spacemt354
Chili's
Sounds great! The water macro theme is definitely where my head was going, as personally my favorite resort hotels tend to be located on or around water elements.
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So, You Want to be an Imagineer Season 15: Uniting Universal (Official Hub Thread)
- Thread starter TheOriginalTiki
- Start date
Sam Magic
Well-Known Member
I actually came across that stuff the other day. I remember making that map while binge listening to Jim HillI can confirm....I can also confirm you weren't there for the project either...lol And we also used non-Uni IPs like Inception, so we kinda alleviated the issue. I remember @Sam4D23 being a huge help on that project with the menus and map
Suchomimus
Well-Known Member
No map yet, but I wanted to outline how UniSea's shaping up so far.
It is to be Universal's attempt at a DisneySea quality park. Compared to the Studios first gate next door, it's more realistic, more adult-oriented, and more Old World. It's also a "legacy" park, with many older IPs chosen that have and will stand the test of time, all forming single-IP lands.
All the lands are oriented around a central landmark icon, a mountainous crag where Hogwarts Castle rests - this is the show building for Forbidden Journey. Like TDS' Mt. Prometheus, every land can see this crag, so lands are arranged for transitions and sightlines. The castle (which is also an in-park Harry Potter Hogwarts Hotel) faces lands like Hogsmeade, Transylvania and Hyrule. The crag's other side stands taller, hiding the castle, with a lagoon before it. This side faces Skull Island, Amity Village, Seuss Wilderness and Wells Docks. The Victorian London entry land uniquely can see both castle and lagoon.
Victorian London, like many a good entry land, favors shops, dining and atmosphere over attractions. Here are three (!) transportation rides - a high number like TDS largely because of how well those give that amazing park its life and movement.
- Boat transport - The park's "train," traveling waterways encircling the crag/castle. Other similar boats will ferry guests to UniMK, or to the various resort hotels.
- Hogwarts Express - It circles a corner of the park, stopping here at Platform 9 3/4, and also in Hogsmeade. The ride is the same as in Orlando. The train travels London, Transylvania and Hogsmeade, providing movement.
- Carriage transport - Horse-drawn carriages into Transylvania, mirroring Harker's journey to meet Dracula.
- West End theater venue - For hosting live Les Mis shows, and later other Broadway-caliber productions.
- Nighttime spectacular TBD - Planned for the central Hogwarts Castle and crag, but care is needed that it doesn't disturb Hogwarts hotel guests. Maybe like the Hogwarts Castle shows Universal already does.
Traveling in a circle - maybe counter clockwise - we come to...
Wells Laboratories, name very tentative, is an H.G. Well sci-fi land without any movie connections. It's still Victorian-Era England, which concerns me slightly, thought perhaps it's differentiated enough as more of a coastal countryside setting where Wells' scientists have erected a steampunk research facility at the base of a mysterious crater. Attractions include:
- War of the Worlds - An indoor/outdoor coaster against invading Martian Tripods. Coaster tracks are visually justified as subway tracks which the aliens have twisted with their lasers.
- The Time Machine - A motion-base dark ride like Spider-Man or Transformers, to the far future of the Eloi and Morlocks. Could also include trackless elements, for a branching timeline feature.
- The Island of Dr. Moreau - A "scare maze" walkthrough visiting the doctor's labs full of freakish animal-human hybrids.
Amity Village is a Jaws mini-land. Transition from coastal England to coastal New England.
- Jaws - A next-gen version of the classic ride, perhaps with some EMV tech like Indiana Jones Adventure to make it fresher.
- Dockyard playground - Because a mini-land needs an additional attraction. Climb on ships and nets and shark cages and such.
Skull Island is based mostly on the classic 1930s King Kong. From Wells Laboratories docks, guests go around (or through) Denham's moored steamer ship, to the tribal island side where it appears moored to Skull Island. Transition from Jaws via bridges amidst shipwreck rocks. The land is set immediately post-Kong, during biologist explorations of the island, with rumors abounding of another giant ape in the dangerous interior.
- Skull Island River Adventure - A reskin of the classic Jurassic Park boat ride, full of animatronics. The tall sleek building becomes Kong's skull-shaped mountain icon.
- Additional TBD ride - D or C-ticket (Maybe some sort of biplane flight sim back to NY battling Kong on the Empire State??!?!)
- Live musical show - On a stage before the massive Kong gates. We must take care to avoid the African stereotypes of the original film, so I think handling the villagers' culture in an Animal Kingdom style might work. Maybe work in elements of Denham's NY "Eighth Wonder of the World" show?
- Rock-climbing course - Like in Shanghai Disneyland
Traveling through rocky caverns we reach Seuss Wilderness/Whoville. It starts outdoors in a beach and a Truffula Tree forest (transitioned to carefully from Kong's realistic juggle), then up through a snowy mountain pass to Hyrule's Death Mountain. Along the way, ice caverns lead to the Whoville subarea, visually isolated from the rest of the park (possibly indoors). Our most family-friendly area. Should include lots of our group's good Seuss work from earlier this summer!
- Mt. Crumpet Grinch coaster - Maybe using that cantilevered coaster concept Universal proposed for Donkey Kong, where it appears sleds are leaping icy chasms.
- Horton Hears a Who dark ride - Specific ride type TBD. Found inside Whoville.
- Yertle the Turtle flat spinner - On the beach, in tortoise shells "teacups" surrounding Yertle's stack
- Lorax flat ride - Outside, possibly in a crazy Truffula harvesting machine
- Whoville playground - Exploring the wild gizmos of an average Who house
- Whoville theater - For retelling of assorted Seuss tales, for Seussical, etc.
Hyrule, the world of Zelda, is where the Hogwarts Castle again comes into view. Death Mountain is near Mt. Crumpet, then the Lost Woods are connected to Hogsmeade's Forbidden Forest. In between are Karariko Village and Hyrule Castle Town, and the sprawling Hyrule Field. I'm mostly referencing Ocarina of Time.
