Universal Orlando is preparing what they call a “Huge announcement,” set for November 1st. We’ll be there to bring you word as it happens. Meanwhile, Universal continues to operate as if nobody knows a thing. While the still unannounced Transformers ride continues under non-stop construction at the center of the park, Harry Potter’s London extension is already framing up and going vertical quickly. And as if they didn’t have enough work going on at the resort, the impressive maintenance going into Island’s of Adventure’s Seuss Landing continues to add even more dazzling color to every surface. We’ll also share more construction photos of the upcoming Hogwart’s Express and pics of the new facade on the Blue Man Group theatre.
TRANSFORMERS
Framework continues to shoot skyward on the upcoming Transformers: The Ride 3D. The attraction is expected to be a near exact clone of the already successful Hollywood version, complete with the advanced elevator system that creates a seamless experience on a dual level experience.
To the left, the lagoon, to the right, Hollywood Rip,Ride,Rocket.
Standing with Finnegan’s Irish Pub to the right, looking towards the construction.
A clear look at the elevator shaft within the construction.
If you look at the far end of the construction, you will see the area with no barrier between floors. That is where the elevator will be installed.
HARRY POTTER
The other major construction project in the park is located in the far back, where JAWS once swam. Harry Potter’s new London extension is moving along rapidly now. A Gringott’s Bank attraction, new restaurants and shops are all expected. Soon, we may be able to tell what’s going in by the shape of the buildings. But for now, we are just impressed with how quickly this area is developing.
BRIDGE WORK
Work is being completed on a bridge spanning the lagoon near the Simpsons ride.
BOULANGERIE
BLUE MAN GROUP
A new mural has been installed on the Blue Man Group theatre. It is pretty plain, and well, blue. But leading to it are new pillars which carry the theme out further.
ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE – HOGWART’S EXPRESS
Harry Potter is growing inside of Islands of Adventure as well, with a Hogwart’s Express attraction which will eventually connect the two parks.
Cranes are now in place and we will soon be able to spot vertical construction.
SUESS LANDING
We really can’t say enough about wonderful Seuss Landing is looking these days. We’ve shared images for the last two weeks of the dramatic transformation and have more to show you today. Put on your sunglasses and let us know what you think.
TOON LAGOON
Another place that is getting a lot of colorful attention is Toon Lagoon. On our past visit, we noticed that many of the signs are now much brighter than they previously were. The colors are vibrant again, like a comic book.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
Finally, Christmas is descending on Islands of Adventure’s stores now. While it’s a bummer to see these things before Halloween, it is minimal at the moment and reserved for the stores and not the outdoor areas of the park.
Inside the Spiderman store
Jurassic Park Gift Shop.
And that should do it for now. Be sure to return next week as we eagerly await the big announcements from Universal Studios Orlando. We are all but certain that they will announce what’s going into the huge construction project near the center of the park (which our readers already know all about), but will they spill the beans on everything – could there be more to this announcement?
Return to MiceChat on Thursday morning for continuing coverage of the Universal Orlando announcement. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for live updates as the news is released.
Well folks, what do you think the big news is going to be?