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Universal Orlando
Timelines:
12/14/18
More construction on the Terminator 2 space. These include removal of screens, the stage being widened and deepened for stunt actors, and the removal of various Terminator left overs (including sales on merch). (
★ )
12/21/18
Two snack and merch carts removed from Kidzone (apparently removed months earlier, but wasn't noticed until the 21st). (
★ )
1/7/19
Beverly Hills Boulangerie closes, leaving only three attractions left from the opening day of the park. (
★ )
1/10/19
Universal reveals their line up for their Mardi Gras concerts, as well as food options. (
★ )(
★ )
1/16/19
Two weeks left to enjoy a Universal AP section. (
★ )
1/17/19
(☄)1: Construction begins on Beverly Hills Boulangerie, with permits revealing it will become Today Show Cafe. (
★ )
1/29/19
Preparations for Mardi Gras are underway. (
★ )
New steel up at entrance of Today Show Cafe. (
★ )
2/2/19
E.T Adventure temporarily closes. (
★ )
2/4/19
A new system is put in place at E.T. Adventure. A ride operator stops the vehicle at unload and reminds guests to keep their arms and legs in the vehicle at all times. Next, the ride operator makes sure the feet are in the vehicle, pops up the lap bars, before everyone can leave. (
★ )(
★ )
2/6/19
Glitter farting troll debuts. (
★ )
2/7/19
Universal sends out reminder about Halloween Horror Nights and sends out a special package to get into HHN for free. (
★ )
2/8/19
All of the effects on Men in Black Alien Attack have been restored. (
★ )
2/15/19
Footage of the test track for Men in Black Alien Attack has been found. (
★ )(
★ )
2/22/19
Plants begin to block doors for T2 3D replacement. Sounded like things moving around inside. (
★ )
2/27/19
(☄)1/3: Universal announces that Beverly Hills Boulangerie will be replaced by the New TODAY Cafe. (
★ )
3/11/19
(☄)4/5/6: A lawsuit was filed by the mother of a Brazilian boy who got his foot and leg crushed on E.T. Adventure. (
★ )
3/15/19
Universal extended life of Annual Passholder lounge near Schwab's Pharmacy until December 31st. (
★ )
3/25/19
Nothing will happen to the Springfield area post Disney buyout. (
★ )
3/27/19
Universal announces a return of the Stranger Things maze to Haunted Horror Nights. This maze will be themed to the second and third seasons of the show. Haunted Horror Nights also gets a starting date of September 6th. (
★ )
Rumors:
1/7/19
Beverly Hills Boulangerie to become Today Show Cafe. (
★ )(
★ )(☄)1
Note, the following might be more fact than rumor, however due to specific circumstances, all events related to the ET foot rumor will be here, besides actual modifications to the ride.
2/2/19
A kid's foot was seriously injured on the ride E.T. Adventure. Some confirmation of the incident exists from the ride's closure and a tweet. (
★ )(
★ )(
★ )(☄)4
2/4/19
More about the E.T. foot rumor comes out. Several team members heard of it, with some having more details than others. A guest sticks their foot out on the E.T. Adventure ride, during unload, the foot is twisted to a 180 degree position. The reason why it isn't on the news is because incidents can often not make it to the news. (
★ )(☄)5
2/10/19
Universal Creative realized the screens issue when it was too late to abort Jimmy Fallon and Fast and Furious Supercharged was an order from "above" that failed spectacularly. The F&F story may not be over yet. (
★ )
2/14/19
More info about the E.T. Adventure foot rumor. People who have seen the incident report claim that the guest was taken to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital on January 31st for a compound fracture. Universal is unsure how to proceed with E.T. changes for safety. A cage or some sort of enclosure may be built around the foot supports. (
★ )(☄)6
2/21/19
Today Show Cafe may have been renamed to Today Cafe. (
★ )(☄)3
2/22/19
Some type of rehearsals have started inside T2 3D building. (
★ )
3/7/19
Today Cafe features many of Al Roker's favorite recipes. The restaurant features pastries, salads, sandwiches, and locally roasted coffees. You will be able to grab items on the go. Annual Passholders can get food discounts at the Today Cafe. Today cafe has a special coffee blend. Menu items include Classic Italian Sandwiches, Avocado Toast, and a Cheese Platter. (
★ )
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Islands of Adventure
News
3/21/19
Islands of Adventures to introduce themed scents in each island's restrooms. The scents will also change during the seasons, such as gingerbread during Christmas season. (
