Several weeks ago the former Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar closed for a new concept. Well, this week we got our first hints of what the new venue could be.
The former Fusion Bistro is now featuring many signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Looks like we’ll be getting a new Asian quick dining location very soon. @UniversalORLpic.twitter.com/8TFFVGHbdU
The old look has been refreshed to a colorful design featuring the signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Well... Park Rumors on Inside Universal found this trademark:
So looking at the news it appears Bend the Bao will be opening in the old Fusion location. This will likely be a fast-food Chinese restaurant with outdoor seating. So what will the menu look like? Well, Universal Orlando has not offered Chinese food yet (Comic Strip Cafe does not count). Except for ONE time.
The Starcourt Food Court at HHN29 featured a Chinese section. The menu included pot stickers, bao buns, and wonton chips. So based on previous options, and the name, we should expect a Bao-focused menu with other small plate options. I'm hoping we see more fresh, Szechuan offerings such as Gonbgao Jiding (kung pao chicken) and other lighter Chinese dishes.
Covering such a topic as COVID-19, the economy, and reopenings is tough. There are many people who are hurting now who's last thought is "can I get a nachos at Margaritaville?" If you are financially able to please consider donating to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. A $25 USD donation helps pay for 100 meals to those in need.
Universal Orlando's CityWalk started a phased reopening procedure on May 11, 2020. In this article, we'll cover the new policies, procedures, and venues open while also looking forward to Universal (and Disney) reopening the resorts and parks. Outside of concrete information offered on the Universal Orlando website, we will be diving into speculation on reopening. While we all hold our own opinions on the government and business response to this virus we are largely going to avoid this and focus on the nuts and bolts.
CityWalk is now operating from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Self-parking is free and valet is closed; parking attendants will space out cars to practice social distancing and then will come back later and repark cars in the unused spaces.
Temperature scans will occur on the rotunda level of the parking garage prior to entering the rotunda. Security TMs are set up in parallel to provide quick, unintrusive forehead temperature scans. Guests with temperatures below 100.4 are admitted into the resort; if a guest constantly tests 100.4 or above they will be denied entry. Afterward, the standard security screening will occur.
While at Universal Orlando guests will be required to wear face masks at all times unless they are eating or drinking. According to early reports, Universal Managers will be the only ones with the authority to enforce mask usage. Medical exceptions to the mask rules can be filed at Guest Relations. Additional TMs are around, sanitizing frequently touched objects such as handrails, tables, and chairs.
The shops and restaurants open at CityWalk Orlando are being updated with more locations, visit the Universal Orlando site for the most up-to-date list. For example, Toothsome and Cinnabun were added on the second day of operation. Restaurants are following local guidelines on capacity restrictions and table placing, for example, only the outdoor seating for Margaritaville was open. Retail is also slowly reopening with the Universal Studios Store and Margaritaville plus the Hollywood Drive-In mini-golf.
The novel coronavirus that spread COVID-19 transmits through water particles that are exhaled from an infected person. In addition to masks, a way to reduce spread is practicing "social distancing", the purposeful staging of groups of people so six feet is between all parties. Universal has laid-out distancing markers on the ground of locations with queues. Universal has started placing these markings outside of Islands of Adventure, too.
New today: social distancing markers have been added to the front gates of Universal's Islands of Adventure. A reopening date hasn't been announced. pic.twitter.com/uijg8lw6Kj
— Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) May 16, 2020
So what's next? Well, lets talk CityWalk. Social distancing markers have been placed outside of several currently closed restaurants including Hot Dog Hall of Fame and NBC Grill Brew. Hard Rock Cafe and Breadbox also are showing signs of reopening with new signage talking about mobile ordering and social distancing. We expect through the next two weeks more and more CityWalk locations will reopen based on menu item availability, staffing, and resources. Due to how novel coronavirus spreads we do not expect movie theaters, Hard Rock's music venue, or Blue Man Group to open soon.
