A look at Universal Orlando attractions that have closed through the years.
Since Universal Studios Florida’s opening on June 7, 1990, a lot of attractions have come and gone. Some of them were too costly, or just not popular enough. Others were replaced by newer and more exciting rides. These rides are lost, but not forgotten.
SpaceX Will Try Next Rocket Landing on Solid Ground
SpaceX is planning to attempt next rocket landing on solid ground at Cape Canaveral instead of on an ocean platform.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX company is hoping to land its next Falcon 9 rocket on the ground at NASA’s Cape Canaveral facility in Florida.
SpaceX has tried several times to land a rocket gently before, but those attempts were made on giant floating platforms in the ocean.
Rival spaceflight company Blue Origin has recently managed to land its own reusable rocket safely on the ground. NASA officials confirmed the terrestrial landing attempt during a press conference last week on the upgraded Kennedy Space Center’s historic launchpad 39A. The site is planned to be refitted to accommodate SpaceX’s much larger Falcon Heavy rocket when it begins launching sometime next year. Continue reading “SpaceX Will Try Next Rocket Landing on Solid Ground”
Skyplex Approved by Orange County Commissioners
It looks like Skyscraper, the world’s tallest roller coaster, will be coming to Orlando’s International Drive.
Orange County’s Board of commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the proposed $500 million Skyplex Orlando development on the I-Drive and Sand Lake Road intersection.
Skyplex, a project by Wallack Holdings LLC, Continue reading “Skyplex Approved by Orange County Commissioners”
Unicorp’s I-Drive Plan Attracting Hotel Interest
Unicorp National Developments Inc.’s master plan for International Drive and Universal Boulevard is already getting hotel interest, and it is only a week after being revealed.
During a November 20 I-Drive meeting, Unicorp’s President Chuck Whittall said he has received calls from two different companies that may want to build hotels on his I-Drive land. However, he didn’t disclose the companies’ names. Its property is running from Sand Lake Road to Via Mercado and currently houses parking or future demolished structures on the blocks. Continue reading “Unicorp’s I-Drive Plan Attracting Hotel Interest”
Fifty-acre Water Park Resort Planned Near Disney World
Great Wolf Resorts Inc. is planning to build its first resort in Florida on a site across Interstate 4 from Disney World near Orlando.
The company, that is the owner and operator of a chain of indoor water parks, has declared its intentions to Orange County to build an 800-room hotel featuring a built-in water park on 50 acres of land at 8800 Meadow Creek Drive, according to county records.
Great Wolf Resorts Inc. is based in Wisconsin and has 12 locations in operation across the U.S. Continue reading “Fifty-acre Water Park Resort Planned Near Disney World”
Universal and City Hall vs. Skyplex: the Saga Contunues
When only a year ago, Wallack announced plans to construct the world’s tallest roller coaster as the centerpiece of Skyplex complex on International Drive, the project was praised by owners of local companies that hope it would draw more tourists.
Twelve months later, the future of the world’s tallest roller coaster is in doubt, thanks to opposition led by neighboring Universal Orlando, which says the proposed 570-foot Skyscraper, featuring a 450-foot drop, is not only too tall, but would adversely change the culture of the tourist corridor. Continue reading “Universal and City Hall vs. Skyplex: the Saga Contunues”
Family of Six Refugees Stuck Living at Airport for More Than 50 Days
Do you remember Viktor Navorski, a character portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 2004 The Terminal, a film directed by Steven Spielberg? Navorski is forced to stay at a New York City airport after officials say he is denied enrty into the US and at the same time he cannot return to his native country because a war has broken out there.
Unfortunately, it seems the same story may happen to people in real life. A Kurdish family of six has been stuck at a Russian airport for more than 50 days while they were attempting to claim asylum in the country after fleeing Syria. Continue reading “Family of Six Refugees Stuck Living at Airport for More Than 50 Days”
IFly to Build Another Attraction on I-Drive, Orlando
IFly Orlando is planning to build a new skydiving attraction on a location closer to Pointe Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center. The new attraction will be located between Icebar Orlando and Wonder Works.
According to the permits that have been recently filed with the South Florida Water Management District, a new 11,260-square-foot skydiving facility is planned to be build on the new location. Continue reading “IFly to Build Another Attraction on I-Drive, Orlando”
Melbourne Airport to Add ‘Orlando’ to Its Name
Melbourne International Airport is planning to market itself as Orlando Melbourne International Airport. Looking to attract more passengers and air service, Melbourne International Airport is attempting to connect with one of the top tourism destinations in the world by marketing itself as Orlando Melbourne International Airport.
One of the points is travelers to consider Melbourne as a less congested alternative to the airports in Orlando. As Melbourne airport has always been overshadowed by Orlando International Airport and even Orlando Sanford International Airport. Continue reading “Melbourne Airport to Add ‘Orlando’ to Its Name”
Skyplex Project Hits Snag: Orange County Board Votes ‘No’ on World’s Tallest Roller Coaster
The Skyplex project on International Drive near Orlando hit a snag. The Orange County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-3 on Thursday against the proposal for the $500 million Skyplex complex, which would include a 570-foot polercoaster, called The Skyscraper.
Skyplex developer Joshua Wallack unveiled Skyscraper’s design at 2014 IAAPA trade show at the Orange County Convention Center. Along with the world’s tallest roller coaster, Skyscraper, the Skyplex development will include a 450-foot SkyFall drop tower, a state-of-the-art open-air plaza, the SkyFly 600-foot zipline, a 350-room hotel and the largest Perkins in the world. Continue reading “Skyplex Project Hits Snag: Orange County Board Votes ‘No’ on World’s Tallest Roller Coaster”