Transformers the Ride: 3-D officially opens this Thursday, June 20th. While all the focus will be on the newest addition to the Universal Orlando Resort, last minute projects are being completed elsewhere in the resort as well. Meanwhile, the biggest project of them all, Harry Potter 2.0 is moving forward in the former JAWS location. So buckle up and prepare for battle as we bring you news from all around the Universal Orlando Resort.
Transformers
Last Minute Exterior Queue Work
For months now, we have warned that the overflow exterior queue for Transformers would be painful in the hot Florida sun. During Technical Rehearsals, the feedback was loud and clear, and Universal is now installing a canopy that will provide some much needed shade when guests are waiting 120+ minutes to ride this new attraction.
We are thrilled that the listen to guest feedback and that they are able to move so quickly. The ride isn’t even officially open yet! Minor, but very important upgrade.
Standby Queue:
Last week, we brought you a look at the Single Rider Line. This week, we take a look at the Standby Queue that the bulk of guests will be experiencing. For the time being, Express Pass has been removed. However, the hope is that guests will enjoy this queue due to the multitude of buttons that will keep younger ones engaged while waiting.
Transformers Meet and Greet Now Open:
The new Transformers Meet and Greet has opened to guests, and will now be the permanent home for everyone’s favorite Autobots and Decepticons.
Transformers Invade IOA:
Over at Port of Entry, Transformers have even invaded the sign-less Island Trading Company.
Springfield
Androids & Dungeons Window Finished:
The finishing touches have finally been put on the window for the Androids & Dungeons restrooms, and is full of some great old Simpson’s lore.
Duff Gardens:
Duff Gardens has been getting some great details, and should be a nice place to relax and watch the fireworks after a day of adventures.
Kang and Kodos:
Kang and Kodos Twirl N’ Hurl is taking shape. With the head of Springfield’s favorite alien added, we now have a real clear idea of just how great this simple spinner will look once it is completed.
Diagon Alley
Progress has slowed for the time being on Diagon Alley as Universal rushes to finish other projects in the park which must be ready for this summer. Once Springfield is complete, prepare to see Diagon Alley move forward quickly to hit its own 2014 opening date.
Universal Studios Store Remodel
The remodel of the Universal Studio Store at the entrance to the park is almost complete, including beautiful new floors. The store is now separated into themed “mini stores” that make getting your end of day purchases easier.
New Displays
All of the new displays have a sense of “place” that match the theme of the merchandise being sold.
Guests can easily identify what area they need to be in to quickly grab their purchases.
New Floor
The new floors are full of different textures, which help showcase the merchandise on the shelves above.
New Register Area
Gone are the random cluster of registers that once plagued this shopping area. Now, with the centralized register station, guests will be able to quickly make their purchase.
Summer Concert Series
The Summer Concert Series has kicked off at Universal Studios, with Earth Wind and Fire, Adam Lambert and Kip More playing to guests included with their normal daily admission.
Despicable Me 2 Photo Kiosks
Universal has begun promoting Despicable Me 2 with interactive photo kiosks that guests can use to get photos of themselves with the stars of the film.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Progress
In March of 2014, Universal will show Disney what it considers “value” when it opens its own family suite resort which will include a lazy river, bowling alley, wave pool, and more.
The exterior finishing is beginning now and the lobby building under major construction. We can’t wait for this new hotel to open in March of 2014. From the look of it now, it’s very hard to believe it will be done in time. But they built Transformers in under a year, so we are confident that they’ll pull it off.
We will be back with more coverage next week, and some special LIVE Transformer coverage on June 20th starting at 9:00 AM EST, exclusively on MiceChat’s radio station V24 Radio.
With that, I would like to invite you to sit back and listen to the Unofficial Universal Podcast for a more in depth look at what is happening at the Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood!
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