London is rising from the swamps of Florida.  Yes, there is more progress on Kings Cross and the Gringott’s coaster inside Universal Studios Florida’s new Harry Potter expansion.  But further still, Springfield’s additional storefronts, Moe’s, Krusty burger, and Android’s Dungeon, are all coming along nicely too. That’s not to mention the new details emerging on the exterior of the Transformers show building, the work on the new Shrek meet and greet, and changes being made to the stage inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

KINGS CROSS AND GRINGOTT’S

As the days and weeks pass, Universal Creative’s vision for the second phase of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is becoming more clear.  The expansions promise to be larger than you might expect.

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

TRANSFORMERS

The small building that was Sound Stage 44 has Transformed into the NEST Headquarters.

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

If you want to help decode and discuss the markings head on over to the forums, and join the conversation.

SHREK AND DONKEY

In the next few weeks, people will finally get to meet their favorite Ogre and talking Donkey again as the new meet and greet prepares to open.

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

SPRINGFIELD

Summer can’t come soon enough as we prepare for the addition of the Springfield USA area at Universal Orlando.  It is now becoming quite obvious that this area is becoming an expanded Springfield even though there has yet to be an official announcement.

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

HARRY POTTER STAGE

The new stage that was set up to better accommodate the performers in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is undergoing more changes as they improve the themeing.

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp
The are using a portable forest to obscure the work.

 

SUESS LANDING

It pains us to report again on the sidewalks at Seuss Landing.  The new paint that the land received prior to the big Holiday season has been fading fast.  We really hope that they can find a permanent fix for the sidewalks in this amazing area, as they are really looking terrible.

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

POPEYE and BLUTO’S BILDGE RAT BARGES

Popeye’s has returned from refurbishment. The whole area seems bright, shiny and new.

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

 

DUDDLEY DO-RIGHT’S RIPSAW FALLS

Thankfully it has come time for Duddley Do-Right’s annual refurbishment.   We are excited to see this attraction receive some much needed TLC.  However, if ever there was an attraction with great unrealized potential, this is it. With all of the success of Harry Potter, it sure would be remarkable if some of the windfall made it’s way to Duddley Do-Right. With completed show scenes and theme, this would be a fantastic attraction.

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

universal orlando, Universal Orlando – London of the Swamp

Wait! There’s more!!!

Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast

Listen in to this week’s Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast as we visit the park’s wonderful Mardi Gras celebration and interview park creatives:

And that’s the news from Universal Orlando Resort. We’ll see you again next week!

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Eric Davis
By day, Eric is in Marketing and Social Media. But on the weekends, he's a theme park addict. Eric is a frequent contributor to MiceChat's Orlando Parkhopper columns and tends to focus his efforts on what's new and what's news at Universal Studios and SeaWorld.