Transformers: The Ride - Summer 2013

[maxairmike]

They have definitely been digging down, as the steel retainers around that area of the site are now entirely exposed where they weren't before.

 

[BJCool]

No awesome over-the-wall shots like maxairmike, but Orlando Theme Park News has some good photos of the construction area:

http://orlandoparksnews.blogspot.com/2012/07/universal-studios-update-s44-amity-more_21.html

 

[Teebin]

I have since searched google street view (thank you for letting them into the park Uni). About one third of the building from the lagoon side was street level. The other two thirds were built up... basically concrete walls filled with sand and then capped with a concrete floor 3ft higher. So, that is what they cut into and where all the extra earth came from.

Also, thanks again Maxair... as I would never have noticed this fact from other pics.

 

[maxairmike]

No awesome over-the-wall shots like maxairmike, but Orlando Theme Park News has some good photos of the construction area:

http://orlandoparksnews.blogspot.com/2012/07/universal-studios-update-s44-amity-more_21.html

That's my secret. Despite being decently tall, I don't trust reaching my phone or camera up to the top of the wall. Instead I use the rather large gaps in the wall that happened because they had to throw it up without any time to make it tight and clean like the Jaws walls (and thank goodness they didn't have the time!).

EDIT: Teebin, I figure I might as well provide at least some worth coming into the community during such a busy period of expansion at Universal instead of just "that looks neat! Do you have more plans to share!?"

And its also letting me shake the rust off my construction photo skills from my Cedar Point days that have gotten a little rusty. This stuff excites and interests me far too much!

 

[slappybob]

Nice pics maxairmike!!!

 

[cbconglom]

http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog...o-universal-studios-florida-mystery-projects/

 

[ReelJustice]

http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog...o-universal-studios-florida-mystery-projects/

That eyeglass camera is nifty. They need to head on over to Dragon Challenge with it.

 

[Disneyhead]

I wonder how difficult/costly it would be to do completely different animation for the Transformers ride layout? It's less than 5 mins of animation. And by completely different animation, I mean like King Kong: The Rampage 3D.

Imagine instead of a flaming pumpkin Kong hurls a tanker truck at you. And I would wet myself laughing if in one scene he is repeatedly throwing wooden barrels at you.The finale where you and Kong fall from the top of the Empire State Building could be EPIC!

Just armchair imagineering here. But I think it would be cool.

Wait I just pretty much discribed Spiderman. Nevermind. Haha.

 

[usfgeek]

I wonder how difficult/costly it would be to do completely different animation for the Transformers ride layout? It's less than 5 mins of animation. And by completely different animation, I mean like King Kong: The Rampage 3D.

Imagine instead of a flaming pumpkin Kong hurls a tanker truck at you. And I would wet myself laughing if in one scene he is repeatedly throwing wooden barrels at you.The finale where you and Kong fall from the top of the Empire State Building could be EPIC!

Just armchair imagineering here. But I think it would be cool.

For an exclusive on-ride film... well ILM would have done the Transformers animation for that so that's not cheap to begin with.

For your Kong idea Weta Digital would have to do it, I'm guessing 1-2 million at least.

Just think of a Pixar film, the budget for brave was 185 million for a 93 minute film. I know that's not counting voice actors, but you get an idea at how expensive fully cg animations are.

 

[frenzy88]

Headed to the studios to ride MIB some. If I see a good op I'll take a pic. Anyone else hanging around?

 

[Disneyhead]

Lunched at Lombard's Landing. Pile driver loud as $#^+. Big hole. Headed to 5p Batman IMAX.

 

[frenzy88]

Then I'll miss you. I don't have the cash for a movie. Enjoy it though.

 

[frenzy88]

Snuck a couple well timed phone shots. Updates later.

 

[quickfire609]

I was about to go and take a couple panorama shots to test out my new phone, then it started pouring here.

For all of you non orlando residents here, I live a mile up the road from universal, be jealous

 

[1.21Gigawatts]

For all of you non orlando residents here, I live a mile up the road from universal, be jealous

:'(

 

[Hatetofly]

I was about to go and take a couple panorama shots to test out my new phone, then it started pouring here.

For all of you non orlando residents here, I live a mile up the road from universal, be jealous :lol:

So we can expect photos pretty often then right?

 

[frenzy88]

That's why I got inside at MIB. Until I got stuck right past the loading dock

 

[quickfire609]

I work at UOR and don't want to get in any trouble, not that I think I will, I just err on the side of caution.

This means I'll never be taking pictures for these forums, sorry guys.

 

[frenzy88]

Rockit down for weather. Mummy down for tech, MiB down for tech. Guess I'll sit and people watch on the Monsters Cafe side of SS44 construction

 

[Teebin]

Small aside here but still relative. It appears Donkey M&G is being rebuilt somewhere in the Garden of Allah/Bamba area. Keep your eyes peeled for construction.