Universal Orlando Resort (USO, IOA) Discussion Thread

by **slither37** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 4:10 pm

Looks like a great attraction and a must do when in Orlando.

by **Intimidator305** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 11:05 am

This looks better than I was expecting it to be. Between this, the new fountain/firework show, and parade it seems like this park is getting the attention it deserves once again.

Thanks for sharing the review and photos!

by **cfc** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 11:08 am

I'm not a big fan of the Minions (although I like Gru), but they've done a good job in redressing the old simulator ride.

Youtube · by **molemaster43** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 11:21 am

This ride looks absolutely awesome. I am a huge fan of the movie and this ride seems like a great representation of the movie. I hope I can go to Universal sometime in the future to ride this incredible attraction.

by **BaMiTsPaT** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:18 pm

This ride looks really impressive considering it is a rehash of a pre-existing structure and ride. I think the new display has greatly improved the quality of the attraction, and the post-show dance party looks epic!

Youtube · by **milst1** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 5:33 am

Awesome report, as always, Adam. Thank you!

by **comet** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 4:56 am

Looks Fantastic! Love the pre-show and after party ideas.

by **chargersmichael** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 5:43 am

If they do build Transformers...it seems like it would have to be worked on very fast because the construction time at Hollywood was a lot longer but then again you never know! Also, if whatever it is opens next year, when is Harry Potter 2 supposed to open?

by **jedimaster1227** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 6:49 am

^Whatever it is they are putting there, they are definitely working on it VERY quickly. They aren't waiting for trucks to access the lot in the evening, rather shuttling them through the park throughout the day. And a few days before the building was completely gone, I was able to see full TVs and light fixtures that weren't being stripped from the building before they tore it down. Very little from inside of the studio was salvaged as far as I could tell. And then you've got the issue of Horror Nights... This building was supposed to host a house, with construction reported to have already started in there before the axe came down on it. Why couldn't they wait until November to start demolition unless they were really, really in a hurry to get things going?

Youtube · by **robbalvey** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:05 am

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT ANNOUNCES A NEW SPECTACULARLY THEMED ON-SITE HOTEL DEVELOPMENT

New Hotel Will Add 1,800 On-Site Suites and Standard Rooms

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 9, 2012) – Universal Parks & Resorts and Loews Hotels & Resorts will build a new hotel development at Universal Orlando that will add high-quality, high-value options for families wanting an affordable on-site experience.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer two distinct experiences within the development’s multiple buildings: 900 family suites, capable of sleeping six, that include kitchen areas and 900 standard guest rooms – offering both moderate- and value-priced accommodations. It will be operated by Loews Hotels & Resorts and is scheduled to open in 2014.

The hotel will be themed differently than anything else currently available at Universal Orlando. It will evoke the driving vacations so many Americans grew up enjoying with their families – spending time at sweeping motor courts just off the highway, where families relaxed and played after a long day’s drive. The new hotel’s hip, vintage look will be accented with bold design, dramatic, clean lines, bright, period colors and touches of neon. Inside areas including the lobby, dining areas and large, comfortable rooms will follow suit. The hotel will have two themed pool areas.

“Our new hotel will give guests an affordable, incredibly themed on-site hotel experience unlike anything else at our resort,” said Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive officer, Universal Parks & Resorts. “Our new family suites and family-value pricing will give our guests on-site options they’ve never had before.”

The hotel will be built on a 37-acre site within Universal Orlando Resort and adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure – just off Hollywood Way and Turkey Lake Road. Site work will begin soon. Pricing information, opening timeframes and room on-sale dates will be released over time.

The new hotel will allow families to choose between value pricing or the higher level of benefits and service that come with staying at other on-site Universal Orlando hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. It will provide early park admission, proximity to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and resort-wide charging privileges – but will not offer complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Access.

“The Cabana Bay Beach Resort furthers our goal of operating special and distinct properties in important markets,” said Paul Whetsell, Loews Hotels & Resorts president and CEO. “This is another important step in our plan to expand the Loews system in major markets across the United States.”