Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure - What We Know

Universal's newest Wizarding World attraction, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, opens in less than three months. This highly anticipated new coaster has remained largely undiscussed officially by Universal Orlando. In this article we will tackle the latest news, rumors, and speculation to paint a picture of what to expect when this attraction opens June 13.

Dragon Challenge is being replaced with a new Harry Potter ride. Today, only about 1/3 remains of what was see in this photo Fri. pic.twitter.com/DX1arNP9gq

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) October 3, 2017

UOR Permit Update: Potter VIP Lounge

After scanning the permit site today, I came across a new permit for a VIP Lounge for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. This will be going into Building 64D, which will also house Magical Menagerie and restrooms. It's unknown if this will be a lounge for real VIPs, or will be a passholder/American Express lounge like in the front of the park.

As always, follow @Parkscope for news updates.

2.6 - All The Special Guest

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Joe, Mike, and Sean are joined by special guest Robert Niles from ThemeParkInsider.com! We discuss...

• Festival of Fantasy
• Harry Potter
• Gringotts
• Fantastical Beasts
• Mythos (voted best restaurant in a theme park by a certain website)
• Should we be excited for Avatar?
• Frozen attraction ideas
• What's next for UOR?
• MM+ and future developments
• Paying for the sins of a previous generation
• Shanghai Disneyland
• AND MORE.

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, MrX_381, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

UOR Permit Updates: New Projectors for Simpsons and Forbidden Journey

Big news from yesterday's update on the Orange County Comptroller site as we now know two rides will be getting brand new projectors installed soon.

First, in an ongoing effort to roll out Springfield in style, The Simpsons Ride, which opened in 2008, will receive new projectors. Personally, I think this is great, as an update has been necessary for this attraction in the audio/visual department since opening.

Next is an upgrade for Forbidden Journey, which continues to receive love this year. It's great to see Universal stay on top of the ball for this ride.

As always, stay tuned to @Parkscope and my personal twitter @Sean_Huckel for up to the minute updates. And don't forget about our podcast!

A Universe of Possibilities

So last Wednesday, September the 11, NBC/Universal CEO Steve Burke dropped some pretty big truthbombs on us at an investor conference. In his speech, Burke continued to parrot Comcast's bullish theme park talks, saying how much the company has taken to the new line of business and how happy they are that it's performing so well. But they're clearly not satisfied with what they have now, and the aggressive expansion timetable we've become accustomed to the past few years in Orlando will be ramping up to even faster speeds, if that can be believed. Below are the finer points of his speech.

• Universal has done studies that say they can have anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 on site hotel rooms and still reach desired profitability and occupancy levels.
• Transformers the Ride 3-D at Universal Studios Florida has boosted daily park attendance by 20% "most weeks" since opening in June.
• Universal Parks and Resorts' spending was around the $500 million dollar mark this year, the level it is expected to stay at for the foreseeable future.
• Uni Parks and Resorts wants to continue to open at least one attraction per year at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.
• Burke also stressed they no longer want to be the side destination. They want to become a resort destination themselves.

As you can see, Burke touched on a lot of big points, including some fighting words thrown in the mouse's direction. Let's cover them one at a time, shall we?

Resort Room Expansion

First, let's take a look at the claim the resort can stand to carry 10,000-15,000 rooms on property. Compare that to the 2,400 rooms they currently have, and the 4,200 rooms they'll have once Cabana Bay Beach Resort opens next year, and it's clear just how big Universal Orlando Resort is looking to be. At the very least, management plans on more than doubling the current number of rooms at the resort.

Before we get into where they could be going or what themes they'll be, let's take a look at the existing Universal Orlando Resort area.

As you can see, Universal has only one plot of open land left on the existing resort, which is promised to Loews Resorts as the sight of the fifth onsite hotel. And even if said hotel was a large tower resort it would only add up to 1,800 rooms to the resort, and that is a generous estimate.  So where will all these rooms come from?

