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!

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?

Universal Orlando- What is happening with Wet'N'Wild

If you grew up in Orlando...
...or just spent your vacations there...
Then seeing this rather breaks your heart.

Who didn't have at least one amazing day, normally with friends, over at Wet'n'Wild? We all did, it was rather a right of passage to those of us who grew up in Orlando. The antics, the smell of chlorine and (most importantly) eyeing up the gender of your choice! Also, they had slides!


However, today's news now reveals exactly what Universal Orlando Resort plans to do with the property of Wet'n'Wild, which they purchased in 1998. Later to close it permanently in December 2016, as the park is now set to open it's own water park- Volcano Bay in May 2017.

Again with those awesome MSPaint Skills!

Over here, we see the general property of Wet'N'Wild along Universal Blvd.

Today in a news clip published by Theme Park Insider it's been discovered exactly what will be happening to that property. Can you guess?

Well if you said 'More Hotels' you are correct. Universal has filed permits with the City of Orlando to build additional UOR Hotels on the 64 acres that once housed Wet'n'Wild.

Although there is no comment or information regarding HOW exactly these hotels will connect to the Universal Orlando Property. The likely guess is a shuttle service, which will be an additional increase of traffic on already busy roads. I've seen a few other guesses, fairly far-fetched, about extending the boat canal and even a monorail type deal. However, those would likely be future projects since I can't find any hint of them online (at least, for now).

To me, at least, it seems a bit off for Universal to extend this far outside the typical boundaries and not for park expansion. Rather, more hotel space. Which, if you've ever been down International Drive, has hotels a-plenty.  It's no longer 'on property' so how can they command the rates Universal Orlando enjoys charging for hotels?

Either way, at least we know the fate.. which has always been suspected.

At least we've still got our memories. Even if it is sad another generation won't get to make them for themselves.

Universal Orlando Raises Ticket Prices

It's that time of year and it seems that once Disney raises their prices in Central Florida, everyone else follows suit not too long after. It happens ever year and that means Universal Orlando has announced their new pricing changes as well.

Again, it's not a surprise at all, but it's interesting to not that both parks are now over $100 mark. One has to wonder just how much higher they can go before they end up pricing people out or getting a bad reaction.

So, if you're heading to Universal Orlando and haven't bought your tickets, here's what you can expect to pay with the new rates:

One day - One park ticket: $102 (up $6) for adults and $97 for children (up $7).
One Day - 2park ticket:  $147 for adults (up $11) and $142 for children (up $12)

Right now the park is advertising buy 2 days, get the 3rd free, so at least that can help mitigate some of the cost a little as it drops the daily cost down quite a bit with that extra time tacked on. Though, if they keep this up, it'll make more sense to just buy a season pass if you plan to be at the park for any length of time.

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!
 

Universal Orlando Already Planning Their Next Resort Hotel?

Looks like Universal Orlando Resort isn't resting on it's laurels after the opening of their newest hotel, Cabana Bay. According to plans unearthed by the folks over at Parkscope, this new property will be going between the new resort and Royal Pacific.

The plans call for 1,000 new rooms, suites and meeting/convention space to go along with it in the new addition. Seems like a lot for just an add on, but weirder things have happened, right?

Now, the question of whether or not this is definitely linked to the Royal Pacific has come into question as well. The biggest clue that it is, is found in the documents labeled as "Royal Pacific First Addition", which is a pretty good sign it is. By the looks of it, it does also seem to follow a similar layout for the buildings and it will have water access for the ferryboats over to City Walk too. Additionally, guests will be able to walk across the new walkway that's being built for the Cabana Bay Beach Resort as well and the existing convention center will also be connected via a skybridge to the current one at Royal Pacific.

Awesome overlay done by Screamscape

The idea that this could be a "sister hotel" to Royal Pacific has also been put out there too. This is mostly from the fact that it appears the new property doesn't have included Express Pass options. If that is the case, this could definitely be something new or related to the Royal Pacific in some way as well.

It also could fit into a slightly cheaper option for visitors, not entirely sure here. It would make sense as there really aren't any offering something for the more budget concerned.

If that is the case, maybe this could be the long rumored Royal Egyptian Resort that was rumored a while back? I'd be down for something like that to spruce things up, but it could be something entirely different here as well. I'd hate to see them just extend it as a "Royal Pacific Light" as it were, so much wasted potential if that happened. Let's hope they don't go down that road though.

When the construction is to start or the new property is to open is anyone's guess right now. Either way, this looks like it's going to be a little while before we know all the details on this, but this is going to be happening most likely. Is it part of the 10,000 hotel rooms they mentioned earlier? Seems like it.

Stay tuned for more updates as we find out more on this and other new projects at Universal Orlando!

Sneak Peek at the New Interactive Wands at Universal Orlando's Diagon Alley!

We can officially put to rest any speculation on the matter of interactive wands being part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley expansion. They're there, no question about it now!

Earlier in the week markers were spotted in the original Hogsmeade section of the park in Islands of Adventure, but until now we never really got an idea of just what these would do or how they'd work.

