Orlando Attractions Area News & Developments

[jrs2]

10 hours ago, codypet said:

I was at Sea World today and I wanted to get some shots of Sesame St. Land.  Now Season 46 of Sesame St. which was just before baby Codypet was born saw the set pieces on the actual show revert to something a bit more like the 80s and 90s version of the show (vs the grittier 70s version, or the more cartoons 00s, and 10s version).  The Sea World theming obviously following that version of the set very much makes the area feel very immersive.  For the Hoopers Store photo, you can make out the carriage house next to it and 123 Sesame St on the right.  The windows are tv screens where Elmo will appear.  To the left of the steps on 123, is Oscar's can, and he'll yell at you from inside the can if you knock on it.   On the right of 123 is Big Birds nest and that's where story time.with Big Bird is held.  Across the street from the buildings is Cookie Monsters food truck along with a number of other "food trucks" (they're quick serve concessions disguised as food trucks) and all the rides.  It would almost be as if Sesame St is a row of buildings across from a park with food trucks and rides.  Something that would be plausible on the show too as if where the cameras are is the park.

 

I also got shots of the Pipeline however the sign over the ride didn't say Pipeline.  It was High something.  I forget, but I remember thinking, that's not what they said the ride was gonna be called.

that coaster is on the edge towards the parking...towards the west/SW.  prior to this one going in, there wasn't all that much going on to interest a spectator from your vantage point that was across the water.  Now, there's a ride there plus a visual interest "event" that adds to the aesthetic.  It serves so many purposes; much more than, say, a "Transformers" type ride which is inside a square building.  I prefer Transformers, but, visually, this ride adds to the park aesthetic.  It's almost like a "quick fix" to add ride + aesthetic as opposed to just adding a ride.

[jrs2]

https://allears.net/2023/04/15/check-out-the-newest-coaster-construction-at-universals-epic-universe/

 

This is what I was talking about last year; that Universal needed to create a "princess" atmosphere to compete with Disney, and Princess Peach is a great start from, of course, Super Mario World.

Check out the other two aerial shots of Epic U; look at how Kirkman Road Extension is coming along...  my contribution to keep bringing you all top shelf development porn.

[codypet]

4 hours ago, jrs2 said:

that coaster is on the edge towards the parking...towards the west/SW.  prior to this one going in, there wasn't all that much going on to interest a spectator from your vantage point that was across the water.  Now, there's a ride there plus a visual interest "event" that adds to the aesthetic.  It serves so many purposes; much more than, say, a "Transformers" type ride which is inside a square building.  I prefer Transformers, but, visually, this ride adds to the park aesthetic.  It's almost like a "quick fix" to add ride + aesthetic as opposed to just adding a ride.

You could make a similar argument for ICE Breaker on the south side of that theater.  Especially now that Wild Arctic is shut down.  I noticed with my most recent visit that the penguin enclosure has about half of the penguin viewing area closed to guests and the windows boarded up.  I assume this was to accommodate "Empire of the Penguin" the ride.  Since that ride is now gone, I wonder if the long term plan is to reopen that side of the penguin viewing area.   The have recently reopened the "cold" part of the Penguin Encounter with the work walls removed and more permanent walls separating the ride and the enclosure built.

Edited April 17, 2023 by codypet

[jrs2]

30 minutes ago, codypet said:

You could make a similar argument for ICE Breaker on the south side of that theater.  Especially now that Wild Arctic is shut down.  I noticed with my most recent visit that the penguin enclosure has about half of the penguin viewing area closed to guests and the windows boarded up.  I assume this was to accommodate "Empire of the Penguin" the ride.  Since that ride is now gone, I wonder if the long term plan is to reopen that side of the penguin viewing area.   The have recently reopened the "cold" part of the Penguin Encounter with the work walls removed and more permanent walls separating the ride and the enclosure built.

Absolutely.   

I still wonder how many large coasters they are still planning to build (if any); I haven't read anything yet since Pipeline...

[codypet]

There's the unconfirmed Penguin family coaster, and that's it.  However, I didn't realize how big that Penguin show building is.  I would imagine they'll have to build SOMETHING in there, but it might be years away if they're planning another ride directly adjacent to it.

