Universal Orlando Resort Expansion (Part 1)

[UniversalRBLX]

Only way I see business approving a monorail is if there’s a stop somewhere near the Eye or whatever it’s name is.

 

[shiekra38]

I mean, never say never and all that, but it seems like a herculean task for a monorail (or even gondolas) that only services Universal properties to get the go ahead from the city when there are so many other businesses on I-Drive that will rise up against it.

It may be like Vegas, where it is city run, and connects to the convention center, Universal B, I Drive 360, and Universal A

 

[Ridgepole]

There really isn't a whole lot of other properties between the new property and the current resort if they go from the right side of Locheed Martin diagonally across the Kirkman/Sand Lake intersection into the south side of the Endless Summer Resort property. From there, IHOP and the small piece of land behind it are all they would need to complete the route.

You are right. Not much there.

I'm guessing if they go the bus route, those buses will be driving right by all those non universal businesses along the way. As much as they may not like it. Farsighted commission members might see a mass transit system in the public good so as to not further stress the road system. Would be nice to acquire the Lockheed piece. They have a campus east of the downtown area. Maybe too spendy though to move them out. I would be shocked if an OTB hasn't been negotiated already.

 

[Scott W.]

There really isn't a whole lot of other properties between the new property and the current resort if they go from the right side of Locheed Martin diagonally across the Kirkman/Sand Lake intersection into the south side of the Endless Summer Resort property. From there, IHOP and the small piece of land behind it are all they would need to complete the route.

If I'm reading this right, is this the route you mean?



Areas in green are Universal owned.

 

[GAcoaster]

Even then, every business in the area is gonna oppose it when it will A) Have to be partially built on public land and B) allows huge numbers of guests to bypass their businesses

Built on public land for the benefit of all the local business, and buses would also bypass those businesses and make them harder to access due to traffic and/or bus lanes being built to handle them.

 

[Ridgepole]

Looks close

 

[GAcoaster]

If I'm reading this right, is this the route you mean?

View attachment 6838

Areas in green are Universal owned.

What they have stated in the past is that it would be Kirkman Road used for the connecting route. Kirkman may be an easier "sell" to locals.

 

[JungleSkip]

Built on public land for the benefit of all the local business, and buses would also bypass those businesses and make them harder to access du to traffic and/or bus lanes being built to handle them.

How is a monorail gonna benefit local businesses if it doesn't stop for them? Sure, buses bypass them as well, but at least they're not a giant advertisement saying "Follow me to the only place worth going around here."

I think people hoping for a monorail are setting themselves up for disappointment

 

[UniversalRBLX]

If I'm reading this right, is this the route you mean?

View attachment 6838

Areas in green are Universal owned.

That can work.

 

[GAcoaster]

More people coming to the area for Universal means more business. It's like all the stuff around Disney. Just because it's off property doesn't mean they don't get business from the property. A rising tide raises all boats.

 

[Ridgepole]

What they have stated in the past is that it would be Kirkman Road used for the connecting route. Kirkman may be an easier "sell" to locals.

Who stated? Did I miss something? Endless Summer must be included on any route I would think.

 

[JungleSkip]

More people coming to the area for Universal means more business. It's like all the stuff around Disney. Just because it's off property doesn't mean they don't get business from the property. A rising tide raises all boats.

I dunno. Personally, if I'm Top Golf or someone similar and Uni wants to build something that ensures people are coming nowhere near my business, I'm gonna be pissed. But hey, maybe we'll get lucky.

 

[GAcoaster]

Who stated? Did I miss something?

In early planning documents they mentioned a redesign of the Kirkman/Sandlake interchange to serve the south property. To me that implied that was the preferred connection route. It's a straight line and avoids more of I-Drive.

 

[GAcoaster]

I dunno. Personally, if I'm Top Golf or someone similar and Uni wants to build something that ensures people are coming nowhere near my business, I'm gonna be pissed. But hey, maybe we'll get lucky.

For the local government the millions of dollars from the other local business interests versus the BILLIONS of dollars that Universal will create goes a long way to grease the wheels.

We could even see the government using "eminent domain" to force people out of the way.

 

[JungleSkip]

For the local government the millions of dollars from the other local business interests versus the BILLIONS of dollars that Universal will create goes a long way to grease the wheels.

We could even see the government using "eminent domain" to force people out of the way.

Maybe! I don't think it will happen (we haven't even touched on the fact it'd have to go over I4), but I'm sure stranger things have happened

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Maybe Uni gives the city a DMV location inside CityWalk and that allows for approval of the Unirail...





:bonk:

 

[Ridgepole]

Hopping I-4 at Uni blvd looks easier than that cluster at I-4 and Kirkman.

 

[Viator]

I get the vibe if a Transit rail is created, it would act similar to the Las Vegas Monorail, connecting the OCCC, and Universal for inter-connected transport, and would be a win for not only Orange County, but Orlando itself.

 

[Scott W.]

Maybe! I don't think it will happen (we haven't even touched on the fact it'd have to go over I4), but I'm sure stranger things have happened

Imagine the outcry after they finally finish the work on that section of I4 for work to start on building a monorail.

 

[Magic-Man]

Say we do get the monorail built. Where would Universal Orlando's station be? There isn't a whole lot of room.