More aerial construction photos of Orlando theme parks, including the Hogwarts Express track

May 12, 2013, 9:50 PM · [Editor's note: TH Creative emailed these aerial photos of some of the big new theme park projects under development around the Orlando area.]

Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida, with Diagon Alley (upper right) and Springfield (lower left) under construction

Diagon Alley
Gringotts Coaster building (lower left) and the rest of Diagon Alley

Hogwarts Express track
Hogwarts Express track, backstage at Universal Studios Florida. [Editor: It appears that the track splits -- to allow two trains to pass in the middle of the route between Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure?]

Hogwarts Express track
The Hogwarts Express track from a different angle. You can see the Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit track to the right.

Transformers
USF's Transformers building

Cabana Bay Hotel
Heading outside the park, its the new Cabana Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, under construction

Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure, with the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride building in the foreground.

Antarctica
Flying away from Universal to see Orlando's other big project, here's the Antarctica building, surrounded by other popular SeaWorld attractions.

Replies (13)

May 12, 2013 at 11:12 PM · Who is the one who actually takes these pictures? Just curious because last time I was at universal (about 2 weeks ago) I happened to see a random helicopter just hovering over the park.
May 13, 2013 at 3:20 AM · Great photos.
I wonder how they will mask the backlot as you pass between parks on the train? The train scenes from the movie were always some of the most stunning.
May 13, 2013 at 4:30 AM · I would imagine the "windows" of the train will simply be digital screens. That would be a heck of a lot cheaper than building sets along the track. Also, much easier to switch out or alter for special events, new graphics or scenes, and avoiding costly repairs.
May 13, 2013 at 6:08 AM · Thanks TH... These are Great!!!

May 13, 2013 at 6:38 AM · The best recent aerial pictures I've seen on any site.
May 13, 2013 at 9:27 AM · Hope they keep in mind their larger guest on these new Harry Potter attractions. I have seen so many people get turned away at Forbidden Journey due to body shape and size.
May 13, 2013 at 1:19 PM · I drive by the Cabana Bay resort area several times a week and it is going up really fast. Those rooms look tiny though and they look like exterior hallways facing out on to Turkey Lake Road and Hollywood Way.

May 13, 2013 at 5:59 PM · Wow... some great shots TH! Thanks for sharing. These photos really help to put the new land into perspective.
May 13, 2013 at 6:07 PM · Wow... some great shots TH! Thanks for sharing. These photos really help to put the new land into perspective.
May 13, 2013 at 6:13 PM · Thanks, Melissa Donahue!
May 13, 2013 at 6:14 PM · Thanks, Melissa Donahue!
May 14, 2013 at 11:08 AM · Great article! Thanks for the pictures! I love how the people behind Universal Orlando are always changing and updating the park. I just got back from Universal and Islands of Adventure about 3 weeks ago. I plan to go again in early 2015. In that span of time they will have added: The Transformers Ride, Diagon Alley, and possibly Springfield.

That's why Universal Orlando Resort has always been my favorite theme park destination. They always have new attractions debuting, so the park always feels like a fresh experience when you visit.

May 15, 2013 at 8:38 AM · Love the shots! Can't wait to see what they have in store for the visuals while riding the train. My guess is digital displays with cinematic graphics in place of windows.

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