Attractions are still TBD here, though Hyrule ought to be highly interactive as a video game property. (Kind of a big kids land to compliment Seuss Wilderness) I've considered a shooter dark ride in a classic Zelda dungeon, switching out between arrows and bombs. Guests can even amass rupees, to use for game booths in the towns. A Lost Woods walkthrough to find the Master Sword.
Calling all Zelda fans to propose other ideas!
The expansion pad near Hyrule and Hogsmeade is planned for a medieval fantasy property such as Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. For now, licensing issues prevent them. Something like sword & sandal (Ancient Greece) would work too, regarding transitions and sightlines.
Hogsmeade near the central icon is similar to the existing Hogsmeade lands, with the wands and Butterbeer and good design. Since Hogwarts is being redesigned as a hotel, the land will expand to accommodate it, with the Flight of the Hippogriff area scaled up with new attractions in its place.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - The classic, a guaranteed anchor attraction for the park!
- Additional Potter E-ticket - Ideas we're discussing currently include a Quidditch coaster, a Quidditch flight sim, or a Hippogriff "better-than-Pandora" flight sim.
- Whomping Willow flat ride - Details TBD. (Should we do something with the Shrieking Shack too?)
- Hippogriff Encounter - Meet a realistic AA Buckbeak with a live performer Hagrid
- Walkthrough Hogwarts Castle stuff - We're discussing lots of nooks and crannies for the hotel guests. Should we open any of these up to park guests?
Lastly is Transylvania, land of the Universal Monsters. The classic 1930s monsters, not that Dark Universe stillbirth. A creepy Gothic village, distant Carpathian Mountains, etc. Ground zero for Halloween Horror Nights.
- The Mummy's Revenge - A clone of Orlando's mummy coaster, rethemed to Boris Karloff
- Dracula boat dark ride - Through flooded catacombs under his castle, perhaps with all the monsters making appearances. Think this one shouldn't have a height requirement, and should be a slower atmospheric adventure.
- Frankenstein drop tower - During the Doctor's creation experiment. (The Ride of Frankenstein!)
- Wolf-Man attraction TBD
- Black Lagoon diving bells - A flat ride I've played with before. Diving bells lower into the watery depths, the Creature attacks, bells shoot back up
- Universal Monsters Meet & Shriek
- Also possibly a live theater venue where Abbott and Costello can meet the monsters
I also had a very brief concept of an Alfred Hitchcock land, because of his importance to Universal, but it doesn't seem too rich for a theme park setting.
That's what I have right now. All suggestions are welcome, for attraction ideas, layout critiques, anything! Thanks!
StevenU
Well-Known Member
This is awesome!!! For the Harry potter land, I like the Hippogriff simulator for the 2nd E-Ticket!No map yet, but I wanted to outline how UniSea's shaping up so far.
It is to be Universal's attempt at a DisneySea quality park. Compared to the Studios first gate next door, it's more realistic, more adult-oriented, and more Old World. It's also a "legacy" park, with many older IPs chosen that have and will stand the test of time, all forming single-IP lands.
All the lands are oriented around a central landmark icon, a mountainous crag where Hogwarts Castle rests - this is the show building for Forbidden Journey. Like TDS' Mt. Prometheus, every land can see this crag, so lands are arranged for transitions and sightlines. The castle (which is also an in-park Harry Potter Hogwarts Hotel) faces lands like Hogsmeade, Transylvania and Hyrule. The crag's other side stands taller, hiding the castle, with a lagoon before it. This side faces Skull Island, Amity Village, Seuss Wilderness and Wells Docks. The Victorian London entry land uniquely can see both castle and lagoon.
Victorian London, like many a good entry land, favors shops, dining and atmosphere over attractions. Here are three (!) transportation rides - a high number like TDS largely because of how well those give that amazing park its life and movement.
- Boat transport - The park's "train," traveling waterways encircling the crag/castle. Other similar boats will ferry guests to UniMK, or to the various resort hotels.
- Hogwarts Express - It circles a corner of the park, stopping here at Platform 9 3/4, and also in Hogsmeade. The ride is the same as in Orlando. The train travels London, Transylvania and Hogsmeade, providing movement.
- Carriage transport - Horse-drawn carriages into Transylvania, mirroring Harker's journey to meet Dracula.
- West End theater venue - For hosting live Les Mis shows, and later other Broadway-caliber productions.
- Nighttime spectacular TBD - Planned for the central Hogwarts Castle and crag, but care is needed that it doesn't disturb Hogwarts hotel guests. Maybe like the Hogwarts Castle shows Universal already does.
Traveling in a circle - maybe counter clockwise - we come to...
Wells Laboratories, name very tentative, is an H.G. Well sci-fi land without any movie connections. It's still Victorian-Era England, which concerns me slightly, thought perhaps it's differentiated enough as more of a coastal countryside setting where Wells' scientists have erected a steampunk research facility at the base of a mysterious crater. Attractions include:
- War of the Worlds - An indoor/outdoor coaster against invading Martian Tripods. Coaster tracks are visually justified as subway tracks which the aliens have twisted with their lasers.
- The Time Machine - A motion-base dark ride like Spider-Man or Transformers, to the far future of the Eloi and Morlocks. Could also include trackless elements, for a branching timeline feature.
- The Island of Dr. Moreau - A "scare maze" walkthrough visiting the doctor's labs full of freakish animal-human hybrids.
Amity Village is a Jaws mini-land. Transition from coastal England to coastal New England.
- Jaws - A next-gen version of the classic ride, perhaps with some EMV tech like Indiana Jones Adventure to make it fresher.
- Dockyard playground - Because a mini-land needs an additional attraction. Climb on ships and nets and shark cages and such.
Skull Island is based mostly on the classic 1930s King Kong. From Wells Laboratories docks, guests go around (or through) Denham's moored steamer ship, to the tribal island side where it appears moored to Skull Island. Transition from Jaws via bridges amidst shipwreck rocks. The land is set immediately post-Kong, during biologist explorations of the island, with rumors abounding of another giant ape in the dangerous interior.
