Tag Archives: video

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kong01Universal Orlando has revealed the Kong animatronic in a new making of video and a few images. The Kong figure is three-stories tall, 18 feet wide at his shoulders and has a head larger than an automobile, according to Universal Orlando. The beast also has several "distinctive scars." Riders will come "face-to-face" with King Kong and get "so close they'll feel his breath sweep across their skin and his thunderous roar reverberate through every bone in their body". Reports say that the animatronic figure was designed by Creature Technology, the company behind the impressive full-size Kong puppet for the Kong stage show.

kong02Skull Island: Reign of Kong should be opening soon at Islands of Adventure, but Universal has still not announced an official opening date, stating only that it will be opening Summer 2016. The media preview for Skull Island is scheduled for June 22-24. The ride may open around this time, with technical rehearsals in the days or weeks leading up to it. Technical rehearsals, or soft opens as it is also known, is a trial run where the ride may open for a few hours a day giving staff a chance to test the ride under real conditions. (Not all effects and features may be working during technical rehearsals.) Rumors say that there have been some unforeseen issues that are being worked out and that has pushed technical rehearsals back a bit. Stay tuned here for news of when you may get your chance to meet Kong face to face! See the video below for your first look at Kong in the flesh, plus more images and information. And see all Kong updates here!


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00485.MTS.Still028It looks like lots of electrical work is underway at The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Island's of Adventure. Electrical boxes have been installed on nearly every footer on the front-half of the coaster and conduit with cables are attached leading up each of the track supports. I'm not sure yet what these cables will lead to, but my best guess would be for exterior lighting. Perhaps just blinking red lights for height markers, or maybe something more elaborate and interesting looking for a spectacular view of the coaster at night. We'll see as construction continues. It looks like the launch tunnel has been completely re-painted. the exterior of the queue building has been painted white and themed elements are being added now. Other small things like the outside brake elements on the track as well as the evacuation stairs on the braking station have been added. Check out the video and screenshots below and stay tuned for more continuous updates!


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00441.MTS.Still016The factory facade is starting to take shape at the upcoming Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium restaurant taking over the NBA City in CityWalk Orlando. This incredible facade will include towering smoke stacks and funky gadgetry that is certain to catch the eye of all visitors to Universal Orlando. The new steampunk themed restaurant is planned to open later this year. See the video as well as some snapshots of the construction site below and stay tuned for more theme park updates coming soon! Check out the previous updates for concept art, food, dessert and milkshakes pics, and more video!


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P1070284Now that every piece of track has been replaced for The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Island's of Adventure, all attention has shifted to redecorating the queue, launch tunnel, and surrounding area. The launch tunnel is almost entirely repainted now and more black accents are being added. Soon there won't be any purple left around the attraction. Scaffolding has been put up all around the queue building as work continues there. I assume work is being done inside the queue as well as in the launch tunnel as they upgrade the launch system. Hopefully the newly refreshed ride will roar back to life soon. The park just isn't the same without the sound of the Hulk trains in the background. Rumors have the Hulk Coaster re-opening by June 10th. Fingers crossed that it opens before the summer busy season kicks into high gear. Check out the video and photo update below!


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vrexbigToday Universal Orlando has revealed some of the terrifying creatures you will encounter on your exhibition through Skull Island. Massive winged beasts that hunt from the skies. Serpentine predators that burrow through the earth and attack from below. Giant insects that infest the jungles. These are just a few of the deadly creatures you’ll encounter on Skull Island: Reign of Kong. Below is a video as well as breakdowns for each individual creature, but don't look if you're trying to avoid spoilers! Stay tuned for more theme park news and be sure to check out our last Kongstruction update here!


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00285.MTS.Still020All of the track pieces have been installed for the Incredible Hulk Coaster over at Marvel Super Hero Island in Islands of Adventure. I got some video and images of the construction site just a few hours before the very final piece was installed, which I assume happened ceremoniously. So check out the video and images below to see the (nearly) complete Hulk circuit as well as the new coat of pain the launch tunnel is receiving. It's a much darker tone and you can say goodbye to purple! Stay tuned for more theme park news coming soon.


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00321.MTS.Still005Themed construction walls have been added around the site of the new Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium taking over the old NBA City Restaurant building in CityWalk. The walls feature oversized steampunk gears and whimsical designs, along with a couple of logos and signs describing the venue. The new highly themed dessert-heavy restaurant is planned to be opening later this year. See the video as well as some snapshots of the construction site below and stay tuned for more theme park updates coming soon!


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00226.MTS.Still006editedThings are picking up steam at Marvel Super Hero Island in Islands of Adventure, as most of the Incredible Hulk Coaster's track is back, baby! Within a couple of weeks I can imagine (nearly) all of the track will be back in place, however, that is not the only thing getting an upgrade during this renovation. It still looks like much work is to be done in and around the queue, and who knows how long the new and improved launch will take to install and perfect. Still, with Universal shooting for a summer re-opening date, here's hoping it'll all be done and ready by busy season. See the video below as well as some screenshots to see how the Hulk's shiny new track is starting to look. It's good seeing the skyline start to come back, just like an old friend returning. Stay tuned for more Universal news and updates!


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os-universal-kong-ride-vehicles-02This morning Universal Orlando has released a video showcasing the incredible new ride vehicle for Skull Island: Reign of Kong. The vehicles will be 40 feet long, weigh 17 tons, and will carry up to 72 guests at a time (12 per row). It is 13 feet tall with 45 inch wheels. The vehicles will be the first trackless system for Universal, with no guide rails, or lines of any kind on the ground. They will be "driven" by one of five drivers. Rumors have them as being animatronic characters in the truck cab, seated behind a pane of glass separating the guests from the "driver". Check out the video, as well as more ride vehicle information and more details on the "drivers" you may encounter on your trip to Skull Island below. Stay tuned for more theme park news coming soon!


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P1070120The Hello Kitty store at Universal Studios Florida has soft opened in the former location of Lucy: A Tribute, welcoming park guests to buy buy buy everything featuring the famous kitty and her trademark bow. While the store itself is now open, we're still looking forward to seeing a permanent character meet & greet for your chance to meet Hello Kitty and her friends, as well as a hair bow customization station, allowing little girls to create their own custom bows. The store features literally everything you can think of featuring the adorable Sanrio characters from shirts, slippers, and hats - to headphones, designer purses, and of course plush dolls.

P1070142As promised in the press release back in June of last year, there are a few Universal exclusive items, namely shirts that say 'Universal Studios' on them and a shirt design featuring the Jaws poster with Hello Kitty in place of the woman at the top. The store also features a full candy and baked goods section, offering similar treats as the new Sugarplum's in Diagon Alley, like fudges, cupcakes, and gourmet candy apples. The biggest difference being that these snacks feature a little candy bow on top. At the same time this store opened, Betty Boop's store has returned to its original location as well. The temporary Boop store in the old camera shop on Hollywood Blvd has once again closed. Check out the photos below and my detailed video report. I'm a big fan of Sanrio characters myself, and I think it's a nice addition to the park.


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