More construction walls have begun going up near the lagoon in Islands of Adventure's Jurassic Park land, fueling rumors that Universal Orlando is about to begin construction on a new thrill ride.
Just as soon as Universal's sister park in California last year announced that it would close its Jurassic Park flume ride to retheme it to Jurassic World, fans began asking when Orlando would make its own move to upgrade IOA's Jurassic Park land. Fans have been talking for years about changes and additions to the area — some ideas actually spitballed by Universal Creative and others purely the result of fans' imaginations.
Universal last year filed permits for work in the land, with the name "Project 791," following Universal's naming convention of using numbers to describe its projects in development. Those permits were to clear space around the old Triceratops Encounter, which is widely considered to become the heart of the new thrill ride.
Then Universal decided to stoke the hot stove by dropping this tweet this morning:
A star is born. pic.twitter.com/vfDOIEOzLn
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) January 15, 2019
[Update: Yes, I am aware of the egg meme thing going on now. But the fact that Universal chose to go with the baby raptor - instead of the Minions it typically deploys for meme play - makes me wonder if Universal wasn't trying to elicit a reaction from the fans who have been noticing the new work in Jurassic Park.]
Islands of Adventure is adding a new coaster ride to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade this summer. One would expect Universal not to just dupe the same ride experience next door a year or so later, so that assumption raises the question of just exactly what kind of coaster or ride system Universal is planning to deploy for this project. (I've heard a few suggestions from typically reliable sources, but not enough to allow me to drop any specific plans on you just yet.)
That Universal seems to be moving on something after the Potter coaster, though, does provide some relief that all development at the parks is not stalled while Universal works on designing its fourth gate, on its southern property. Announced projects such as Super Nintendo World and Secret Life of Pets seemed to come to a halt as Universal worked on obtaining clear rights to develop its re-acquired land. That left fans to wonder if Universal Orlando was stalling construction as it worked out what it would, or could, bring to its next theme park.
Meanwhile, we are still awaiting any announcement on a name and opening date for the Potter coaster. So don't hold your breath waiting for anything official confirming a name or opening date for whatever Universal is about to build in its as-of-now-still-named Jurassic Park land.
Tweet
To be completely honest, it doesn’t really look to me like teasing at the new ride, just a silly little joke connecting the dinosaur eggs at the parks and the popular film A Star Is Born.
I will miss boarding my boat, seeing the Jurassic Park gates open, and sailing through to be greeted by the scoliosis brachiosaur.
I have fond memories of the ride, but it is definitely time for a refresh.
Lots of activity yesterday around the work walls near Triceratops Encounter. A few Universal Creative yellow vests and a few staff members from Smart Ride Techs were in the JP area for a good part of the afternoon.
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The teaser goes well with their recent trademark for Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous