Universal 360 status

[subtchr]

Hi, all,

We will be at UO June 29-July 1, leaving by towncar on the first at about 5:30 pm. All the sources I have seen give the starting date for the Universal 360 show as July 1. Any chance they'll have "trial runs" in the week before that? I can't imagine they'd have the show for the very first time on opening night. Any insights?

 

[ChrisK]

Here is some insight that was reported on the local news today.

http://www.local6.com/news/9384144/detail.html

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A new laser, video and fireworks show at Universal Studios in Orlando is causing concern among homeowners living near the theme park who fear they will be showered with debris and experience loud noises, according to a Local 6 News report.

The new Universal show, "Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular," is expected to be larger than the show currently at Walt Disney World.

In recent weeks, residents have asked that the show be stopped, the report said.

They fear that the larger show will cause ash and pyrotechnics to shower down on their property, Local 6 reporter Deborah Garcia said.

"These residents have had ash and debris from small fireworks shows come showering down on their lawns and homes and are now very concerned that a new bigger show that will go on every night will cause their homes to go up in flames," Garcia said.

I've been standing here at times when you can hear the debris (from fireworks shows) falling through the pine trees," neighbor Peggy Handley said. "It litters the yard."

Universal Studios said the residents' concerns will not be an issue with the new show. They reportedly plan to use smaller fireworks near homes and launch them an additional 70 feet away, closer to the middle of the park, the report said.

"Upset residents say they will believe it when they see it," Garcia said.

The plans still need to be approved by the city. If the plans are approved, the show is expected to begin on July 1.

 

[Slacking]

Dear Lord, here we go again..............

I would love to live so close to a park. If these people dislike it so much and feel the need to complain about every little thing, IMO, they're more than welcome to go find another place of residence.

 

[ChrisK]

Dear Lord, here we go again..............

I would love to live so close to a park. If these people dislike it so much and feel the need to complain about every little thing, IMO, they're more than welcome to go find another place of residence.

The people that live near Seaworld were opposing the new water park too. Tourism brings in so much money for the county/state. I can understand they don't want to be interupted by the noise and trash, but its a similar argument for people that live near an airport that complain about flight patterns.

 

[phamton]

I live almost next door to Universal and I can promise you that I'm not complaining!

Orlando Sentinel is reporting that the although the show debuts 1st of July, they will
start technical rehearsals on June 24th.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-universal1606jun16,0,5859237.story

 

[granmaz]

I want to live next door to Universal too, and I promise not to complain!

I am sorry we will miss the show.

 

[ChrisK]

I live almost next door to Universal and I can promise you that I'm not complaining!

Orlando Sentinel is reporting that the although the show debuts 1st of July, they will
start technical rehearsals on June 24th.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-universal1606jun16,0,5859237.story

Are technically trials still on schedule for tonight? Thanks.

 

[phamton]

They did have some tonight but it was after park closing. Nothing yet for the guests to see.

 

[S. C.]

They did have some tonight but it was after park closing. Nothing yet for the guests to see.

Thanks for the update. I hope they come up with a solution that will keep the locals happy and us visitors too. Sounds like a great fireworks show.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

OT question alert!!! I've read multiple times about complaints against UO from residents. Which was built 1st, the park or the homes? Just curious!

On the topic of fireworks, I wish we had a park next door that shot off fireworks on a set schedule. That would be much better than what we have now. Some people in our neighborhood have already started shooting of fireworks. They do the same thing at Christmas, & many of them shoot fireworks for Memorial Day too. We'll get to hear fireworks throughout the day & night until about a week after the fourth. Yes, they also shoot off fireworks during the day. A theme park on a schedule would be much better.

 

[phamton]

Many of the homes were here before the themepark.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I would love to live next door to Universal

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Many of the homes were here before the themepark.

Thanks for the info. Now, the complaints make more sense to me.

 

[ChrisK]

Stole this from another board (IOA Central)

"On Thursday, June 29th guests are invited to a sneak peek of an all-new, exhilarating nighttime show, Universal 360 - A Cinesphere Spectacular at 9:45pm. The show, which is in technical rehersal, can be seen from any area along the Universal Studios Lagoon."

Phantom. are they running the tests during operating hours now? I like to check out things before their official opening . Also, I saw on the same forum that there is going to be an annual passholder viewing area, will that be just for Saturday night?

Tough schedule to juggle on Saturday. Work, possible Shuttle launch and Universal 360.

 

[phamton]

Sorry, Chris. I don't know the answer. They have been doing the show after hours after the park is closed and empty of guests to get ready. But whether they do it during park hours on the 29th, I just haven't heard.

I'll try to remember to check the park maps tomorrow and let you know.

 

[phamton]

OK. Got the info. The technical rehearsal will start tomorrow (Thurs) the 29th at 9:45 PM. So it looks like you can go then and watch.

 

[pigby]

Here is some insight that was reported on the local news today.

http://www.local6.com/news/9384144/detail.html


I've been standing here at times when you can hear the debris (from fireworks shows) falling through the pine trees," neighbor Peggy Handley said. "It litters the yard."

Peggy, if you are reading this and want to do a house swap, please pm me.

 

[subtchr]

Hi, I'm the OP for this thread, and we just got back to Ohio tonight. Wow, what a great trip! I'll post a trip report in the next few days, but I thought I would post here that we did see Universal 360 on the 29th, and my DD14 watched the fireworks she could see from the HRH pool last night (the 30th). It was a very cool show, with the projections of movie clips on the three huge globes as well as other projections on the sides of buildings around the lagoon, and fireworks going off all around, from the tops of buildings as well as from barges in the lagoon. I can't imagine how they got permits to fire pyrotechnics so close to the crowds, but it makes for an exciting, enthralling show!

 

[lookingforward]

Someone said there is a restuarant on the lagoon that you could see the 360 show from? Is this true? Where would be the best place to view this?

 

[Luv2Roam]

We watched it last night from the PAP view area.
We ate dinner at the wharf like restarant. (Very nice staff and good food for the price. That was our first meal there and we gave it two thumbs up.)
A team member suggested being at either end for viewing.
There was a credit card VIP viewing area which we thought would really be the best viewing spot. (Mastercard, I think.)
Standing with your back to the city street area (mummy side) would be the worse spot -- although not terrible. Behind their backs was quite a bit of good display on the buildings.
Overall DH liked it better than I.
To me it was a work in progress and did not compete with Illuminations.
It was nice, but not worth the wait.
They should have it on a 9, 9:30 at the latest. 10:00 was too late and everyone was very restless and bored until then.
The sound could have been better too. Although it seemed to improve as the show went on.
They could do a spectacular holiday theme with what they have set up.
And leaving -- Be prepared. It was just as bad as leaving Epcot on NYE. But not nearly as bad as leaving MK on NYE.
Sit down in the park, browse the shops and take your time leaving. We did that a little and were still in a major mass of people. Next time we would just park ourselves for a good half hour and still take our time leaving.