★ )
3/22/19
The bathroom scents have been installed. They are a computer controlled system by premium scenting. (
★ )
Reports coming in of each scent, they are:
Suess Landing: Cotton Candy
Toon Lagoon: Ocean Breeze
Jurassic Park: Woodsy Jungle
Hogsmede and Lost Continent: Unknown, but pleasant (possibly butterbeer)
Marvel: Musky Cologne (
★ )
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Third Park (Fantastic Worlds)
News
1/20/19
Warner Bros. might be trying to prevent Universal's registration of the Fantastic Worlds trademark. (
★ )
2/12/19
Universal has revised it's map for it's "fourth gate" plans. (
★ )
A look into the plans shows a parking lot, road changes, and all of the roads leading to the center of the park. (
★ )
3/2/19
Biggest setback is cleaning contaminants left over by previous owners. (
★ )
3/6/19
Just a couple hours were left for Warner Bros. to make their case for Fantastic Worlds trademark. (
★ )
Rumors:
1/16/19
Universal watching sales of classic monsters merch to gauge interest in a monsters themed land. (
★ )
1/28/19
There is a leaked document for Fantastic Worlds. It includes theming for all areas (including bathrooms), a large amount of space for future expansion to make new lands, and a hub and spoke design (think Disneyland). (
★ )
2/2/19
Another video game IP outside of Nintendo. (
★ )
2/20/19
Might have a Universal Monsters Land, however, if budget cut or a better idea comes along, the land may be axed. The park will also have a lot of expansion room so Universal won't have to replace one IP with another. (
★ )
2/25/19
A new leak for a Universal Classic Monsters Land has arrived. Attractions range from dark rides, to walk through mazes, to a boat ride themed to Creature from the Black Lagoon. The land will be themed to the classic monsters, rather than designs from reboots. (
★ )
3/2/19
One of the classic monster rides is a kuka arm. (
★ )
2023 to 2025 is the suitable opening year for the park to be finished. (
★ )
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Volcano Bay
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Jurassic Park/World
News
12/21/18
Permits for a Camp Cretaceous released, a possible retheme of Camp Jurassic to fit Jurassic World. (
★ )
1/15/19
Work walls have arrived at the Jurassic Park coaster space. (
★ )
1/16/19
Walls put up in Discovery Center. (
★ )
Directional sign by Jurassic Waterfront is wiped of words. (
★ )
1/17/19
Bypass bridge between Lost Continent and Jurassic Park to close from January 22nd to the summer. (
★ )
New permits for changes in the Jurassic Park area, probably related to the movement of Raptor Encounter. (
★ )
1/18/19
Work walls have a dinosaur logo on it that is generic enough to be for either Park or World. (
★ )
1/19/19
Land clearing begins for the coaster. (
★ )
A wall is put in front of Discovery Center, where the coaster will pass through the waterfront. (
★ )
1/22/19
New permits for Jurassic Park. All four seem to be related to the relocation of Raptor Encounter. (
★ )(
★ )
1/23/19
Ponds across Burger Digs to be paved over. Possible new home of Jurassic Games. (
★ )
1/25/19
During an earnings call, Universal mentioned multiple Jurassic World attractions. (
★ )
1/29/19
Dino claw lanterns have been removed. (
★ )
No more guest access to any part of the waterfront. (
★ )
Massive amounts of land clearing begin at Jurassic Waterfront. (
★ )
2/8/19
Two remnants from Triceratops Encounter still available at the prop shop. (
★ )
2/25/19
Poop scoop from Triceratops Encounter spotted at prop shop. (
★ )
3/5/19
Permit for what appears to be Jurassic World Coaster's main structures released. (
★ )
3/12/19
Rear windows in Discovery Center covered in transparent foliage images. (
★ )
3/21/19
Jurassic Park jeep refurbished. (
★ )
3/29/19
Permit for what appears to be for new Raptor Encounter location. (
★ )
Rumors:
1/8/19
Jurassic Park Midway Games to remain intact, with a potential to move to somewhere else. (
★ )
1/15/19
Universal is possibly teasing the Jurassic World ride(s) with the...egg meme. (
★ )
1/18/19
Jurassic Park coaster potential layout has been drawn out. It is going to be built by Intamin and is going to be the fastest multi launch coaster in the world. It will also have several themed elements. (
★ )(
★ )
1/25/19
VR Gyroscope ride, with stunning results. (
★ )
2/7/19