It's obvious, to me, that Comcast is going to have to shell out some money and buy more land surrounding the resort. The question is, where? I highlighted the most logical areas in purple. I also think they could probably acquire more land to the south, but I went with a conservative estimate for now.

The plot of land to the east is a bit bigger than what Universal would be able to acquire. A good quarter of that land will be used in a redesigned I-4 exit, but the rest will be unaffected. The Double Tree and Holiday Inn Express by UOR are the most notable things occupying the land at this moment. The rest is a few chain restaurants and smaller end hotels. This would probably be the more expensive land acquisition if it panned out the way I'm thinking it could. It's relatively insulated, and will allow for more of a "resort" feel once Uni is done with it.

The land to the south along International Drive, however, offers up some bigger challenges. First, as stated, it's bisected by I-Drive, and is possibly one of the ugliest/rundown areas of the Orlando area.  Theoretically the land would come cheaper here than it would to the east, but UOR and Creative would have to work hard to hide their nice resorts from the urban blight around them.This area also includes Wet'N'Wild, which presumably should be making way for a new water park at some point in the future.

So, those are my hypothetical placements for future hotels. Now comes the fun part. What could Universal theme these extra 5,800-9,800 more rooms to? Well, I have a few ideas that come from Universal's older plans, as well as some new ideas.

First, let's take a look and one of Universal's most recent dropped resort concept, the Silverscreen Resort, more info on which can be found on Park Rumors.

The resort's classic Art-Deco exterior and massive towers were originally planned to occupy the north half of the land that is now becoming Cabana Bay Beach Resort, with the south remaining earmarked for future development. The high room count and fantastic artistic design would make it a beautiful choice for anchoring one of the new areas potentially bought by Universal

 However, there is another older concept that I think would be the optimal choice to round out the development of the existing resort area. Which one is that? Well, the Royal Egyptian, of course.

As you can see, the theme of the hotel was going to celebrate the splendor of ancient Egypt along the Nile river, with plenty of reflecting pools and sunny areas. The Royal Egyptian existed in a different version during the planning of Universal City Florida, which you can see and read about over on Park Rumors.

While looking on their site for pictures (which they graciously allowed me to use, thanks again!), I noticed a very, very interesting little tidbit. I had believed the resort was cancelled and forgotten after MCA decided to build a smaller version of the Royal Pacific than what had originally been planned, but then I saw the 2007 addendum to the Universal City plans.

See that 800 guest room hotel in the middle there (also notice the Silverscreen resort to the west)? Study the layout and design for a second. Got it? Well, now look at this.

Same thing, no? So, up to 2007, Universal was still planning on building the massively themed resort with connection to the Universal water taxi system. Also telling is that the Silverscreen resort planned for next door was supposed to be 1,800 guest rooms. The same as Cabana Bay. I'm probably getting my own hopes up here, but I think they would see this as a perfect resort to finish off the central resort complex. It would be a fourth, and possibly final, deluxe level resort, and the location dictates that. Hopefully Universal and Comcast feel the same way.

As for concepts beyond that, it's nothing but blue sky. We all know Harry Potter is Universal current bread and butter, but I don't see a resort concept coming of it. I would love to see them get the Major Boulevard plot to the east and build a few resorts around a manmade lake. Maybe their own version of the Boardwalk concept? Also, to the south on I-Drive, I'd like to see them theme the hotels, or at least one hotel, to the same thing as whatever they make the waterpark. Would be a nice way to tie an area together.

Attractions, Attractions Everywhere

So, as exciting as new, themed resorts are, let's look at the real reason we're all here: the attractions. We all know Transformers and Springfield opened this year, and next year we get Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley. But what about after that? Mr. Burke seemed pretty set on wanting at least an attraction every year for the resort. So what do we think is on the horizon? Let's take a look.

Jurassic Park Expansion

The first big rumor, which seems to gain traction with every passing day is that a Jurassic Park expansion is on its way for 2015. We covered some speculation on this here, so I don't want to get too deep into it. But this should be a pretty awesome expansion. And to add some more food to the fire, here's a survey maker back behind Thunder Falls Terrace for the project.

The Lorax Ride

Another rumor gaining steam for 2015 is the addition of a Lorax dark ride featuring elaborate sets, animatronics, physical effects, and screens. Conventional wisdom says the attraction will take the remaining expansion plot in Seuss Landing, shown below.

Adding another family dark ride with a limited or nonexistent height requirement is crucial for the resort if they truly want to move forward as a family destination.

King Kong

Another rumor, also from Hatetofly, is that a new version of King Kong will be replacing Disaster, also in 2015. personally, I think one of these three projects would need to be moved to 2016, and Kong being in the park that just got Diagon Alley would be the best bet in my opinion. Though it is also rumored this is being done due to a problem with the Disaster ride system, so it's possible this cannot be pushed to another time.

The Rest

Outside of these three solid rumors, we have plenty of other, more nebulous works on the way. Warner Brothers's CEO has mentioned that JK Rowling's new movie in the Potterverse, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, is already in works to be a theme park attraction. Lands like KidZone and Toon lagoon are falling quickly behind the rest of their respective parks in terms of drawing power and profitability. And of course there are things like the plot between Men in Black and the Simpsons Ride or Shrek 4-D that are prime for replacement. And what about the water park? I think Comcast sees Wet'N'Wild as an embarrassment, personally, and believe it will be replaced with a more themed and state of the art park by decade's end.

But one thing is for sure: Universal and Comcast are continuing their bullish behavior in the Orlando theme park market. They are continuing to push the envelope, and I for one hope that continues for the foreseeable future. As always, keep it tuned to @Parkscope for up to the minute updates.

Thanks for reading!

Breaking: New Diagon Alley/Hogwarts Express Details

Good afternoon, true believers! I'm here after completing a survey which Universal Orlando had just sent me asking my opinions on some things pertaining to both Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express. First of all, the survey says the planned opening for the land will be summer 2014, which whittles the original and nebulous "2014" down a little bit. Many have theorized it will open in June like its predecessor, and now that looks likely. Also, the survey confirms the rumors that Gringotts will indeed be a 3D attraction. It also says it will be likely that a 2 park ticket will be required to ride the Hogwarts Express(which is confirmed to have different shows each way), but more on that later.

Moving on from there, it is also confirmed that there will be different set ups for Hogwarts Express disembarking depending on the crowd levels in the park. When it is crowded, the exiting guests will be required to exit into the London Waterfront, where they will queue with the rest of the guests wanting to get into Diagon Alley/Hogsmede respectively. However, on less crowded days, they will be allowed to enter directly into the land.

From there Uni asked questions about ticketing, including increasing blackout dates for the Power Pass, and asked what would be a more fitting name for it if they did.

They also asked as a non-Floridian AP holder whether or not giving me the option to pay monthly to renew my AP as well as giving me a 30% discount on last years price would increase my chances of renewing for the 2014 year...which I obviously said it would!

To wrap up the survey, they asked a series of situations revolving around the Hogwarts Express, which really seemed to be the focus of the survey. It mixed and matched ticketing situations, prices, wait times, roundtip/one-way trip, and unlimited/limited ride scenarios and asked which would be the most appealing to me. This leads me to believe Universal has still not completely set themselves on a two park ticket being required to ride the Hogwarts Express and are still hammering out the details.

Well, that's all I've got for you today, everyone. Make sure you follow @Parkscope for up to the minute details as they come in!

UOR Permit Update 11/9/12: Potter Stage & More

Today, a building permit was filed for the new stage coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  This goes with the notice of commencement filed last month.  According to the permit, the new stage will be 2.5 feet off of the ground.

On 10/18/2012, Universal Orlando submitted a notice of commencement for a new stage to be built at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which can be seen below.

