THEME PARKS IN FLORIDA COULD DECIDE WHEN TO REOPEN

 BY GABRIELLE


The major theme parks in Florida, including Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, could reopen at their own discretion.

The possibility of allowing theme parks to reopen under their own judgement was discussed by a group associated with the Orange Country Economic Task Force. The group met to talk about the guidelines for reopening businesses in Orange county.

During the call, Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments and co-leader of the working group within the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force, read a draft approach which would enable theme parks to determine their own reopening schedule.

According to the draft: “Theme parks and other venues of that magnitude shall each develop their own specific and unique set of guidelines following the CDC recommendations and using best practices that will protect the life, health, and safety of their employees and guests. They will be permitted to open at their own discretion with their internally determined level of safe capacities throughout the various phases.”

Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and Disney World have been closed since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘HOMEMADE DISNEY’ ALLOWS FANS TO RECREATE DISNEY THEME PARKS AT HOME

 BY GABRIELLE

As parks remain closed across the US due to the COVID-19 outbreak, fans are creating their own Disney magic at home by taking part in ‘Homemade Disney’ and ‘Homemade Theme Park’ initiatives.

Using the #HomemadeDisney hashtag and taking inspiration from the much-loved Disney rides and attractions at the parks, including Smugglers Run and Millennium Falcon, Disney fans have been creating their own magical experiences at home. Homemade attractions in various guises have been posted on social media for fellow Disney theme park fans to like and share.

Using the hashtag #HomemadeThemePark, Universal fans have also been busy crafting unique virtual visits to Universal Orlando, to take part on different rides and attractions. Even the much-loved  Halloween Horror Nights has been recreated by fans across the US, to keep the magic of Disney alive in spite of the resorts being closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD ON TRACK FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION

BY GABRIELLE

Super Nintendo World, the theme park that is centred on the well-known video game franchises from Nintendo, looks set to be a feature in theme parks around the world.

The Mario-themed world is due to open at Universal Studio’s park in Osaka, Japan this summer. Nintendo World is also opening as part of Universal Orlando’s new 570-acre theme park, Epic Universe.

The company has announced the popularity of Super Nintendo World is prompting the opening of the new parks across the globe.

Further Super Nintendo Worlds are also set to open at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Singapore.

A peep into what might be in store at Super Nintendo World Japan was recently showcased in a video fronted by English pop star Charli XCX.

The video shows visitors interacting with the land via purpose-made wristbands and an app. The interactive nature of the world is to give visitors the feeling that they are physically participating in their own video game.

$125 MILLION APPROVED BY ORANGE COUNTY FOR ROAD EXTENSION TO EPIC UNIVERSE

BY GABRIELLE

Orange County in Florida has approved $125 in funding to build an extension of Kirkman Road that leads to Epic Universe, the fourth gate at Universal Orlando.

The Orange County Commission voted to approve the motion for the extension. The funds will come out of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). The road extension is expected to cost $315 million. Universal is to contribute the remaining $160 million to the project.

The road project is to involve the creation of six lanes of traffic, leading from Carrier Road to Universal Boulevard.

Epic Universe is due to open in 2023. Universal Orlando’s new theme park will feature an entertainment centre, shops, hotels, restaurants and a series of themed zones, which have yet to be revealed.

Universal has said the lands will allow visitors to experience “beloved stories. It is also believed that Epic Universe will feature attractions and rides based on the much-loved stories of The Secret Life of Pets, How to Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo World and the and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.