Universal Orlando Resort Expansion (Part 1)

[JungleSkip]

From Whylightbulb on WDWMagic:

What some have already said but only brushed over is that Universal is planning a third gate. I'm not talking about the waterpark, although that is looking to be quite spectacular in terms of waterparks and may be the first waterpark/theme park hybrid. No I'm talking about a no-holds-barred, DisneySea quality level third gate theme park. Trust me I don't use the term "DisneySea quality" lightly. Right now the resources are planned to allow that level of quality and detail. Yes I'm fully expecting that the final execution will not be as spectacular as it looks to be now by the time it goes through final budget/schedule/construction blunders, but if we end up with a full park on the level of Diagon for example, the gap between Disney and Universal will be significantly reduced.

Considering how low he's been on his recent opinion of projects, his excitement for both the water park and third gate is exciting.

 

[@gentPerry]

Skip beat me to it

 

[Teebin]

From Whylightbulb on WDWMagic:

Considering how low he's been on his recent opinion of projects, his excitement for both the water park and third gate is exciting.

Hmm... I know far too much about one and nothing of the other. They certainly are good at compartmentalizing!

 

[MrRoamer]

Would this mean that they already have the land available and allocated for the third gate? It was starting to sound like it was a pipe dream that wouldn't come into existence for quite awhile but this sounds like it is further along than I would have imagined.

 

[mahnamahna]

3rd gate better live up to the hype

But I'm not surprised considering Universal Orlando wants to maximize all of the space they have.

 

[Nick]

So I assume this park would be going across Kirkman on the Major Blvd plot? Obviously the park would need it's own garage, but do we think it's at all within the realm of possibility that Uni would build a monorail from this park to the main parking hub? It's not like the distance is that far, so it wouldn't even be that cost prohibitive (as far as monorails go).

 

[Kevin38]

So I assume this park would be going across Kirkman on the Major Blvd plot? Obviously the park would need it's own garage, but do we think it's at all within the realm of possibility that Uni would build a monorail from this park to the main parking hub? It's not like the distance is that far, so it wouldn't even be that cost prohibitive (as far as monorails go).

I have said many times If Universal wants to build Monorail using the same ride system Hogwarts Express uses makes sense.You already have trained techs and parts onsite.It would also help stop Disney from saying "They stole Walt's idea and 40 years later they built a monorail".

 

[JungleSkip]

So I assume this park would be going across Kirkman on the Major Blvd plot? Obviously the park would need it's own garage, but do we think it's at all within the realm of possibility that Uni would build a monorail from this park to the main parking hub? It's not like the distance is that far, so it wouldn't even be that cost prohibitive (as far as monorails go).

No clue, but people like Martin and I believe HTF have hinted at the use of a monorail-type system in the past.

I also have a feeling we'll see at least one resort connected to the park.

 

[@gentPerry]

I wonder what the feasability would be for an elevated light rail system that runs above Universal Blvd down to the lockheed property near the convention center. It's been mentioned before but having a third gate/resort/hotels near the convention center and larger hotels (Hyatt/Hilton/Rosen) sounds like a good idea.

 

[Nick]

I wonder what the feasability would be for an elevated light rail system that runs above Universal Blvd down to the lockheed property near the convention center. It's been mentioned before but having a third gate/resort/hotels near the convention center and larger hotels (Hyatt/Hilton/Rosen) sounds like a good idea.

The third gate wouldn't be down that way if i'm not mistaken (at least last i'd heard). It would be across from the Kirkman Rd entrance to the property.

 

[mahnamahna]

I gotta say... I wonder what a DisneySea-quality 3rd gate would even be themed to. I can't imagine they'd build a fully original theme park in this day and age of brand recognition. But I'm intrigued to see what Universal Creative comes up with!

 

[JungleSkip]

I gotta say... I wonder what a DisneySea-quality 3rd gate would even be themed to. I can't imagine they'd build a fully original theme park in this day and age of brand recognition. But I'm intrigued to see what Universal Creative comes up with!

I could see it being 1/2 IP and 1/2 original. If they ever manage to convince the Tolkeins to let them use LOTR (unlikely as it is), it would be a good anchor property to get people in the gate.

And I mean, this is still probably at least 10 years away, so a new, hot property could pop up in that time as well.

 

[Teebin]

Does anyone know how to calculate the property values of everything in pink below? There must be a city website with that info.

 

[JungleSkip]

Does anyone know how to calculate the property values of everything in pink below? There must be a city website with that info.

MaxairMike on this site and twitter is our resident land expert.

 

[quinnmac000]

I could see it being 1/2 IP and 1/2 original. If they ever manage to convince the Tolkeins to let them use LOTR (unlikely as it is), it would be a good anchor property to get people in the gate.

And I mean, this is still probably at least 10 years away, so a new, hot property could pop up in that time as well.

Maybe more like 6 years away to quote the president, you won't recognize the campus by the end of the decade.

 

[JungleSkip]

Maybe more like 6 years away to quote the president, you won't recognize the campus by the end of the decade.

Well, this won't be on campus, it'll be a whole new campus.

Any talk I had heard about park 3 was always at least a few years after 2020. Too much going on in existing parks/areas for it to be before that. We'll see though

 

[MrRoamer]

That image from google maps isn't accurate though is it? I thought I remember seeing I-4 had plans to be rerouted.

 

[Kevin38]

Does anyone know how to calculate the property values of everything in pink below? There must be a city website with that info.

I am guessing you want to know if Universal can buy this land?
The City would have to seize it under eminent Domain and turn it over to Universal.
Because even one hold out and you can't build theme park on it.
It would be legal to seize it by case law.(supreme court upheld it)

 

[Nick]

Does anyone know how to calculate the property values of everything in pink below? There must be a city website with that info.

You could try navigating through this site: http://commercial-properties.findth...00-E-Buena-Vista-Dr-Lake-Buena-Vista-FL-32830
Not sure if that will get anything or not.

I just know I was able to find the valuation of the Mannequins building on there (which is where that link leads to).

 

[Teebin]

That image from google maps isn't accurate though is it? I thought I remember seeing I-4 had plans to be rerouted.

I doubt this is true. If you can find such a news release, I would appreciate it.