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SPIDER-MAN 2. Islands of Adventure
relaunches classic ride New high-definition animation, new 3D projection, and high-tech wraparound 3D glasses are central to the new-look Amazing Adventures of Spider- Man ride at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure. The attraction’s sets, audio system and lighting have also been upgraded. The new animation comes to life across the attraction’s towering visual spaces – some of which are more than four stories tall and just as wide. Live special effects such as heat blasts and water surges as well as the motion of the ride vehicle are precisely calibrated to match the animation so that riders will feel as if the on-screen adventure is happening to them in real life.
As they reanimated the attraction film, the creative team added hundreds of new details and
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effects. Guests will see moss swaying in the wind, rats
scurrying through the streets and hear electricity arching so close it will raise the hair on the back of their necks.
And for the first time ever, Spider- Man co-creator Stan Lee
makes a cameo appearance inside the attraction in digitally animated form.
universalorlando.com
Riders wearing the new 3D wraparound glasses
Las Vegas wheel wars
The concrete foundation has been set for SkyVue, which its developer claims will become the largest Ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere – taller than the London eye, but shorter than rides in Singapore and Nanjing, China.
Set to be built by construction industry conglomorate Ledcor, the attraction will open on July 4, 2013. Located directly across from Mandalay Bay, the wheel will tower 500ft (150m) above the Las Vegas Strip. It will feature 32 gondolas and two large high definition LED displays at its hib. Sizing up to the length of two football fields, the distinctive signs will be the world’s largest displays offering spectacular visuals – and advertising
opportunities.The climate-controlled 24-person gondolas will offer views of the city skyline, with each ride lasting 30 minutes. Guests will have the opportunity to rent out a gondola for private events, complete with catering services.
In addition, the project will offer more than 200,000 sq ft of retail space and an additional 20,000 sq ft for conventions. The project will bring
10 APRIL 2012
New high definition animation
more than 700 construction jobs to the community in addition to an estimated 500 full-time positions for the entertainment, dining and retail offerings once the development opens. “The observation wheel is the perfect complement to the Strip,” says developer Howard Bulloch, “fuelling both an economic impact for our community and creating a unique addition to globally-renowned entertainment offerings.” Plans also exist for a wheel further down the Las
Vegas Strip linking the Imperial Palace and Flamingo casino resorts. The $500 million project by Caesars Entertainment would stand 550ft tall, snatching the bragging rights from Bulloch. Which rides come to fruition and when remains to be seen.
An artist’s impression of SkyVue
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