Universal Orlando Resort Expansion (Part 1)

[Mike S]

I'm hoping the monorail looks like this.

No, this.

 

[*Q*]

No, this.

Yes, because who wouldn't want as scenic views as possible of International Drive? :tongue:

 

[Nick]

Yes, because who wouldn't want as scenic views as possible of International Drive? :tongue:

They could do up the windows Hogwarts Express style if they really wanted (maybe talk about the resort and throw in some ride advertisements, etc) and then you aren't seeing anything.

 

[captainmoch]

No, this.

No, this.

 

[Scott W.]

One of the advantages of monorails is the construction isn't really that inconvenient. Most can be done without closing roads.

I'm sure somebody at some point mentioned that Universal Blvd was originally built with the intention of a monorail getting built later hence the large gap between each side of the road. From Universal's current property to the new one would be about 4 miles.

So that's pretty similar to the Vegas monorail which is 4.4 miles. That cost a staggering $654 million.

 

[Nick]

So that's pretty similar to the Vegas monorail which is 4.4 miles. That cost a staggering $654 million.

And that's without inflation.

 

[s8film40]

And that's without inflation.

I believe that also included land purchases in an area that is considered to have some of the most expensive real estate in the world.

 

[Nick]

I believe that also included land purchases in an area that is considered to have some of the most expensive real estate in the world.

Ah, so Orlando would likely be cheaper then i'd assume. Still, with a price in that range, I can't see a monorail happening.

 

[s8film40]

Ah, so Orlando would likely be cheaper then i'd assume. Still, with a price in that range, I can't see a monorail happening.

Personally I think a cable driven train like the HE would be the best choice, Las Vegas has some of those as well.

 

[princeinc]

And that's without inflation.

I thought that cost was largely due to the land rights, building of all the stations (including footing some of the cost of attaching it to some of the hotels), and the tech for the POS.

Universal's should be cheaper because it's probably going to go through the center of U Blvd and will only have two (three if it includes WnW) stations in which all the property belongs to them. There will be no POS equipment involved because it all belongs to them.

IMO, Universal has no choice but to connect both properties with their own private transport beside a bus. The traffic will be a nightmare for one. The other thing is that they don't want tourists traveling themselves because there are WAY to many things between here and there that would pull them other directions. I.e Orlando I, skyplex, the new tall spinner they just approved, other eating options, other shopping options, Ripleys, Wonderworks, Titanic, mini golf, go carts, CSI, indoor skydiving, ISquare hotel, etc. One step away from Universal's system will put them to close to escape to the other tourist traps.

When they do build their own transport, they'd be silly to leave the windows open. It defeats the purpose of containing your guest because they will be able to see other options. Cover the screens with HE windows and you can have that 2 minute ride full of advertisements for the next destination. Heck that's what the Vegas Monorail does. "Your next stop is the MGM Grand Station. Be dazzled with illusions from David Copperfield..."

Resorts want you to park your car and only depend on them for the rest.

 

[Mad Dog]

Theme it up big time where it's like an E ticket attraction. That would help defray the cost and keep a captive audience. It wouldn't be just a monorail. It would be an attraction people would line up to experience & ride.

 

[Scott W.]

I thought that cost was largely due to the land rights, building of all the stations (including footing some of the cost of attaching it to some of the hotels), and the tech for the POS.

Universal's should be cheaper because it's probably going to go through the center of U Blvd and will only have two (three if it includes WnW) stations in which all the property belongs to them. There will be no POS equipment involved because it all belongs to them.

IMO, Universal has no choice but to connect both properties with their own private transport beside a bus. The traffic will be a nightmare for one. The other thing is that they don't want tourists traveling themselves because there are WAY to many things between here and there that would pull them other directions. I.e Orlando I, skyplex, the new tall spinner they just approved, other eating options, other shopping options, Ripleys, Wonderworks, Titanic, mini golf, go carts, CSI, indoor skydiving, ISquare hotel, etc. One step away from Universal's system will put them to close to escape to the other tourist traps.

When they do build their own transport, they'd be silly to leave the windows open. It defeats the purpose of containing your guest because they will be able to see other options. Cover the screens with HE windows and you can have that 2 minute ride full of advertisements for the next destination. Heck that's what the Vegas Monorail does. "Your next stop is the MGM Grand Station. Be dazzled with illusions from David Copperfield..."

Resorts want you to park your car and only depend on them for the rest.

I think those stops is the smart move. I think a stop at the new location could add a lot of business to CityWalk from people visiting the convention centre.

