The Blog Flume Filter for August 29, 2013

August 29, 2013, 9:35 AM · Universal Studios Hollywood – Axe day is coming very soon — in fact it is next Monday, September 2. Axe day is the day that many attractions are getting the axe and will close down permanently at the end of the day. Among the attractions looking at the Axe are: The Curious George play area, Flintstones games area, Nickelodeon store, and the Mummy's Tomb on the studio tour. The Gibson Amphitheater is going to make it to Friday, but probably not much further than that. The replacement? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Cash, of course.

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights – Those of us who could never get a date during high school turned to hobbies that would ensure that we never felt the soft, warm embrace of a companion. And these people have quite the hobby. On the second video, I think I would be more scared if I knew more than about three words of Spanish.

Islands of Adventure – One of the people in our spy network just came across a permit to put in a construction trailer in the Jurassic Park area for 18 months. The little games area that I have heard about in the Jurassic Park area is certainly not an 18-month project, and I have heard nothing about a refurbishment of the existing Jurassic Park River Adventure. I wonder what they are up to?

Universal Studios Florida – Some of us don't live close enough to go to these parks often enough. For those who do live close enough, I am proud and happy to know that they sell cameras to those lucky few people. The following video shows quite a bit of what the food offerings are…as if you were there for the food. Speaking of people living near the parks, if you want a glimpse of the new Hogwarts Express passenger trains, go for a ride on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

Disneyland – As the assistant director of the University of Denver Pep Band, I just want you all to know that the conductor is the person that stands out in front of all of the really talented people, waves a stick, and kisses babies. The real workhorse in any band is the assistant director. Just saying…

Disney's Magic Kingdom – I really really really like the remote control fire hydrant. I can only imagine how frustrated my dog would get if he lifted his leg and the hydrant took off on him. He would proba- SQUIRREL!

Disney's Animal Kingdom – There is some work going on out in the middle of the pond. What the spy network tells us (read as wild speculation) is that they are looking into a nighttime show similar to but not an exact copy of World of Color. Although it could also be them clearing an area for the branches of the tree to carefully fall, who knows?

Disney's Hollywood Studios – For those of you who have always wanted a villain's park or villain's land, here is a special treat for you. The Disney villains are taking over the park on September, Friday the 13th, 2013, between 8pm and 1am.

SeaWorld – While there was an article talking about how low attendance at the SeaWorld parks this year is a blessing in disguise, the chain is still freaking out. The Orlando park has slashed its midweek ticket prices by 50% and the San Diego park is doing a free kid's ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Cedar Point – Other people on TPI have stolen my thunder about what the new attractions are going to be, but there are some other things going on. Mean Streak is probably going to close before the end of the season to start maintenance. Hopefully the maintenance will reimagine this roller coaster into a churro stand. At least a churro stand is easier on my back. Shoot the Rapids has water in it and may reopen soon. It also looks like they have the last parts for SkyHawk in the mail and might be able to get it open soon. There are also some rumors about Gatekeeper testing some new restraints.

Carowinds – This park announced a $50 million expansion plan, probably utilizing the new land that they bought. While at Disney $50 million buys you a construction wall and a big hole, I think Carowinds will be able to do a lot with their budget. The park is being a little cagey about what exactly they are going to install.

Kings Dominion – The park has stated that they hope to have Intimidator 305 open before the end of the season. Hopefully it's not just for walking tours.

Six Flags – Check out the list of new attractions for the Six Flags chain.

Lost Parks of Northern California – Kris Rowberry & ACE have just posted their trailer for the next installment of this wonderful series. I can't wait until September. Good thing it's next week.

Action Park - Until we get the next installment of Lost Parks here is a good part one of a documentary on a completely crazy amusement park. This water park sounds like a heck of a lot of fun, assuming you took all of your limbs home with you at the end of the day. FYI, for those of you with a gentle disposition, there are a couple of lightly objectionable words, so put your headphones on.

Replies (19)

August 29, 2013 at 9:52 AM · I used to go to Action Park about once every two years back in the 1980's. I loved the place. Worst injury I've ever had in a park setting occurred there..sprained my shoulder on a vicious primitive mat ride called the Surf Hill. My favorite attraction was the Cannonball slide, which is still there. It's a very short, enclosed dark body slide that drops you at least six feet from the tube into a deep pool of freezing water at the end. All the water's natural. Their Colorado River raft ride is pretty awesome too. I's a place that's definitely been toned down since it re-opened as Mountain Creek.
August 29, 2013 at 4:14 PM · Mr. Elliot reports: "One of the people in our spy network just came across a permit to put in a construction trailer in the Jurassic Park area for 18 months."

