There's a contractor attached to the project and approvals are coming in, so this project appears fast-tracked. There's been movement around the old "Murder, She Wrote" soundstage in the park, too, leading to speculation that might be the site of the impending demolition work.
What could this project be? Well, let's start by thinking about franchises for which Universal holds rights, but doesn't yet have in Orlando. There are plenty of such franchises in other Universal parks, especially the international parks in Singapore and Japan. But Universal doesn't hold the US rights to many of those franchises, most notably Sesame Street and Peanuts. And is Universal really all that keen on bringing Space Fantasy to the US?
What does that leave? Waterworld? (Really? Please.) Bringing back Kong, with the 360/3D display from Hollywood? Maybe, but Florida would have to expand that to make it a stand-alone attraction.
That leaves us with... well, something, right?
To be clear, I have no confirmation of this now, just permits in the city building office, some eyewitness reports from the park, and some chitchat flying around Orlando. And Universal could be bringing in a new property, for all we know at this stage. But this element of the picture is clear:
Universal Orlando is staying aggressive. Very aggressive. The Central Florida Theme Park War is on. And that's great news for theme park fans.
Updated, June 17: Reports on the ground in Orlando say that demolition of the old Soundstage 44 has begun, and that height-test balloons were in the park last week on that site, rising several stories in the air.
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On the family note maybe a Lorax and/or Horton "fantasyland stlye" rides for Seuss Landing to help increase that parks capacity, along with seasonal shows beyond winter with Grinchmas
That's five 3D attractions in one park. Even James Cameron would make a protein spill after a day at that park.
I really can't see Transformers fitting in the Herc and Xena spot unless they destroy the restaurant next door too. The Hollywood ride used both the Backdraft and Special Effects Show buildings...and then dug up another level underneath them. Which would be impossible to do with Florida's high water table.
My guess would be just leveling the building to put outdoor bar or character meet and greet.
Whomever brought up Wicked is an interesting point as that location does front New York along with Mel's
So it could be "Broadway" and a demo and theater construction could make it viable for 2013
That would allow Universal to possible ammo for the fight for those precious vacation days against Sea World's "Harry Penquin Land" they are building
Since somehow "The year to still be here" doesn't probably work
Yes, across from Shrek, and once Potter is done, yes.
And SS44 is not being used for a HHN house anymore. I'm staring at its demolition permit right now.
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