It’s been a busy week for Universal Orlando, as they have announced new details for Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon, their Volcano Bay Water Park, and today, announced details for another on-site hotel, the Aventura Hotel.
Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon
After announcing that Race Through New York would replace Twister in 2017, many details haven’t been released about the new ride yet, though construction continues to move at a frantic pace. Last Tuesday, Universal released the following details on their park blog.
Hang Out in Studio 6B
Arrive in the Studio 6B Club in style, and enjoy a live performance from the Ragtime Gals barbershop quartet, or check out some of the show’s classic bits, from History of Rap to Lip Sync Battle. You’ll also have the chance to meet and dance with the beloved “Tonight Show” mascot, Hashtag the Panda.
Ever dream of sending your own personalized “Tonight Show” Thank You Note? You’re in luck! You can play host at your own Interactive Desk in the Studio 6B Club. Here, you’ll be able to send Jimmy Fallon’s famous Thank You Notes to your friends and family, prep for your race with a ‘Jimmy Drive’ retro-style video game, and watch your favorite show clips.
Get Ready for a Wild Ride
After a briefing in the Studio 6B Lobby, you’ll board the world’s first-ever flying theater, which seats up to 72 audience members, for a rousing race alongside Jimmy Fallon through the greatest city in the world, New York.
The #FallonRide will be the "world's first flying theater" Wonder if it's from @DynAttractions ?? I hope it is!! pic.twitter.com/0sE36Bxyfw
— Andy (@hatetofly) November 2, 2016
From 30 Rock out into the streets (and the skies!) of The Big Apple, you and your fellow studio audience members will zoom past iconic New York City landmarks in an action-packed race with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Be sure to keep an eye out for cameos from familiar characters like Sara from “Ew,” Jimmy in “Tight Pants,” and “Tonight Show” announcer Steve Higgins. All the sweet sounds of New York will come to life with the help of the Grammy award-winning band, The Roots, the musical masterminds behind the original attraction score
Step into the History
As you step foot into the renowned NBC Studios, you’ll get a front row seat to witness the most significant moments in the history of NBC as you travel through the 62-year evolution of “The Tonight Show.”
Making your way through “The Tonight Show” lobby, you’ll also get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see real set pieces from one of the longest-running shows in television history. You’ll see everything from suits of past hosts, to iconic desk props, to NBC video cameras used to record the show, all surrounding a display honoring the current host, Jimmy Fallon.
Universal Orlando also provided a video that highlights the making of the attraction.
Race Through New York is scheduled to open in Spring of 2017.
Volcano Bay Water Park
Universal’s new water park, Volcano Bay, also showcased some new information on the Universal Parks Blog, specifically as it relates to their water coaster and new wearable technology in the park.
Krakatau Aqua Coaster
Krakatau Aqua Coaster will be a first-of-its-kind aqua coaster in Florida — and it’ll be a fun adventure for the entire family. You’ll board specially-designed canoes that seat up to four. Then, you’ll be propelled downwards – and upwards – through the volcano’s interior peaks and valleys. You’ll twist, turn and plummet along dark passageways, be launched through sparkling waterfalls and so much more.
And here’s a cool fun fact for you techies out there: Krakatau Aqua Coaster will use linear induction motor technology. This technology launches the canoe uphill before it immediately sends riders into a downhill plunge. This technology is also used in some of your favorite Universal attractions – like Revenge of the Mummy – and now we’re bringing it to a water attraction.
TapuTapu Wearable
One of the main goals for Universal’s Volcano Bay was to eliminate long lines and hassles so you can focus more on having fun. And with the TapuTapu wearable, you’ll be able to do just that.
When you arrive to the park, you’ll receive a TapuTapu wearable (at no extra charge) that will allow you to do the following with a simple tap:
- Virtual Lines
You will be able to virtually wait in line while you play in other areas of the park. The wearable will alert you when it’s time for you to ride so you can head to the attraction.
- Tap to Play
Volcano Bay features various “tap-to-play” experiences– all designed exclusively by Universal’s award-winning creative team. With just a tap of TapuTapu, you’ll be able to trigger special effects throughout the park. You can control streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef, shoot water cannons at other guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River and illuminate images in the volcano’s hidden caves.
Volcano Bay is scheduled to open in Summer 2017, and tickets are available November 15, 2016 and be sure to check out construction updates from our friends over at WildGravityTravels.
Aventura Hotel
And today, Universal Orlando announced plans for it’s sixth on-site hotel, the Aventura Hotel, which will open in 2018.
It will offer yet another value priced option when choosing from the wide range of hotels at our destination and will bring affordable-chic to life on-site. The hotel will feature 16 stories, and an exterior all-glass design.
The guest rooms will be designed with refreshing, natural colors – think sea blue and rose – to ease guests into vacation mode, and will feature floor-to-ceiling windows.
The hotel will be located near Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and will be accessible to Universal’s theme parks and Volcano Bay by walking paths or complimentary shuttle service.
When it’s time to eat, there will be plenty of choices within the hotel, including a Starbucks. On the lobby level, a casual food hall with five different cuisine options will appeal to all different taste buds. Have a seat and eat in, or grab and go back to your room.
The Aventura Hotel will also feature a rooftop bar, a first at Universal Orlando. Here you’ll be able to enjoy craft cocktails and small plates while soaking in the incredible panoramic views – you’ll almost be level with the tip of nearby Krakatau, the 200-foot-tall centerpiece of Universal’s Volcano Bay.
And, of course, guests staying at Universal’s Aventura Hotel will receive Early Park Admission to Universal’s theme parks as well as complimentary on-site transportation. Like Universal’s other value hotels, guests at the Aventura Hotel will not receive complimentary Universal Express access.
Are you excited for these new additions to Universal Orlando? Let us know in the comments below!
Recent Discussion