[jrs2]

32 minutes ago, codypet said:

There's the unconfirmed Penguin family coaster, and that's it.  However, I didn't realize how big that Penguin show building is.  I would imagine they'll have to build SOMETHING in there, but it might be years away if they're planning another ride directly adjacent to it.

https://orlandothemeparkzone.com/2022/12/30/family-friendly-roller-coaster-to-replace-antarctica-empire-of-the-penguin-at-seaworld-orlando/

 

[jrs2]

53 minutes ago, codypet said:

There's the unconfirmed Penguin family coaster, and that's it.  However, I didn't realize how big that Penguin show building is.  I would imagine they'll have to build SOMETHING in there, but it might be years away if they're planning another ride directly adjacent to it.

https://sdnews.com/seaworld-gets-a-new-groove-with-emperor/

this is the SW SD penguin related coaster they opened up last year... it would be cool to get something like this...

[codypet]

Well that would make sense if it was an indoor/outdoor coaster.   Also given the footprint, it looks like it would be somewhat larger than Boxcar Grover (like double the size)  Maybe Cobra's Curse size?  That is also considered a family coaster.

Everything in yellow is behind work walls and there's no indication that the building itself for the penguins are being fixed......EXCEPT the previously mentioned wall blocking the penguin glass.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the existing building will have two ride cues, the current outside one for the Penguin Encounter, and a second one for the family coaster that is either outside, or inside making use of the penguin window.  If it's outside, it'll use the penguin window as part of the beginning of the ride and then it'll be an out and back coaster and MAYBE function like Cobra's curse with the spinning cars?

Edited April 17, 2023 by codypet

[jrs2]

42 minutes ago, codypet said:

Well that would make sense if it was an indoor/outdoor coaster.   Also given the footprint, it looks like it would be somewhat larger than Boxcar Grover (like double the size)  Maybe Cobra's Curse size?  That is also considered a family coaster.

Everything in yellow is behind work walls and there's no indication that the building itself for the penguins are being fixed......EXCEPT the previously mentioned wall blocking the penguin glass.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the existing building will have two ride cues, the current outside one for the Penguin Encounter, and a second one for the family coaster that is either outside, or inside making use of the penguin window.  If it's outside, it'll use the penguin window as part of the beginning of the ride and then it'll be an out and back coaster and MAYBE function like Cobra's curse with the spinning cars?

when you saw family coaster, we're talking a tame coaster, unlike the one in SD?

[codypet]

15 hours ago, jrs2 said:

when you saw family coaster, we're talking a tame coaster, unlike the one in SD?

Yea I was using BG/SW's definition of family coaster.  The Emperor based on its height and speed I see as more akin to Sheikra.  

Based off of Busch Garden's definition of family coasters (the word family being used in their description), I feel like it would have to be similar to one of the 4 below.  I find it unlikely that a Wild Maus ride would go there, and the footprint is a little small for the two Grover coasters.  Those two Grover coasters really limit the kinds of riders you can put on there.   That's why I'm thinking its going to be SOMETHING like Cobra's Curse.  I feel like its pretty mild for a coaster, and its main parting trick is the fact that the cars spin while riding the track.  Something in a similar vein could work right there especially if the ride partially enters the old ride building.

https://buschgardens.com/tampa/roller-coasters/cobras-curse/

https://buschgardens.com/tampa/roller-coasters/sandserpent/

https://buschgardens.com/tampa/roller-coasters/air-grover/

https://seaworld.com/orlando/sesame-street/attractions/super-grovers-box-car-derby/

[jrs2]

https://floridayimby.com/2022/10/fairmont-orlando-to-offer-more-than-500-hotel-rooms-in-orange-county-fl.html

they may break ground in April...now...

[jrs2]

 

 

Edited April 18, 2023 by jrs2

[jrs2]

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/

[jrs2]

https://tomswatchbar.com/

this is what's going on the top floor of Hollywood Plaza Garage...in 2023...

[shardoon]

12 hours ago, jrs2 said:

https://tomswatchbar.com/

this is what's going on the top floor of Hollywood Plaza Garage...in 2023...

Have they even started the build out? 2023?