One can assume that this will be installed where the Frog Choir and  Triwizard Tournament show take place in order to give spectators a better view of said shows.

Universal is also adding another "Human Dryer" to Jurassic Park.

Stay tuned to @Parkscope and @CaptMichael87 for more details.

Universal Permit Update 10/18/2012: New Stage Coming to WWoHP

Today, Universal Orlando submitted a notice of commencement for a new stage to be built at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which can be seen below.

One can assume that this will be installed where the Frog Choir and  Triwizard Tournament show take place in order to give spectators a better view of said shows. Or, could it be a temporary stage for a new announcement? If it's for the former, it's great to see Universal to continue to plus the land.

Stay tuned to @Parkscope for more details.

Link to permit: http://or.occompt.com/recorder/eagleweb/downloads/20120559367.pdf?id=DOC1026S42505.A0&parent=DOC1026S42505

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Construction Update

Well, the vertical construction continues on WWoHP's expansion on the former Jaws site. Today, our friend MrEPCOT sent us this picture from behind the park, showing the progress of what is believed to be the Gringotts ride building.

(c) Parkscope Blog 2012

Hope you enjoyed, and remember to follow @Parkscope!

WE HAVE VERTICAL CONSTRUCTION!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2 is...

VERTICAL! Credit goes to Orlando United.Head there to discuss this exciting development and as always follow @Parkscope on twitter.

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.

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.

UOR Permit Update 7/6/12: Forbidden Journey Fountains

A Notice of Commencement was filed today with Orange County for fountains at Forbidden Journey.

A poster on Orlando United says it is for water fountains in the Forbidden Journey Queue.

Google says that MEP = Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing.

There has been no corresponding permit filed with the City of Orlando, yet.

Follow us on Twitter @Parkscope if you have an idea or could shed light on this.

Hogwarts Express Speculation 6/21/12

Disclaimer:  We are not permit experts.  The following article is speculation based on laymen observations of permit review comments.

© 2012 Warner Bros. Pictures.  All Rights Reserved.

Activity has picked up on The City of Orlando's review of permits related to the Hogwarts Express attraction coming to Universal Orlando as part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion.  From certain review comments, some details about the stations and ride may be gleaned.  We will not make any promises about the accuracy, we can only do our best with what is public record.

First off, The City of Orlando has changed the name of Project 3641 (South Station), and it is now labeled Project 4691 (Connector.)  Both now have the Connector project number of 4691.  From this, we are inferring that someone originally mixed up the two permits when they were originally posted.  As more information has come out, it is looking like the permit originally labeled as the Connector was, in fact, for South Station (Hogsmeade Station.)

Our reasoning: The Connector permit and North Station basically have the same price tag tied to "Sewer Benefit."  This cost seems to be related to the amount of water displaced.  North Station, of course, is being built on what used to be Jaws, and South Station is being built on top of a Dragon Challenge pond.  Both are displacing quite a bit of water.  Also, North and South Station will most likely be similar in size, so the permit costs should be nearly identical.  Currently, North Station is $7917; South Station is $381.04; and Connector is $6394.50.  As you can see, it seems like they were mixed up from the start.

Even more evidence exists that the permit originally labeled "Connector" was really South Station.  In the review comments for Connector, there are references to load areas, unload areas, capacity, and other details that would be associated with an attraction station.  We have been led to believe that the Connector is the train itself by a Phase 2 contractor.

© 2012 Warner Bros. Pictures.  All Rights Reserved.

Now, on to the interesting things brought up in the review comments.  The things that most stand out are certain capacity figures related to unload & egress, the mention of a "ticketing structure," and an "exit tunnel."

