Work Points To Chance Of New Universal Nighttime Show
Construction On Lagoon Raises Questions
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Strange things are afoot at Universal Studios Florida.
All signs seem to point to the idea that Universal may unveil a new nighttime lagoon show in the near future.
"Universal 360 – A Cinesphere Spectacular" premiered at the theme park in summer of 2006. The show features 30-foot-tall spheres on the park's lagoon that serve as projection screens.
In recent months, those sphere barges have disappeared from the lagoon. Now, they're back, sitting on the sidelines of the lagoon, but in a reconfigured fashion.
The barges are now rectangular, not square. The spheres are gone; tall truss structures now take their place. Recent photos of the new barges taken by Orlando United show that work is still clearly under way.
Could a document filed with the county provide more proof that a new show (or at least a major revamp) is in the works? In October, Universal filed a notice of commencement for a technical director's booth at Richter's Burger Company.
Notices of commencement are legal notices to the county that work is about to begin on a piece of property. A "technical director's booth" could refer to a show's control room. The question then is why Universal would need such a facility in a burger joint. Richter's does, however, provide one of the best vantage points of the entire lagoon.
Theme park fan sites are aflutter with the idea of a new show. Sources told one site, Screamscape, that a French company, Aquatique Show International, is working with Universal on water effects. Photos taken by Florida Thrills of the construction actually show the word "Aquatique" on a piece of equipment on the refurbished barges.
According to Aquatique's website, the company has worked with hot spots like Disneyland Paris, SeaWorld Florida and Celine Dion's show at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.
There's no word yet from park officials detailing what exactly is under way. An email to a park spokesman Thursday wasn't immediately returned. We'll update this story when we hear back.
Whatever "it" is, it's one of several major projects in progress at the park. In August, Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast closed for good to make way for a new "Despicable Me"-themed attraction. On Jan. 2, Jaws will sail its last ill-fated boat tour. The attraction, one of the park's originals, is closing to make way for a yet-to-be-announced addition.
What do you think? What would you like to see out of a nighttime show at Universal Orlando Resort?