Lionsgate World Resort

[Teebin]

I personally wish Universal luck in smashing this project and it's chosen location into little tiny pieces. They ain't building a 200' volcano for their health.

 

[anihilnation]

But the Orlando Eye is 400', is the zoning different there?

 

[anihilnation]

I personally wish Universal luck in smashing this project and it's chosen location into little tiny pieces. They ain't building a 200' volcano for their health.

So Universal really wanted the Volcano to be bigger but were not allowed?

 

[IzzyB]

But the Orlando Eye is 400', is the zoning different there?

The news stated because Universal is within City limits it is capped at 200', but that these projects are all outside of city limits. Not sure how true or false that information is.

 

[Teebin]

So Universal really wanted the Volcano to be bigger but were not allowed?

It's been 200' for a very long time... way over a year ago. Nothing more was ever considered from what I know.

 

[maxairmike]

The news stated because Universal is within City limits it is capped at 200', but that these projects are all outside of city limits. Not sure how true or false that information is.

I'm not sure of the validity of the cap (I always was under the impression that 200'+ construction was generally avoided due to the beacon lights required for airplanes), but yes, anything south of the I-Drive/Universal Blvd intersection and west of the Universal/Sand Lake intersection is outside Orlando city limits, which is why this is going to the county commission.

 

[princeinc]

I personally wish Universal luck in smashing this project and it's chosen location into little tiny pieces. They ain't building a 200' volcano for their health.

Bingo! That's what I believe. I think the root core of this argument is not just the sight lines within IOA (because you would definitely see it) but rather it would GREATLY destroy what Universal was trying to do with that Volcano. A huge 200' mound of rock at the edge of the only major corridor to the attractions area, right on the bend, was a huge advertisement pull for attention to Universal. That was the reason to want to max out that thing. If someone puts a tower that's more than double the size of that Volcano (literally across the street), your attention is going to go to that massive glowing pole with a coaster on it. I want this Polar coaster here, but I see why Universal is hitting hard at it. They don't mind it coming, they just don't want it "there."

 

[GAcoaster]

First off, I still think there is little chance that this project will ever get built and even if it does it will not be successful and end up becoming an eyesore and a mess on I-Drive (Festival Bay Mall anyone?)

Universal has a vested interest in not only what potential competition does, but more importantly in the character of I-Drive. They have big plans for the Wet & Wild property, and just like anyone else, you want good neighbors that bring your property values up, not down.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

First off, I still think there is little chance that this project will ever get built and even if it does it will not be successful and end up becoming an eyesore and a mess on I-Drive (Festival Bay Mall anyone?)

Universal has a vested interest in not only what potential competition does, but more importantly in the character of I-Drive. They have big plans for the Wet & Wild property, and just like anyone else, you want good neighbors that bring your property values up, not down.

You never want to be the most expensive house on the block.

 

[UAN17]

Good news for Seaworld as they'll probably have another few years of marketing Mako as the tallest and longest coaster in Orlando.

Really hoping this coaster sees them some gains in attendance, despite the Florida site still doing well.

 

[SeventyOne]

First off, I still think there is little chance that this project will ever get built and even if it does it will not be successful and end up becoming an eyesore and a mess on I-Drive (Festival Bay Mall anyone?)

Festival Bay was a failure on every level, but the one thing it never became was an eyesore. Still was gorgeous a decade after opening. Empty and creepy, but beautiful.

Also, eyesores don't last on I-Drive, land too valuable. Look at Race Rock or Mercado.

 

[ChrisFL]

Richard Bilbao ‏@RichOBJ 5h5 hours ago
OK another P&Z member says she is uneasy on "giant pole" glowing in sky. My feeling is she's starting to lean against.

'snicker' :shh:

 

[AK-Jake]

I feel like it has to be some sort of elevator system

I'm a coaster riding die-hard, and I'm not a fan of the straight-up vertical lift hills. Every time I ride Rockit or Fahrenheit at Hersheypark, it strains my necks and gives me a headache...and those are LITTLE lift hills! Can you imagine a vertical lift that takes several minutes to climb? If they're not doing an elevator system of some kind, they're making serious mistake on this project. The wrap-around lift was a much better idea, IMHO.

I also have serious doubts that this project will go through as well. I think it needs to be rethought before pulling the trigger.

 

[MillenniumDragons]

If the residents of Dr. Phillips have lived next to Universal for the past 25 years and not complain, than neither should Universal about the Poler Coaster. Where were they to block the 400ft Ferris wheel? If Universal is going to be doing this kind of stuff then they might as well buy out all of I-Drive. Eyesore I snore. Stop this malarkey and build this coaster!

 

[ChrisFL]

If the residents of Dr. Phillips have lived next to Universal for the past 25 years and not complain, than neither should Universal about the Poler Coaster. Where were they to block the 400ft Ferris wheel? If Universal is going to be doing this kind of stuff then they might as well buy out all of I-Drive. Eyesore I snore. Stop this malarkey and build this coaster!

the ferris wheel is a lot farther from Universal than this would be and doesn't interfere with sight lines as much....plus it doesn't really "compete" as Universal doesn't have any ferris wheels in its park.

 

[gator]

If the residents of Dr. Phillips have lived next to Universal for the past 25 years and not complain, than neither should Universal about the Poler Coaster. Where were they to block the 400ft Ferris wheel? If Universal is going to be doing this kind of stuff then they might as well buy out all of I-Drive. Eyesore I snore. Stop this malarkey and build this coaster!

Great point, Universal shouldn't have the power to pick and choose the competition down the street. If they really think this coaster could pull from their attendance then they should continue to develop highly immersive attractions that don't depend on silly stats like tallest, fastest, etc.
It would have been one thing if they fought the ferris wheel as well, but now there is precedent for BIG single attractions on I-drive and I honestly would like to see them continue to clean up the trashy areas with these new developments.

 

[*Q*]

the ferris wheel is a lot farther from Universal than this would be and doesn't interfere with sight lines as much....plus it doesn't really "compete" as Universal doesn't have any ferris wheels in its park.

It's not a lot farther, I-Drive 360 and the site for the Skyplex are literally about 150 feet apart.

 

[Teebin]

If the residents of Dr. Phillips have lived next to Universal for the past 25 years and not complain, than neither should Universal about the Poler Coaster.

Great point, Universal shouldn't have the power to pick and choose the competition down the street.

Disney World has been doing it since 1970. So have all very big companies and persons since humans began. It is the power of influence and everyone on earth either does it, or seeks the power to do it.

 

[ChrisFL]

It's not a lot farther, I-Drive 360 and the site for the Skyplex are literally about 150 feet apart.

um, no....the skyplex site will be up on the corner of I-drive and Sand Lake Rd, near Golden Corral in this map

Google Maps

 

[P@n!K_Sw1tC#]

^WRONG. It's at the Northeast quadrant of International Drive and Sand Lake road. It'll occupy the land that includes the current Perkins restaurant, the 7-11, and the vacant parcels behind Popeye's and FishBones (including the old bowling alley).