Spot Talk with CoasterMedia: Theme Park Update – 2/2/2022

12

Welcome to your first Spot Talk of the year!  This will be a weekly spot talk with 5 latest Theme Park Updates around the world.  It will be release on Wednesday at 8 AM weekly for the next few months.  Eventually I would like to have Spot Talk posts like 2-3 times a week in later time.  This is something new I would like to try!

This week is all about Orlando, Florida!  There are a lot of updates this past week!  Let get started!

Universal’s Epic Universe is expected to open by summer 2025

During the Comcast’s Investor call, Universal’s Epic Universe is expected to open by summer 2025.  Epic Universe was originally projected to open in 2023.  It was on halt due to the rising of COVID-19 and the work resume in March 2021.   This park will be the Universal’s largest in the U.S. which will include lands and attractions based on DreamWorks, Illuminations and Nintendo content.  Comcast also revealed that their parks posted most profitable fourth quarter in result of increase in attendance and visitors spending at its parks in the U.S. and Japan.   This is definitely an exciting time for Universal Orlando Resort as it’s on full steam ahead with the constructions.

Source: Comcast Investor Quarter Report

---

Universal Monsters: A Tribute to the Creatures of the Night is now open!

Universal Orlando Resort just open a limited time tribute store to the Universal Monsters.  The newest store pays tribute to classic monsters such as Dracula and Wolfman.  The store is located inside the Sahara Traders store next to Revenge of the Mummy, which is undergoing refurbishment.  Inside the store, you will find merchandise, props and decors inspired by films like “The Mummy”, “Bride of Frankenstein”, and more.  It is unknown how long it will stay open.  Revenge of the Mummy attractions is closed until late summer.  With that being said, it would be safe to assume that it will be until the middle of the summer before the roller coasters opens again.

With the upcoming of Universal’s Epic Universe, there are rumors that there will be land in tribute of Universal Monsters such as Dracula, Werewolf, and more.  If this is the case, this opportunity would help see what works and what doesn’t to prepare to go big at Epic Universe.

Source: Universal Orlando Resort

---

Disney’s Upcoming Closure and Refurbishments for February 2022

There are several ongoing closure that will continue through February such as Everest Expedition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Walt Disney World Railroad at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.  There are others that will be close for a few days to couple weeks. As Walt Disney World continue to expand and redo many things throughout the parks and their resorts, it’s always nice to have some fresh look and changes.   Check out Chip & Company for complete list of closure and refurbishments that’s coming to the park to help you plan for your next trip to Walt Disney World.

Source: Chip & Company

---

Ice Breaker’s Soft Opening at SeaWorld Orlando

Are you ready to break the ice?  SeaWorld Orlando just gave a preview to the media and soft open to the passholder.  Soon enough, it will be open to the general public.  This is a very exciting time after the long two years of waiting to be open.  The opening of Ice Breaker is the perfect addition to SeaWorld’s ever-growing ride portfolio along with Manta, Kraken, Mako, and more.

Ice Breaker will feature four launches, both backwards and forwards, peak in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida — a 93-foot-tall spike with 100-degree angle.  With its 48-inch height requirement, adventure seekers of all ages will enjoy the thrills and chills of Ice Breaker.  Are you ready to ride?  Check out the quick POV of what you will expect on Ice Breaker.

Source: SeaWorld Orlando

---

Guardian of the Galaxy

Walt Disney World is opening a new roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!, this summer 2022 at EPCOT.  The Disney Imagineer Team just installed Starblaster in front of the attraction which gives a nice touch this past week.  This speak volumes and the ambitions of this attraction with risk to success.  This is a great signature icon of the Wonders of Xandar pavilion when it opens.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be one of the longest indoor coasters in the world. Disney has developed a new ride system for this attraction that will feature elevated roller coaster trains that conceal track underneath. The trains will also be able to move independently, spinning around 360 degrees to face screens or set pieces, similar to the roller coaster trains used by Universal’s Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts attraction. The backward launch will be a first for a Disney coaster.  Are you ready to rewind out in the Galaxy this summer?

Source: Walt Disney World / Disney Imagineer: Zach Riddley

---

Shout Out: BrachPhotography

BrachPhotography just relaunched the website with a new look and amazing staff bringing you the latest updates through pictures at the theme parks and amusement parks around the world.  Check it out and there are many more to come in the near future.  Yes, I’m one of the staff, you will see the latest SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Garden Tampa Photos that I have taken or will take in the near future on the website.  Follow BrachPhotography on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and bookmark the website as well!

---

Upcoming Events

Here’s several upcoming events that is happening this coming weekend in Orlando.

---