MiceChat - Universal Studios http://micechat.com/forums/ Discuss the Universal Parks around the world en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:49:22 GMT vBulletin 60 http://micechat.com/forums/images/mc3/misc/rss.jpg MiceChat - Universal Studios http://micechat.com/forums/ Citywalk at Universal Hollywood - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127609-citywalk-universal-hollywood-pictures.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:36:33 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Citywalk at Universal Hollywood photographed in January 2008:
This entertainment, shopping, and dining complex is composed of multiple buildings that adjoin the entrance to the theme park.











































Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127609-citywalk-universal-hollywood-pictures.html World Expo at Universal Studios Florida - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127607-world-expo-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:47:46 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

World Expo at Universal Studios Florida photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the movie-themed Universal Studios Florida that is divided into 6 areas with very different environments, several of which can be further subdivided due to their incoherent combinations. World Expo is an area of two large attractions, each housed in very different large buildings, grouped together because both have a common thread of being themed to amusement park/world's fair pavilions.

The Simpsons Ride:
A wonderfully tongue-in-cheek ode to a fictitious amusement park inspired by characters from this animated TV series, this motion-simulator movie is housed in a structure decorated with a purposely tacky riot of details that creates the entrance to Krustyland!















Men In Black Alien Attack:
The park's most successfully themed attraction, indoors and out, is this simulated retro-futuristic world's fair pavilion that turns out to be a front for the movie series characters of Men In Black. Visitors tour through the slick modern headquarters of the agency before boarding a dark ride that takes them through the streets of the city to shoot alien targets.





























MIB Gear Shop and nearby kiosks:
The attraction's exit empties into a gift shop, and several kiosks nearby extend the theme.





















Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127607-world-expo-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html <![CDATA[Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone at Universal Studios Florida - Pictures]]> http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127606-woody-woodpeckers-kidzone-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:17:28 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone at Universal Studios Florida photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the movie-themed Universal Studios Florida that is divided into 6 areas with very different environments, several of which can be further subdivided due to their incoherent combinations. Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone is actually a collection of different children's themed sections including a Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, live stage show theaters for Animal Actors on Location and A Day In The Park with Barney, a dark ride housed in yet another minimally-themed soundstage exterior called E.T. Adventure (however the interior is a lushly realized recreation of the dark forest from the movie's flying bike ride sequence), and the following two play areas:

Fievel's Playland:











Curious George Goes To Town:





Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127606-woody-woodpeckers-kidzone-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html San Francisco/Amity at Universal Studios Florida - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127603-san-francisco-amity-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:58:35 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

San Francisco/Amity at Universal Studios Florida photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the movie-themed Universal Studios Florida that is divided into 6 areas with very different environments, several of which can be further subdivided due to their incoherent combinations. This area is certainly one of them, two disparate areas that have been grouped for little reason other than their seaside themes and proximity to each other. Both are nicely detailed however, San Francisco being a good recreation of Fisherman's Wharf and featuring an indoor theater-and-ride attraction called Disaster! while Amity is a recreation of a New England fishing village with a boat ride through shark-infested waters based on the movie 'Jaws'. This area also features minimally themed live stage show theaters on each end.

San Francisco:













Amity:













Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127603-san-francisco-amity-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html New York at Universal Studios Florida - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127602-new-york-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:43:25 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

New York at Universal Studios Florida photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the movie-themed Universal Studios Florida that is divided into 6 areas with very different environments, several of which can be further subdivided due to their incoherent combinations. New York is an area composed of a grid of streets and alleys with nicely detailed facades that recall The Big Apple of the early 20th century. The buildings contain shops and dining and a few attractions, and are located on an edge of a lake that several others areas also front.















Twister:
This indoor special effects show recreates a tornado and is entered through an art deco building facade. The exit is through a soundstage-like building that matches the adjacent Production Central area.





Revenge of the Mummy:
Themed facades for a theater and a Museum of Antiquities mask a large attraction building that contains a thrilling combination dark ride and rollercoaster based on the Mummy movies.



Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127602-new-york-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127598-hollywood-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:05:06 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Hollywood at Universal Studios Florida photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the movie-themed Universal Studios Florida that is divided into 6 areas with very different environments, several of which can be further subdivided due to their incoherent combinations. Hollywood is the most coherent, with a single angled street that branches from the park entrance and is lined with recreations of famous buildings from the early years of the movie town's history, filled with shops and dining and a few attractions.



















