IFly to Build Another Attraction on I-Drive, Orlando

800px-Vertical_wind_tunnel_simulated_skydivingIFly 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”

Skyplex Project Hits Snag: Orange County Board Votes ‘No’ on World’s Tallest Roller Coaster

track1aThe 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”

Fast and Furious: Supercharged Coming to Universal Orlando in 2017

800px-Fast_and_Furious_6_Premier_7_(8749822359)An all-new ride, based on Universal Pictures’ huge Fast and the Furious franchise, will be coming to Universal Orlando Resort in 2017, Universal confirmed officially via its blog on Tuesday.

The ride is called Fast & Furious: Supercharged, and is similar to the attraction using the same name at Universal Studios Hollywood whichopened earlier this year. Fast & Furious: Supercharged opened as part of the iconic Tram Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, California in June and at a grand-opening event, actress Michelle Rodriguez is rumored to mention a future ride in Orlando. It is a common industry practice to have similar attractions at other theme parks, though. Continue reading “Fast and Furious: Supercharged Coming to Universal Orlando in 2017”

Star Wars Coming Soon to Disney Parks

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Disney has recently unveiled its plans to build two enormous Star Wars lands in Florida’s Disney World and Anaheim, California’s Disneyland, marking the biggest expansion in the theme park’s history. The announcement was made by Disney chief executive and chairman Bob Iger at the annual D23 Exposition in Anaheim, California before 7,500 Star War fans.

Each park will be 14 acres and will include sensor features to give visitors an ‘immersive’ experience. The lands will be populated with actors playing aliens, droids and many other creatures from the Star Wars world.

The authentic Star War’s lands will feature a new planet from George Lucas’ sci-fi intergalactic universe.  Two new rides will be introduced, including one where participants will be able to board and take control of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy- Millennium Falcon Continue reading “Star Wars Coming Soon to Disney Parks”

Harry Potter Ride Goes 3D in Japan

400px-Universal-Islands-of-Adventure-Harry-Potter-Castle-9188 (1)Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios Japan is clearly one of most popular rides and it is getting even more popular after the ride has been turned into a 3D attraction.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal Studios Japan not even one year ago and it is already seeing changes. The ride that opened last summer has drawn in record crowds to the park since then and with 11 million visitors a year, it got Universal’s most popular by attendance.

The theme park in Osaka unveiled its upgraded Harry Potter ride with three-dimensional effects at a special ceremony only two months ago, making it the first of the two existing Hogwarts Castle ride in 3D. The other is at Universal Orlando and there is no information if its version will see the 3D conversion as well. Continue reading “Harry Potter Ride Goes 3D in Japan”

Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Receive $3B Expansion and New Name

Rock_n_Roller_Coaster,_Disney's_Hollywood_StudiosDisney’s Hollywood Studios may receive the largest renovation in the company’s history. The $3 billion expansion at Walt Disney World Resort has recently been approved by Disney’s board. However, a lot of speculation and nothing official has been announced yet.

Rumors behind the park’s massive overhaul have reached critical mass and the truth may soon be revealed. Official announcement is expected to be made at this year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim in August and this will end months of speculation about the awaited massive overhaul.

The upcoming 10 year expansion will include farewells to some attractions, welcome new lands and long-awaited changes that will make the park dominated by Star Wars, Pixar and Indiana Jones. Attractions like the American Idol Experience and Magic of Disney Aniation, Muppet Vision 3d and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular have closed to make room for the new ones. Continue reading “Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Receive $3B Expansion and New Name”

Orlando Eye Riders Stuck at 400 Feet

OrlandoNightSkyline66 riders were stranded on the Orlando Eye and had to be evacuated from the 400-foot attraction last Friday afternoon.

At about 3:45 p.m. the operating systems that monitor the position of Ferris wheel indicated a technical default. The wheel had initially stopped for 45 minutes. Andrea Alava, a public relations manager for the Orlando Eye said in a statement that as a safety precaution, the wheel is designed to automatically shut down when communication with the system is interrupted. Continue reading “Orlando Eye Riders Stuck at 400 Feet”

Disney World Bans Selfie Sticks from Its Theme Parks

Selfie_Stick_in_Rom_(16454073048)Are you thinking of visiting Walt Disney World next month? You’d better keep your selfie stick at home.

Disney World is banning selfie sticks from its theme parks as they have become “a growing safety concern” for both its guests and cast, Disney World spokeswoman Kim Prunty said Friday morning. After June 30 selfie sticks will no longer be allowed in any of Walt Disney World’s four Florida parks and two Disneyland parks, California and DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive, Orlando. The sticks will be banned from Disneyland in Paris and Hong Kong on July 1. Disney hotels and resorts will still allow the selfie devices. Continue reading “Disney World Bans Selfie Sticks from Its Theme Parks”