Universal has not announced a reopening date for the resorts. Rumors suggest Universal is reaching out to TMs on reopening some aspects of the resorts in late May pending availability of TMs and supplies. Theme parks are even murkier with more signage, stock, and supplies needing to be ordered in addition to ramping up staffing. It is likely Universal will have staff testing new procedures and programs before guests return, meaning TMs could be called back and reports going out weeks before the parks reopen.
At this point it's nice to see CityWalk open again. It's nice to see Jacques and Penelope out greeting guests again. It's nice to see pink boxes full of donuts. And hopefully, soon it'll be nice to see guests riding Hagrid again. Be safe, wear a mask, wash your hands, and be smart.
In late November everyone's friend Universal Orlando Permit Bot (seriously follow them) discovered a new permit to combine four retail locations into one. No locations were given so speculation ran rampant.
This spot of CityWalk currently contains four non-Universal owned shops: aforementioned Fresh Produce, Piq novelty shop, Fossil watches and leather, and Quiet Flight, a clothing store where half the foot traffic is from UOAP holders cutting through going to Universal Studios. While we have not seen indication the other three stores are closing yet it is likely they will in 2020.
So, why close these four stores and consolidate them into one? Some are posturing it could be the second American Nintendo World Store or a preview center for Epic Universe. I don't think it's likely those, it's still too early to open a Nintendo World Store in Orlando and a location on the west coast first makes more sense. Plus a preview center for a park that's still not fully revealed, in a huge area to boot, makes no sense. Instead I speculate the Universal Studios Store is moving from its current location and into an expanded, more prominent location.
Currently the store is located off the main walking path and is quite small. By moving to a larger location space can be made for dedicated Potter, Nintendo, Dreamworks, Illumination, and Marvel sections. Of course this is speculation and until Universal confirms their plans it is best to treat it as a rumor.
As for what would going into the old Studio Store area could be the much desired Epic Universe preview center, a new store, the much rumored escape room, or something else entirely.
With the further reduction of 3rd party vendors at CityWalk eyes now turn to two notable stand outs: Bubba Gump's and Margaritaville. Both occupy prime real-estate, including the first thing guests see walking in from the parking garages. I would not be surprised if Bubba Gumps closes soon to be replaced with another, new Universal owned restaurant.
Update: Posters on Inside Universal have said that Island Trading Company and Fossil are currently discounting their merchandise. It remains to be seen if Piq or Quiet Flight are part of the closing too. Additionally Fresh Produce has closed.
Both of Emeril's Universal locations will close (Emeril's Orlando and the fan favorite Tchoup Chop) with rumors saying the locations chose to shut down instead of Universal not renewing their lease (like with NBA City and NASCAR Grille).
No information is available for the replacement for either location yet. We speculate the replacements will fill the holes in restaurant line ups at Universal: a Chinese/South Pacific fusion restaurant replacing Tchoup Chop and an upscale, Florida inspired restaurant focusing on fish and steaks replacing Emeril's Orlando.
The rumors are true, Portland's Voodoo Donuts will be opening this spring at Universal Orlando Resort's CityWalk. Replacing Element next to NBC Grill Brew, Voodoo Donuts offers fresh, unique, and crazy creations such as the Dirt Doughnut, Bacon Maple Bar, Grape Ape, and Voodoo Doll doughnuts. We don't expect to see the "Cock and Balls" or "Maple Blazer Blunt" donuts to make the trip to Orlando.
Joe, Lane, and Nick reunite for the anniversary of their graduation pub crawl only to find the childhood town they grew up in has been invaded. Before their deaths they talk about local theme park news and updates, Shanghai Disneyland impressions, Disney Springs opening and STK, Grad Nights, Frozen Ever After opening, Mako testing, Kong AAs, Hulk details, Universal zoning land, CityWalk evicting tenants, and shortly touch on Joe's trip to Orlando.
Lane, Mike, and Nick talk about USH's permanent The Walking Dead House, Kong rumors and news, and Toothsome Chocolate Factor at CityWalk. Then LitemAndHyde joins the guys from Orlando for quick live update. Plus some listeners questions are answered!
