The first is for a new canopy in Toon Lagoon from Sundance Architectural Services. They have worked on small and large projects related to canopies in the theme parks, so it remains to be seen what the end product will be.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
UOR Permit Update 11/28/2012: Toon Lagoon Canopy and JP Doors
Some new notice of commencements up today, both of which will affect onstage areas in some way or another.
The first is for a new canopy in Toon Lagoon from Sundance Architectural Services. They have worked on small and large projects related to canopies in the theme parks, so it remains to be seen what the end product will be.
The second are replacements for Jurassic Park show doors. I have to assume these are the doors at the very beginning of the ride. JP usually goes down for refurb shortly after the holidays, so it's likely that's when the replacement will happen.
The first is for a new canopy in Toon Lagoon from Sundance Architectural Services. They have worked on small and large projects related to canopies in the theme parks, so it remains to be seen what the end product will be.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
UOR Permit Update 11/28/12: Potter, Simpsons & More
Universal has filed four new building permits this week.
First, they have filed two new permits for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Phase 2; specifically, they are for Buildings 66 and 64. As you will recall from last week, Building 66 is the Gringotts complex, and Building 64 is Train/Leaky Cauldron complex. We will find out more as they undergo review. Note: these building already have foundation permits and foundation work is underway. These are for other work.
Second, there is a new permit for the replacement of a section of lagoon wall. The Potter wall work done over the summer is complete save for the elaborate theming that will come (when they are ready.) This is likely for the Simpsons Springfield expansion work. A Google search tells me that CMU stands for Concrete Masonry Unit (blocks.)
Third, there is a permit for Building 5 which is set to get interior work and a mezzanine installed. B5 is not on the park map that we have, but this somewhere near the entrance.
There was also a Notice of Commencement filed for New Horizons Construction Services to "Install New Games Storage Trailer Behind Men In Black."
As always, please follow or continue to follow us on Twitter @Parkscope and @CaptMichael87
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Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving
From all of us at Parkscope, have a happy Thanksgiving, Black Friday, CyberMonday, #PepsiMusicNOW Tuesday, and the newest holiday, Parkscope Wednesday.
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| Universal Orlando really uploaded this to their Facebook page. |
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
WWoHP2 Diagon Alley Numbered Map
I have held onto this long enough. Back in July when Lee sent me the plans for the London Waterfront, he also provided me with a numbered building map of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley expansion. It really does not give anything away unless you look a permits, but now you can know what I am talking about when I mention certain buildings.
Here is the map:
As always, follow us on Twitter for updates @Parkscope and @CaptMichael87
Here is the map:
As you can see, Universal has used 64, 65, and 66 for the three main buildings. They have added letters to divide up the three areas.
Here is what we know/think we know. Feel free to fill in the blanks on Twitter, Orlando United, or in our comments.
64A
64B
64C
64D
64E Platfrom 9 3/4
64G Kings Cross
65 Probably Ollivanders (permit talks about stairs for actors)
65A
66 Gringotts
66A
66B
66C
As always, follow us on Twitter for updates @Parkscope and @CaptMichael87
Disneyland Trip Report November 9-13 2012: Day 1
Well, I'm about a week removed from my recent trip to Disneyland resort in Anaheim California, and to be honest, I can't stop thinking and talking about it. Disneyland and the Disneyland resort completely blew away my very high expectations, and that's saying something. Everything they do at Disneyland is the way it should be done. The parks are treated with care and reverence, and they do not cut corners on the small stuff.
But enough about all that, you want all the juicy details!
I landed at LAX around 2:30 PM, and since I didn't check any bags, I headed straight for the Disneyland Resort Express pickup. Disneyland doesn't have a Magical Express bus, and this is the main mode of transportation to the resort for those not driving. The motor coach only took ten to fifteen minutes to show up, and about ten minutes after that we were on our way to the resort.
The ride there wasn't terrible, but I wasn't overly fond of our driver. He was dead set on doing this little comedy routine over the mic that was going over like a lead balloon.