Terminator 2: 3-D:
This large theater plays a 3-D movie that features live action and special effects, set in a replica of a modern corporate showcase. The content of this attraction is completely incongruous with the exterior.







Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127598-hollywood-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html Production Central at Universal Studios Florida - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127597-production-central-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:46:19 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Production Central at Universal Studios Florida photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the movie-themed Universal Studios Florida that is divided into 6 areas with very different environments, several of which can be further subdivided due to their incoherent combinations. Production Central includes the park entrance and a linear avenue of recreated 'soundstage' buildings that house various attractions.

Entry Globe:
The spinning sign announces the park's location on the resort's central lake which is also the location of Citywalk and the Islands of Adventure theme park entrance on the other side.



Entry Gate:
The park entrance is through this graceful art deco-streamline moderne gate.







Shrek 4-D:
A 3-D film with in-theater special effects plays in this soundstage.



Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast:
Another 3-D film with a theater composed of motion simulator 'vehicles' plays in this soundstage.



Note: A new attraction has opened in this area since I photographed the park. It is Hollywood Rip Ride and Rockit, a rock and roll themed rollercoaster that is mostly situated behind the soundstage buildings that form its entrance.

Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127597-production-central-universal-studios-florida-pictures.html Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127560-seuss-landing-islands-adventure-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:29:24 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the superbly themed and detailed Islands of Adventure, composed of 6 distinct areas around a central lake. Seuss Landing celebrates the famous stories and illustrations of Dr. Seuss with a fantastic three dimensional realization that is the park's crown jewel.

Entry Arch:



Caro-Seuss-el:
A carousel ride.











One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish:
A spinning ride.







The Cat In The Hat:
This gentle dark ride faithfully retells the original story.









The High In The Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!:
This train ride tours the area and goes inside several buildings as well as winding around the shore of the central lake and past small outdoor Seuss-ian character scenes.















If I Ran The Zoo:
A children's play area.



Shopping and Dining:





















Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127560-seuss-landing-islands-adventure-pictures.html Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127558-toon-lagoon-islands-adventure-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:40:45 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the superbly themed and detailed Islands of Adventure, composed of 6 distinct areas around a central lake. Toon Lagoon is a chaotic blend of architecture and several attractions, rendered with appropriately cartoonish pizzazz to celebrate a large assortment of classic comic strip characters as well as some animated ones.

Shopping and Dining Area:
A village of clustered buildings serves as the center of this area, brimming with overscaled graphics and humor.























Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges:
This rapids raft ride is an extensive adventure through a landscape of stylized flumes and sets.











Me Ship, The Olive:
Also part of the Popeye area is a play area on a boat which the raft ride circles.









Wimpy's:
More Popeye theming, this time a food location.



Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls:
The other large attraction in this area is also a water ride, in this case a flume ride with many interior scenes along the route which recounts the comic character's story, as well as a very scenic lagoon with a high-speed chute before splashdown.











Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127558-toon-lagoon-islands-adventure-pictures.html Marvel Super Hero Island at Islands of Adventure - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127557-marvel-super-hero-island-islands-adventure-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:22:35 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Marvel Super Hero Island at Islands of Adventure photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the superbly themed and detailed Islands of Adventure, composed of 6 distinct areas around a central lake. Marvel Super Hero Island is a bright comic book cityscape of buildings which form a futuristic street and decorated with oversized graphics of the characters.

Entry Plaque:



View of Marvel Super Hero Island Across Central Lake:



Incredible Hulk Coaster:















Storm Force Acceletron:
A spinning ride.





Doctor Doom's Fearfall:
A double-towered freefall ride.





The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man:
This indoor ride is a thrilling moving vehicle journey through sets and projected 3-D images that recreate this super hero's encounters with villains amongst the skyscrapers.







Shopping and Dining Area:

















Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127557-marvel-super-hero-island-islands-adventure-pictures.html Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127555-jurassic-park-islands-adventure-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:04:40 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the superbly themed and detailed Islands of Adventure, composed of 6 distinct areas around a central lake. Jurassic Park is the only one of the areas to be based on a single story/movie franchise, and is a collection of attractions, buildings, and tropical landscapes that recreate the story of dinosaurs brought back to life and showcased in an island zoo that ultimately fails to contain them.

Entry Arch:



Area Theming:







Jurassic Park Discovery Center:
This building houses natural history displays, some of which recreate those seen in the visitor center of the first film, as well as a gift shop and cafe.