I Respond: I've pulled permits for bunches of construction trailers in Central Florida and I've never had to commit to a specific duration. I'm also wondering how these spies determined that the trailer would go in the Jurassic Park area? I mean, the construction trailers for Potter are sitting right next to the Cabana Bay site (miles -- literally -- away from Potter).

August 29, 2013 at 7:10 PM · To answer your question TH...

Umm...

Uhh...

I see your point and frankly haven't got a clue...

That is what I get for trying to do rumors and news from an ivory tower in Denver.

August 29, 2013 at 9:28 PM · Isn't it obvious, then? The construction trailers at Jurassic Park are for Disney's Star Wars Land. Duh.
August 30, 2013 at 2:02 AM · TH, I heard the ground markers in JP are blue... that tells you something right there. Any other color would be nothing, but blue is important.
August 30, 2013 at 3:00 AM · Probably because it says so on the Orlando Permit site:
Go to

http://edviwr.cityoforlando.net/OrlandoWebPermits/Permitting/login.aspx

And enter BLD2013-05885

August 30, 2013 at 5:53 AM · I am proud to say that I survived Action Park intact. Their water drop slide, you were airborne for the entire drop. You only made contact at the bottom. They had some crazy rides.
August 30, 2013 at 8:51 AM · That permit on that site has KHS&S listed, they did quite a bit of the work on the Jurassic Park area when IOA opened, so I suspect the rumor sites were just using some educated speculation. Certainly leans that way.
August 30, 2013 at 9:19 AM · Case Number: BLD2013-05885
Primary Address: 6803 ADVENTURE WAY
Project Name: KHS&S OFFICE CONST TRLR
Master Number: BLD2013-05885
Case Description: Universal studios construction office trailer for approximately 18 months.

So it is 18 months. I don't understand why TH is the authority for construction. Just because he has his experience doesn't mean other people have the same experience.

August 30, 2013 at 1:19 PM · Again, I've never pulled a permit and been asked for a duration. And I've pulled trailer permits for multiple projects. Meaning the 18 months (or for that matter any duration) could be a default. Also, the duration does not necessarily mean the trailer will be up and running for 18 months. It could be up for just five, six or ten months.

Again, I don't know, I've never had to provide a duration.

Second, the Blog Flume post says "One of the people in our spy network just came across a permit to put in a construction trailer in the Jurassic Park area ..."

Actually, Adventure Way (the address listed) is outside of Islands of Adventure in "trailer city." Not sure how that constitutes "the Jurassic Park area" any more than it would be regarded as "the KidsZone area." All of the construction trailers working on the Potter project are located there and that places them a bit more than a mile away from the job site.

Third, the company referenced on the permit is KHS&S who were just awarded renovation work at City Walk. City Walk is about to experience a major face-lift with multiple restaurants going under renovation. The general contractor on the City Walk project is Hensel-Phelps whose trailer is located on (you guessed it) Adventure Way.

Any expansion at Universal would be wonderful for my industry and my community. I would welcome such an arrival. But when I talk to my sources in Central Florida commercial construction ... I have yet to hear anything solid regarding another major attraction at Universal.

Perhaps those (ahem) "other people have the same experience" I do could step up and post some better or additional information. That'd be great!

August 30, 2013 at 1:24 PM · Note to NB ... That was funny :o) ... Well played!
August 30, 2013 at 2:10 PM · There is a Temporary Construction/Office Trailer Permit.

"Construction trailers may be allowed for a period up to 2 years with additional 6-months extensions, but shall not be installed until after the issuance of a building permit and shall be removed within 30 days of issuance of the final Certificate of Occupancy."

So the default is 2 years, not 18 months.

Perhaps they are cracking down (maybe someone complained). This is known to happen on occasion. It isn't always business as usual.

August 30, 2013 at 2:25 PM · Yes ... They are cracking down ... That must be it ... Maybe we could check with the "other people" and get some confirmation.
August 30, 2013 at 2:40 PM · Well TH, you done a wonderful job with your analysis. Surely, you must know. CALL THE OFFICE!!! That's the other people.
August 30, 2013 at 2:45 PM · (Chuckle)

Unfortunately the office staff is busy grappling with the big construction trailer crack down.

August 30, 2013 at 2:49 PM · Yes, that must be it. No, they are merely documenting their terms. The crackdown comes later, as anyone who dealt with the permit office will know. They are quite strict with details.
August 30, 2013 at 2:56 PM · Annnnnnnnnnnd ...Scene!

(THC bows deeply)

September 1, 2013 at 3:55 PM · I have to hand it to TH, he knows his stuff. Now we just need to turn him to the dark side... and I don't mean Disney Star Wars Land. I bet if I paid for his parking at the Hard Rock, he would be much more receptive to USF brainwashing tactics.
September 1, 2013 at 7:35 PM · Did TH know his stuff this time?

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