Volcano Bay will open on...

25th May

Volcano Bay's media event will last three days from May 22nd to May 25th.

Couple of bits of news from Universal firstly we now have water from the Volcano! (Although the image is a bit blurry)



The second bit of news is that Comcast have announced their results which have shown significant growth again

Theme Parks revenue increased 32.1% to $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2016. Pro forma5 revenue increased 13.2%, reflecting higher attendance and higher per capita spending, driven by the success of Hollywood’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ attraction, as well as the positive impact of a stronger Japanese yen. Operating cash flow increased 41.9% to $640 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Pro forma5 operating cash flow increased 18.4%, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, including costs to support new attractions.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 48.2% to $4.9 billion compared to 2015. Pro forma5 revenue increased 12.7%, reflecting higher attendance and per capita spending, as well as the positive impact of a stronger Japanese yen. Operating cash flow increased 49.6% to $2.2 billion compared to 2015. Pro forma5 operating cash flow increased 12.2%, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, including costs to support new attractions.

There's a great overhead picture of Volcano Bay on Twitter

Here's a photo from Bioreconstruct showing the state of the entrance at night.



Also, slides are now testing with rafts, with some seen in this tweet from Bioreconstruct!

It is really going to look awesome at night especially with the "lava" flowing down the side!

This is what Tapu Tapu looks like!



Also, Universal have posted some instructions on how to use it.

The exterior of Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is reportedly finished and construction walls are down!



Credit to Behind The Thrills.

Soft openings are expected to take place within the coming weeks...

We have slide testing! here's Midway Mayhem's testing video!

Also, Bioreconstruct have reported more scaffolding is down from Krakatau!

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is currently soft opening with staff and VIP guests with public soft openings anticipated as early as the weekend!

Here's a video that shows off the 4 colour variations of Tapu Tapu!

We have some new aerial images of Volcano Bay from MickeyXtreme







There's still a fair bit of work to do considering this opens in less than 4 months but if anyone can do it, it's Universal!

Water is flowing down this volcano!

This video gives us the first high quality glimpse of the water flowing down Krakatau!

HHN27 will run for 34 select nights between September 15 and November 4th!

Following staff previews the other day, Orlando United have just tweeted that Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon has commenced soft opening. As part of the ride guests are given colour coded tickets whilst they wait. When lights in different areas change to the colour on your ticket that's your cue to proceed to the next area. An example of the ticket can be seen here. If you search #FallonRide on Twitter there are several photos and video clips of the various preshows.

Not hearing good things so far

The reviews really stink.

http://orlparkpass.com/2017/03/review-r ... my-fallon/

I assumed it would be a Soaring clone but it isn't, it's a cheap simulator in a theme park that already has a bunch of them. Have to wonder what they were thinking.

It seems from all the reviews that the common agreement of the attraction is it is an alright D-ticket attraction. The queue I personally am happy and a bit disappointed with. I do think it is nice to have something different with some proper entertainment as well as all the memorabilia of the tonight show. However, it is very clear to me it will suffer from over-crowding, especially with the system about having a colour and the peacock changing into that colour when it is your turn to ride. Loading seems to be an issue as it seems to be taking lots of time, with the seatbelts. The actual ride from the reviews seems to have very good CGI and effects but the lack of humour, proper movement and storyline seems to be an issue. Many reviewers have described it as an adult minion mayhem. One common critism is the amount of 'similar' attractions at the resort as it is screen based and invokes effects and movement.

Overall, I still think the ride will be fairly good experience which will attract moderate crowds- I expect around 45 minute queues. However, the farcade still drives me crazy. I mean the main section has grown on me over time and looks alright but the section with the toilets looks a mess and unfinished. Despite this, I believe that this will be a popular attraction which is sure to be something unique for the Universal Orlando Resort!

The queue system seems neat but will all the elements always be active and will people get confused by or ignore the colour system?

I can't help but feel this is a bit of a placeholder ride to keep updating when they get a lucrative property they want to build a ride fast for.