Transformers Announcement Tomorrow

Exciting news from the Twitter-sphere today! @PlazaAndMainSt posted a notice that the Fairwinds Tower would be used for an exciting theme park announcement tomorrow. The notice can be seen below.

The first thing that came to mind was the Transformers decal that was put on the Staples Center last year in LA for the opening of Transformers the Ride in USH, which can be seen below.

Marc (PlazaAndMainSt) has said that is indeed what it is as it's already a 1/3 of the way done! So there we are! Some Transformers news tomorrow! Follow @Parkscope for the latest and prepare for battle!

UPDATE: Progress:

UOR Permit Update 12/5/2012: Central Park Wall and More

So, another day, another round of Universal Notice of Commencements.

The first is between Universal and Advanced Entertainment Technology for Equipment Installation. The company has worked with Universal in Hollywood, Orlando, and Japan, but I can't gather from their site exactly what they've done in the past. I assumed it might be for Transformers, but the absence of Singapore from the list throws that into question.

Next up, there is a NoC for a new lagoon wall in the Central Park area of Universal Studios Florida.  The work will be done by everyone's favorite themed set builders, Nassal. We uncovered a permit detailing a new lagoon wall last week, and we thought that it was for the Simpsons area.  The NoC links it to the building permit filed last week.  For those who remember, Project 315 PM was the project name for Universal's Cinematic Spectacular show, so this change has something to do with that.

 

The latest updates to the building permit say:

"Constructed on top of existing rockwork."

"Existing wall replace with new 4 wall location inside the Universal Studios theme park."

The permit has essentially been issued (everything has been approved), so work should begin soon.

 As always, stay tuned to @Parkscope for updates.

UOR Permit Updates 11/16/2012: More Potter Steel and Transformers Interior

Two new notice of commencents were released to the Orange County Comptroller site today, both of which are for major Universal Orlando projects.

The first is for steel installation by Coastal Steel for Project 722, which we all know is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion in Universal Studios Florida.

Coastal Steel has been involved with many big projects across the Orlando theme park landscape, including Expedition Everest, Blizzard Beach, Mission: Space's exterior, Astro Orbitor's theming, the Grauman's Chinese Theater facade, and many more great themed projects.

http://www.coastalsteel.com/gallery.html

The second is for interior finishes by Adirondack. This is for the Transformers ride, as we reported earlier in the attraction's development. Adirondack has also worked extensively in the themed entertainment business.

As always, stay tuned to @Parkscope for more information.

UOR Permit Update 11/6/12: Simpsons about to get underway/Nassal Work

Today's round of Notice of Commencements are another interesting bunch. First, the contractor, HW Davis Construction, and Universal Orlando have finally filed notice of commencements for the beginning of the upcoming expanded Simpsons area, filing for construction services as well as demolition and construction walls, both of which can be seen below. The documents both talk about building 72, which is the International Food Fair, Kwik-E-Mart, and Restrooms that we reported would be partially demolished and changed back in August.

For those unfamiliar with HW Davis, they are very well versed in the creation of themed environments for the theme parks. They built the outside portion of the Simpsons Ride, MIB Alien Attack, as well as multiple themed shops and UOR's Orlando International Airport store.

Also, a notice of commencement has come from Nassal and Universal Orlando for Wall layout and Installation. Nassal is a company that has done a plethora of work for both the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter as well as design work on the second phase coming to Universal Studios Florida. Could the walls inside the Gringotts ride building be coming soon? Or could they also be working on the interior or exterior theming for Transformers the Ride?

Stay tuned to @Parkscope for up to the minute updates on both these continuing projects.

Universal Orlando to Announce Transformers Nov 1st

Today, Universal Orlando Resort put out a teaser and a countdown clock that will end November 1st 2012 at 7:30 PM EST. But what will they be announcing? So far there are two large construction projects going on, one being Transformers, the other the second phase of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Well, an intrepid young sleuth over at Orlando United has found that the coding of the countdown clock is titled "TransformersCountdown".

So that settles that, true believers. We'll finally be getting confirmation that Transformers the Ride will be coming to Universal Orlando Resort! And hopefully, that won't be all we're hearing about!

Transformers Construction Update 8/25/12

Today we're lucky enough to have a reader send us in a construction of the Transformers site at Universal Studios Florida. Enjoy!

Hope you enjoyed those, and as always, remember to follow @Parkscope on twitter!

UOR Permit Update 8/14/12: Transformers & Potter, etc

It has been a while, but we finally have a few new permits and Notices of Commencements.

