Universal Orlando Resort Misc Refurbs

[IzzyB]

Nah... there is so much foam/concrete all over the parks that date from decades ago. I seems to me they tried a new product. It is a compound as HTF said, a filler of some kind that did not perform as they expected. I am surprised to see Nassal stumble like this. The Phase I mockup that sat outside their workshops for nearly 3 years wasn't there only for inspiration I don't think; I always figured they were testing the Florida seasons too.

Yeah I agree, they use that technique all over Orlando. My house has a ton of it on the outside to put pretty "features" on the columns and such. It is also the tops of most brick pieces used to separate metal fences in nicer neighborhoods. Funny when you see one come off, you expect it to crack/crumble because it would be heavy and fall to the ground, nope, it is so light that it doesn't do that. Also easy to blow off in a Hurricane, which concrete would not be

 

[bobwadd]

Rockit's line is now wall free.

About the London waterfront wall...whatever they used for that marble look was either not done properly or was of poor quality (or maybe both). It is cracking all over the wall, not just on the tops where the lamps will be. Those are where the most serious/visible cracking and crumbling is taking place, but it isn't the only area. The odd thing is that it is very thick and cement-like, not like a simple multi-layer latex/paint texture job like I figured. Bob or Teebs, any refreshers on what that top "coat" is? I could clearly see the concrete form in a few places where it was badly cracked and crumbling, and it looks to be about a half inch thick or more.

My guess is that it's a polymer modified cement skim coat.

I doubt the constant dips down into the 30s and 40s followed by quick returns to 70s and 80s the last few weeks have helped matters. That kind of weather action is a bit abnormal, so accounting for it is not what I would expect, but I could see it being the culprit. That kind of relatively rapid expansion/contraction cycle has to wreak havoc on materials.

Especially with entrapped moisture in the cement.

Do you guys think it could be caused in part because this is made with a styrofoam interior/center instead of completely made out of cement?

BTW, they were starting to put roof tiles on the new IoA kiosk. Pics of that and Hard Rock Cafe forthcoming... As soon as I get home :thumbs:

As Teebs said below, no.

Nah... there is so much foam/concrete all over the parks that date from decades ago. I seems to me they tried a new product. It is a compound as HTF said, a filler of some kind that did not perform as they expected. I am surprised to see Nassal stumble like this. The Phase I mockup that sat outside their workshops for nearly 3 years wasn't there only for inspiration I don't think; I always figured they were testing the Florida seasons too.

I remember discussing bonding agents before. That could have something to do with it. I also going along with the "testing a new product" theory.

Yeah I agree, they use that technique all over Orlando. My house has a ton of it on the outside to put pretty "features" on the columns and such. It is also the tops of most brick pieces used to separate metal fences in nicer neighborhoods. Funny when you see one come off, you expect it to crack/crumble because it would be heavy and fall to the ground, nope, it is so light that it doesn't do that. Also easy to blow off in a Hurricane, which concrete would not be

These materials usually have some type of "air entrapment" additive to make the lighter.

 

[Bryce]

Is Dudley back open?

 

[TheMackMachine]

Is Dudley back open?

I think it reopens next weekend.

Edit: Yeah March 8th it should reopen.

 

[Felipe]

Oh! I forgot to post, from yesterday:

Work continues over on the new ticket kiosk station...

 

[Bryce]

Great pictures of the new kiosk Felipe! Do you know if more will be done to hide The Cat in the Hat show building and that side of NBA City?

 

[Felipe]

I'd venture a guess that they're gonna fill the background with green, just like they used to have all that bamboo there before :thumbs:

 

[Bryce]

I'd venture a guess that they're gonna fill the background with green, just like they used to have all that bamboo there before :thumbs:

Hope so!

 

[JungleSkip]

FYI, the Universal Studios Store at the front of USF is being expanded.

 

[Hatetofly]

FYI, the Universal Studios Store at the front of USF is being expanded.

Did a permit just pop up? This needed to be done btw.

 

[JungleSkip]

Did a permit just pop up? This needed to be done btw.

Yea. And really? Any time I'm ever in there it's dead.

 

[PWT]

Yea. And really? Any time I'm ever in there it's dead.

Only time I've ever seen it busy is at closing.

 

[Hatetofly]

That's the point, it's dead compared to traders at IOA. I am assuming however that along with expansion comes remodel. Not to mention Potter Merch will be in even larger demand on the way out within two years

 

[TheMackMachine]

That's the point, it's dead compared to traders at IOA. I am assuming however that along with expansion comes remodel. Not to mention Potter Merch will be in even larger demand on the way out within two years

Hopefully this will be the beginning of the entrance refresh that everyone is hoping for. Was it you who wanted a new entrance plaza for USF?

 

[BJCool]

Assuming that the store will need to prepare for more Simpsons, Potter, and Transformers merch, it's not that surprising that renovations/expansions are planned.

 

[JungleSkip]

Assuming that the store will need to prepare for more Simpsons, Potter, and Transformers merch, it's not that surprising that renovations/expansions are planned.

Eh. There's a lot of stuff in there I'm sure that doesn't move. I have to assume this is something a little more interesting.

 

[shiekra38]

Hopefully we'll see a completely new revamped store with this (two floors) *fingers crossed*

The studios has a great entrance, but about the time you get to the Hollywood split off it goes a little sour

 

[Hatetofly]

Hopefully this will be the beginning of the entrance refresh that everyone is hoping for. Was it you who wanted a new entrance plaza for USF?

Indeed it was :thumbs:

 

[Teebin]

Aaah... pleasant memories... the Tabebuia is in bloom again. :'(

 

[Felipe]

I agree that USF could use an entrance refurb. The arch is grand, even the walkway between the arch and the gates is nice with the big palm trees. But then, once you pass the gates, it's really underwhelming in comparison to the arch, and especially in comparison to IoA's Port of Entry... I think the Sweets store and Camera store are not striking enough as the first thing you see from the actual theme park. Maybe if they made them two-story buildings, or put some other landmark here that made it pop.

Also, with the level of theming that we're seeing lately, I would say that the Guggenheim and NY library facades, on the street end, are not really up to par with everything else. So, it would also be nice if they re-did them, or put something new there. There's been talk of replacing Twister with a Broadway style theater, but what if they built it where the NY Library facade and SS-33 are? With the TNA SS freeing up, they could move the events to that SS, and use SS-33 and this area for this! What do you guys think? I think it'd be a win-win since we wouldn't lose Twister, for those who care for it, and we'd gain a new attraction and better theming there :thumbs:
And hopefully an abridged Wicked show? :died: