It has been a little while since I’ve had a chance to visit the parks, so I took a day to catch up on all the goings on at Universal Studios Florida, and grab some video as well! Since my last visit with a camera, Twister and Disaster have closed and themed construction walls have gone up around their locations where Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and Fast & Furious Supercharged will be built, respectively. Themed construction walls have gone up around the future site of the Hello Kitty store/experience. This is the first actual confirmation that the new Sanrio themed store will definitely be taking over the former site of Lucy: A Tribute.
Some other minor work has been going on as well, including some sort of small building being constructed near Despicable Me, behind the main Studio Store. It looks like it might be storage or a permanent refreshment stand, either way, nothing too intriguing. Two new shops have opened in the park recently: the new Williams of Hollywood Prop Shop featuring props from various attractions and stores, and a new year-round Christmas store. And since it’s December, the holidays are in full swing at the parks, with garland strung everywhere and large Macy’s balloons littering the park. Check out the video for full coverage or the screenshots below for more details! And stay tuned for Kong coverage next week!
Screenshot Gallery
Universal’s arch entry all decked out for Christmas and the Macy’s Holiday Parade
Former Betty Boop store connected to Lucy: A Tribute
All remnants of Lucy and Betty Boop have been removed, although Boop is on the construction walls on this side
Betty Boop on the construction walls for the future Sanrio store, facing Despicable Me side
Side of the new Sanrio store facing Hollywood
Close up of demolition going on
Ornamental piece of concrete with Lucille Ball’s initials removed.
Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters on the construction walls
In addition to characters, there are famous posters with Hello Kitty added in as well
Something being constructed near Despicable Me, behind the main Studio Store
Looks like it could be storage or a permanent concession window
New Prop Shop replaces Magic Shop in Hollywood
This shop sells items previously featured on rides or in shops throughout the park
Even though barely anyone actually buys anything here, it’s still a fun store to walk-through
An authentic prop from the final scene in Disaster/Earthquake…
… Only $129.99
Random Disaster letters
Prop film cans from Revenge of the Mummy
Aftermath Twister gift store signage letters and Esmoo from the gift shop
Random props
Zombies and a Triceratops trophy
Walls up around former Twister ride
Exterior demolition continues
Interior demolition
Themed construction walls featuring Jimmy Fallon in various poses
Walls stretch all the way down the street
The New York Library facade was recently refreshed
It’s the best the facade has looked in over a decade
The details look incredible
The holidays are in full swing and Macy’s balloons are everywhere!
Curious George swinging around New York
Cat in the Hat
Scooby dooby Doo!
Spongebob Elfpants
Looks like Horton hears something
Grover
Garfield
New year round Christmas store
Inside the Holiday Shop
Former site of Disaster, future home of Fast & Furious Supercharged
Themed construction walls
Previous exit for Disaster all closed up
Thanks for visiting! That’s all for this week. Do be sure to check in next week for Kong coverage and Islands of Adventure news.
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Alicia Stella has been covering new attractions since 2015, with her work cited by The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, and more. She specializes in reporting on new attraction development, and always looks forward to upcoming changes to the Orlando theme parks. She is also co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.
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