Jurassic Park River Adventure:
This boat ride takes visitors into lush zoo habitats for the dinosaurs before being sidetracked into the back indoor containment areas where some of the animals have escaped and threaten the tour. A final steep drop sends the boats back to safety in the lagoon where the journey starts.





















Thunder Falls Terrace:
This large restaurant has a view of the splash lagoon for the River Adventure.





Camp Jurassic:
This excellently themed adventure playground is circled by a small gentle suspended rollercoaster called Pteranodon Flyers.





























Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127555-jurassic-park-islands-adventure-pictures.html The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127553-lost-continent-islands-adventure-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:56:05 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

The Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the superbly themed and detailed Islands of Adventure, composed of 6 distinct areas around a central lake. The Lost Continent area can be considered as three smaller sub-areas woven together with the common thread of conceptions of legendary places.

Entry Sign:





Mythos Restaurant:
The first sub-area is broadly themed to Atlantis and classical mythology. This full-service restaurant is part of that theme and is located within a series of rocky caverns and turrets on the central lake. Its unique interior is a masterwork of fantasy and makes it one of the most transportive themed eateries I have ever seen.





























Poseidon's Fury:
Also in the same theme as Mythos is this attraction, a walk-through show in a series of special-effects theaters that tells the story of the 'Escape From The Lost City.' It is housed in a building that looks like a ruined temple, with a landscape of water and fire complete with a giant hand-and-trident statue that hints at the theme of the show within.

















Treasures of Poseidon:
This gift shop further extends the Atlantis theme of the area.









The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad Stunt Show:
The second sub-area features an Arabian theme and its attraction is this special-effects stunt show in a shaded outdoor theater with an exotic entrance and set.









Shopping and Dining:
The Sindbad theater is reached through a richly detailed Arabian village with shops and dining.









Dueling Dragons:
The third sub-area has a dark European medieval legend theme and features this double-tracked suspended rollercoaster with a foreboding castle as its queue and loading building. This area and attraction, along with the adjacent former Flying Unicorn small rollercoaster, are currently being altered to fit in a new area under construction, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so these photos are obsolete.





















Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127553-lost-continent-islands-adventure-pictures.html Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127551-port-entry-islands-adventure-pictures.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:27:18 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Port of Entry at Islands of Adventure photographed in November 2008:
Universal Orlando features two theme parks, one of which is the superbly themed and detailed Islands of Adventure, composed of 6 distinct areas around a central lake. Port of Entry is the admission area as well as the initial street-like shopping and dining area before the others are reached. It is an exotic assemblage of buildings on either side of a central axis that evokes a fantasy third-world marketplace. It was not conceived to be a recreation of one place or time, rather it is an amalgamation of buildings inspired by a mind's-eye idea of the world's ports.

Entry Lighthouse:
The park's entry is located on the resort's central lake and is announced by this fantastic lighthouse.













Ticket Booths and Entry Gates:







Lockers:



Entry Arch:



Shops and Dining Area:

































View Across Central Lake to Port of Entry:



Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127551-port-entry-islands-adventure-pictures.html Universal Singapore Releases Videos of Battlestar Galactica Coaster Test Runs http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127549-universal-singapore-releases-videos-battlestar-galactica-coaster-test-runs.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:56:03 GMT It's fun to watch the Human and Cylon sides racing along side by side.
Enjoy!


First vid released on Nov. 18th



YouTube - BSG Test ride- Humans V Cylons
BSG Test Ride - Humans V Cylons (Released on Nov. 19th)



YouTube - BSG Test ride Humans V Cylons _part 2
BSG Test Ride - Humans V Cylons Part 2 (Released on Nov. 19th) ]]> Universal Studios Ride Warrior http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127549-universal-singapore-releases-videos-battlestar-galactica-coaster-test-runs.html Citywalk at Universal Orlando - Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127460-citywalk-universal-orlando-pictures.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:45:56 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Citywalk at Universal Orlando photographed in November 2008:
This entertainment, shopping, and dining complex is composed of multiple buildings on the edge of a lake that acts as the center of the resort property, with the entrances to the two theme parks on opposite ends.

Hard Rock Cafe and Hard Rock Live:



NBA City Restaurant:



Cineplex:







Food. Clubs. Shops.:
Most of these are clustered in a multiple-level series of buildings arranged along several outdoor walkways with a central stage and fountain plaza. Dramatic lighting and a modern vibe makes the area lively, especially at night.





















Enjoy! ]]> Universal Studios geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/universal-studios/127460-citywalk-universal-orlando-pictures.html