Also, regarding the Epic hotels.......Anybody know the name of the curved large hotel at Epic that appears to be topped out already, prefab style, just off of Universal Blvd? It's got a cool looking tunnel under it. 

Edited April 25, 2023 by shardoon

[jrs2]

4 hours ago, shardoon said:

Have they even started the build out? 2023?

Also, regarding the Epic hotels.......Anybody know the name of the curved large hotel at Epic that appears to be topped out already, prefab style, just off of Universal Blvd? It's got a cool looking tunnel under it. 

can you be more specific as to location?  Do you mean Universal Blvd on the southern border of Epic U near Vista Cay and the intersection with Destination Pkwy?  I haven't been thataway for a minute.

[shardoon]

21 minutes ago, jrs2 said:

can you be more specific as to location?  Do you mean Universal Blvd on the southern border of Epic U near Vista Cay and the intersection with Destination Pkwy?  I haven't been thataway for a minute.

Do not know the exact location. However, it is driving southbound on Universal BLVD toward the south end of it on the EPIC land. I would say it is at least as big as Surfside/Dockside if not a little bigger.............

I was wondering about this. In the past, someone mentioned it ws the same develop as the Bonnet Creek JW. New renderings pretty cool.  36 story restaurant sounds exciting..... maybe the tallest restaurant in Central Florida. Still reads as more of a fluff piece to sell a concept, but still interesting. If I see a real hotel brand signed on, then I will think it is more serious. If that does happen, I wonder if its another brand that has no Orlando presence. Would be amazing to lure a St. Regis..........

https://www.growthspotter.com/news/hotels/gs-news-skorman-development-highrise-hotel-orlando-universal-tourism-20230424-7yii2zlyf5htvhflztejfb6r6q-story.html

[jrs2]

46 minutes ago, shardoon said:

Do not know the exact location. However, it is driving southbound on Universal BLVD toward the south end of it on the EPIC land. I would say it is at least as big as Surfside/Dockside if not a little bigger.............

I was wondering about this. In the past, someone mentioned it ws the same develop as the Bonnet Creek JW. New renderings pretty cool.  36 story restaurant sounds exciting..... maybe the tallest restaurant in Central Florida. Still reads as more of a fluff piece to sell a concept, but still interesting. If I see a real hotel brand signed on, then I will think it is more serious. If that does happen, I wonder if its another brand that has no Orlando presence. Would be amazing to lure a St. Regis..........

https://www.growthspotter.com/news/hotels/gs-news-skorman-development-highrise-hotel-orlando-universal-tourism-20230424-7yii2zlyf5htvhflztejfb6r6q-story.html

Ok.  So, I don't have a Growthspotter account, but, I did pull the image of the hotel.  I was completely turned around on this one.  This is off of Westwood and is adjacent to that newer Hilton brand that is next to the Access Road over 528  to the OCCC West Bldg (West Bldg is seen in the diagram as is the low rise Hilton brand),

This was that major 5-star hotel that was planned for that parcel a few years ago.  

 

1 hour ago, shardoon said:

Do not know the exact location. However, it is driving southbound on Universal BLVD toward the south end of it on the EPIC land. I would say it is at least as big as Surfside/Dockside if not a little bigger.............

I was wondering about this. In the past, someone mentioned it ws the same develop as the Bonnet Creek JW. New renderings pretty cool.  36 story restaurant sounds exciting..... maybe the tallest restaurant in Central Florida. Still reads as more of a fluff piece to sell a concept, but still interesting. If I see a real hotel brand signed on, then I will think it is more serious. If that does happen, I wonder if its another brand that has no Orlando presence. Would be amazing to lure a St. Regis..........

https://www.growthspotter.com/news/hotels/gs-news-skorman-development-highrise-hotel-orlando-universal-tourism-20230424-7yii2zlyf5htvhflztejfb6r6q-story.html

near Epic Universe, there is a hotel tower planned that is not a Loews Hotel, that is at the intersection of Universal Blvd & Destination Pkwy.

 

[shardoon]

12 minutes ago, jrs2 said:

Ok.  So, I don't have a Growthspotter account, but, I did pull the image of the hotel.  I was completely turned around on this one.  This is off of Westwood and is adjacent to that newer Hilton brand that is next to the Access Road over 528  to the OCCC West Bldg (West Bldg is seen in the diagram as is the low rise Hilton brand),

This was that major 5-star hotel that was planned for that parcel a few years ago.  