First off, "Core and Shell" for Transformers aka Project 609:

This must be for the building structure of Transformers.  As they are moving quickly on the project, they will need it soon. Universal started pouring the concrete foundation last week.

Next, Project 7611 for an "early facility package"

As mentioned previously, all project numbers in the 7000 range are related to Phase 2 of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster is getting new infrared flame detectors:

The booths at the Three Broomsticks are already being replaced:

Lastly, fiber optic cable is being installed throughout Universal Studios Florida:

As always, please follow us on Twitter @Parkscope and @CaptMichael87 and like us on Facebook.

Universal Orlando Project Update 8/3/12

Universal Orlando Resort currently has multiple projects underway.  Since permits for most of them have been approved, new details have been scant.  That being said, we can update you on inspections and recent pictures that have been taken.

Project 722 Lagoon Wall

©2012 Universal Creative.  All Rights Reserved.
Thank you Lee.

The project with the most visible progress and the one that is furthest along is the new London Lagoon Waterfront that is replacing Amity Village.  The area is being modeled after London's Victoria Embankment which features a concrete with wall with pillars, fancy lamps, and greenery.  PCL Construction has completed nearly two thirds of the new wall.  It would not be too crazy to think that the whole wall could be compete in the next two weeks.

After the wall is complete, they will need to get to work on the inland portion which will either feature planters or ponds.  The plans we received from Lee at WDWMagic did not specify what they were.  If the areas are indeed ponds, that could take a while to complete.  If they are planters, we could see this area open up some time this year, at the rate they are going.  Inspections on various sections of the wall have been  scheduled almost daily.

Project 7542: Gringotts Bank

Gringotts is seemingly far along, but we cannot see it without someone going on a helicopter tour of Universal Orlando.  It is tucked away far back in the former Jaws plot and is obscured by trees from the Fear Factor Live theater.  Over the past week, it has had various footer inspections for "pile reinforcements"; "test pile rebar"; and "column/vertical cell/shaft."  Clearly, a foundation is clearly in its future


Project 7685: Pre-Engineered Metal Building

At first glance, I believed this to be for Gringotts.  Only time will tell.  The permit and review are short on details.  It is currently awaiting revisions since July 25th.


Project 609: Transformers

Transformers has either caught-up with or surpassed Gringotts.  Recent photographs and inspections of the site reveal that there is a rebar mat already in place within the confines of the below grade, sheet-piling reinforced area where Soundstage 44 used to stand.  Today, there was a "Final Inspection for Concrete reinforcement."  Visitors to Universal Studios Florida should be seeing a slab appear shortly.  Universal is wasting no time on this project and looks to be on track for a Winter 2013 opening.

©2012 Warner Bros Pictures.  All Rights Reserved.

Projects 7717 North Station: Platform 9 3/4

Like Gringotts, progress on this project will remain a mystery until someone gets a helicopter update.  Utilities were put in earlier this year.  The area is likely undergoing dewatering or preparations for dewatering at the moment as the permit was recently approved by the South Florida Water Management District.

Project 4691 Connector:  Hogwarts Express Track

©2012 Google Earth.  All Rights Reserved.  

Work has reportedly begun behind the Revenge of the Mummy showbuilding on the Hogwarts Express track.  Many believe that there will be a track switch in this area for trains to bypass each other as they make the trip between Hogsmeade and London.

Project 3641 South Station:  Hogsmeade Station

©2012 Google Earth.  All Rights Reserved.
©2012 Universal Creative.  All Rights Reserved.

Pictures have recently sprung up showing an excavator behind the Lost Continent construction walls and there is a noticeable absence of trees.  The future home of Hogsmeade Station is likely undergoing dewatering or is being set up to be dewatered.  Riders of Dragon Challenge should be able to see this.

Could Hogsmeade look like this in a few years?
©2012 Google Earth.  All Rights Reserved.   

Project 7448:  Diagon Alley

The Diagon Alley permits have been languishing in the review stages since late May.  The review of the second set of plan revisions were completed on July 20th.  Today, August 3rd, was the first update in two weeks.  Wastewater seems to have gotten new plans and changed their Disapproval to Approved.  Hopefully the other hang-ups received revisions as well.  It would be nice for every aspect of WWoHP Phase 2 be ready for construction.  This is currently the last piece of the puzzle, at least for the foundations of Phase 2.

Project 142:  Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Work has seemingly begun as pictures of a crane and green fences have appeared on the internet.  The resort is currently being built in 3 phases of 600 hotel rooms.  There are currently permits for fire pits, swimming pools, and a bar.  Some people are reporting that the water taxi canal will not be extended to Cabana Bay which is unfortunate if true.