- Skull Island River Adventure - A reskin of the classic Jurassic Park boat ride, full of animatronics. The tall sleek building becomes Kong's skull-shaped mountain icon.
- Additional TBD ride - D or C-ticket (Maybe some sort of biplane flight sim back to NY battling Kong on the Empire State??!?!)
- Live musical show - On a stage before the massive Kong gates. We must take care to avoid the African stereotypes of the original film, so I think handling the villagers' culture in an Animal Kingdom style might work. Maybe work in elements of Denham's NY "Eighth Wonder of the World" show?
- Rock-climbing course - Like in Shanghai Disneyland
Traveling through rocky caverns we reach Seuss Wilderness/Whoville. It starts outdoors in a beach and a Truffula Tree forest (transitioned to carefully from Kong's realistic juggle), then up through a snowy mountain pass to Hyrule's Death Mountain. Along the way, ice caverns lead to the Whoville subarea, visually isolated from the rest of the park (possibly indoors). Our most family-friendly area. Should include lots of our group's good Seuss work from earlier this summer!
- Mt. Crumpet Grinch coaster - Maybe using that cantilevered coaster concept Universal proposed for Donkey Kong, where it appears sleds are leaping icy chasms.
- Horton Hears a Who dark ride - Specific ride type TBD. Found inside Whoville.
- Yertle the Turtle flat spinner - On the beach, in tortoise shells "teacups" surrounding Yertle's stack
- Lorax flat ride - Outside, possibly in a crazy Truffula harvesting machine
- Whoville playground - Exploring the wild gizmos of an average Who house
- Whoville theater - For retelling of assorted Seuss tales, for Seussical, etc.
Hyrule, the world of Zelda, is where the Hogwarts Castle again comes into view. Death Mountain is near Mt. Crumpet, then the Lost Woods are connected to Hogsmeade's Forbidden Forest. In between are Karariko Village and Hyrule Castle Town, and the sprawling Hyrule Field. I'm mostly referencing Ocarina of Time.
Attractions are still TBD here, though Hyrule ought to be highly interactive as a video game property. (Kind of a big kids land to compliment Seuss Wilderness) I've considered a shooter dark ride in a classic Zelda dungeon, switching out between arrows and bombs. Guests can even amass rupees, to use for game booths in the towns. A Lost Woods walkthrough to find the Master Sword.
Calling all Zelda fans to propose other ideas!
The expansion pad near Hyrule and Hogsmeade is planned for a medieval fantasy property such as Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. For now, licensing issues prevent them. Something like sword & sandal (Ancient Greece) would work too, regarding transitions and sightlines.
Hogsmeade near the central icon is similar to the existing Hogsmeade lands, with the wands and Butterbeer and good design. Since Hogwarts is being redesigned as a hotel, the land will expand to accommodate it, with the Flight of the Hippogriff area scaled up with new attractions in its place.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - The classic, a guaranteed anchor attraction for the park!
- Additional Potter E-ticket - Ideas we're discussing currently include a Quidditch coaster, a Quidditch flight sim, or a Hippogriff "better-than-Pandora" flight sim.
- Whomping Willow flat ride - Details TBD. (Should we do something with the Shrieking Shack too?)
- Hippogriff Encounter - Meet a realistic AA Buckbeak with a live performer Hagrid
- Walkthrough Hogwarts Castle stuff - We're discussing lots of nooks and crannies for the hotel guests. Should we open any of these up to park guests?
Lastly is Transylvania, land of the Universal Monsters. The classic 1930s monsters, not that Dark Universe stillbirth. A creepy Gothic village, distant Carpathian Mountains, etc. Ground zero for Halloween Horror Nights.
- The Mummy's Revenge - A clone of Orlando's mummy coaster, rethemed to Boris Karloff
- Dracula boat dark ride - Through flooded catacombs under his castle, perhaps with all the monsters making appearances. Think this one shouldn't have a height requirement, and should be a slower atmospheric adventure.
- Frankenstein drop tower - During the Doctor's creation experiment. (The Ride of Frankenstein!)
- Wolf-Man attraction TBD
- Black Lagoon diving bells - A flat ride I've played with before. Diving bells lower into the watery depths, the Creature attacks, bells shoot back up
- Universal Monsters Meet & Shriek
- Also possibly a live theater venue where Abbott and Costello can meet the monsters
I also had a very brief concept of an Alfred Hitchcock land, because of his importance to Universal, but it doesn't seem too rich for a theme park setting.
That's what I have right now. All suggestions are welcome, for attraction ideas, layout critiques, anything! Thanks!
spacemt354
Chili's
That was definitely a fun project, that, the Muppets, and the Tree of Life project were my favorites that season!
spacemt354
Chili's
Tag some people whose ideas and prior work will be a part of this park so they can give some feedback tooNo map yet, but I wanted to outline how UniSea's shaping up so far.
It is to be Universal's attempt at a DisneySea quality park. Compared to the Studios first gate next door, it's more realistic, more adult-oriented, and more Old World. It's also a "legacy" park, with many older IPs chosen that have and will stand the test of time, all forming single-IP lands.
All the lands are oriented around a central landmark icon, a mountainous crag where Hogwarts Castle rests - this is the show building for Forbidden Journey. Like TDS' Mt. Prometheus, every land can see this crag, so lands are arranged for transitions and sightlines. The castle (which is also an in-park Harry Potter Hogwarts Hotel) faces lands like Hogsmeade, Transylvania and Hyrule. The crag's other side stands taller, hiding the castle, with a lagoon before it. This side faces Skull Island, Amity Village, Seuss Wilderness and Wells Docks. The Victorian London entry land uniquely can see both castle and lagoon.
Victorian London, like many a good entry land, favors shops, dining and atmosphere over attractions. Here are three (!) transportation rides - a high number like TDS largely because of how well those give that amazing park its life and movement.
- Boat transport - The park's "train," traveling waterways encircling the crag/castle. Other similar boats will ferry guests to UniMK, or to the various resort hotels.
