News: Universal announces new ride, evening spectacular show

Posted at 1:35 PM EDT (1735 GMT)

Apr. 12th, 2006 -- Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando announced new attractions meant to appeal to the entire family and entice them to stay at the parks longer.

Islands of Adventure will be opening a new attraction that is actually an old one that has been redone. The Sylvester McMonkey McBean's Very Unusual Driving Machines was built for the park's grand opening, but never opened due to safety and technical problems. The ride is being redone and will open June 1 as the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride.

"It's designed for families with small children," Universal Orlando President Bob Gault said. "It's just going to be a fun thing. It provides more balance in Islands of Adventure . . . We've already got great roller coasters."

Universal Studios will be highlighting a new nightly show in their lagoon this year featuring 3 story globes that will essentially be 360 degree screens for movie scenes that will be accompanied by music, lasers and fireworks.

The show, called "Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular" will open July 1 and is aimed at getting people to stay until closing. It is also hoped to help attendance rebound from a substantial drop last year.

"It's a pretty cool computer trick, by taking the four projectors that actually project around the surface of the sphere and computer-blending the edges, so that to the eye it appears like continuous imaging," he said. "We also have a fifth projector that projects straight up."

The technology can also be used for other shows and opportunities in the future, including Halloween Horror Nights, or showing live concerts on the screens. They could even be used to show broadcast television shows and other offerings.

Citywalk will also add a new nightclub and a new restaurant this year. The Red Coconut will be a two-story nightclub featuring a 1970's "Rat Pack" style of decor, live bands and dancing. It should be opening in late May. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company should also be opening a new restaurant on July 1.
For more information see The Sun-Sentinel

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