If they ever build the train link from MCO to the convention centre on top of this, it would be the perfect thing for people who don't want to drive.

 

[princeinc]

Theme it up big time where it's like an E ticket attraction. That would help defray the cost and keep a captive audience. It wouldn't be just a monorail. It would be an attraction people would line up to experience & ride.

While playing this at the stations. Just add Universal references in it. lol

 

[Scott W.]

While playing this at the stations. Just add Universal references in it. lol

Anybody else think this would be a great addition to HRRR?

 

[princeinc]

Anybody else think this would be a great addition to HRRR?

Can you imagine seeing people whizzing by on Rockit making the train arm motion. lmao.

But seriously, I want them to come out with a monorail. Uni likes taking stabs at Disney, this would be the best opportunity. "A Highway in the Sky 2.0"

 

[s8film40]

Can you imagine seeing people whizzing by on Rockit making the train arm motion. lmao.

But seriously, I want them to come out with a monorail. Uni likes taking stabs at Disney, this would be the best opportunity. "A Highway in the Sky 2.0"

Haha, yeah! At this point the monorail technology WDW has has seen multiple new generations, while WDW still has the same old trains. They could buy a used monorail and it would be more advanced than what Disney has.

 

[Scott W.]

Can you imagine seeing people whizzing by on Rockit making the train arm motion. lmao.

But seriously, I want them to come out with a monorail. Uni likes taking stabs at Disney, this would be the best opportunity. "A Highway in the Sky 2.0"

I made this a while back if you want a visual.

 

[ChrisFL]

I was thinking a massive slingshot...

Anyway, parks can be bigger, but transporting guests around within the park itself becomes more of an issue as well. Epcot started out with more options in World Showcase like the double decker buses, but stopped those a few years later.

What's interesting is that I had been following the other property back when Universal first purchased it and I don't recall ever getting details about their plans for what would be in the park(s) or any concept art.

 

[MrRoamer]

I thought that cost was largely due to the land rights, building of all the stations (including footing some of the cost of attaching it to some of the hotels), and the tech for the POS.

Universal's should be cheaper because it's probably going to go through the center of U Blvd and will only have two (three if it includes WnW) stations in which all the property belongs to them. There will be no POS equipment involved because it all belongs to them.

IMO, Universal has no choice but to connect both properties with their own private transport beside a bus. The traffic will be a nightmare for one. The other thing is that they don't want tourists traveling themselves because there are WAY to many things between here and there that would pull them other directions. I.e Orlando I, skyplex, the new tall spinner they just approved, other eating options, other shopping options, Ripleys, Wonderworks, Titanic, mini golf, go carts, CSI, indoor skydiving, ISquare hotel, etc. One step away from Universal's system will put them to close to escape to the other tourist traps.

When they do build their own transport, they'd be silly to leave the windows open. It defeats the purpose of containing your guest because they will be able to see other options. Cover the screens with HE windows and you can have that 2 minute ride full of advertisements for the next destination. Heck that's what the Vegas Monorail does. "Your next stop is the MGM Grand Station. Be dazzled with illusions from David Copperfield..."

Resorts want you to park your car and only depend on them for the rest.

This is really cool. I never had even thought of that before, but if you go the length of that road there are gaps pretty much perfectly laid out for footers.

 

[Nick]

I thought that cost was largely due to the land rights, building of all the stations (including footing some of the cost of attaching it to some of the hotels), and the tech for the POS.

Universal's should be cheaper because it's probably going to go through the center of U Blvd and will only have two (three if it includes WnW) stations in which all the property belongs to them. There will be no POS equipment involved because it all belongs to them.

IMO, Universal has no choice but to connect both properties with their own private transport beside a bus. The traffic will be a nightmare for one. The other thing is that they don't want tourists traveling themselves because there are WAY to many things between here and there that would pull them other directions. I.e Orlando I, skyplex, the new tall spinner they just approved, other eating options, other shopping options, Ripleys, Wonderworks, Titanic, mini golf, go carts, CSI, indoor skydiving, ISquare hotel, etc. One step away from Universal's system will put them to close to escape to the other tourist traps.

When they do build their own transport, they'd be silly to leave the windows open. It defeats the purpose of containing your guest because they will be able to see other options. Cover the screens with HE windows and you can have that 2 minute ride full of advertisements for the next destination. Heck that's what the Vegas Monorail does. "Your next stop is the MGM Grand Station. Be dazzled with illusions from David Copperfield..."

Resorts want you to park your car and only depend on them for the rest.

You make good points. It may cost a bit of money, but it will be worth it in all the money they save by keeping guests on property (should it happen).