The rollercoaster will begin with a new show scene, perhaps with the raptors. The coaster then goes through caves, jungles, rock work, and other themed elements. It will contain several inversions and two launches. The second launch might go into a "top hat" (very tall track that goes 90 degrees up and then down). After "top hat" the train will go up to speeds of 70 miles per hour. The coaster goes near Hogsmede, does a 540 degrees rotation before going over the lagoon. Before ending, the guests encounter the raptors again in an enclosed section, perhaps a training expert will save the day. The ride will feel like a Jurassic World ride with characters and raptor theming, but will technically take place at Jurassic Park. The color scheme might be similar to the color scheme of Hollywood's upcoming Jurassic World River Adventure. (
★ )
If the Jurassic World ride at Hollywood does well, the one at Orlando will be transformed as well. This will lead to an entire retheme of the land. (
★ )
Jurassic games to be relocated or demolished. Relocation expected at the back of the discovery center. Two ponds are there that will be filled over to make way for seating and carnival games. (
★ )
Raptor Encounter will be moved by Pizza Predatoria. (
★ )
Bypass Bridge in between Hogsmede and Jurassic Park to be rebuilt into a more permanent structure. A new waterfront courtyard will be built to watch the coaster. (
★ )
Opening at summer 2021 at the latest. Construction could take 1 and a half years, however, so it could open summer 2020. (
★ )
Claw lanterns are not returning and will be demolished. (
★ )
The walls around Triceratops Encounter will be pushed out further for the coaster. (
★ )
The Triceratops Encounter slab may be moved to a new location. (
★ )
2/8/19
Dino claw lamps may show up at prop shop. (
★ )
2/20/19
The Raptor coaster will have raptors chase the guests, with maybe Chris Pratt saving guests at the last minute. The "top hat" was originally going to be 200+ feat, but has been amended to about 140 - 150 feet max. (
★ )
3/4/19
Updated coaster track layout. Slight change in height and speed. Much of the vegetation will return after construction. The ride will open around 2020 to summer 2021. (
★ )
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Super Nintendo World
Rumors:
1/12/19
The Pokemon land and the Zelda land of the Super Nintendo World plan is potentially on hold due to Universal wanting to see the success of the Mario land first. This could be a response to the failing of Fast and the Furious: Superchared, a popular IP ride that failed to get success. (
★ )(
★ )
Though, the above could be just TPU covering up that they misreported and the Pokemon and Zelda lands were never concrete or were supposed to come later. (
★ )
3/2/19
[ Reggie's retirement does not effect Nintendo World plans at all.
There will be characters to take photos with. Princess Peach will probably not be a face character. Each character has a designated spot, such as Donkey Kong being near his coaster. The Mario costume in Japan could be a sign of costume design, but they could also use the Illumination designs. Donkey Kong has his own stage area.
Maybe Pokemon or Zelda expansion. Both put on back burner.
Only ride for Zelda is a show. Audience moves around, very strange show. Zelda in center stage.
There's a chance that Kidzone or Lost Continent could close for a Nintendo World while Mario Land is under construction, but very slim.
Donkey Kong you go over a bridge to reach the area.
There will be no Nook's Cranny. However, there will be Animal Crossing merchandise.
They could bring any character for meet n greet.
Still sticking to AR for Mario Kart ride.
Queue for Mario Kart is Bowser's castle, trophies, etc. You will feel like you will be in the start screen.
12 tracks for Mario Kart ride, including load and unload.
Mario Kart ride has boswer's castle, twisted mansion, airship, dungeon, volcano, dolphin shoals, highway, rainbow road. Very modern tracks.
Mario Kart got reworked, used to be 2 or 3 stories, now 2 stories with queue and ride being 1 story.
Bento boxes. Quick service is pizza with mushrooms. Banana smoothies for Donkey Kong. Some sort of ice cream. Generic fast food items.
Donkey Kong "track jumping" did not work. Now using kuka arm. Might not be very fast.
It won't go outside anymore if given kuka arm.
Kuka arm could still be attached to side.
If you are a big fan of Mario, then you could spend a whole day at Super Nintendo World.
Mario Kart ride is on a track.
Could expand in 3rd park.
Music and designs more reminiscent of newer games. New arrangements.
