maps has proved that false, the pool and it's iconic shape still stand- although not in the best condition in 2012 (when this google maps images seems to  have been taken).

 This new bit of news seems to prove those rumors wrong.  A good portion of the original "Cypress Gardens" area has been closed off to the public for years but it seems Legoland knows that history is important. Allowing more of the original gardens to thrive and be open is a historical treat for all ages. However, there is still no news on the remaining fate of other attractions which once made up "Cypress Gardens".

 More news on Wednesday/Thursday to see if this turns out to be truth!

Rumor Alert- Universal Islands of Adventure and King Kong 360/Skull Island

Rumor Alert- Islands of Adventure may be moving closer to ground-breaking for "King Kong 360/Skull Island".

 New rumor update today coming from Universal Orlando Resort- Folks are saying it's very likely that Islands of Adventure may be one step closer to breaking ground on the rumored addition of "King Kong 360 3D" which has long been rumored to come to the park's Orlando property.

 Screamscape is reporting that the area behind "Thunder Falls Restaurant" is the location but also that departments around the"Jurassic Park" area who are storing stuff in this currently empty area, have been told to clear it out quickly.  Still no official word from Universal Orlando Resort on this matter but they likely won't announce until the construction can no longer be hidden from guests.

Frozen- Disney's "Next Big Thing "in the Theme Parks and Beyond.

Frozen IS Disney's "Next Big Thing" in the Theme Parks and Beyond.

 Disney's newest movie, Frozen, has been making a killing in theaters. Along with a great cast and wonderful music, the movie is officially becoming the "next big thing" for Disney.

 Already plans have been make to expand upon the property. Disney has announced it will be made into a Broadway Musical, following in the steps of other great movies like Lion King and Little Mermaid.  Disney is already talking Sequels for the movie as well as Video Games and one thing all Disney World Fans are dreading- Integration into the theme parks.

 Bob Iger, the current talking head in charge of The Walt Disney Company, has stated as much on Wednesday according to Variety Magazine.

 We've talked about this before, when rumors first began that "Frozen" could likely take over the attraction "Maelstrom" in Epcot Centers, World Showcase Norway Pavilion (Please See- Rumor Alert: Could Maelstrom become a "Frozen Themed Ride at Epcot?"). However, how Frozen could be developed into the theme parks is still unknown. We're still classing "Frozen Taking Over Maelstrom" as a rumor until some harder news comes to light to change that fact.

Rumor Alert- Knoebels 2015 Project News

 Rumor Alert- Knoebels 2015 Project News

 New Rumors Today about the mystery "Knoebels 2015" project the park has been dropping hints about throughout the week.

 Screamscape is reporting some element of the new project will included a new "grand entrance" to the park, giving guests a "sense of arrival" at the park.  Currently the park has no real set 'entrance' point and is rather wide open as they work off a ticket or wristband system.

 Many are still trying to dig up sources and rumors about what else may be involved in the new Knoebels 2015 Project, so far, not much else has come to light. There is currently know way to know if a new ride or attraction will be involved.. yet!

 We'll keep you posted as rumors surface.

Rumor Alert-Disney World's New Seven Dwarfs may be Running Behind

Rumor Alert- Is the New "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" completion running behind?!

 According to Screamscape rumors, this could be true.

 Some seem to be suggesting that despite effect's the new "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train" roller coaster attraction set to open soon at Disney World's Magic Kingdom, may be behind schedule. The 'best guess' date has lately been sometime in February but it seems a new rumor suggests that the time frame for soft opening of the ride could be pushed back in to March-April of 2014. 

Rumor Alert- Could Zonko's Close?

 Rumor Alert- Could Zonko's Close at Hogsmeade?

 Another new rumor coming from Universal Orlando, this time around their popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas.

 It seems the rumor mill  has been working overtime lately with the opening of Universal Studios Orlando's new Diagon Alley coming into the home stretch. 

 Some are saying that the popular joke shop from the Harry Potter book series, Zonko's could close in the Hogesmeade area. With the new London Area, Diagon Alley opening to the public this summer could that area have it's own joke shop, making two of them rather redundant?

 Diagon Alley is rumored to have it's own joke shop called "Weasely's Wizard Wheezes" which would be larger that the current Zonko's (at least according to the Harry Potter Books). The rumor is stating that Zonko's will close to make way for the newer and larger shop.  This would be the frist closure of anything in Wizarding World.

 Again, this is currently ONLY A RUMOR. Universal Orlando hasn't confirmed or denied any portion of this rumor.

X2- Still Down or Coming Soon?

 X2- Still Down or Coming Soon?

 As we know from may previous updates on the matter, X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain has been down for a while now.  Between scheduled maintenance on the ride and massive issues with the rides lift-hill operations, many have been speculating on when the ride would finally re-open.

 Today a new rumor on Screamscape suggests that time could be closer than expected.
 According to a reader of Screamscape who emailed Six Flags Magic Mountain, the ride is currently being repaired but they park expects the ride to reopen in the next few weeks and possibly by the end of the month.

 However, I wouldn't bank on anything until the park themselves makes a move.  Their the announce that X2 has re-opened or to quietly open the ride without fanfare.