Hey, you. Yeah you. You want some chocolate? Like, the good stuff, in milkshakes, cakes, pies, and more? I know a guy who can hook you up, first one's free. Let me introduce you to the Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium, yeah he's cool. This new restaurant replaces NBA City in CityWalk and opens later this year and will serve "unique twists on classic" steaks, pastas, seafood, burgers, and more. Oh, and it'll have an all day brunch. You know they're chill when they serve all day brunch.
This place also has style, rocking steampunk atmosphere and costumes throughout. There will even be a show kitchen where you can watch take home treats being made. But that's not all. They'll also offer a bar where you can order some crazy milkshakes like red velvet cake, Bacon Brittle, and Key Lime Pie. And there will be massive sundaes like the S'mores.
Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
Toothsome is under construction right now between Islands of Adventure and the Hard Rock Cafe. We do not have an opening date yet, but it to should open before Halloween Horror Nights 26 in late September.
Construction wall matches announcement today: The Toothsome Chocolate Factory underway at CityWalk pic.twitter.com/LiShJ1EctV
Joe, Nick, and Sean team up to discuss Pop Tarts, I-Drive, Tokyo Disneyland Expansion, Fifth Gate at WDW Discussions are Stupid, Cowfish, Kong, Frequent Fear, Building 88, 25th anniversaries, and answer your last minute questions!
Well, another big permit haul over the past few days. First, we'll cover Project 766 which has gotten some traction from Hatetofly. From what we've discovered on the water management site, this project is for improvements to the TM parking area behind Universal Studios Florida. The documentation about the project calls out a past permit and project detailing parking improvements. The 766 documentation says that past project is part of this project as well. While HTF is a very solid source, there's nothing in the permits that has us getting our hopes up for a new attraction out of this.
Moving on to some more interesting matters, the two notice of commencements below detail updates coming to Terminator 2 3D. These updates have been in the planning stages for a while now, with both Martin Smith and Hatetofly both saying they were on the way. Looks like AV upgrades as well as replacing the smoke/fog effects for the attraction are in line.
Also, looks like there will be yet another major project for Universal CityWalk coming to close out 2013. On top of the Projects 102, 294, and 208 which Park Rumors documented here, there will now be a Project 248, which includes interior and exterior demolition. There is both a NoC and Permit for this one.
As always,please follow @Parkscope for up to the minute details.
Happy New Year Parkscope readers! It's been a while since we've checked in, but with the busy holiday season now over we can get back to bringing you the rumors and news you count on us for!
Today, we have a new notice of commencement for a renovation of CityWalk's Hard Rock Cafe and retail area.
It's nice to see the restaurant continue to get some TLC inside to match the outside finish it got last year!
The up-charge attraction, for better or worse, seems inherently shady. Carnies conning customers in games of 'skill', freak shows on the boardwalk, and fortune tellers are part of the American amusement park culture. With the opening of Disneyland and the suburbanization of the American family, these up-charges died off. Now such opportunities come in the form of gag photos, temporary tattoos, hair braids, and unique package experiences. Even today, a theme park goer can see Vegas or Broadway quality shows or unique dining experiences. Disney has had a lock on this for several years, thanks to it's successful Downtown Disney projects such as La Nouba.
Universal in 2005 filled in the deserted Nickelodeon Studios, and gaps in their CityWalk offerings, with Blue Man Group. An off Broadway hit since the early 90s, they made names of themselves through Tonight Show with Jay Leno appearances, Intel TV spots, and many successful shows around the world.
The Orlando show, as it opened in 2007, was based on a show design from the short lived Toronto version. Prior to Toronto in 2007, Blue Man had their small theater shows (NYC, Boston, and Chicago) and large theater shows (Vegas, Potsdamer Platz). The show features the size and scope of their lager shows (Vegas), while paring it down to have a smaller supporting band and to fit in smaller theaters.
As part of the “Year to be Here”, the Blue Man show was upgraded to feature the material from the new Touring Show. Universal and Blue Man shared the costs of upgrading the theater, to the reported tune of $2 million. The improvements include widening the stage, removal of the set, installation of high tech LED curtains and displays, upgraded lighting systems, and installation of the Zygote Balls.
