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Themed waterpark for Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando is to build a new waterpark, becoming the resort’s third gated attraction (alongside Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure). Volcano Bay will offer a highly-themed, completely
immersive environment inspired by postcard-perfect tropical islands. It will be located just south of the Cabana Bay Beach Resort hotel. Prior to that, a new upscale hotel will open at Universal Orlando in 2016, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Universal Orlando owner NBCUniversal also owns
Orlandio’s Wet ‘n Wild, widely acknowledged as the world’s first waterpark. Volcano Bay, which will play an important part in encouraging guests to enjoy an extended stay at Universal’s Orlando Resort, is expected to be operate to a different business model. A Universal spokesperson would not comment directly on the future of Wet ‘n Wild.
Mega coaster for
SeaWorld Orlando Florida’s famous and recently beleaguered marine park is turning to B&M again to help it boost attendance and raise its profile in the crowded Orlando attractions market place. Opening at SeaWorld Orlando as soon as summer 2016, Mako will be a 200ft-tall (61m) mega coaster from Bolliger & Mabillard that will reach 73mph along 4,760ft (almost 1.5km) of steel track,. There will be nine hills that provide negative gravity during the ride. Named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks, Mako will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster. Its tight turns and speed are fitting. Mako sharks, also called “blue pointers,” are known for their top speed, making extreme jumps and the ability to quickly change course as they pursue their prey. “On Mako, you’ll experience what it’s like to be this apex predator, surging
through the water at top speed and chasing prey throughout a massive reef,” declares Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s creative director of attractions. The new ride will form the centrepiece of a newly-themed realm and a two-
acre plaza now including Shark Encounter, Sharks Underwater Grill, shops, shark and shipwreck-themed educational experiences. The entire realm will be created to make guests feel they’re underwater as they learn about the impact humans are having on sharks and why these animals are critical to the environment. See, riding a rollercoaster can be a worthy experience!
Park Hoppin’ with Paul Ruben
Let It Go this summer!
It's always a good time to visit Florida's Walt Disney World. I got there just in time to see what the resort is marketing as its “Coolest Summer Ever.” Not surprisingly, there is something for everyone. Whether you are seeking cool thrills on attractions such as Seven Dwarfs
Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom, Soarin’ at Epcot or Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, visiting your favourite Frozen friends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, shopping at the new look Downtown Disney or splashing around at Disney’s two waterparks, I found endless ways to have a "cool" time.
I was most impressed by
what I found at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Based on the success Disney's hit animated movie Frozen, the park welcomes characters Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf to Hollywoodland twice each day as they take part in the Frozen Royal Welcome, accompanied by the Royal Arendelle Flag Corps and a flurry of skaters, skiers and ice cutters. Anna leads the procession in an elaborate horse-drawn sleigh, with Elsa gliding by on a stunning ice palace float. But for me the best part was to see the live show, For the First Time in
Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. It's in the beautiful Hyperion Theater, located right in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Royal Historians of Arendelle host this comedic retelling of the story of their kingdom, filled with sing-along moments from Frozen, plus in-theatre effects and special appearances by Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. Now I've seen a lot of shows in many different theme parks, but I've never seen audience interaction like this before. The audience was not just singing along, they were singing at the top of their lungs. The show's (and the movie's) anthem – Let it Go! – had every young girl singing along, and their parents, too. Remarkable. At Disney's Animal Kingdom, all I could see of the Avatar expansion, which is set to open in 2017, was fencing. Camp Minnie-Mickey, home to the theatre that formerly housed the Festival of the Lion King show, is now part of Avatar, so in 2014 the show was relocated in Africa at the all-new Harambe Theater. But this was the first time I've seen it in its new location. My friend Shelby, pictured here, is the Bluebird, or high-flying aerial ballet performer, in the show. She and the rest of the cast provided a spectacular performance. Saying goodbye to Shelby, I wandered over to ride the rollercoaster Expedition Everest. I was concerned it had been damaged by the earthquake that devastated the area around Mount Everest, but I was assured it was untouched. Untouched, that is, except for a section of track that had apparently been torn up by the Yeti. I'm told that's part of the ride; OK, I'm a true believer. Downtown Disney is currently undergoing the largest expansion in its history.
To be renamed and re-imagined as Disney Springs, it will include a new upscale waterfront district for shopping, dining and entertainment. I stopped by to see the progress and had a great lunch in the new Boathouse. Disney Springs will be completed in 2016, see progress on page 20.
JUNE 2015
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