- Hogwarts Express - It circles a corner of the park, stopping here at Platform 9 3/4, and also in Hogsmeade. The ride is the same as in Orlando. The train travels London, Transylvania and Hogsmeade, providing movement.
- Carriage transport - Horse-drawn carriages into Transylvania, mirroring Harker's journey to meet Dracula.
- West End theater venue - For hosting live Les Mis shows, and later other Broadway-caliber productions.
- Nighttime spectacular TBD - Planned for the central Hogwarts Castle and crag, but care is needed that it doesn't disturb Hogwarts hotel guests. Maybe like the Hogwarts Castle shows Universal already does.
Traveling in a circle - maybe counter clockwise - we come to...
Wells Laboratories, name very tentative, is an H.G. Well sci-fi land without any movie connections. It's still Victorian-Era England, which concerns me slightly, thought perhaps it's differentiated enough as more of a coastal countryside setting where Wells' scientists have erected a steampunk research facility at the base of a mysterious crater. Attractions include:
- War of the Worlds - An indoor/outdoor coaster against invading Martian Tripods. Coaster tracks are visually justified as subway tracks which the aliens have twisted with their lasers.
- The Time Machine - A motion-base dark ride like Spider-Man or Transformers, to the far future of the Eloi and Morlocks. Could also include trackless elements, for a branching timeline feature.
- The Island of Dr. Moreau - A "scare maze" walkthrough visiting the doctor's labs full of freakish animal-human hybrids.
Amity Village is a Jaws mini-land. Transition from coastal England to coastal New England.
- Jaws - A next-gen version of the classic ride, perhaps with some EMV tech like Indiana Jones Adventure to make it fresher.
- Dockyard playground - Because a mini-land needs an additional attraction. Climb on ships and nets and shark cages and such.
Skull Island is based mostly on the classic 1930s King Kong. From Wells Laboratories docks, guests go around (or through) Denham's moored steamer ship, to the tribal island side where it appears moored to Skull Island. Transition from Jaws via bridges amidst shipwreck rocks. The land is set immediately post-Kong, during biologist explorations of the island, with rumors abounding of another giant ape in the dangerous interior.
- Skull Island River Adventure - A reskin of the classic Jurassic Park boat ride, full of animatronics. The tall sleek building becomes Kong's skull-shaped mountain icon.
- Additional TBD ride - D or C-ticket (Maybe some sort of biplane flight sim back to NY battling Kong on the Empire State??!?!)
- Live musical show - On a stage before the massive Kong gates. We must take care to avoid the African stereotypes of the original film, so I think handling the villagers' culture in an Animal Kingdom style might work. Maybe work in elements of Denham's NY "Eighth Wonder of the World" show?
- Rock-climbing course - Like in Shanghai Disneyland
Traveling through rocky caverns we reach Seuss Wilderness/Whoville. It starts outdoors in a beach and a Truffula Tree forest (transitioned to carefully from Kong's realistic juggle), then up through a snowy mountain pass to Hyrule's Death Mountain. Along the way, ice caverns lead to the Whoville subarea, visually isolated from the rest of the park (possibly indoors). Our most family-friendly area. Should include lots of our group's good Seuss work from earlier this summer!
- Mt. Crumpet Grinch coaster - Maybe using that cantilevered coaster concept Universal proposed for Donkey Kong, where it appears sleds are leaping icy chasms.
- Horton Hears a Who dark ride - Specific ride type TBD. Found inside Whoville.
- Yertle the Turtle flat spinner - On the beach, in tortoise shells "teacups" surrounding Yertle's stack
- Lorax flat ride - Outside, possibly in a crazy Truffula harvesting machine
- Whoville playground - Exploring the wild gizmos of an average Who house
- Whoville theater - For retelling of assorted Seuss tales, for Seussical, etc.
Hyrule, the world of Zelda, is where the Hogwarts Castle again comes into view. Death Mountain is near Mt. Crumpet, then the Lost Woods are connected to Hogsmeade's Forbidden Forest. In between are Karariko Village and Hyrule Castle Town, and the sprawling Hyrule Field. I'm mostly referencing Ocarina of Time.
Attractions are still TBD here, though Hyrule ought to be highly interactive as a video game property. (Kind of a big kids land to compliment Seuss Wilderness) I've considered a shooter dark ride in a classic Zelda dungeon, switching out between arrows and bombs. Guests can even amass rupees, to use for game booths in the towns. A Lost Woods walkthrough to find the Master Sword.
Calling all Zelda fans to propose other ideas!
The expansion pad near Hyrule and Hogsmeade is planned for a medieval fantasy property such as Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. For now, licensing issues prevent them. Something like sword & sandal (Ancient Greece) would work too, regarding transitions and sightlines.
Hogsmeade near the central icon is similar to the existing Hogsmeade lands, with the wands and Butterbeer and good design. Since Hogwarts is being redesigned as a hotel, the land will expand to accommodate it, with the Flight of the Hippogriff area scaled up with new attractions in its place.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - The classic, a guaranteed anchor attraction for the park!
- Additional Potter E-ticket - Ideas we're discussing currently include a Quidditch coaster, a Quidditch flight sim, or a Hippogriff "better-than-Pandora" flight sim.
- Whomping Willow flat ride - Details TBD. (Should we do something with the Shrieking Shack too?)
- Hippogriff Encounter - Meet a realistic AA Buckbeak with a live performer Hagrid
- Walkthrough Hogwarts Castle stuff - We're discussing lots of nooks and crannies for the hotel guests. Should we open any of these up to park guests?
Lastly is Transylvania, land of the Universal Monsters. The classic 1930s monsters, not that Dark Universe stillbirth. A creepy Gothic village, distant Carpathian Mountains, etc. Ground zero for Halloween Horror Nights.
- The Mummy's Revenge - A clone of Orlando's mummy coaster, rethemed to Boris Karloff
- Dracula boat dark ride - Through flooded catacombs under his castle, perhaps with all the monsters making appearances. Think this one shouldn't have a height requirement, and should be a slower atmospheric adventure.
- Frankenstein drop tower - During the Doctor's creation experiment. (The Ride of Frankenstein!)
