Universal Update 6.2.12.

IOA


Noticed a new photo station at the entrance of Jurassic Park from Toon Lagoon. The T-Rex photo-op has a photo station scanner which takes your photo automatically. You scan the barcode slip. ( If you do not have one a team member can give you one)  A fixed camera will countdown and take your picture you can then view the photo at the front of the park or visit online. Check it out in action below

 

Video below:

Universal also testing a new Ride Reservation device for the Express system they currently have ( If I am not mistaken this is called U-pod? or something like that). It allows Express guests to reserve a time to visit a particular attraction around the park. Once they are finished with the previous ride, the device will allow you to make another. The system has been currently testing for a few weeks now at IOA only. If feedback is good you might see it at Universal soon.

  At Universal, DMMM opening July 2

More work continues around the lagoon. Painting of the railings along the lagoon and also new covers on the projectors for the night time show. 

 Stage getting ready for the summer concert series starting next week. The concerts are included with the parks admission and only on Saturday nights. Check - out the line-up below.

 Aside from the parade that runs through late afternoon, there are also Character Party Zones at different times during the day. Each parade float and the characters come out and performs; then meet guests for photo op in-front of the Horror Make-up show. Times are printed on the park map. 

Video sample of Sponge Bob Character Party:


Pics:

 Despicable Me characters meet guests for photos:

After meeting with guests the characters hop on board the parade floats and heads backstage.
Video sample for the Despicable me party heading back in:


 Finally, The new Sponge Bob storepants located near ET has also opened just a few days ago. It is also where you can meet Sponge Bob at different times during the day.

Summer Concert Series line-up

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- Disney Updates / New Fantasyland / Big Thunder Mountain


- A look at Disney's newest resort. Art of Animation.


- New Magic, Memories and You summer add-on version

New Universal Superstar Parade

Some pics and a video of the new Universal Superstar Parade. Parade floats were nice colorful and huge. A lot to see on and off the parade floats even though it was a short parade. Characters, dancers, acrobats, and drummers performed even in light rain today. The parade stops at different places in the parade route, the video below does not show this part. 

Universal Cinematic Spectacular Opening night / Inside the Despicable Me store

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Universal Studios Update 4.29.12.

The new night time lagoon show Universal's Cinematic Spectacular 100 years of Movie Memories  and Universal Superstar Parade will officially premier on May 8th. Lucky park guest were already treated to a preview of the nigh-time lagoon show for several nights now. Tonight is another preview night for the show... did not stay to see it but cant wait.
Signs around the lagoon inviting guest to stay for a sneak preview of the show.

Work being done to one of the gates team members use just to the left of the Horror Make-Up show. Perhaps making it wider for the "larger than life" live interactive parade floats? Just about a week away!

 Finally, the new Despicable Me - Minion Mayhem scheduled to open this summer is finally shaping up as final touches are done to the outside of the new attraction. New large posters have been placed up on the sides.

Video:


Turtle Trek at SeaWorld Orlando now open!


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Universal Studios Update 4.20.12.

Pic update for Universal Orlando. 4.20.12. 

Work continues on the Despicable me attraction.. Most of the roofing is on, siding going on now. The wall which blocked the whole length of the attraction has now been shortened and now reveal the color scheme of the building and a new store at the corner.

New sign going up for the Universal Cinematic Spectacular show which is scheduled to debut May 8th. Not sure if it will go up on all the barges. Also splash zone signs have been placed around the railings and more 100 Years banners placed along the lagoon. 

 Video:


Pics:

Universal really doing a lot of work all around the park, painting planting and redecorating.

Universal hosting Grad Bash, this weekend and next. Stage was being set and also other entertainment around the park including the Coke Swelter Stopper and Karaoke stage. Inside the Swelter stopper you can step inside to cool down, listen to music, enjoy Coke  play games, get your pic taken and sent to your e-mail. This weekend and next... also open to day park guests.

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