To discuss these projects, visit and join Orlando United.  For updates, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Project 609 = Transformers

UPDATE: The image is now considered to be a fake.  A good fake, but a fake nonetheless.  Whoever did it was very creative.  While the image wasn't real, Project 609 is definitely Transformers and is still slated to open next year.

A picture made a brief appearance online that 100% confirms that Universal Studios Florida will getting the very popular Transformers attraction that recently opened this year at Universal Studios in Hollywood and Singapore.  It also appears that rumored timeline of 18 months is, in fact, accurate.

This should come as no surprise to anyone who has been following the project or our updates, but it is nice to finally have some closure.  While we would love to share the picture with you, legally, we cannot.  Out of respect for Universal and copyright law, we can and will only show you things that are public domain.

So now, we wait for an official announcement.  Until then, Prepare for Battle.  Enjoy our temporary website overlay.

UOR Permit Update 7/12/12: Project 609 & 722

Project 609 looks more and more like Transformers with each passing day.  Earlier this week, it was updated by reviewers who mentioned:

 "More information required on the type of waste (oily waste?) discharging into maintenance pit drains and Ride Lift Pit drains"

And today, the Building Plan Review person updated it saying the building is a "threshold building."  Threshold Buildings are:

"What is considered a threshold building with regard to architecture?A threshold building is any building greater than three stories or 50 feet in height, or which has an occupancy classification that exceeds 5,000 square feet."

Transformers in both Hollywood and Singapore go vertical instead of horizontal like Spider-Man.  To go vertical, Transformers employees the use of elevators/lifts.  As you can see, Project 609 is looking like it will be Transformers.  So much so, that we decided to call it yesterday based on the permit and our sources.

A tower crane was assembled on site yesterday.

_______________________________

Project 722 is moving right along with infrastructure and foundations being the main focus.  These are things that are virtually invisible as most of it occurs at or below ground level.  We are still a little bit away from actually seeing vertical construction.

In the past 2 weeks, things have gotten exciting along the forthcoming London Waterfront.  Last week a cofferdam was installed, and a segment of the new wall was formed up.  Recent;y, that wall segment was poured, and today, it was inspected (and passed.)  There are still many sections to be built and formed, but it looks like they are going for the look of Albert Embankment in London.  Yesterday, crews also began dismantling the old wall.

Today, the South Florida Water Management District issued the dewatering permit that will now allow PCL to dewater the lagoon below Dragon Challenge where Hogsmeade Station will go.  Dewatering will also take place where Platform 9 3/4 is planned to go.  This permit was a big step and will now allow progress to resume in places other than Gringotts and the waterfront.

Speaking of Gringotts, plan revisions were submitted, but it seems like things are still going smoothly on the part of the project.

Project 7448 has been awaiting the submission of revisions, but with everything Universal is working on right now, it is understandable that they have not gotten to that yet.  Project 609 and Hogwarts Express are the big picture right now.

As for the Hogwarts Express.  The permits are ready for all three projects.  While the two stations have to wait for dewatering, The Connector (track) foundation layout will likely start as soon as possible as they have quite a bit of work to do to connect both Potter areas.

As always, please follow us on Twitter @Parkscope and @CaptMichael87 for updates on these projects.

Soundstage 44/ Project 609 Construction 7/11/12

We are just going to go ahead and start calling it Transformers.  Transform and roll out, here are some construction pictures from Mr. X.  Today, workers were assembling a gantry crane which is more permanent than a usual crane and is used for vertical construction.  These cranes resemble towers.  Most recently, one was seen in New Fantasyland for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train.

Here we go!

Follow @Parkscope and follow @MrX_381 on Twitter for in-park updates!

Park Bomb

So. How was everyone's week been so far? Mine's been good, got back from visiting friends, work, the usual. You? Yeah, I can understand that. Oh, don't worry about that thing, it'll be fine.

Oh did you also hear that Universal WENT INSANE?

Cabana Bay Resort. Retro!
(C) 2012 Universal Orlando.  All Rights Reserved.

This weekend Universal pushed permits, demolished a building, announced a NEW RESORT, put up walls in Islands of Adventure, and became a State Run Radio.

Wow.

This is ignoring the other prevailing rumors of the week as reported by those at Orlando United and WDWMagic.

Lets tackle what has come up the past few days, one by one, look at the reasoning behind it, their probability, opening dates, and other speculation.