- Wolf-Man attraction TBD
- Black Lagoon diving bells - A flat ride I've played with before. Diving bells lower into the watery depths, the Creature attacks, bells shoot back up
- Universal Monsters Meet & Shriek
- Also possibly a live theater venue where Abbott and Costello can meet the monsters
I also had a very brief concept of an Alfred Hitchcock land, because of his importance to Universal, but it doesn't seem too rich for a theme park setting.
That's what I have right now. All suggestions are welcome, for attraction ideas, layout critiques, anything! Thanks!
@JokersWild
@FigmentPigments
@AceAstro
themazethinker
Well-Known Member
spacemt354
Chili's
Some thoughts for the Greece side of the Mediterranean resorts
spacemt354
Chili's
And for the Italian side -- Venice could be good thematic location to go along with the water aesthetic.
spacemt354
Chili's
I just remembered that this resort idea of having both Italian and Greek influences...we did this in The House Cup last year on Gryffindor with Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa! @Fox&Hound @Tony the Tigger @GrandCanyonConcourse and more were a part of it!
(unfortunately the artwork is gone) but you can read it if you'd like. Definitely would like to improve off of this for these new resorts!
(unfortunately the artwork is gone) but you can read it if you'd like.
Definitely would like to improve off of this for these new resorts!Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa
Resort Address/Phone
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 532-8000
Number of Rooms: 1,132 (566 Larissa/566 Sicily)
Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-Out: 11:00 AM
Resort Area: Epcot
Category: Deluxe
Online Check-In: Yes
Express Check-Out: Yes
Resort Airline Check-in: Yes
Conference Center: Yes
Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa is nestled on Crescent Lake in-between Disney's Yacht Club and Disney's Boardwalk Resorts. Themed to the seaside paradises of Italy and Greece, the Ionian Sea separates areas such as Sicily, Italy, from the shores of Greece. This resort hopes to blend together the two themes in a seaside paradise that combines the relaxing coasts of both nations together as one. A deluxe resort on Disney property, you'll experience all of the amenities and services of a 5 star Disney experience, with the tranquil backdrops and scenic environments that make the on-property resorts, distinctly Disney. Just a stone's throw away from Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and the Boardwalk entertainment district, this resort is perched in the most prime of locations in all of Walt Disney World Resort. Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa will give guests the seaside serenity for a relaxing vacation.
Services/Amenities
- Wi-Fi Service (complimentary wi-fi access in guest rooms, main lobbies, and pools around the resort)
- Signature Dining Options (table service, quick-service, and poolside bars)
- Business Center (computer, printing, shipping, and office supplies readily available)
- Designated smoking areas (corners of the resort)
- Locker Rentals (Near the Mediterranean Bay)
- Valet and Self-Parking options
-24-Hour ATM (near the concierge desk)
- Child Activity Center
- Housekeeping Service (bed sheets changed every 3rd night. Addition pillows, disability aids, towels, and replenished amenities upon request)
- Ice and Vending Machines (one on every floor and poolside)
- Laundry Self-Service (near the quiet pool areas)
- Concierge Service (purchase, upgrade tickets, and special requests)
- Spa and Health Club
- Room Service
- Safekeeping (in-room safes)
- Rapid Fill Stations (for re-fillable mugs)
- Wake up Call service
- Disability Service (call 407-595-8000)
Transportation Service (complimentary Magical Express, bus, and boat service)
Larissa and Sicily Area Descriptions
Divided into two distinct areas connected by bridges and a central marketplace, Larissa (representing Greece) and Sicily (representing Italy) these two areas have unique architectural tones that offer a variety of options for guests who prefer different styles. The Larissa side consists of seven buildings, each standing 3-4 stories in the air, reminiscent of towns you'd see on the Greece seashores. The Sicily area is designed into a rock formation that is modeled after Italian seaside towns that build into the coastline. The Sicily side stands 10 stories in the air and has varying floor plans based on what floor you are on to accompany the aesthetic design. There is land allocated for a future DVC Resort themed to the Sicilian Village by the coast.
Larissa Facade
Sicily Facade
Larissa (Greece) Lobby
The Larissa Lobby area accents the seaside flair of the resort as a whole. With sand colored walls, light blue furniture and a southern European design to the amenities and images, you as the guest are transported to the eastern side of the Ionian Sea for a seaside paradise. With Check-In on your left, and the concierge desk right next to it, you can check-in quickly and head to your rooms. Complimentary golf carts are available if your building is farther away and you are in need of any assistance. There is also a children's tv area close by the front desk so children can be entertained for the brief while. The decorations of the lobby are filled with Greek influence of Athenian portraits and some Greek historical figures. There are also two fountains in the middle of the walking area in the lobby offering an aquatic accent in the lobby as well.
Sicily (Italy) Lobby
While the Larissa area of the resort is more brightly colored, sandy, and reminiscent of the European seashore, the Sicily side, while still maintaining a seaside environment, is decorated in a more regal fashion, with mahogany colors and deeper browns on the interior. Plants and foliage around the main seating area offer a different aesthetic than the fountains of the Larissa side of the resort. The main check in desk is a mirror image of the Larissa side, as well as the children's play area. For specific requests, guests should contact the staff of their specific resort area. While Disney's Ionian Resort is one umbrella of a destination, the specific areas offer more expedited and specific services to their guests.
Resort Rooms
Larissa Standard Room
Transitioning with the same flair as the lobby decor and the sandy beach-fronts of the Ionian Sea, the Larissa rooms have blue carpets with teal blue shades. Light brown woods permeate the room and all rooms have a balcony that either looks out onto the Lagoon, Garden, or Pool.
Sicily Standard Room
The lobby influences are apparent as you travel up to the 1 of 10 floors in the Sicilian area and traverse to your room, which is furnished with dark furniture, red carpets and shades, as well as pictures from Italy hanging on the walls. Due to the proximity to Epcot and the height of some of the rooms, a scenic view of Epcot can be seen from most of the rooms, offering great fireworks in-room viewing locations on the Epcot side, and the Star Wars Fireworks on the Hollywood Studios side.
