Monday, June 30, 2014

UOR Permit Update: Project 402...Hotel 5 related (?)

Looks like Universal isn't wasting any time getting the work started on and around the Royal Pacific. Below are permits pertaining to a new Project numbered 402, that will be working on the two function (conference) buildings in the Royal Pacific, possibly in preparation for the pedestrian bridge connection to the new hotel property. Along with them is a permit that shows the land for hotel 5 that we told you about last week has already been properly zoned for the work. We'll keep you up to date as more comes in.





Sunday, June 29, 2014

2.23 - Jolly Holly

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Joe, Nick, and Sean are back to talk Nick's DLR and UOR trips and then Joe's UOR and WDW trips. Pirates, WoC, Tonight Show, Antojitos, Citricos, and more!

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at ParkscopeParkscopeJoeCaptMichael87ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

UOR Permit Update: Royal Pacific Resort Expansion/Sister Hotel and Future Hotels

Well, another day, another interesting set of documents on the Orange County Comptroller site, this time pertaining to Universal's continued push to expand the number of hotel rooms on property. These documents are quite long, and I did not have the time to read through them in their entirety; however, I feel like I've got the important parts.

First, there are plans for hotels 5, 6, and 7 right now. Hotel 5 will have approximately 1,000 rooms and convention space. Hotel 6 will only be built if Universal decides not to build 400 additional rooms planned for Cabana Bay resort, and would be 400 rooms itself. Hotel 7 seems to be only 400 rooms as well, but I have to read that section again before confirming that.

But with all that, what will the theme of Hotel 5 be? We all know the land is currently sitting there waiting to be built upon, so Universal has to have a theme in mind, right? Well, it seems like they do, and it's one they've already used before. From these plans, it looks as if Hotel 5 and the oft rumored Royal Pacific Resort expansion will be one in the same. The picture below clearly shows the new buildings on the site between RP and Cabana Bay, and is marked "Royal Pacific First Addition" on the plans.




The following picture shows the entrance to the new expansion, which will be off Adventure Way.




The following three pictures include where the pedestrian bridge connecting the new convention space to the existing convetion space at RPR, a mockup of the bridge, and the rerouted Hollywood Way plans. These pictures also give a good diea what the setup of the new addition will be, minus the amenities such as the pool, restaurants, etc.

As always, stay tuned to Parkscope for more updates.

UPDATE

After reading through more of the documents and a post on Orlando United, and seeing hints from a few more knowledgable people across twitter and the forums, I wanted to update the post with some better information. First, while the fifth hotel does seem to be connected to Royal Pacific physically and in theme, there are hints/specualtion from people such as Teebin on Orlando United and Seth Kubersky that it is more of a sister hotel than a straight expansion. The documents back that up as well. This hotel will NOT have Express Pass included according to the documentation, which means it will not be a part of the same hotel. It's also seemingly positioned at a price point between the original hotels and Cabana Bay, according to the documents. Suites are also mentioned, though I don't know if it's an incidental mention or an indication of what the property will include.

The most important part, however, is the transportation section. Looks like this hotel will indeed have water taxi access, as the documents say the following: Theme Park Owner shall be responsible for providing bus or other vehicular transportation services and ferryboat transportation services for transporting the Fifth Hotels and Theme Park guests between the Fifth Hotel and the Theme Park. This leads me to believe the hotel will be the "moderate" choice with a price point between Royal Pacific and Cabana Bay.

Sources:

Monday, June 23, 2014

Diagon Alley TM Previews

An owl just landed and informed us Diagon Alley Team Member previews start Wednesday and end Saturday, and go from 6 till 10pm. Gringotts will NOT be included, confirming previous info that the ride is being retooled after media previews. 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

2.23 - Orlando United & Parkscope Unprofessional Radio Podcast

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BriMan, Drew, and HTF from Orlando United Radio join Joe, Mike, Nick, and Sean to discuss the week’s happenings at UOR and WDW. It’s a cross over for the ages. Flinstones meets the Jetsons; the Simpsons meet the Critic.

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at ParkscopeParkscopeJoeCaptMichael87ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Interactive Wand Markers in Hogsmeade

The much rumored interactive wand elements have been showing up in Hogsmeade, and now they have markers showing what to do and where. Rumor has it the new wands incorporate basic remote telecommunication technology along with Kinect like movements to activate effects.

Below are photos of the markers located near effects. The markers are to convey the movements and words the wizard or witch has to say to activate them. Major hat tip to @mattagins for this one.


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Diagon Alley Television Specials & Features

You excited yet? We're rapidly approaching the press onslaught of Diagon Alley, and television specials have started popping up promoting the new addition. As we discover new shows we will add them here.

Wednesday, June 11th 2014

Travel Channel

Trip Flip - 9PM EST

Image Copyright The Travel Channel LLC 2014
The Gross family from Pittsburgh visits central Florida, including staying at Cabana Bay and visiting Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

Wednesday, June 18th - Friday, June 20th, 2014

Universal Orlando Webcast

From friend of the show Derek Burgan on twitter.
As we hear more we will post it here.


*UPDATE* Universal has posted a webcast site on their website. Three separate webcasts will occur between June 18th to June 20th. H/T to @OrlandoInformer and @Mellyybaby

Friday, June 20th 2014

NBC
Today Show - Morning

Reports from @ThemeParkInsite suggest that the Today Show will have segments from inside Diagon Alley on Wednesday, June 18th.

Friday, June 20th 2014

E! Network
Live from the Red Carpet: Diagon Alley - 8PM EST

As discovered by Parkscope follower @braindud92, E! will air a tape delay of the red carpet from the VIP event earlier in the week.

Monday, June 2, 2014

2.21 - Thoughts on Movie Studios Themed Parks

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Joe and Nick are joined by Dave Daut, @Illusion0fLife from the twitters, to discuss movie studios theme parks. We cover the past, present, future, and other random topics.

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at ParkscopeParkscopeJoeCaptMichael87ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.