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May 31, 2013

Transformers & Springfield Soft-Open

Prepare for battle!  Just hours after I posted the picture of Optimus Prime towering over "Transformers: The Ride-3D" -- Universal Studios surprised its guests by opening the ride for its first test-run with park-goers.

Our Friends at Orlando Attractions Magazine have complete coverage of the first hours of opening at their website.


Below is a clip they uploaded on YouTube showing the ride's queue and dispatch areas.

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Early reviews say Orlando's Transformers is even better than the originals in Singapore & Hollywood.  I do know Universal Creative says our version has the best 3D projectors, since they used the new system Universal first tried out on last year's Spiderman ride upgrade.
No guarantees you will get to try out Transformers until its grand opening June 20th. Keep in mind -- this extremely complex attraction went up in less than a year! 
These soft openings are the way theme park teams break in new rides to make sure there are no major problems before the hype machine takes off.  But I'd expect more and more chances to ride as we get closer to opening day.

These days Twitter is the best way to find out if the ride is open or not.

There was another soft-opening today at Universal: what they are now nicknaming "Fast food boulevard." That's the restaurant row at the heart of the Springfield expansion we told you about last week. Cletus's Chicken Shack & The Frying Dutchman at least were open at lunch.

I'm told Moe's Tavern should open by tomorrow.
But there's still a lot of construction to finish before Duff Gardens & Lard Lad Donuts are ready.

Here's a link to more of what you can expect in Springfield.


Over at Disney -- "A Pirate's Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas" has now officially opened in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom.

Here's my previous blog entry on the new interactive quest. I hope to test it out for you soon.

More Theme World next week!!!

Until then, keep your emails, questions, and comments coming!

Here's a link to my most recent Theme World Blog entries.

See you in the parks!