Approximate Number of Rooms in Each Category:
Standard Room
Lagoon View
Pool View
Maximum Number of People: 5 people
Square Footage: 390 sq. ft
Room Contents
All rooms at both the Sicilian and Larissa areas of the resort will sleep up to 5 adults comfortably. All standard rooms have two queen beds and a day bed. All rooms have an alarm clock with an mp3 player, mini-fridge, coffee maker with tea and coffee setups, dresser, desk and lounge chair, or couch, ice bucket, iron and ironing board, telephone, and television. All rooms also have a deck with patio chairs.
Club Level Rooms
The Almafi Lounge is the 10th floor of the Silician area of the resort and home to the concierge lounge. The lounge is open from 7am till 11pm and serves a continental breakfast in the morning, snacks and coldcuts in the afternoon, hot
hors d'oeurves in the evening, as well as desserts and spirits later in the night. The concierge staff also can assist the guests on the floor with Fastpass scheduling or any resort booking options.
Club Level Rooms Categories
Standard View (sleeps 5): 23
Lagoon View (sleeps 5): 32
Pool View (sleeps 5): 14
1 Bedroom Suite (sleeps 7): 5
2 Bedroom Suite (sleeps 9): 5
Vice Presidential Suite (sleeps 9): 1
Presidential Suite (sleeps 11): 1
Resort Dining
There are a variety of dining options for guests at Disney's Ionian Resort to choose from, with varying price ranges as well.
2 Greek Restaurants (one quick service, one table service)
Dal Mare Cafe/By The Sea Cafe
Located off the lobby of the Sicilian Area of the resort is Dal Mare Cafe, inspired by the seaside flair of the coast of Italy. Carved into the rock side of the shoreline, this is a unique dining location in the resort, that provides the authentic Italian coastline atmosphere to go along with the table service environment.
Disney Dining Plan and Tables in Wonderland Card are accepted.
Menù Della Cena/Dinner Menu
Antipasti/Starter
Calimari Fritte - $10.99
Fried Calimari with cocktail sauce
Bruschetta - $9.99
Toasted Bread served with tomatoes, basil, and cheese.
Capesante e Pomodori - $10.99
Sample of Scallops with tomato dressing
Granchio Reale - $14.99
King Crab meat served with lemon wedges and basil toppings
Sperlani - $11.99
Smelts with a lettuce side
Gamberoni - $12.99
Jumbo Shrimp served with cocktail sauce.
Zucchini Fritte - $8.99
Fried Zucchini with a ranch dipping sauce.
Zuppe e Insalate/Soups and Salads
Basilico Pomodoro - $9.99
House-made basil and tomato soup.
Granchio - $10.99
Crab Soup with crackers on the side
Insalata di Gamberetti - $10.99
Shrimp salad served with vinegrette sauce and seasoning.
Insalata di Formaggio Blu - $11.99
Blue Chesse Salad with tossed vegetables.
Insalata di Caprese - $11.99
Mozzarella, cucumbers, red onions with a house dressing.
Entrata/Entrees
Pesce Spada - $31.99
Swordfish with vegetables and a rice topping with lemon wedges
Platessa - $24.99
Flounder served with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables.
Pollo Grigliato - $25.99
Grilled Chicken with roasted peppers and a house dressing.
Spaghetti e Polpette - $26.99
By the Sea's signature spaghetti and meatball dish - Chef's Choice
Linguine e Vongole - $25.99
Linguine with clams and clam sauce
Tofu Italiano - $23.99
Vegan option - served with vegetables
Corvino's
A high-class, exclusive dinner restaurant rivaling Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Corvino's offers the finest in Mediterranean fish and cuisine, offering a romantic location on the shores of Crescent Lake.
Jacket and Tie required for this dining location.
Disney Dining Plan not accepted.
Tables in Wonderland Card Accepted.
Corvino's Dinner Menu
First Course
Sicilian Caviar (1 oz) - $210.00
Sicialian Caviar (1/2 oz) - $105.00
Second Course
Salted Baccala, lemon wedges, with a basil topping - $48.99
Third Course
Seared Crab off the coast of Cioppino - $35.99
Fourth Course
Sicilian Lobster - $39.99
Roasted Duck - $40.00
Filet Mignon - $60.00
all served with sides of grilled asparagus, roasted carrots, toasted capers, and house sauce.
Fifth Course
Chocolata Gelato - $10.99
Cherry Mousse Cake - $8.99
Gelato Ice Cream Shop
In the Mediterranean Marketplace in-between the two areas of the resort, on the corner of the area you'll find a quaint gelato shop service up a variety of flavors and sweets. Open from 10am - 11pm daily. Tables in Wonderland Cars accepted.
Volare Lounge
Off the lobby of the Sicilian area is the Volare Lounge. Open from 12pm - 12am, this serves quick service lunch and dinner, along with a variety of mixed drinks, wines, beers, and liquors throughout and into the evening.
Pools and Recreation
Mediterranean Bay
In-between the Larissa and Sicilian areas of the resort is the resort's main pool area, Mediterranean Bay. With a variety of activities for the whole family, you can walk along and sit under umbrellas, available tents, or shaded areas by the poolside bar. The 300 ft waterslide also gives kids and kids at heart an exciting addition to the pool, which contains waterfalls, Jacuzzi, and a lazy river attachment.
In addition, there are two quiet pools (a 3rd for the future DVC area when it is built)
There are a variety of poolside activities scheduled during the day, such as water volleyball tournaments, Disney trivia, and other family aquatic games to keep everyone entertained.
Tennis Courts
Complimentary tennis balls and rackets available at the Mediterranean Bay Guest Service station. Private tennis lessons are available for a fee.
Volleyball
Next to the Tennis courts and along the sands of the main pool area is a sand volleyball court. Complimentary volleyballs are available at the Guest Service Station.
Jogging Trail
Crescent Lake Loop (0.8 miles)
Children's Playground
Next to Mediterranean Bay, there is a children's play area open throughout the main pool hours.