But eventually I made it to the Ramada Plaza on Katella Ave, checked in, and grabbed a shower before heading to Disneyland.
Now, I wasn't originally supposed to be at Disneyland solo, but my friend and his wife had some family issues at home they had to fly to and take care of, which left me as a solo DLR adventurer.
I walked the short distance up Harbor Blvd to the Disneyland resort, and as I passed through security, I couldn't help the huge smile that came across my face. Seeing the Main Street USA Railroad Station was just amazing. This is the park that Walt Disney built, walked through, and enjoyed. That alone made this trip special.
Right off the bat I went to the Matterhorn and jumped into the single rider line. Disneyland really uses the single rider approach much better than Walt Disney World, but still not as well as Universal Orlando Resort. Matterhorn was a lot of fun, if not a bit uncomfortable. The bobsleds are definitely awkward to sit in, and could benefit from padding on the seats. But the ride itself is great fun, and I especially enjoyed the snow effect in the first lift hill.
From there, I went to see my old friend Mr. Toad. Toad was always a favorite when I was a kid, and I was ecstatic to take that madcap trip through Toad Hall, and to Hell, yet again. What a great attraction.
From there I walked around the park a bit before grabbing a plate of jambalaya, cornbread, and a mint julep from the French Market. I grabbed a seat outside and started to chow down, and so began my love affair with Disneyland Resort's quick service food. Such great flavor and ingredients. And to top it off, the jazz band started playing on the stage in front of me! How great!
From there, I took in the attractions of New Orleans Square. First up, was Haunted Mansion Holiday, and wow, was this a pleasant surprise. As most of you probably know, the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom is my favorite attraction there, and I found Phantom Manor to be great, but it just made me want to ride the regular mansion.
Not so here. First of all, the exterior and approach to the Mansion here is the best I've seen, and in my opinion, the Florida exterior is the worst I've seen. Walking up to the plantation house is just great. Inside, the portraits, stretch room, and narration was different, but in a nice way for the holidays to be celebrated. I loved some of the new AAs in there like Jack and Oogie Boogie.
From there, I went to check out Pirates of the Caribbean. I really like the building it's located in, and awed at the loading area and the bayou at the beginning. Sure, the queue isn't as good as WDW's, but having a great ride easily makes up for that. The caverns and the drops here are really fun, but the Jack Sparrow storyline still is a detriment to the overall experience, in my opinion. Still a fantastic ride.
Next, I went to the hub for the fireworks. I'll be honest, I've never been a huge fan of Christmas fireworks, and Believe in Holiday Magic did nothing to change that. I just feel like most holiday songs don't fit fireworks, and the colors usually only consists of red/green/white. Just not my cup of tea, but the crowd enjoyed it.
Finally for the night, I went and waited for Fantasmic. Now, I know a lot of people complain about the Fantasmic setup for DHS, but this was no better. You still have to show up an hour early to get a decent seat, and even then you're sitting on the ground rather than benches.
But of course, the show completely blows the suffering DHS one out of the water. The use of the Columbia and the Mark Twain really bring a sense of authenticity, and the finale dragon is seriously great.
After that, I headed back to the room for a good night's sleep, as I was already dragging from the flight earlier.
But enough about all that, you want all the juicy details!
Day 1-November 9, 2012
I took off from the Philadelphia International Airport around 11:40AM on a Virgin America flight. I need to take a moment to really rave about Virgin America. I flew Virgin Atlantic on my trip to London and Paris in April, and was excited to see if the great service there carried over to the American counterpart. I'm happy to say it does. You don't get the free movies like you do for overseas flights, but you get free satellite TV and unlimited beverages, which is great.I landed at LAX around 2:30 PM, and since I didn't check any bags, I headed straight for the Disneyland Resort Express pickup. Disneyland doesn't have a Magical Express bus, and this is the main mode of transportation to the resort for those not driving. The motor coach only took ten to fifteen minutes to show up, and about ten minutes after that we were on our way to the resort.
