Universal Orlando Resort Expansion (Part 1)

[SeventyOne]

Once again, I remind everyone that Universal Blvd was built BY UNIVERSAL (years ago) to connect the properties. It's hard to believe they didn't allow for an easement of some kind for a transportation system following that road.

There's not really room. High-end apartments almost butt up against the road. And again, everyone else on I-Drive is going to fight this tooth and nail.

Very curious what Universal's end game is here--I have to think the conventional wisdom is all wrong.

 

[Teebin]

I think this will follow Uni Blvd all the way down if it is built. There's no reason to hop it over to i drive. There are a few near obstacles, but I am sure Uni can figure it out should they desire.

 

[GAcoaster]

There's not really room. High-end apartments almost butt up against the road. And again, everyone else on I-Drive is going to fight this tooth and nail.

There's PLENTY of room since a system like this has practically no footprint, and it's silent so the neighbors should have no noise complaints. As for I-Drive fighting it, I doubt it. The more Uni does to get people to the area (and away from Disney) the more business they all get. It's in their best interest to help Universal. A rising tide lifts all boats.

 

[Scott W.]

There's PLENTY of room since a system like this has practically no footprint, and it's silent so the neighbors should have no noise complaints. As for I-Drive fighting it, I doubt it. The more Uni does to get people to the area (and away from Disney) the more business they all get. It's in their best interest to help Universal. A rising tide lifts all boats.

There is a bit enough gap in the road median to allow it for most of the route. I think the I4 overpass might be a bit tricky but I'm sure there's a solution. If a monorail can run through the middle of a hotel, I'm sure it will be quiet enough to drive along outside too.

I think I Drive will fight it though. It's not in their interest as it will divert people away. It all depends on who's paying for it and if the city are paying anything towards it.

 

[s8film40]

There is a bit enough gap in the road median to allow it for most of the route. I think the I4 overpass might be a bit tricky but I'm sure there's a solution. If a monorail can run through the middle of a hotel, I'm sure it will be quiet enough to drive along outside too.

I think I Drive will fight it though. It's not in their interest as it will divert people away. It all depends on who's paying for it and if the city are paying anything towards it.

I agree there are businesses that will fight it, it doesn't really make much sense for them to however. At the end of the day when guests are put on either a bus or a train and sent to the other site they'll still be diverted around all the I-Drive businesses, It's not like you'll be able to ask the driver to drop you off by the Orlando Eye instead of Universal South.

 

[Disneyhead]

Historically, the biggest opposition to an I-Drive transportation project has been Harris Rosen. He doesn't want the resort tax on his properties going up. Which it would have with the county's plan. I believe he would be less opposed to a privately funded project by Universal. Especially since Universal and The Rosen College of Hospitality Management have partnered.

 

[IzzyB]

Weeeeeell... I told everyone for the first time a long time ago that Comcast had a hat in the race for the property... not only that, but I was told they really really wanted it; must have it. When I asked what they wanted it for... I was told, "3rd gate".

Before that, we could only wonder if Comcast/Uni might be interested.

Well now Teebin, you know as well as I do that what you say is not proof for some of these people :bonk:

I completely agree that the land is 100% for a 3rd park, just like I think it is a high possibility that a monorail type system will be used to connect all the properties. But getting actual real proof out to the masses is impossible until it is announced. Now I know individuals have proof of various projects in the future, but obviously they cannot share.

 

[s8film40]

I don't think there's really any question at all that this land is for a 3rd gate. There's rumors and speculation but then there's common sense. Why else would a theme park operator that's run out of room to expand purchase almost 500 acres of very expensive real estate?

 

[anihilnation]

What is the acreage of the current resort?

 

[Scott W.]

What is the acreage of the current resort?

 

[Viator]

Weeeeeell... I told everyone for the first time a long time ago that Comcast had a hat in the race for the property... not only that, but I was told they really really wanted it; must have it. When I asked what they wanted it for... I was told, "3rd gate".

Before that, we could only wonder if Comcast/Uni might be interested.

Pssh what!?! Thats almost as crazy as those rumored CM cuts teebs!

That said, glad to hear that its for what we've all thought of it being. So excited to hear more for the future!

 

[anihilnation]

Cheers!

 

[Mad Dog]

Maybe my memory is wrong, but I thought I've seen the acreage listed as in the vicinity of 850 acres.

 

[Scott W.]

Maybe my memory is wrong, but I thought I've seen the acreage listed as in the vicinity of 850 acres.

I was going to say that maybe could have included Wet n Wild but that's barely 50acres.

 

[Mad Dog]

OK. I found it. Touring Plans has Universal Orlando Resort listed as comprising 840 acres. That does not include the 50 Wet & Wild acres.

 

[Scott W.]

OK. I found it. Touring Plans has Universal Orlando Resort listed as comprising 840 acres. That does not include the 50 Wet & Wild acres.

Let your imagination go wild knowing that they have 67% of UOR to play with instead of 52%.

 

[Mad Dog]

Let your imagination go wild knowing that they have 67% of UOR to play with instead of 52%.

A lot of Universal good times & excitement for the future...... Disney Who?

 

[Scott W.]

A lot of Universal good times & excitement for the future...... Disney Who?

I really don't envy the people are Universal Creative right now. They've been pumping out some great rides for the past few years and they now have the task of creating not 1 or 2 or 3 rides but a whole park of rides and not only that, it has to exceed everything they've done recently.

But if anybody can do it, I'm sure they can.

 

[Mad Dog]

I really don't envy the people are Universal Creative right now. They've been pumping out some great rides for the past few years and they now have the task of creating not 1 or 2 or 3 rides but a whole park of rides and not only that, it has to exceed everything they've done recently.

But if anybody can do it, I'm sure they can.

Yes. I just can't ever imagine them, or any other company, topping the work they did on the Diagon/Gringotts/London/HE Land in one fell swoop. But, for a single attraction, it looks like Kong will be an equal. They've hired a lot of additional people at Universal Creative. So much to do in so little time. Hopefully they are up to the task.

 

[anihilnation]

Let your imagination go wild knowing that they have 67% of UOR to play with instead of 52%.

That's why I asked, at quick glance it looked very simular size wise. So we could fit two hotels and two parks and a city walk Personally I think a third park will be much larger, that way they can build larger thematic areas. Will also be interesting, that if there is a citywalk component, what will this be like? I'd love for 'citywalk' done like an ancient district a la Lost Continent.