Mini-Golf
Guests of Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa have a walking trail access to a 9 hole mini-golf course located behind the Larissa side of the resort.
Guided Bass Fishing Tours (Catch-and Release)
For a fee, a guide will take your party on a tour of Crescent Lake for a catch and release fishing excursion. Times at 7am, 10am, 1pm. For reservations call (407)-WDW-BASS or talk to the concierge desk about more information.
Olympia Spa and Fitness Center
On the Larissa side of the resort, you'll find the Spa and Fitness center at Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa. Here you will have 24 hour access to a strength training/cardio workout center.
In addition, the Spa has massage treatments, a salon, facials, as well as a sauna.
Shopping - still needed
Transportation
Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa has an eclectic variety of transportation options to get around Walt Disney World. Due to its location between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, those transportation options become very convenient.
Magic Kingdom
Bus (begins 45 minutes before park opening and up until 2 hours after park closing)
Walk/Monorail (walk through Epcot to the Epcot Monorail Station, exchange at the TTC)
Epcot
Walk/Boat (Boat begins at 8am on regular days)
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walk/Boat (Boat begins at 8am on regular days)
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Bus (begins 45 minutes before park opening and up until 2 hours after park closing)
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
Bus (begins 30 minutes before park opening and up until 1 hours after park closing)
Disney Springs
Bus (available 9am-2am)
Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Walk/Boat (Boat begins at 8am on regular days)
*Note that the bus stop(s) is located near the Epcot Resorts Blvd. There is one for the Larissa side of the resort and one for the Sicilian side of the resort.
Conclusion
Overall, Disney's Ionian Resort and Spa brings the seaside European vibe to the Crescent Lake Epcot Resort Area, seamlessly blending in with the other seaside options of the Yacht and Beach Club, as well as the Boardwalk Inn. This resort offers a sampling of a variety of different shopping, dining, and recreational activities that adds another unique deluxe resort offering for Walt Disney World.
On behalf of the cast of Gryffindor, we thank you for reading our final presentation in The House Cup and best of luck to the rest of the Houses in the finale.
Disney Dad 3000
Well-Known Member
Maybe a Asian or more specifically hong kong themed hotel backing up to that part of the park and use HK inspired boats for transport.
Greek and Italian both work as well. We worked on a Greek hotel during HC I think or at some point and that look could be really something.
D Hulk
Well-Known Member
And for the Italian side -- Venice could be good thematic location to go along with the water aesthetic.
spacemt354
Chili's
Ah thats right! Two teams ended up going that route.
spacemt354
Chili's
great photo on the gondola!
The Excavator
Well-Known Member
I remember really liking the Greek hotel.
An Asian themed resort for the Hong Kong land, and another resort for the UniSEA park? If we're using the same scaled as Universal the top hotels are premiere, then preferred, then prime value. I have a few in mind for a Dr. Suess prime value resort and a Nintendo preferred resort.
CreateDisney
Active Member
Wow, this sounds fun! I agree the pink berets were the best part of the film
CreateDisney
Active Member
So you want an LPS ride for it right? I'm assuming with universal it will involve screens a bit, but some AAs of the Pink Berets mixed in could be a nice touch.
Suchomimus
Well-Known Member
There is actually one thing I would criticize and that is with having Platform 9 3/4 in Victorian London (even though the Platform was there since the station was built). My biggest concern with that is chronological consistency since Harry Potter takes place from 1991-1998 and since the train used in the films was a GWR 4900 (or Hall) Class built in 1936 (the first Class members being built in 1928), so are we going to use a different locomotive; wether it be model after an existing one?No map yet, but I wanted to outline how UniSea's shaping up so far.
It is to be Universal's attempt at a DisneySea quality park. Compared to the Studios first gate next door, it's more realistic, more adult-oriented, and more Old World. It's also a "legacy" park, with many older IPs chosen that have and will stand the test of time, all forming single-IP lands.
All the lands are oriented around a central landmark icon, a mountainous crag where Hogwarts Castle rests - this is the show building for Forbidden Journey. Like TDS' Mt. Prometheus, every land can see this crag, so lands are arranged for transitions and sightlines. The castle (which is also an in-park Harry Potter Hogwarts Hotel) faces lands like Hogsmeade, Transylvania and Hyrule. The crag's other side stands taller, hiding the castle, with a lagoon before it. This side faces Skull Island, Amity Village, Seuss Wilderness and Wells Docks. The Victorian London entry land uniquely can see both castle and lagoon.
Victorian London, like many a good entry land, favors shops, dining and atmosphere over attractions. Here are three (!) transportation rides - a high number like TDS largely because of how well those give that amazing park its life and movement.
- Boat transport - The park's "train," traveling waterways encircling the crag/castle. Other similar boats will ferry guests to UniMK, or to the various resort hotels.
- Hogwarts Express - It circles a corner of the park, stopping here at Platform 9 3/4, and also in Hogsmeade. The ride is the same as in Orlando. The train travels London, Transylvania and Hogsmeade, providing movement.
- Carriage transport - Horse-drawn carriages into Transylvania, mirroring Harker's journey to meet Dracula.
- West End theater venue - For hosting live Les Mis shows, and later other Broadway-caliber productions.
- Nighttime spectacular TBD - Planned for the central Hogwarts Castle and crag, but care is needed that it doesn't disturb Hogwarts hotel guests. Maybe like the Hogwarts Castle shows Universal already does.
Traveling in a circle - maybe counter clockwise - we come to...
Wells Laboratories, name very tentative, is an H.G. Well sci-fi land without any movie connections. It's still Victorian-Era England, which concerns me slightly, thought perhaps it's differentiated enough as more of a coastal countryside setting where Wells' scientists have erected a steampunk research facility at the base of a mysterious crater. Attractions include:
- War of the Worlds - An indoor/outdoor coaster against invading Martian Tripods. Coaster tracks are visually justified as subway tracks which the aliens have twisted with their lasers.
- The Time Machine - A motion-base dark ride like Spider-Man or Transformers, to the far future of the Eloi and Morlocks. Could also include trackless elements, for a branching timeline feature.
