Volcano Bay Construction & Preview Discussion

[Mr. EPCOT]

Ok so I have a question.

It looks like I may miss out on going to this as I come back to the UK on May 20th.

However, my parents have AP's but they have interest in water parks and are not interested in going to any AP preview that may or not be happening. IF previews were happening when I am over there, do you think Guest services/Universal would allow me and my wife to take part in any preview on their passes (obviously my parents would vouch for this request when we are over).

I really am clinging at straws but I know it will be a few years till I can get back over from the UK

It's way way too early for any answers to questions like that. All we know officially is that Volcano Bay will be open BY June 1st, we don't know anything certain about when the actual grand opening date will be or when it might begin previews. Some form of AP preview is likely, but for now just speculation. There's really no telling how an AP preview might work in this scenario, I doubt it will just be 1-3 months of free access for existing passholders, you'll probably have to purchase a discounted ticket for a day or upgrade your annual passes or something. I think there's a decent chance that the park will actually just be officially opened by May 20th, almost certainly at least soft opened to the general public. My guess is that previews will have taken place well before then, indicated by the Loews' CEO comment that the park will be finished in March, and that Aquatica first opened for previews in March.

 

[Ryan]

Would it be smart? VB isn't going to be the easiest place to get to, unless this would be marketed as the sit down restaurant for Cabana Bay, which could work depending on the logistics of getting there.

A sit-down for both VB entrance and CB would make sense considering that the new bus system will probably make that another stop along with the CB entrance. My guess is that at the VB entrance will be the restaurant (with a "shirt, shoes, socks, pants/shorts" dress code required) and maybe a shop or two. That way if you're staying at Sapphire or the other resorts, you can eat right at VB at the end of the day (after getting dressed) and then bus back home. It'll double for CB guests as well who are looking for something nicer than just the Bayliner.

It seems a little unnecessary now, but by the time the resort gets huge it will be a smart assest to have in what will be its own area of UOR along with Park 3 and what's going on where WnW currently is.

The new details themselves? Wonderful. I'm not a huge fan of the coaster name but I guess Universal is just going for simplicity. Love TapuTapu and I think that VB will be the shining star in the theme park world in 2017.

 

[Teebin]

Well, after two years, I guess my avatar hasn't been for naught.

(it was just a guess based on extreme interrogation)

 

[Ryan]

Wow way to go for the long con, Teebs!

 

[Mr. EPCOT]

This shot gives you a good idea of how the open backside of Krakatau will look.

 

[Teebin]

This shot gives you a good idea of how the open backside of Krakatau will look

That actually works doesn't it. Looks almost like a rotted out tree trunk.

 

[Scott W.]

You'd think so, but looking at the site, I don't think that will be the case. Based on the angle of the shot in the vid, it looks like the restaurant will be the large rectangular-ish building by the new CB tower. That is clearly inside the wall, and no real access to outside guests.

Unless there is going to be a restaurant in one of those towers.

Side note, how much do you think "Volcano view" rooms in those suckers will go for? Thats going to be a heck of a view.

You're spot on. I've got my angles all mixed up.

A restaurant on top of the new towers would be pretty awesome. One side has views of the park and the other side with a view of the resort.

Something similar to California Grill at the Contemporary.

I think calling this the 3rd theme park is going to lead to a lot of confusion. Nobody thinks of a theme park as a water park.

If they could add a night time show similar to DCA's world of colour on the volcano would be amazing. Everybody ending their day in the wave pool watching a show could be a real crowd pleaser plus would give a great reason to eat at the restaurant if it has a good view.

 

[Scott W.]

I need to add just incredible these videos and concept photos have been. Ultra realistic and engaging. I've never seen any previews as great as these have been.

 

[wizwit]

Now that they have sufficiently enticed us, what are you guys expecting as far as ticket pricing?

 

[Teebin]

I need to add just incredible these videos and concept photos have been. Ultra realistic and engaging. I've never seen any previews as great as these have been.

Indeed. I don't believe I have ever seen Disney deliver such previz animations. On top of that, Universal will probably deliver precisely the previz as shown. Amazing.

 

[GadgetGuru]

Now that they have sufficiently enticed us, what are you guys expecting as far as ticket pricing?

I feel like I'm in the minority on this. But, I think it'll be the same price as the other two theme parks.

Universal is clearly trying to sell this as "just another theme park." And, instead of getting the E-ticket rides and huge lands, you get a more boutique experience.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Now that they have sufficiently enticed us, what are you guys expecting as far as ticket pricing?

I worry it'll be $100 just like the "regular" parks, but I think it'll be closer to $60-70.

 

[ragerunner]

Looks like an outstanding additional to Universal Orlando.

 

[Scott W.]

I feel like I'm in the minority on this. But, I think it'll be the same price as the other two theme parks.

Universal is clearly trying to sell this as "just another theme park." And, instead of getting the E-ticket rides and huge lands, you get a more boutique experience.

I could see his too. Pump the price up for the water park and make a 3 day ticket look like great value.

Popcorn pricing at its finest.

 

[quinnmac000]

I think it will be discounted for hotel guests and relatively high for the non resort staying guests and locals to keep out potential riff raff.

 

[rhino4evr]

agreed huge game changer for UOR
im still calling it...the best park ICON in Orlando

While it may be the most state of the art, it's hard to top the magic kingdom, or even Epcot, even if that's based in nostalgia. It's definitely the coolest thing in UOR, besides the Potter stuff...I guess we will see when it's completed.

 

[UK-Trigg]

I need to add just incredible these videos and concept photos have been. Ultra realistic and engaging. I've never seen any previews as great as these have been.

Indeed. I don't believe I have ever seen Disney deliver such previz animations. On top of that, Universal will probably deliver precisely the previz as shown. Amazing.

I agree, I watched that video amazed and bewondered (is that even a word) not just by the concept but the pure quality of the production.
Looking at recent additions and their concept arts (Choc Emp for example) what you see is what you get, bravo Uni.

 

[LieutLaww]

The Universal Orlando 3 Park Explorer Ticket which inc VB from the Universal UK tickets site is £241 for an Adult ticket and it says the ticket is Valid from 1st June 2017

 

[rhino4evr]

so will you still be able to go in a "standby" line with these new wearable's? I would be kind of annoyed if I really wanted to go on something and was told to come back in an hour (or longer!). I could see this being hard to explain to kids as well.

This will also keep the main "beach" pretty much a large waiting room area. Which may cause a bit of over crowding.

It's possible they have figured this all out, but I'm really curious how this all works. They could really screw it up if it's not balanced correctly.

 

[rhino4evr]

I'm kind of surprised they are going to keep the park open at night too. Not only does the air/water get much colder, but it also becomes a larger safety concern due to life guard visibility.