Extreme Park Makeovers
August 14, 2015
This is an exciting weekend for theme park fans. We are learning new details on makeovers for three local theme parks: Islands of Adventure, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
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Universal kicked things off with this morning's announcement that The Incredible Hulk roller coaster at IOA is going under the knife for a high-tech makeover.
Your last chance to ride Hulk 1.0 is September 7th. Universal's blog post is light on details, but if what I am hearing it true -- look for the 90's era loud cartoons to go away. The new, even more Incredible ride will feel closer to the Hulk fans know from the Avengers movie. It will also get a new paint job, some track work, and a few surprises. And this may only be the start. I'm hearing all of Marvel Superhero Island
is being looked at for new opportunities, especially around Doctor Doom's FearFall. More on Universal soon.
Some Disney's loyalist fans on earth have made a pilgrimage to California today. No -- they aren't at Disneyland. They are across the street at the Anaheim Convention Center for D23, Disney's version of Comic-Con.
After passing under the enormous Buzz Lightyear, people are heading to various presentations, panels, and entertainment. One big highlight: each Disney division displays some of what they are working on. This year -- Disney Imagineering is focused on Shanghai Disneyland & the Avatarland (still!) under construction at Animal Kingdom.
That includes the full model Imagineers use to place every last tree, bush, rock and ride.The main entry is on the left of that picture. It will roughly be where the walkway to Camp Minnie-Mickey was.After that: Pandora will envelop guests.
Some of the rock formations in the back will appear to float. All of them are hiding the mammoth show building for the largest of two rides. It will take guests for a flight over the moon on the back of a Bansheee (giant flying beast from the movie). It'll kind of be like SOARIN' on steroids. The other ride is hard to spot in the model. It is going to be a boat ride.
These small-scale sculptures represent some of the larger-than-life creatures you'll likely encounter in 2017.
On the other side of the land, the old base camp where the evil military/mining people lived will be turned into the visitor's center, complete with a "mess hall" restuarant and, doubtlessly, a shop.
We will likely learn much more tomorrow. Here are two close-up looks that show the level of detail Animal Kingdom, in particular, is known for.
Tomorrow I expect SOME of the secrets to be revealed on the future of Walt Disney World's third park, currently known as Disney's Hollywood Studios. Thanks to a small child's' question, CEO Bob Iger admitted a name change is on the way. It appears the former Disney-MGM is heading for one of the largest makeovers in theme park history.
In the past year, the Sorcerer's Hat came down and four attractions have closed: The Backlot Tour, American Idol Experience, Legend of Jack Sparrow, and (very recently) the Magic of Disney Animation.
Insiders expect the "Voyage of the Little Mermaid" show and "One Man's Dream" history exhibit will also shut down soon. Based on geography, I wouldn't get too attached to the "Lights, Motors, Action!" stunt show, either.
What will rise in their place?? I'm not going on much of a limb here by predicting more Pixar and much more Star Wars. We may find out tomorrow. I'll be here at WKMG watching the developments, and will be posting updates as they come in here on ClickOrlando.com and on Twitter. I'm @ThemeWorld6 there,
Finally -- A heck of a deal for families. Kids are free with an adult combo ticket for I-Drive 360's Orlando Eye, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, and SEALIFE Aquarium, plus sister attraction LEGOLAND Florida.
You'lll need the promo code above.
Have a great weekend!