- The Island of Dr. Moreau - A "scare maze" walkthrough visiting the doctor's labs full of freakish animal-human hybrids.
Amity Village is a Jaws mini-land. Transition from coastal England to coastal New England.
- Jaws - A next-gen version of the classic ride, perhaps with some EMV tech like Indiana Jones Adventure to make it fresher.
- Dockyard playground - Because a mini-land needs an additional attraction. Climb on ships and nets and shark cages and such.
Skull Island is based mostly on the classic 1930s King Kong. From Wells Laboratories docks, guests go around (or through) Denham's moored steamer ship, to the tribal island side where it appears moored to Skull Island. Transition from Jaws via bridges amidst shipwreck rocks. The land is set immediately post-Kong, during biologist explorations of the island, with rumors abounding of another giant ape in the dangerous interior.
- Skull Island River Adventure - A reskin of the classic Jurassic Park boat ride, full of animatronics. The tall sleek building becomes Kong's skull-shaped mountain icon.
- Additional TBD ride - D or C-ticket (Maybe some sort of biplane flight sim back to NY battling Kong on the Empire State??!?!)
- Live musical show - On a stage before the massive Kong gates. We must take care to avoid the African stereotypes of the original film, so I think handling the villagers' culture in an Animal Kingdom style might work. Maybe work in elements of Denham's NY "Eighth Wonder of the World" show?
- Rock-climbing course - Like in Shanghai Disneyland
Traveling through rocky caverns we reach Seuss Wilderness/Whoville. It starts outdoors in a beach and a Truffula Tree forest (transitioned to carefully from Kong's realistic juggle), then up through a snowy mountain pass to Hyrule's Death Mountain. Along the way, ice caverns lead to the Whoville subarea, visually isolated from the rest of the park (possibly indoors). Our most family-friendly area. Should include lots of our group's good Seuss work from earlier this summer!
- Mt. Crumpet Grinch coaster - Maybe using that cantilevered coaster concept Universal proposed for Donkey Kong, where it appears sleds are leaping icy chasms.
- Horton Hears a Who dark ride - Specific ride type TBD. Found inside Whoville.
- Yertle the Turtle flat spinner - On the beach, in tortoise shells "teacups" surrounding Yertle's stack
- Lorax flat ride - Outside, possibly in a crazy Truffula harvesting machine
- Whoville playground - Exploring the wild gizmos of an average Who house
- Whoville theater - For retelling of assorted Seuss tales, for Seussical, etc.
Hyrule, the world of Zelda, is where the Hogwarts Castle again comes into view. Death Mountain is near Mt. Crumpet, then the Lost Woods are connected to Hogsmeade's Forbidden Forest. In between are Karariko Village and Hyrule Castle Town, and the sprawling Hyrule Field. I'm mostly referencing Ocarina of Time.
Attractions are still TBD here, though Hyrule ought to be highly interactive as a video game property. (Kind of a big kids land to compliment Seuss Wilderness) I've considered a shooter dark ride in a classic Zelda dungeon, switching out between arrows and bombs. Guests can even amass rupees, to use for game booths in the towns. A Lost Woods walkthrough to find the Master Sword.
Calling all Zelda fans to propose other ideas!
The expansion pad near Hyrule and Hogsmeade is planned for a medieval fantasy property such as Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. For now, licensing issues prevent them. Something like sword & sandal (Ancient Greece) would work too, regarding transitions and sightlines.
Hogsmeade near the central icon is similar to the existing Hogsmeade lands, with the wands and Butterbeer and good design. Since Hogwarts is being redesigned as a hotel, the land will expand to accommodate it, with the Flight of the Hippogriff area scaled up with new attractions in its place.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - The classic, a guaranteed anchor attraction for the park!
- Additional Potter E-ticket - Ideas we're discussing currently include a Quidditch coaster, a Quidditch flight sim, or a Hippogriff "better-than-Pandora" flight sim.
- Whomping Willow flat ride - Details TBD. (Should we do something with the Shrieking Shack too?)
- Hippogriff Encounter - Meet a realistic AA Buckbeak with a live performer Hagrid
- Walkthrough Hogwarts Castle stuff - We're discussing lots of nooks and crannies for the hotel guests. Should we open any of these up to park guests?
Lastly is Transylvania, land of the Universal Monsters. The classic 1930s monsters, not that Dark Universe stillbirth. A creepy Gothic village, distant Carpathian Mountains, etc. Ground zero for Halloween Horror Nights.
- The Mummy's Revenge - A clone of Orlando's mummy coaster, rethemed to Boris Karloff
- Dracula boat dark ride - Through flooded catacombs under his castle, perhaps with all the monsters making appearances. Think this one shouldn't have a height requirement, and should be a slower atmospheric adventure.
- Frankenstein drop tower - During the Doctor's creation experiment. (The Ride of Frankenstein!)
- Wolf-Man attraction TBD
- Black Lagoon diving bells - A flat ride I've played with before. Diving bells lower into the watery depths, the Creature attacks, bells shoot back up
- Universal Monsters Meet & Shriek
- Also possibly a live theater venue where Abbott and Costello can meet the monsters
I also had a very brief concept of an Alfred Hitchcock land, because of his importance to Universal, but it doesn't seem too rich for a theme park setting.
That's what I have right now. All suggestions are welcome, for attraction ideas, layout critiques, anything! Thanks!
Or more original like Jim Kay's portrayal?
spacemt354
Chili's
I have 3 goals for this weekend
- Work on a concept art piece for your Pink Berets facade/attraction
- Isla Nublar Resort
- The 2 Mediterranean resorts
Will keep you posted - should be tonight or tomorrow
brb1006
Well-Known Member
A bit a screens but less than most Universal rides. I'm picturing the set design for the ride to be similar to The Cat In The Hat attraction where it's all sets with a few characters but much longer. I'm mostly thinking of what the preshow area would look like from the inside. I am picturing the preshow to be a bit like Symbolica at Efteling in The Netherlands.