For North Station (Platform 9 3/4), the reviewer says, "the exit capacity for the occupant load is deficient. (occ load 1259 capacity 1170)."  This is according to the Life Safety Code which requires a minimum amount of exit space based on occupancy of a space.  We are going to infer that the current exit space is insufficient to hold the occupancy load of 1259 and is only capable of handling 1170 in its current state.  That is not to say that the train capacity is 1259 or even close to it.  Even if the capacity of each train is a third or fourth of that figure, it will be a people eater (a monorail holds around 400.)  However, sometimes exit capacity is calculated for an entire structure, so this figure may be for all of North Station in the case of evacuation.  Again, speculating based on limited knowledge and facts.

The North Station will also have a boiler room.  We are speculating that this will be for a steam effect at the station.  Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom uses a boiler for its steam effect at the load station.

Hogsmeade Station from Harry Potter & the Philosophers Stone
© 2012 Warner Bros. Pictures.  All Rights Reserved.

For South Station (Hogsmeade Station), the reviewer says he/she has trouble deciphering capacity of a few aspects of the station.  The only number thrown out is 204 for an entry stair which does not do us much good.  The South Station plans are apparently unclear in other ways:

"Cannot determine from the plans the true occupant load, entry points, exit points, what is the ticketing building for, and exit tunnel, what it the occupant circulation paths, etc. This will affect the total occupant load and egress capacity for this building."

As mentioned earlier, there is the mysterious "ticketing building."  Some of the biggest speculation surrounding the Hogwarts Express project is how Universal would handle ticketing.  Most thought this would prevent the attraction from happening.  Like the reviewer, we want to know what this ticketing building is for.  Is it just there thematically, or will it be a functional ticket booth for guests who need to upgrade to a 2-Park ticket?  We're hoping that it is just there thematically, and if not, hopefully the ticket building has a big queue for the ill-prepared.

Future site of Hogsmeade Station.
© 2012 Universal City Development Partners.  All Rights Reserved.
© 2012 Google Earth.  All Rights Reserved.

Another interesting mention is the exit tunnel.  Now that we know that Hogsmeade Station will be sitting between the Dragon Challenge tracks, perhaps this tunnel will take us between Dragons and Sinbad so we do not see Sinbad as we exit.  Or maybe it is just a simple exit tunnel.  Food for thought.


Just in case there are still doubters that this is for the Hogwarts Express, both permits reference the building connecting to a ride system.


As for the Connector, nothing interesting to the report.  Again, another reason why we think the permits were mislabeled.


UPDATE:
Since posting this article yesterday, the City of Orlando has once again changed the permit numbers for South Station and the Connector.  The permit originally labeled as Connector is now for South Station and numbered Project 3641.  The permit originally labeled as South Station is now for the Connector and numbered Project 4691.

Please leave us comments on what you think, or tweet us @Parkscope.  Also, join in on the discussion of #WWoHP2 on Orlando United.

Permit Links:
North Station
South Station
Connector

Hogsmeade South Station Plans

The South Florida Water Management District posted plans today for Project 3641 in connection with "basin improvements."  We have found some simple layouts of some of the Hogwarts Express stations which will feature heavily in the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

Hogsmede Station
© 2012 Universal City Development Partners. All Right Reserved.

Above, you can see the layout for what is assumed to be the  Hogsmeade Station for the Hogwarts Express, which is by far the most interesting piece in the plans that we acquired. The station seems to be set back between the two tracks of Dragon Challenge.

What the area currently looks like.  Sinbad is on the right.
© 2012 Google Earth. All Rights Reserved.

Earlier, we put up an article about the demolition of the buildings in Lost Continent that were thought to be making way for the station. With this apparent setup, it looks like Universal may be going for a queue area or pathway for what is probably going to be a very, very popular attraction.

© 2012 Parkscope
© 2012 Google Earth. All Rights Reserved.
© 2012 Universal City Development Partners.  All Rights Reserved.

Other than that, the majority of the plans are about how Universal will be dewatering the station areas and moving ground water into surrounding basins.  According to the documents, Universal plans on having to move millions of gallons of water.  Hopefully, work will start soon.

Link to SFWMD plans: http://my.sfwmd.gov/ePermitting/DetailedReport.do?recordId=0&showMenu=false

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