Universal Orlando Resort Expansion (Part 1)

[OrlLover]

Hopefully now that Comcast has won the Sky bid they can focus funds on the parks and no more major cuts unless needed for something new.

 

[Happytycho]

The Kirkman and Mandarin Road extensions make a ton of sense in my mind. That way you can build the roads your way and not have to worry about any pre-existing traffic problems.

Is there a map showing where the road extensions will go?

I'm not aware of any great maps but this give some idea of the layout:

 

[WAJAS]

I'm not aware of any great maps but this give some idea of the layout:
View attachment 7895

FYI, the proposed road on the bottom right had already been built as Destination Parkway. It goes from i-Drive to John Young Parkway.

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

I believe I've been told it is county policy that no roads may exceed 6 total thru lanes (both directions, typically 3 lanes each) with at-grade intersections/pedestrians permitted. Much of I-Drive and Universal Blvd is either widened to that limit or scheduled to be. I certainly can't think of any exceptions to that rule within Orange County.

Small Portion of S.R. 436 (Semoran) has a 4 short lived lanes. OBT as well. Only on One side though and they fall into eventual turn lanes. Thats very interesting. I know in Broward and Dade they have a ton of 4 thru lanes . Pinellas too.

 

[anihilnation]

Noticed there were a lot of utility markers on Universal Blvd between Wet 'n Wild and the bridge crossing I4. Anyone know if any work is planned for there?

 

[Magic-Man]

I'm not aware of any great maps but this give some idea of the layout:
View attachment 7895

Yeah, I can’t see that road network not happening. It’s perfect for this sort of project. But I imagine that the Mandarin Road extension will mostly be an employee road. Kirkman will obviously be the main entrance and exit of the resort complex.

Also, I’m really hoping that we can see the theme park from the road. That’s one of my favorite parts of going to a park: the anticipation of seeing your favorite rides and attractions from a distance.

Noticed there were a lot of utility markers on Universal Blvd between Wet 'n Wild and the bridge crossing I4. Anyone know if any work is planned for there?

I believe that entire overpass is getting redone, but I may be wrong.

 

[anihilnation]

I believe that entire overpass is getting redone, but I may be wrong.

I wonder if Uni will look for a dedicated bus lane for shuttles between Endless Summer and Citywalk. A pedestrian bridge going from the one corner of Universal and Idrive going over Idrive and Universal to the other corner would be nice too.

 

[WAJAS]

The I-4 Beyond the Ultimate project will be rebuilding that bridge and all of that part of I-4 to the Disney area soon. I expect Universal is pushing for some sort of dedicated transit lanes over the new bridge. Those flags may be related to the design work.

 

[Magic-Man]

Is there any sort of timeline for the Kirkman extension? Could it open before the new resort?

 

[WAJAS]

Is there any sort of timeline for the Kirkman extension? Could it open before the new resort?

The Orange County government said that the Mandarin Drive and Kirkman extensions would be fast tracked if development starts on the land sooner than they projected.

 

[Magic-Man]

The Orange County government said that the Mandarin Drive and Kirkman extensions would be fast tracked if development starts on the land sooner than they projected.

Hmmmmmmm *stares at ongoing construction on the land*

 

[zg44]

Some good news for anybody worried about Comcast's $49 billion ($38.8 billion cash + $10.3 billion debt) purchase of Sky:

Comcast is suspending their $5 billion a year share repurchase plan in 2019 to bring debt down and handle cash flow for Sky.

So the Sky purchase shouldn't have any impact on the theme park expansion as expected. Wall Street won't be happy, but this is the smartest long-term move. Comcast needs to be investing both in Sky and Orlando heavily the next couple of years.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

The resort map will look kinda like Disneyland. The parks on the east side and the hotels to the west. Kirkman extension being the main divider.

 

[tielo]

Some good news for anybody worried about Comcast's $49 billion ($38.8 billion cash + $10.3 billion debt) purchase of Sky:

Comcast is suspending their $5 billion a year share repurchase plan in 2019 to bring debt down and handle cash flow for Sky.

So the Sky purchase shouldn't have any impact on the theme park expansion as expected. Wall Street won't be happy, but this is the smartest long-term move. Comcast needs to be investing both in Sky and Orlando heavily the next couple of years.

Do we think they gonne buy the Fox/Disney Sky shares or couldn't they care less because it's a minority share?

 

[JungleSkip]

Do we think they gonne buy the Fox/Disney Sky shares or couldn't they care less because it's a minority share?

They're gonna buy those shares.

 

[WAJAS]

In case anyone was curious as to how Sandlake Rd interchange with I-4 is supposed to look like after Beyond the Ultimate, here is a video of it.

 

[Brian G.]

In case anyone was curious as to how Sandlake Rd interchange with I-4 is supposed to look like after Beyond the Ultimate, here is a video of it.

I’m more worried about Sand Lake/Universal Blvd

 

[Mad Dog]

I’m more worried about Sand Lake/Universal Blvd

After seeing the massive traffic jam and gridlock at Universal last Thursday as a fleet of buses brought Microsoft people into the bought out parks, I have real concerns about buses carrying people to the new park from the hotels and the existing parks. I think a different transportation vision, that doesn't use buses, needs to emerge.

 

[JungleSkip]

I think a different transportation vision, that doesn't use buses, needs to emerge.

Don't hold your breath.

 

[Mad Dog]

Don't hold your breath.

I agree . Probably will be buses, but that's sure asking for trouble. 45 minutes to get from the intersection of Universal Blvd. & Hollywood to Hard Rock hotel entrance should tell them something, and send those red flag alerts out.