Christmas is in full swing at the Universal Orlando Resort. While the Macy’s holiday parade is performed on a daily basis, construction continues full steam ahead on projects like the Transformers ride, Gringotts bank coaster and the Springfield expansion. Meanwhile, over in Islands of Adventure, refurbishments are still underway in the high-maintenance areas of Toon Lagoon and Suess Landing. We’ll show you all this plus a new little procession in the Super Hero Island area, progress on Hogwarts Express and more. Let’s get to it.
Before we get to today’s update, we have some breaking news.
TRANSFORMERS
The closure of the show building is almost complete. We can soon expect to see the exterior facades take shape as we get ready for a June opening of this attraction.
SPRINGFIELD
Construction is quickly moving forward on the Springfield expansion, as concrete pouring begins at the old International Food and Film Festival location. In order to accommodate the loss of this venue, the long shuttered La Bamba’s, which has recently reopened for the SuperStar Character Breakfast, has now begun to remain open for Lunch and Dinner serving Mexican food.
MUMMY
As we reported weeks ago, changes at the Revenge of the Mummy Ride continue as the queue is tweaked. The Arcade and bathrooms receive some much needed attention. More changes are on the way.
TOON LAGOON
Refurbs continue around Toon Lagoon. This week, the Dog Fountain has gone into refurb and will be getting almost completely rebuilt from the ground up.
SUPER HERO PARADE
The Superhero Trikes have become more popular, and now make up a “mini parade” on the Island, where they are taking a much longer route through the island that really gives that area the street entertainment it has always needed.
SUESS LANDING
Moose Juice is getting the new Coke Freestyle Machines. Universal has installed the Coke freestyle machines throughout both parks. Some locations allow you to drink to your hearts content for 11.00/day on the RFID enabled cups and machines. The RFID chip allows you to enjoy the Coke Freestyle machines for an unlimited amount ONLY on the day of purchase. After that, the RFID chips will no longer allow you access the machine.
WIZARDING WORLD STAGE
The new stage is progressing, and should be ready for the Christmas crowds.
POSEIDON’S FURY
Posideon’s fury has reopened after a lengthy refurbishment. We’ll get in there and let you know how it all looks very soon.
FOOD BOOTH
An outdoor vending cart is being refurbished, and improved.
HOGWART’S EXPRESS
Earth is being moved and shaped as vertical construction on the Hogwarts Express is imminent.
Christmas is almost here and crowds will just continue to build in all of the Orlando Parks. 2013 is already shaping up to be a very interesting one for Universal guests. Keep reading, we’ll have more news for you soon.