 

near Epic Universe, there is a hotel tower planned that is not a Loews Hotel, that is at the intersection of Universal Blvd & Destination Pkwy.

 

Nope, the hotel I was talking about with the tunnel through it is not the W. The hotel I am talking about is actually on Universal land and I presume is one of the new Epic Universal Hotels. The thing is already topped off. 

[blt23]

1 hour ago, shardoon said:

Nope, the hotel I was talking about with the tunnel through it is not the W. The hotel I am talking about is actually on Universal land and I presume is one of the new Epic Universal Hotels. The thing is already topped off. 

The name hasn't been announced yet but it is a Universal hotel and is rumored to have some sort of space theme to fit with the Epic Universe concept.

There's also a second (very similar?) one that will start going up soon just to its west on the other side of the Kirkman extension. 

[jrs2]

2 hours ago, shardoon said:

Nope, the hotel I was talking about with the tunnel through it is not the W. The hotel I am talking about is actually on Universal land and I presume is one of the new Epic Universal Hotels. The thing is already topped off. 

amazing that it's topped off already.  It's been a while since I've been there.   I wondered about the timing of park construction and resort construction; guess they want the resort(s) up and running by the time Epic opens for business.  makes sense.

one thing you can count on is that a Universal hotel (Loews) will break ground; it's the other ones where its hit or miss...

[shardoon]

1 hour ago, jrs2 said:

amazing that it's topped off already.  It's been a while since I've been there.   I wondered about the timing of park construction and resort construction; guess they want the resort(s) up and running by the time Epic opens for business.  makes sense.

one thing you can count on is that a Universal hotel (Loews) will break ground; it's the other ones where its hit or miss...

It was prefab, built just like Dockside and Surfside.......went up really quick. I love the curve to it and tunnel...... looks cool. 

[jrs2]

4 hours ago, shardoon said:

Do not know the exact location. However, it is driving southbound on Universal BLVD toward the south end of it on the EPIC land. I would say it is at least as big as Surfside/Dockside if not a little bigger.............

I was wondering about this. In the past, someone mentioned it ws the same develop as the Bonnet Creek JW. New renderings pretty cool.  36 story restaurant sounds exciting..... maybe the tallest restaurant in Central Florida. Still reads as more of a fluff piece to sell a concept, but still interesting. If I see a real hotel brand signed on, then I will think it is more serious. If that does happen, I wonder if its another brand that has no Orlando presence. Would be amazing to lure a St. Regis..........

https://www.growthspotter.com/news/hotels/gs-news-skorman-development-highrise-hotel-orlando-universal-tourism-20230424-7yii2zlyf5htvhflztejfb6r6q-story.html

https://www.smallwood-us.com/architecture/hospitality

it's the Hilton/Waldorf at Bonnet Creek that they developed.

http://halldsi.com/hdsi-leads-a-major-new-convention-hotel-design-january-7-2021/

This is the hotel in that Growthspotter article. This article is from 2021 but references the Tru by Hilton next door

https://www.pressreader.com/usa/orlando-sentinel-for-pr-sunday/20220424/281973201212659

From April 2022; And...it looks like they also have the parcel on the opposite side of the Tru by Hilton and plan to develop it with a Hyatt House.

Edited April 25, 2023 by jrs2

[jrs2]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/landsouth-breaks-ground-on-the-livano-grand-national-301534382.html

this is, address-wise, directly across from Premium Outlets were the new Bahama Breeze is.  5504 West Oakridge.  So, it's probably within the development behind those outparcels...

[jrs2]

https://www.multifamilybiz.com/news/10348/the_bainbridge_companies_acquires_55acre_land_parc...

5767 Major Blvd is the Universal garage; can't be right.   But I think its going between Caravan Ct., Major, and Grand National.  That parcel(s) looks empty and everything else seems developed along that corridor.

https://www.internationaldriveorlando.com/i-drive-orlando-updates/whats-new-on-i-drive.html

It's at the location of the old Mystery Fun House.  isn't that where it was?

Edited April 26, 2023 by jrs2