With special wands bought at Olivanders or other shops within Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade we'll finally be able to cast spells and see what happens throughout both areas of the park! It's about time, right? You'll also be able to get a map that shows the location of all the interactive hot spots throughout Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade as well when you pick up your wand.

According to the official Universal Orlando Blog, "Once you’re there, just perform the correct spell and watch the magic come to life. With a simple swish and flick, you can levitate a feather quill at Scribbulus. Use a Silencing Charm to quiet the maddening song of the Fwooper bird at Magical Menagerie. And light all the lamps and chandeliers in Flimflam’s Lanterns window…

Seriously awesome stuff if you ask me and I can't wait to try them later this year when +Carrie H.C. make the trip down to Orlando to see everything first hand (What? We're not crazy enough to do Orlando parks in the summer, no one should be!). Anyway, here's a video featuring James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) trying out the Interactive Wands for the first time in Diagon Alley!


Be sure to keep it here all week as we'll keep you up to date with all the newest information on Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando!

Universal Orlando- New App for Phones and Free WiFi

Image from Orlando Sentinel

Universal Orlando- New App for Phones and Free WiFi!

 With the opening of the new "Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley" looming closer each day, Universal Orlando Resort has just sweetened the deal for guests.

 They've launched a new Phone App (both Apple and Android) which allows for real-time updating of Wait Times along with Park Maps, Show Times, Favorites Lists and more.  Later the App is said to get E-Commerce abilities to allow for  purchasing.

 The final blow? Universal has announced complete free Wi-Fi for all guests. through Xfinity/Comcast. This will allow guests at the Theme Parks, City Walk or anyplace on the resorts property to use the wireless network. No more running up your phones data cap posting live pictures!

 They say visitors should choose the "XfinityWifi" on their mobile device, then follow the prompts.

....still no exact opening date for Diagon Alley though.

Islands of Adventure- King Kong Construction Update

Image from Touring Plans on Twitter

Islands of Adventure makes Progress of new "King Kong" attraction.

 While it may not look like much now, the area which will become "Skull Island" is making progress.

 This is the area which will hold the new "King Kong" themed attraction in Islands of Adventure.

 It's located to the far side of the 'Jurassic Park' themed land and will cut deep into the old backlot area. This attraction is also believed to be a clone of the "King Kong 360 3D" attraction which is in Universal Studios Hollywood.  However, many are saying it's not going to be the same, that Islands of Adventure will be getting something unique and very different from it's sister park.

Image from Amusement Buzz

King Kong Returning to Universal Orlando

 King Kong Returning to Universal Orlando.
  But oddly enough, not where we once lived. 

 King Kong will return to Universal Orlando but he'll be moving into Islands of Adventure, right beside Jurassic Park. While many of us aren't sure of this new moved from Universal or what it means for the current "Jurassic Park" area- it can no longer be denied since plans have come out showing us exactly where the newest addition's ride building we be located.

  After a little bit of playing with Google Maps and Paint (I know, awesome skills, right?)- I've tried to highlight the various areas which will be changing over to "Kong".

 The new building will go in the current service area beside and behind Jurassic Park River Adventure. Right up against the side of Toon Lagoon and Dudley Do-Right's. Full plans aren't available yet (or at least no one has dug up the full permits and posted them online yet) to tell us what areas will be changed to an entrance plaza for this new attraction. It also begs the question of what will happen if Jurassic Park ever wants to expand, more so with the addition of a new movie coming out in 2015.

 Right now, no one knows when this new "King Kong" themed attraction will open but many speculate it will be ready to roll in 2015-2016. We're also not sure if this will be the same attraction "King Kong 3D-360" which is found at Universal Studios Hollywood. Right now- we've got more questions than answers. 

More news and rumors about this new attraction as it becomes available.

More Details about Universal Orlando's Hogwarts Express Emerge!

Image via Bay9 News

This past Friday, Universal Orlando finally announced more details about the Hogwarts Express attraction that's part of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley expansion.

The train, which takes guests from the new Diagon Alley/London to Hogsmeade, will feature a different experience in each direction.

Also, important to note here, you WILL need a two park ticket to ride, no exceptions on that one. So, for anyone curious how that would work, there's your answer.

What can you expect during your trip? Once on board, the execs were careful to emphasize repeatedly: It is just like the experience of actually riding a train, albeit a magical one. Guests will be able to look out the windows and see an actual Harry Potter scene play out; and depending on where they're seated on the train, and what angle they're looking out the window, the scene will look different. Visits from your favorite characters during the trip, such as Hagrid on his flying motocycle, or Buckbeak the Hoppogriff, the Knight Bus and even a possible visit by a Dementor on the hunt.

Sound awesome? Well, there's a lot more to expect. Like, just how you get to the famous Platform 9 3/4. VP of Corporate Communications for Universal, Tom Schroder, had this to say about that,"I don't want to give it away, you have to experience it. But you'll see people... Transition through the wall, and you'll transition through the wall as you go to the platform".

You want even more? Well, good thing they spilled the beans further and have said that even the candy trolley, or at least something very similar, will be on board as well!

Now, have a look at the First Look video put out by Universal as well as few still of what's being reported as possible scenes that guests will experience while on their journey aboard the Hogwarts Express!