Construction is well underway for the new King Kong attraction at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park. Here is the Kong construction site, located between Toon Lagoon and Jurassic Park. That's Hogwarts Castle in the far background, and the elevated tracks at the treeline are for the Pteranodon Flyers ride in Jurassic Park.
Right now, Universal's contractors are clearing the site. We're still a bit away from any vertical construction.
But we know from Universal's various building and site permit applications what the footprint of this new project will be.
At his "State of the Universe" speech during the Diagon Alley media event last week, Universal Orlando President Bill Davis promised "new announcements" in the months to come about future developments at the resort. Perhaps one of those announcements will be an official confirmation of Kong, or perhaps more information about the fifth on-site hotel Universal is developing. Or both. Until then, "Kongstruction" continues.
Previously:
Although that's purely from a selfish standpoint and not wanting to contend with higher on-site crowds for early morning hours.
Robert, did we ever receive any sort of confirmation whether Express Pass will be active from the get-go on the Hogwarts Express and Gringotts?
An earlier report by Mr Niles (Feb 3rd, 2014) stated there is an Express line for Gringotts, but I have yet to see the actual sign in any pictures.
I assumed that meant they could close this fall to both get major overhauls and be replaced. I don't mind T2 going away, but Twister is one of our all time favorites.
The land for the fifth hotel is already cleared and partially graded. I have a map from 2007 that shows the Cabana Bay (although the shape has changed) and a fifth hotel across the way. I think the next one is more for corporate events, trade shows, meeting halls, etc....
Let me dig it up and post it for you guys.
Universal has a bad (or good depending on perspective) track record of constantly rotating out their attractions. Little longetivity of their attractions. This has to change if they want to build up their slate of attractions to beat Disney. I think Harry Potter is the answer to their problems, but they need to add more legendary stuff.
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Any "leaked" plans we don't know about yet, Robert?