More Harry Potter, more Transformers, more Simpsons, just more! The Universal Orlando Resort has continued to meet the wild pace of construction with a nearly complete Transformers attraction in the center of their already busy park. The gift shop is open and the ride is cycling, so tech rehearsals (Uni’s phrase for soft openings) are the next step. But we also get to see substantial progress in the framing of Diagon Alley in the studios park that indicates things are really speeding up there too. That’s not to mention the facades of Springfield showing signs of paint, giving away even more details of the upcoming addition. But that isn’t all. There is visible progress on the Hogwart’s express in Islands of Adventure and a new automated ticket kiosk about to open too. Here we go!
HOGWART’S EXPRESS
Work continues on the Hogwarts Express, as this station gets built with the elevated track that will connect both Harry Potter experiences together at both theme parks.
FRONT TICKET KIOSK
Construction is now finished on the new ticket kiosk building, and kiosks have been installed. The walls should be coming down very soon and will make buying tickets at the front of Islands of Adventure a lot faster.
HARD ROCK GIFT SHOP OPENS
The newly remodeled Hard Rock gift shop reopened with beautiful new finishing touches and Rock Star Glam!
TRANSFORMERS
The finishing touches on the exterior are now being completed. Ride vehicles are cycling inside, the interior shows scenes are receiving their final touches, and internal snags are being worked out. From what we know, the ride is continuing to progress steadily to the Summer 2013 opening (if only we had a firm date to share so you could book your vacation to Universal Orlando).
This past weekend, the monitors in the exterior queue were spotted on and running the Preshow loop for this new attraction!
We will keep you informed on when an official opening date is announced, and when we expect technical rehearsals to take place.
Harry Potter 2.0
Steel keeps appearing at such a pace that it would make you believe in magic! We will have lots to look at as we watch this project progress, as this ambitious expansion keeps looking more impressive by the day.
SPRINGFIELD
Color has been added to Moe’s making this “rumored” expansion even more obvious to even non-Simpson’s fans.
Guests will be delighted as it appears that a nice family Flat Ride will be coming to this expansion helping to round out a theme park that is heavy on “E-Tickets” but light on smaller attractions.
CELEBRITY APPRENTICE AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
This past week they aired a Celebrity Apprentice episode that was Filmed at the Universal Orlando Resort. Their task was to create a 3-D photo op for the Resort for marketing. Universal set up the photo op next to the old Amity Restrooms for people to look at.
DESPICABLE ME PHOTO OP
Over by Horror and Makeup, the ParaNorman Photo op has now been replaced with the Despicable Me 2 Photo op. Unlike when the first movie came out, Minions can now be found all over Universal Orlando, on buildings, rides, parades, dance parties, dining experiences, firework shows and more! The Minions have become an endearing and adorable addition to the Universal Studios park.
You must be logged in to post a comment.