Universal Orlando is on a roll this year. The park just completed what could be the biggest resort wide expansion in history, with a whole new land, a new line up at CityWalk and even a huge new hotel. Most parks would just take a breather, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with Universal, as new projects are springing up as fast as the current ones are wrapping up. The park is busy preparing itself for the holidays, and, if that wasn’t enough, getting ready for a wave of screaming fans as One Direction will take over the resort this week.
First up in CityWalk, preparations are being made for a huge invasion by One Direction. The band will be in the resort Monday and Tuesday for a special taping of not only the Today Show, but also the taping of a very special TV Special that will air on December 23rd. The rest of the park will also celebrate the band with tons of huge special events throughout the two days, such as special soundtracks on Rockit and a special One Direction version of Cinematic Spectacular. Click here for more details.
NASCAR Grille recently closed down on November 1st, and CityWalk wasted no time in getting construction going on whatever it is that CityWalk is building. The area just completed the eight restaurant in a massive overhaul of the area, with the opening of Cowfish. No word on what the new spot will be, but the rumors go from a new nightclub, to a WWE Museum/Restaurant.
Over at Universal Studios, the park is getting ready for the huge holiday celebration with the Macy’s Day Parade, and Grinchmas. The holidays at Universal kick off on December 6th with a special concert from the kings of Christmas, Mannheim Steamroller.
Over at Islands of Adventure, the Jurassic Park area is starting to see the makings of a HUGE building. What are they gonna put in that thing King Kong? Well, if rumors are true, YES. Rumors have been rampant that an updated version of the King Kong 360 attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood will be built in Orlando. Orlando previously had Kongfrontation, which saw the giant ape destroy cable cars. That attraction closed in 2003 to make room for Revenge of the Mummy.
Slideshow-Check out even more pictures from Universal Orlando
More rumors abound, according to Parkscope and Orlando United permits have been filed for Project 533. According to the two fansites, the project is for the area between Cabana Bay Beach and Interstate 4. They speculate that the project is going to be the rumored Volcano themed waterpark that will be opened in 2017. The new waterpark is said to be a smaller scale park, with a huge Volcano as the centerpiece. The area is also full of construction on the all new Sapphire Falls Resort, which will be Universal’s 5th onsite hotel.
Stay tuned for even more from Universal Orlando, and be sure to get social with us on Facebook, and follow along with us on Twitter @BehindThrills for the latest updates!