The ride there wasn't terrible, but I wasn't overly fond of our driver. He was dead set on doing this little comedy routine over the mic that was going over like a lead balloon.
But eventually I made it to the Ramada Plaza on Katella Ave, checked in, and grabbed a shower before heading to Disneyland.
Now, I wasn't originally supposed to be at Disneyland solo, but my friend and his wife had some family issues at home they had to fly to and take care of, which left me as a solo DLR adventurer.
I walked the short distance up Harbor Blvd to the Disneyland resort, and as I passed through security, I couldn't help the huge smile that came across my face. Seeing the Main Street USA Railroad Station was just amazing. This is the park that Walt Disney built, walked through, and enjoyed. That alone made this trip special.
Right off the bat I went to the Matterhorn and jumped into the single rider line. Disneyland really uses the single rider approach much better than Walt Disney World, but still not as well as Universal Orlando Resort. Matterhorn was a lot of fun, if not a bit uncomfortable. The bobsleds are definitely awkward to sit in, and could benefit from padding on the seats. But the ride itself is great fun, and I especially enjoyed the snow effect in the first lift hill.
From there, I went to see my old friend Mr. Toad. Toad was always a favorite when I was a kid, and I was ecstatic to take that madcap trip through Toad Hall, and to Hell, yet again. What a great attraction.
From there I walked around the park a bit before grabbing a plate of jambalaya, cornbread, and a mint julep from the French Market. I grabbed a seat outside and started to chow down, and so began my love affair with Disneyland Resort's quick service food. Such great flavor and ingredients. And to top it off, the jazz band started playing on the stage in front of me! How great!
From there, I took in the attractions of New Orleans Square. First up, was Haunted Mansion Holiday, and wow, was this a pleasant surprise. As most of you probably know, the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom is my favorite attraction there, and I found Phantom Manor to be great, but it just made me want to ride the regular mansion.
Not so here. First of all, the exterior and approach to the Mansion here is the best I've seen, and in my opinion, the Florida exterior is the worst I've seen. Walking up to the plantation house is just great. Inside, the portraits, stretch room, and narration was different, but in a nice way for the holidays to be celebrated. I loved some of the new AAs in there like Jack and Oogie Boogie.
From there, I went to check out Pirates of the Caribbean. I really like the building it's located in, and awed at the loading area and the bayou at the beginning. Sure, the queue isn't as good as WDW's, but having a great ride easily makes up for that. The caverns and the drops here are really fun, but the Jack Sparrow storyline still is a detriment to the overall experience, in my opinion. Still a fantastic ride.
Next, I went to the hub for the fireworks. I'll be honest, I've never been a huge fan of Christmas fireworks, and Believe in Holiday Magic did nothing to change that. I just feel like most holiday songs don't fit fireworks, and the colors usually only consists of red/green/white. Just not my cup of tea, but the crowd enjoyed it.
Finally for the night, I went and waited for Fantasmic. Now, I know a lot of people complain about the Fantasmic setup for DHS, but this was no better. You still have to show up an hour early to get a decent seat, and even then you're sitting on the ground rather than benches.
But of course, the show completely blows the suffering DHS one out of the water. The use of the Columbia and the Mark Twain really bring a sense of authenticity, and the finale dragon is seriously great.
After that, I headed back to the room for a good night's sleep, as I was already dragging from the flight earlier.
Monday, November 19, 2012
UOR Permit Update 11/19/12: Mel's Coca-Cola Freestyle
Universal filed a building permit today for the installation of Coca-Cola Freestyle machine in Mel's Diner. Mel's is quietly undergoing a small-scale refurb. Last month, permits were filed for renovations of Mel's restrooms. While the big bucks are being spent all around the resort, it is nice to see that smaller things are not being ignored.
Follow @Parkscope and @CaptMichael87 for your Universal Orlando Resort Permit news.
Friday, November 16, 2012
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.
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.
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