No connectivity between Switch and land.
Binoculars to see AR events.
Mario kart has the karts having 4 people and 2 tracks. Converse and go away with the other kart multiple times. ] (
★ )
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Harry Potter
News:
12/17/18
Motorcycle coaster trains are now on track at the upcoming roller coaster. These coaster trains will seat 14 riders. While looking like a motercycle, the riders won't be seated in it like it is a motorcycle. (
★ ) (
★ )(
★ )
Forest begins to be placed at Hagrid coaster. (
★ )
1/13/19
Universal begins hiring ride attendants for Hagrid coaster. (
★ )
2/21/19
(☄)2: Universal officially announces Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It will open June 13, 2019. (
★ )
2/22/19
The material used to block the Dragon Challenge sign is cracking. (
★ )
2/26/19
Testing footage of Hagrid's shown online. (
★ )
3/01/19
Universal announces a new Hogwarts Castle projection show called Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle. This will showcase the darker side of magic, such as death eaters and Voldemort. (
★ )
3/7/19
Both main gift shops at Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventures have space set for Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure, but only standard items. (
★ )
3/8/19
Universal reveals teaser for Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure, stating that more details about the ride will be revealed on March 12th. (
★)
3/12/19
Daylight testing of Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure recorded. (
★ )
A video was released by Universal showing details about Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure. Guests get to see Fluffy, cornish pixies, centaurs, devils snare, and a creature not featured in the films. The ride will go 50mph. (
★ )
The ride will drop 18 feet in a flash. The height requirements is 48" tall. (
★ )
3/16/19
Trademark for Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure name filed. (
★ )
3/22/19
Blast ended skrewt being installed. (
★ )
Rumors:
1/22/19
Hagrid coaster's queue building possibly the Gatehouse. (
★ )
1/31/19
Updated track layout for Hagrid ride has been made. The ride will contain 16 scenes in total. The ride will have no screens. Notable scenes include Hagrid showing off a Blast Ended Skrewt, a show stop scene of being trapped in the Devil's Snare, released, and then falling straight down. Weasley's flying Ford Angila, which may get attacked by Cornish Pixies (though unlikely). Fluffy, the three headed dog snarling, and a final scene featuring another creature, possible the same Blast Ended Skrewt from earlier. (
★ )
2/11/19
Leaked concept art of Hagrid ride put online. (
★ )
Name for Hagrid ride will be Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, though it may be shortened to Hagrid's Magical Creatures. (
★ )(☄)2
The queue might be entering locations in Hogwarts Castle that are unexplored in Forbidden Journey. Another is a room featuring a room full of magical creatures and Hagrid himself. The ruins, however, are not part of Hogwarts, despite the queues. (
★ )
2/20/19
Hagrid's ride will have the most launched elements of any LSM coaster. You might see the Great Hall, Hogwarts' kitchen, another portrait gallery, and the first scene of the ride may be the carriage stables for the thestrals. (
★ )
2/22/19
Don't expect a Hagrid AA next to you. (
★ )
2/23/19
Hagrid's was cycling the previous night with water dummies, whisper quiet. (
★ )
3/6/19
New plush options may hint at what guests will encounter riding Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure. (
★ )
3/22/19
This blast ended skrewt will be bigger than a dog. (
★ )
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Hotels
News:
1/16/19
Universal is starting to take reservations for its Endless Summer Resort, which will open May 2020. (
★ )
3/20/19
Universal moves up opening date for Surfside Inn and Suites to June 27. The second hotel, Dockside Inn and Suites will open May 2020. (
★ )
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Citywalk
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Land Developments
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Other
News:
2/7/19
A bill has been proposed to take the 6% urcharge tax used on hotels and short-term rentals and use it to incentivize production companies. This will bring filming back to Orlando. (
★ )
2/9/19
More AP surveys, this time for comparing popularity of Nintendo, Harry Potter, Star Wars and Marvel. (
★ )
2/28/19
Universal adds fuel rods to all parks for $3. (
★ )
3/19/19
Netflix lists Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (remember that permit?). (
★ )
3/21/19
Dole Whip now being served at Universal. (
★ )
3/26/19
Bendy and the Ink Machine billboard spotted not far from Disney Springs and I4 exit. (
★ )
Rumors:
12/18/18
Orlando theme parks are worried that upcoming fall rides, such as the Potter coaster, will cause guests to hold off visiting in summer. (
★ )
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