My past vacation to Universal Florida I got a chance to see the new Blue Man Group show; row F, seat 20. Unlike previous visits, I saw this show alone after my family and friends left to go back home. This allowed my ideas to ferment into what I hope is a six-pack of Parkscope articles.
Blue Man show’s themes center around the expanding role of technology, information overload, absence of physical human communication, gender roles, the human vision system, modern art, and vaudeville comedy. To the Blue Man, there is no fourth wall; you are experiencing part of the world of Blue Man. The stage and seating area are both playgrounds for the Blue Man.
And despite what people say, or what you might think, the Blue Man are not aliens. They are genderless (there have been women Blue Man), raceless, egoless figures who experience the world with new eyes. Captain Crunch cereal is used to make music (what else would you use a cereal advertised for it’s crunch for, anyway?) Art is made with gumballs and marshmallows. And Yves Klein is celebrated.
The whole experience ends in the Exaled Moment. From the original Blue Man Show in New York till very recently, this featured endless rolls of cray paper streaming across the audience as KLF’s ‘Last Train to Transcentral’ plays. The new ending now incorporates a dance party, Blue Man humor, and audience participation into a colorful celebration of your booty.
I have been a Blue Man fan for many years, so it should be no surprise that I recommend this show to everyone. It's not typical production, as equal parts music, improv, and science fair are combined to form a typical show. But if you are open minded and want a fun night at Universal, Blue Man is a great night cap or kick start to a night of partying.
The Blue Man experience is an ideal, condensed theme park experience. We enter the theatre segmented and isolated, yet we leave as a group. Comedy, drama, music, education, and technology all cumulate into a euphoric, exalted moment. What was once was alien turns out to be identifiably human and pure. For 90 minutes, we are a child again exploring the world with the Blue Man.
As with my last post, the following update comes courtesy of my recent anniversary trip to Universal Orlando Resort. My wife and I went on two separate nights and played both courses at Hollywood Drive-In Golf. Although we did not set course records with our scores, we had a blast. The courses are especially good for killing a bit of time when everyone is rushing out of the parking garages at park closure. I would like to thank my wife, Jennifer, for assisting with this blog post. Lets get started, shall we?
Hollywood Drive-In Golf, located in City Walk at Universal Orlando Resort, is a
diversion worth trying out. There are two courses that you can take advantage of,
either The Haunting of Ghostly Greens,
a haunted/horror movie based course, or The
Invasion of Planet Putt, a sci-fi based course. It was said that the sci-fi
course was more difficult, but the haunted course was more scenic. However,
both courses offered a variety of obstacles to deal with to reach the
hole.
Even though the operating hours offer the option for you to
play from 9am-2am, it is illuminating to play after dark on both courses. There
is a discount of $3 per person if you choose to play both courses and pay in
the same day. They offer a rain check if you do not want to play them both in
the same day, but just be sure you hang on to your receipt. However, if you
decide to play only one it will cost you $13.99 a person for adults and $11.99
for children, but adding in the other course will cost you a total of $24.99
for adults or $20.99 for children. The clubs are also brightly colored with
neon green and purple, as well as the holes on each hole being lit up outlined
with lights. If you want a souvenir, you can purchase a golf ball with various
colors or graphics to remind your experience. Don’t forget to ask for your discount if you are a
Universal pass holder or a Florida resident. I also noticed that you can find 10% off discount cards at many of the restaurants around CityWalk. Now, on to the courses!
Now Playing: The Haunting of Ghostly Greens
As you move from the first hole to eighteenth on
the haunting course you see ghost in the hedges and watching over the
course. Watch out for the blast of
air and water coming your way as you move over the bridge of one whole as you
go by to complete the hole. There
are many special effects and gadgets along the way which capture your ball to
take it up to be taken to the drop zone to be let out far or near the hole
depending on the way it may go. Continuing to move through the maze, haunted
trees, and grave yard sceneries all offer something eye catching to make the
course more enjoyable along the way.
