Universal Orlando Resort Expansion (Part 1)

[IzzyB]

Did they change the F&F vehicles, which were originally similar, but a bit smaller, to Kong's vehicles? Lot's of issues with Kong vehicle/communication. We've talked about that before. Changed vehicles could possibly result in a changed ride experience. That one wouldn't shock....Well, then there's Nintendo, that could shock.

Agreed, I think F&F will not be trackless or maybe it will be guide wire and they had to change the vehicles for that. That is the one that would not shock Teebin. The one that shocked Teebin I would maybe take a guess and say Yoshi or Mario Kart.

 

[Mad Dog]

The rumors are flying. I am a bit out of the loop due to Beijing unfortunately.

Hopefully the rumors are correct. I speculated on a change myself a month ago when I said it made no sense to keep the same vehicle/communication that they were having so many issues with. Perhaps a vehicle change will create some tweaks to the attraction itself that will make it more palatable. Hoping here. ...Thanks for the rumor update.

 

[Mad Dog]

I'm not familiar with FF, but it originally had ride vehicles similar to the size of Kong's? I assumed they would be... you know... cars?

The unofficial info had them about two thirds the size of the Kong vehicles, but same type, different look somewhat.

 

[JungleSkip]

Hopefully the rumors are correct. I speculated on a change myself a month ago when I said it made no sense to keep the same vehicle/communication that they were having so many issues with. Perhaps a vehicle change will create some tweaks to the attraction itself that will make it more palatable. Hoping here. ...Thanks for the rumor update.

Don't expect anything else to change. Honestly there was no real reason for F&F to be trackless anyway, so it's really not much of a change

 

[Mad Dog]

Don't expect anything else to change. Honestly there was no real reason for F&F to be trackless anyway, so it's really not much of a change

Really not expecting any major changes, just tweaks that would accommodate a different type of vehicle and work better. My expectations are really low for F&F.

 

[Teebin]

Aaaah, forgot I had the address of the warehouse where many HHN props and furnishings are stored.

8223 Exchange Dr, Orlando. As I stated, it is very near the new UC offices.

Google Maps

 

[Galaxy Defender]

The scene with the dinosaurs running with the ride vehicle in Kong did a great job of simulating speed and motion. I'm cool with that for F&F, though I realize I am likely in the minority.

 

[gator]

Aaaah, forgot I had the address of the warehouse where many HHN props and furnishings are stored.

8223 Exchange Dr, Orlando. As I stated, it is very near the new UC offices.

Google Maps

The guest contact center is the building to the south of that. Pretty sure they have space in 8240 Exchange Dr and 8251 Presidents Dr too.

 

[GAcoaster]

I just did a little fooling around with Google maps and calculated that the distance for transportation to run from the parking hub (just as an arbitrary starting point) to the area on the "new" property just across from OC Convention Center (which is where I assume they would build a second Citywalk type area) is actually a shorter run than the TTC to EPCOT at WDW. TTC to EPCOT is just over 3 miles and the straight run from the hub to the new location is about 2.5-3 miles depending on routing. That's a reasonable run between parks for a transport system. 5-10 minute ride depending on speed.

 

[WAJAS]

I just did a little fooling around with Google maps and calculated that the distance for transportation to run from the parking hub (just as an arbitrary starting point) to the area on the "new" property just across from OC Convention Center (which is where I assume they would build a second Citywalk type area) is actually a shorter run than the TTC to EPCOT at WDW. TTC to EPCOT is just over 3 miles and the straight run from the hub to the new location is about 2.5-3 miles depending on routing. That's a reasonable run between parks for a transport system. 5-10 minute ride depending on speed.

The overall time will probably end up being closer to 20 minutes because of additional stops. I doubt the city or county allows a private transportation stystem to run through the I-Drive area that only services said system's owner.

 

[GAcoaster]

Not necessarily. And I doubt the few places along the route would complain too much since it will only bring more business to them overall.

 

[GadgetGuru]

Universal would hate that though. They don't want to be associated with I-Drive. They want to be one cohesive resort, where people can go and never have to leave. Universal isn't going to build infrastructure to help them leave property.

I think Universal could throw it's weight around and get some kind of transit system going along I-Drive. How separated it is from regular traffic depends on how much they bargain with the planning commissions.

 

[GAcoaster]

I think Universal could throw it's weight around and get some kind of transit system going along I-Drive. How separated it is from regular traffic depends on how much they bargain with the planning commissions.

That's it exactly. They say "well if you let us build this, we'll be investing billions of dollars in Orange County which will bring in millions a year in tax revenues, or we don't. Your choice."

 

[quinnmac000]

On Monday, August 15, 2016, a U.S. federal trademark for UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC registration number 86355482 was abandoned having the name WONDERSEA ISLAND. The Reason provided as ABANDONED - NO STATEMENT OF USE FILED.

Wondersea Island officially dead even though they renewed it.

However anyone have details on this?

 

[RevFreako]

On Monday, August 15, 2016, a U.S. federal trademark for UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC registration number 86355482 was abandoned having the name WONDERSEA ISLAND. The Reason provided as ABANDONED - NO STATEMENT OF USE FILED.

Wondersea Island officially dead even though they renewed it.

However anyone have details on this?

That's what, an old name for Volcano Bay?

 

[quinnmac000]

That's what, an old name for Volcano Bay?

yes but they renewed the trademark for it in June/July which then lead to maybe its the small waterpark at the new hotel were wet n wild is or maybe for another waterpark. So that idea is dead in the water now.

 

[Mad Dog]

On Monday, August 15, 2016, a U.S. federal trademark for UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLC registration number 86355482 was abandoned having the name WONDERSEA ISLAND. The Reason provided as ABANDONED - NO STATEMENT OF USE FILED.

Wondersea Island officially dead even though they renewed it.

However anyone have details on this?

That will make Teebin sad. He liked that name better than Volcano Bay. Myself, I hated the Wondersea Island name. Good riddance. :thumbsup:

 

[Teebin]

That will make Teebin sad. He liked that name better than Volcano Bay. Myself, I hated the Wondersea Island name. Good riddance. :thumbsup:

Now now... VB has grown on me.

 

[NJBrandon]

New Dutch Trading Co. is the quick service location at Sapphire Falls.

 

[quinnmac000]

New Dutch Trading Co. is the quick service location at Sapphire Falls.

Roger thanks.