It’s a big news week at Universal Orlando. Trains have arrived for the Hogwart’s Express, which will transport guests between the Studios and Islands of Adventure, and they are now being stored in plain sight. We also have a huge amount of pictures from the recent progress of the Diagon Alley facade inside Universal Studios. It is looking more amazing by the day! Starbucks continues its invasion of the theme parks as we document two locations being installed at the resort, and we also have a look at the Cabana Bay hotel construction progress. So put your conductors hat on, because we are going for a ride.
Join us at Universal Halloween Horror Nights on October 17th
If you are looking for a night of haunted fun, join us at Universal Studios Orlando on October 17th as we visit Harry Potter during the day and stay for Halloween Horror Nights that evening. We plan on a full night of fun and scares complete with a dinner beforehand and more. (stay for the whole day or just join us for Haunt)
If you plan to join us for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights you will need to purchase a ticket for Thursday, October 17th that includes the additional HHN Express Pass option (Front of line). The link we include below is to collect your information so we can contact you about meeting up with us for the evening and to find out if you’d like to join us for dinner.
SIGN UP FOR MICECHAT’S UNI ORLANDO HORROR NIGHT EVENT – HERE
If you plan to join us, please click the following link and sign up to our event info page. The system will take your name, contact info and record what portion of the event you’d like to join us for (Day in the park, Dinner, and/or Halloween Horror Night). Please sign up here: http://uni-orland-horror-2013.eventzilla.net/
Diagon Alley
Details are emerging at Diagon Alley where brick work details on the far right facade are now visible. The entire London facade is coming together.
Hogwarts Express Trains
Guests to Halloween Horror Nights can get a sneak peek of the brand new Hogwarts Express Trains backstage, complete with Coal Cars. These dark red and black trains will be transporting guests soon between theme parks in 2014.
Port of Entry Sign
There has finally been movement on the Port of Entry sign, with the red support beams now removed. We are glad to see this project finally move forward.
Starbucks
Internal construction continues at the new Starbucks location inside Port of Entry, there should be some visible external changes coming in the next few weeks.
Jurassic Park Games
Electricity has been added to the new games built in Jurassic Park. These games will be open soon, with more coming to the Jurassic Park area in the near future.
Hogwarts Express Station in Hogsmede
In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure, the Hogwarts Express station details are becoming more visible. The scale of this building is impressive and incredible, with most of the queue at this station being outside, guests will be able to take in and appreciate the beauty of this building.
CityWalk
Starbucks Replacing Endangered Species
The Endangered Species Store has closed, and Universal has wasted no time gutting the facility, and beginning to move the Starbucks from 2nd floor into a larger and more convenient location.
Brick Oven
At the new Brick Oven quick service location, the oven has been installed, and a new exterior patio area is being constructed. This new upscale quick service location is going to be a powerful draw for guests exiting Universal each night.
Latin Quarter
Latin Quarter also continues to be gutted as they move forward with the new concept for this location.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Cabana Bay Beach Resort construction is progressing rapidly at this point, with the parking garage growing story by story, the standard guest room towers are near topping out, and the Lobby building with the bowling alley on the 2nd floor is now enclosed, with the interior prep beginning.
That wraps up this weeks Orlando Parkhopper. For more Universal Studios news, click play below to listen to the latest episode of the Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast, with your hosts, Lee, Tracey and Darren as they review and discuss Halloween Horror Nights 23.