The haunted house at the 18th hole offers an obstacle that
calls for the right force and aim to hit the right spot of the broken stairs
for your ball to go inside to complete the last hole of this course, but if you
don’t hit it just right or hard enough it will come right back to you to repeat
your shot as many times as you need to make it in. There are many other times
that if you do not hit the ball hard enough or at the right angle it may come
back towards you to call for a repeat of your shot, but hang in there and don’t
let the ghostly haunts scare you away. The sceneries and effects take into
account some of the funny aspects of old and new horror movies alike. This was
a memorable adventure throughout this neon course with purple greens.
Now Playing: Invaders from Planet Putt
Let’s take a trip to the sci-fi adventure
incorporating components from the early sci-fi to ideas we still think of
today. From the start of this
course till the very end (where you reach the monster’s mouth) there are twists and
turns along the way. The greens stand
out with bright green with bright yellow and orange added in along the way to
highlight areas of the course, as well as the outlining lights which make the
shape of the layout standout.
A tri-level circle hole is the starter that gets
your journey underway for this course.
There is a large robotic structure that is the center of attention for
this course with its multiple arms stretched out in different directions. Moving throughout the course you will
be greeted by little alien figures, stars, pumpkin or alien head scare crow and
a giant bug, but don’t forget to keep a look out for the big eyed cows with the
random noise that it’ll make as you walk on by. No sci-fi scene would be complete without some UFO’s along
the way, a space ship to enter into and even a farm area with a barn and corn
crop for those ever so famous crop circles. Other aspects included don’t leave you short of fun with the
circle of bars that act like a trap, a psychedelic old television to capture
your ball and watch it on the screen as it goes on through, objects suspended
up by squiggly monster arms and even an old outhouse along the way. There is a
three eyed monster waiting for you at the end with its mouth open wide and
tongue stuck out ready for you to hit the ball inside its mouth. It’s not so easy though because there
is a twist at the end as a circle area containing the hole is continually
spinning within. These old school
sci-fi scenes and effects make this course a fun filled course worth a
look. It was worth the time and
experience to make some memories from our trip to play this course and its
neighboring one.
Hollywood Drive-In Golf is an excellent addition to Universal Orlando Resort. We really enjoyed playing both courses, but have to give a nod to The Haunting of Ghostly Greens as being our favorite and choice if you can only do one course. I recommend giving them both a shot and deciding for yourself which course you find to be superior.
Thanks for looking at this continuation of my Anniversary Trip Report! If you have any questions or comments, you can leave them here or tweet me @MrX_381, my wife @UGAGirl23 or @Parkscope. You can also find us on Facebook!
All pictures not marked otherwise were taken by my wife and me. Please excuse the quality as they are from our iPhone.
Today, Parkscope correspondent MrEPCOT visited Universal Orlando Resort to check out the first phase of the new Promenade which opened recently. There are currently 2 other phases under construction in various stages.
The first phase blends in seamlessly with the existing CityWalk infrastructure and really adds aesthetically to the area. As you can see below, the first deck to open features an outdoor daiquiri bar and some retail kiosks. The deck itself looks to be cedar (or a convincing substitute) and has a beautiful, rich finish. The finished product is very pleasing to the eye.
There was originally some fear from Universal fans that too much green space would be lost. That appears to not be the case. While some trees were removed, others were added and Universal has even worked around existing palm trees. The area has been landscaped well, and the area will only get prettier as plants grow in.
This deck is just the first of many coming as part of the CityWalk Promenade expansion. So far, it looks like CityWalk is getting a nice addition that will enhance the experience of day guests and resort guests alike. The Promenade will be the perfect place to stop on your way in to Universal Studios Florida in the late afternoon to catch the new parade or Cinematic Spectacular. It will also be a great place to pregame with your friends or family for Halloween Horror Nights.
It will be interesting to see if the other decks have dining and/or other options. Universal has kept a tight lid on the project. Hopefully, they will announce details soon.
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