Tag Archives: Project 340

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P1010955Since we last checked in at Project 340 in Islands of Adventure, what looks to be the supports for a temple facade has gone up, and a smaller portion of building has been erected in front of the large show building. This smaller structure will most likely house sections of the indoor queue, leading up to the load area deeper inside. Rumors from this forum thread point to the queue being an underground temple theme. Compare pictures from today's update below to the last update and you can see this entire offshoot was freshly added within the last few weeks. See all the construction update images below.

In Skull Island movie news, the film's release has been pushed back from November 4, 2016, to March 10, 2017. It's also getting the new title of Kong: Skull Island, (in case you weren't sure which Skull Island it's going to be about). J.K. Simmons has been added to the cast, hot off the heals of the critically acclaimed Whiplash. He'll co-star beside Tom Hiddleston in the King Kong movie Legendary is calling a“new, distinct timeline” within the iconic beast’s canon. In other words, it's going to be a reboot and maybe take place in a different time period besides the 1930's, perhaps even modern day? That could be interesting.

King-Kong-Temple
Looks like the facade of the giant building in Islands of Adventure may turn out something like this

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P1010860On a brisk November Florida morning I was able to grab some more pictures of the construction progress at Project 340 in Islands of Adventure. Things are moving right along as the wall continues to be completed along the front. The building has already grown 20% wider since I last saw it, bringing it all the way behind the Thunder Falls Terrace restaurant now. You can see new steel arriving and being assembled along the front wall. My guess is this will be the skeleton for the massive amount of rock-work and temple facade we can expect for this structure. There are many footers in place surrounding the front of the building where the facade will most likely be installed. Check out the pictures below from today's update. ...continue reading →

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The first wall is starting to appear on the front side of the show building for Project 340, which may (or may not) be a new ride coming to Islands of Adventure named Kong: Terror of Skull Island. The structure is nearly twice as wide and deep as it was the last time I visited and a lot of internal elements have been added as well. What appears to be catwalks and different rooms/sections are being created within.

The structure is around six stories tall and continues to grow wider by the day, edging closer and closer towards the Thunder Falls Terrace restaurant in Jurassic Park. It's hard to get a sense from photos just how massive this building is so far, especially considering it is much farther back away from the footpath as it appears. Even with it so far away I cannot seem to get the entire thing in a single photograph. Look at the workers in the photos to get a sense of size. Check out the current progress below in my biggest photo update thus far. ...continue reading →

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P1010584Construction has gone vertical at Project 340 in Islands of Adventure. The steel structure is already several stories tall and can be seen all the way from the highway. Rumors around the web are saying when completed the facade for this attraction will reach 100 feet tall. Universal is not showing any signs of slowing down with their recent additions to the parks. They're certainly not afraid to go big when it comes to new ride technologies and hyper-themed lands.

In addition to the new construction photos below, I wanted to also post some interesting news and juicy rumors about this possible King Kong attraction. Even though the internet has been talking about this project for nearly a year now, there has still been no official word from Universal. I wouldn't expect an official announcement from them until after Halloween Horror Nights is over, so as not to take any of its spotlight away. With the construction now rising above the walls it's going to be harder to keep people from asking what exactly is coming. News, Rumors, and construction photos below!

Wall that keeps us safe from the beasts of Skull Island. Is this what they're building?
Wall that keeps us safe from the beasts of Skull Island. Is this what they're building?

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P1010519Project 340's construction continues at Islands of Adventure with the perimeter walls continuing to expand and more foundation being laid. Some new construction photos are below. It was recently announced that Tom Hiddleston will star in the Skull Island film, slated for release in November of 2016. Hiddleston is best known (and beloved by many) for his role as Loki in the Thor films and Avengers. Skull Island will apparently be a prequel, telling the story of King Kong before he is captured and brought to New York. It's rumored Hiddleston may play someone shipwrecked on the island filled with giant prehistoric beasts.

Tom_Hiddleston_LokiJordan Vogt-Roberts has been named as director of Skull Island, known for The Kings of Summer, and Max Borenstein is writing. He recently penned the screenplay for Godzilla, also released by Legendary. Legendary and Universal will be releasing the new Skull Island film together, (as well as Jurassic World next year). There has not yet been any official announcement for a King Kong ride at Islands of Adventure, but Diagon Alley at the old Jaws area of Universal Studios Florida wasn't announced for months into its construction. Only time will tell. ...continue reading →

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Concrete walls along Toon Lagoon and the backside of the Project 340 construction zone have started to appear. These walls may rise high enough to block the view of the hotel and road behind the area from guests. Since this area is pretty tight they may be covered in trees or rockwork to create a larger sense of space for Skull Island. Let's hope it looks better than the metal facade behind Dragon Challenge. ...continue reading →

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P1010429There were lots of people working on Project 340 at Islands of Adventure today. The weather was actually mild, for once, with a nice cool breeze. There were a couple surveying teams out and many folks working in large trenches dug out near the back of the lot. It was the most people I've seen on site at once so far. Below are some photos from today's visit. ...continue reading →

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P1010399Work on Project 340, which may or may not be Skull Island, over at Islands of Adventure is in full swing. New porta-potties have arrived, construction teams are congregating, and the area is bustling with activity. There's a lot going on and fast, especially for an unannounced expansion! Here are some photos from my most recent visit. ...continue reading →

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Where Skull Island will be on the park map
Where Skull Island will be on park map

Progress is moving right along at Islands of Adventure between Toon Lagoon and Jurassic Park as the lot continues to grow and they prepare to lay down foundation. Today they were expanding the footprint all the way to the border of Toon Lagoon. Bamboo has been added along the construction walls to help keep the big hole in the ground from being too easily visible to guests. The pathway doesn't look so bad anymore as concrete where the Jurassic Park arch has been filled in as well.

The intrepid folks over at Parkscope uncovered official plans for drainage and construction permits for the area. Dubbed 'Project 340', the area is going to cover about 4.5 acres. There has not been an official announcement yet, but word on the street is that it's definitely going to be Skull Island. Only time will tell. Click on an image below to see a larger version. ...continue reading →

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King Kong
The original King Kong film from 1933

I've wanted to write about theme park refurbishments and expansions for a while now. It's a subject that interests me greatly. I create my own virtual theme park attractions in Second Life, but it does not begin to compare to the real thing. With the new Harry Potter expansions at the two Universal parks here in Orlando, the world saw a new and more immersive theme park experience, unmatched by anything else. I was excited to hear recently that an old friend may be returning to his rightful home. ...continue reading →