1.) Transformers/Transformers layout attraction

Transformers 3D construction at Universal Studios Hollywood

Photo from our BFFs at Westcoaster.net

Odds: 2 to 1 for layout, 3 to 1 for Transformers

Why?: Permits filed have called for a drainage in a ride system elevator shaft, a feature prominently in the Universal Hollywood attraction. The size of the USH show building perfectly matches the Soundstage 44-now-pit location. Transformers is a hot property, with a fantastic attraction on the west coast that rivals Radiator Springs Racers.

The issue comes down to if it is Transformers itself, or another kind of attraction. USF has been clamoring for a return of Kong, could we see a return of the big ape? Battlestar Galactica is featured in the Singapore park but no where stateside. Yet those properties are semi-dormant and not as current as the Michael Bay Transformers.

Perfect fit.

Photo from our very own Sean

With the permits and building size, I'm giving this turning into a Transformers layout attraction a near guarantee. I'm not as convinced that it'll be Transformers itself; if I was still vacationing in Vegas I'd stop by the sports book and place a bet though.

Expected Opening: Fall 2013. An expedited schedule and a delayed Potter expansion make me think this will be open very, very soon.

2.) Harry Potter Expansion: London/Diagon Alley/Hogwarts Express

Diagon Alley & Gringotts Entrance Concept Art

From all sorts of places, but this copy is from the Harry Potter Wiki

Odds: 1 to 1

Why?: It's happening. We have had layout leaks, production leaks, and concept art for the land leak. Diagon Alley is the worst kept secret in the themed entertainment business.

A trademark was registered by Warner Bros. for the Leaky Caldron, which suggests this pub will be present, possibly as the land's Three Broomsticks. A Diagon Alley wall opening show scene will probably featured too, and unlike the Olivanders wand ceremony, will probably be higher capacity and shorter in length (in addition to a separate, non-show entrance to the land).

Oh and talking about Olivanders, the actual location from the books will be featured in the heart of the land. If rumors are to be believed, this will double the capacity of the Hogsmead version, which would make the crowd control cast of Hogsmead very happy.

And I will eat my own shoe if a Weasley's Wizard Wheezes doesn't open.

Reports suggest there are two new attractions in Diagon Alley, the Gringotts Coaster and Hogwarts Express (and it's sister station in Island of Adventure). These have been covered in full in other posts, and I'll direct you to those for information.

In addition to this, there is still an expansion pad to the east of Diagon Alley, possibly for a family style attraction. 

Expected Opening: Summer 2015. Enough time for the new Cabana Bay Resort to open and Transformers to settle down.

3.) Madagascar Kidzone replacement in USF

Madagascar Land Concept Art

Copyright Universal, this copy provided by LiftHill.com

Odds: 10 to 1

Why?: We know Kidzone is short for this world and Madagascar is featured in the Singapore park, so would these two meet up sometime soon?

A simple rebranding of the land, keeping the water elements and jungle gyms, would help push people to this side of the park. But what about more? E.T. could be leaving in the next few years, too, and possibly the Animals Actors stage. As for an attraction, why would Universal build the troubled Madagascar flume ride. Maybe Universal will opt to go with a family friendly omnimover style ride instead?

Madagascar Land Concept Art

Copyright Universal, this copy provided by LiftHill.com

Little is known of this possibly addition, what it would entail, or even if it's happening. Just lots of innuendo from those knowledgeable of additions.

Expected Opening: Summer 2016, earliest. More like 2017. We just don't know enough.

4.) Island of Adventure Additions

Endangered in more ways than one.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user theNickChandler

Odds: 5 to 1

Why?: Like Madagascar, we don't know enough. Parkscope HQ has gotten word of two possible additions in either the Jurassic Park or Seuss Landing areas of the park. Jurassic Park will lose the Triceratops Encounter for a family coaster and/or Seuss will get a Lorax dark ride. A family offering in the park, with low or no height requirement, would be a major addition to a park dominated with height requirements.

Expected Opening: Rumors point to this opening in 2014 as the last holdover before Potter 2.0 opens, giving the resort another attractive people eater for what could be it's most profitable, and busy, year ever.

5.) Another USF Addition

Photo curtsy of me!

Odds: 20 to 1

Why?: Too much can happen between now and Diagon Alley. Too many movies can fail, bust, or just not work as theme park attractions. This rumor was repotted by Martin over at WDWMagic, so this is news to everyone. We will work on scouting out more information as the months and years progress.

Expected Opening: Post 2016.

6.) Hogsmeade addition

Odds: 10 to 1

Why?: Besides the Hogwarts Express stop, all we have are some Jim Hill reports and few cryptic posts by insiders. On the Disney Dish podcast, Jim Hill mentioned a possible family attraction based around the Whomping Willow, but this was before Phase 2 as we know it was leaked via SFWMD permits. With the expansion of Hogsmeade into The Lost Continent, this attraction will most likely be placed on the way to the Hogwarts Express.  Previously (and quite often), Jim has mentioned a Great Hall dining experience for Potter.  According to him, the restaurant would be 2-stories tall with the kitchen on the bottom floor and guests/the Great Hall on the 2nd floor.  An intriguing effect would enable food to be loaded on the bottom floor and within seconds appear under a covered dish in the Great Hall.  Space constraints may prevent this from happening at IoA, but Hill thinks it is a shoe-in for Universal Hollywood.  He also says Universal Creative has desperately been looking for ways to shoe-horn it in between Hogwarts and Jurassic Park.


Cryptic comments from insiders Lee and Martin from WDWMagic have something else coming in addition to Phase 2.  Lee mentioned a mini-land, and Martin mentioned "something else maybe" for Potter.  These could be anything.

Expected Opening: Don't know. While I would feel like 2015 would be good to complement the Diagon Alley expansion, I feel other additions to the park would make more sense at that time. 2016 sounds more plausible, but we can't read Universal's hand this far out.

The Universal Decade

Martin and others have also mentioned a new water park and a full, 3rd theme park gate. 

Thanks to Michael, we have this great overhead view of the Universal plot. In the top right is a potential major expansion pad, one that could fit a 3rd gate and more resorts if Universal could acquire it. In the bottom left is a plot for a water park or new resort, on which is land already owned by Universal already. Plans have leaked for a new water park, but the motive for such a movie is still in question. Yes, Wet’n’Wild is located off property, across I-4, and doesn’t feature the same care and attention as the other two parks (Wet’n’Wild was initially owned by another party). But why build another water park so close to another; two water parks that only service four hotels? Word has it that Wet'n'Wild slides would just be relocated to the Universal waterpark.  Last year, Universal trademarked the name "Wondersea Island."

New hotels? New water parks? A new park? There just can’t be any way some moving walk ways and waterways can actually be a viable transportation system? That will be a serious issue for Universal as they tackle how to adequately move people across the resort. UOR has a blessing in being nearly 100% walkable, but when will this get pushed to the breaking point? If new resorts, water parks, and parks are announced, I think we will see a new, Universal Transportation Center. Maybe even the first new monorail fleet in Orlando in over two decades?

Sleeping Mice

Team Disney Orlando has been fat and lazy for over a decade and a half by now. Universal’s ownership of Blackstone and their poor initial “Universal Escape!” branding didn’t work. Even with Harry Potter, Universal attendance is still behind Disney’s worst parks. Year to be Here and the 2013 addition will help, but will a dent be made?

TDO and Burbank have put WDW on auto-pilot for years now. A few additions here and there, some enhancements to queues, more DVC, and lots of discounts attempt to lock in Disney fans and the once/twice a lifetime visitor. It’s widely reported a Disney Hollywood Studios version of Carsland has been rejected by TDO and the Monsters Inc coaster is in cryo-freeze. Sources have popped up recently reporting that an updated Illuminations (possibly the green lit project Steve Davison hinted at) and parade at one of the parks is in the works. Even TDO leakers have dropped some hints at an attraction announcement soon, possibly a scaled down Avatarland (or the $1.6 billion dollar version).

Another photo from me. One last one this past February for me to remember Test Track.

Right now the only new attractions in the pipeline for the resort till 2016/7 are the Test Track refurbishment, The Little Mermaid, the Seven Dwarfs coaster, and whatever comes with Avatarland.

But would a Universal Decade be enough to wake up the sleeping mouse? Remember, the California Adventure additions were approved by the Disney Board of Directors, which meant that the funding could not be cut by the ‘accountanteers’. WDI could have called this same play for WDW additions for it’s 50th Anniversary, or sooner.

Speculation

At Parkscope, we try to be as factual as possible. We report permits, photos, news, and history articles. This is one of the first, really big, rumor posts. Plans can change, our information can be incorrect, and we could flat out be wrong in what we guess; it comes with the business we are in. And even then, just because it’s announced does not mean it will happen, just ask David Copperfield Magic Underground and Western River Expedition how it’s going.

Please take what we say with a grain of salt. Oh and follow us on Facebook, all the cool kids are doing it now.