Marc N. Kleinhenz, Author at Orlando Informer

Concept art for Star Gazers Cavern at Universal's Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay’s amazing backstory was just revealed

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

If it seems like Disney and Universal are in something of a marketing war, you’re right on the money: Pandora: The World of Avatar, an … Read more

First look at Avatar: Flight of Passage’s queue

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

After nearly five-and-a-half years of development and construction, Pandora: The World of Avatar’s May 27, 2017 opening date is nearly upon us – which means … Read more

4 biggest takeaways from Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

In case you missed the news, Universal has started soft openings for its brand-new ride, Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, which is set … Read more

Butterbeer in a souvenir cup from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

Harry Potter: 5 things to know before venturing to the Wizarding World

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

It’s no surprise that Harry Potter is the most popular sight to behold at Universal Orlando – it’s the sole reason for the resort’s current … Read more

SeaWorld’s next frontier: Virtual reality

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

SeaWorld hasn’t been doing well recently, with most of its troubles originating from the 2013 documentary Blackfish and all the controversies emanating from it. But … Read more

5 rumors we WISH came true at Universal Orlando

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

One of the most exciting features about Universal Orlando Resort is its current state of unprecedented construction and expansion. Ever since 2012, parent company Comcast … Read more

Disney unveils a first-ever Ant-Man ride

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Hong Kong Disneyland is currently in the midst of its own Universal Orlando Resort-esque expansion and renovation plan – with a price tag of $1.4 … Read more

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios Florida

How Jimmy Fallon is the future of theme park attractions

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

One could make the argument that Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon has a lot going against it: its show building is small and … Read more

Kraken's new VR upgrade at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld is looking down – but not out

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

SeaWorld’s revenue and attendance numbers for 2016 were released this week, and the situation – as one might expect – isn’t particularly good. The company … Read more

Star Wars Land at Hollywood Studios early concept art

Disney World’s Star Wars Land is already shaping up!

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

One of the biggest developments to come out of The Walt Disney Company’s purchasing of Lucasfilm back in October 2012 – besides getting two new … Read more

Universal expanding its global theme park empire?

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Universal Studios Hollywood may have started the whole shebang off, Universal Orlando Resort may be the company’s crown jewel, and Universal Studios Japan may be … Read more

4 secrets of Minion Park, the new Despicable Me land coming to Japan

April 24, 2018 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Despicable Me – which is now intertwined with its spinoff franchise, Minions – has been a growing cinematic phenomenon, with its most recent release grossing … Read more

Kopiko Wai Winding River at Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay

5 top Volcano Bay questions (and our best answers)

March 6, 2017 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Universal Orlando Resort has been on a roll for the past five years, adding new rides, restaurants, and hotels at an unprecedentedly fast clip (that’s … Read more

4 ways Harry Potter influenced Avatar Land

February 1, 2017 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

There’s been so much hype for this summer’s Pandora: The World of Avatar – most of it from Disney’s Imagineers and Avatar’s filmmakers themselves – … Read more

Krakatau Aqua Coaster at Universal's Volcano Bay

11 future attractions coming to Universal in 2017 and beyond

July 25, 2017 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

UPDATE (10:43 am 07.25.17): given yesterday’s Dragon Challenge closure announcement – and, well, given the fact that we’re now firmly in the back half of … Read more

$Last week’s big Harry Potter news – that a nightly show involving projection-mapping on Hogwarts Castle is coming later this year – was not only incredibly popular amongst the Universal faithful, it also underlined the company’s approach to keeping its two Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter fresh and exciting without having to build new rides. Keeping our purview strictly to Hogsmeade, other manifestations of this mentality include adding in new flavors of Butterbeer, whether they be hot drinks or potted cream or fudge; replacing Jonko’s Joke Shop with an expanded Honeydukes; and inserting new interactive wand experiences throughout the area. This is a strategy that, actually, is a sheer stroke of genius – it keeps providing a new reason for guests to come back year after year, while costing Universal only a small fraction of the cost that designing a brand-new ride system or constructing an entirely new show building would entail. It is, in fact, something that has already begun to spread to other areas of the resort (Raptor Encounter, which opened over in Jurassic Park in 2015, replaced the long-closed Triceratops Encounter without involving any bulldozers) and, even, to Disney itself (that same year, Frozen Summer Fun Live took over Hollywood Studios, involving a slew of shows, meet-‘n-greets, and, of course, merchandise). The next logical step, therefore, would be to expand this program even further, to have it touch more lands across all of Universal Orlando Resort. What other updates or new experiences can be slipped into both of the theme parks’ pre-existing infrastructure? We’ve got a few ideas, as it turns out, and we’re happy to share them with you below. 1. Skull Island Universal Orlando Resort’s newest land may also be its smallest, but that doesn’t stop it from having a great deal of room for future growth. Currently, the tiny sliver of real estate that used to be part of next-door Jurassic Park has just three stops for eager adventurers: Reign of Kong, that beautifully-realized (and highly controversial) ride, and two kiosks – Base Camp Provisions, which is dedicated to merch, and The Mess Tent, which carries food. It’s the latter that first concerns us, as it can easily have its rather generic offerings of standard, boring hot dogs and pretzels be expanded – or, preferably, replaced – by exclusive culinary items. Obviously, going the route of Harry Potter’s Butterbeer or The Simpsons’ Duff Beer isn’t feasible, but why not include banana-centric concoctions – including ice cream, alcohol, or both – or, say, an 8th Wonder Expedition Company meal kit for newly-arrived explorers, appropriately themed to the 1930s setting? Food cart or not, there’s no reason for The Mess Tent to be utterly forgettable. Even better, though, would be something of the spectacle variety. When Skull Island first opened, Universal put on a brief performance that saw actors representing the four audio-animatronic drivers that “operate” Reign of Kong’s ride vehicles inadvertently summon the big guy with a smattering of fog and pyrotechnics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgQKRaaeSZY Now, of course, there are severe restrictions on everything from physical space to the usage of flame effects, but there’s still plenty of options left. The tribal witch who summons Kong in both the queue and the show above can periodically come out at nights in a ritual that bids the king good night (something to help siphon crowds away from the Hogwarts show), or the flesh-and-blood counterparts of the drivers could come out during busier seasons to meet-and-greet with the crowds, including swapping other mythological stories. 2. Springfield, USA The home of the Simpsons is already a wonderfully fun and detailed area, filled to the brim with everything from photo-ops to Flaming Moe’s. The idea here, then, is to simply continue to expand Springfield’s already-robust attractions rather than attempt to fill in any gaping holes, and the best place to start is none other than Fast Food Blvd – if the Wizarding Worlds can receive new varieties of Butterbeer, why can’t Duff get a new flavor, even if it’s just a seasonal holiday offering? Or how about that hot dog idea the television series’s writers came up with that had a name that was some dozen words long? But what should really get guests’ blood flowing is the possibility of certain celebrations throughout the year – think of it like what Disney has transformed Epcot into, but on a much smaller (and, hopefully, more humorous) level. Oktoberfest seems ripe for a Springfield street fair, replete with all-new and seasonally-exclusive drinks (for both children and adults), but it’s still not as perfect as the always-rumored Treehouse of Horror event, which could be thrown during the already-incredibly-popular Halloween Horror Nights – think of it as the daytime, kid-friendly portion of the Halloween festivities, something more akin to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party over at Magic Kingdom. Still not convinced? Well, there’s more – Camp Krusty for the dog days of summer, or some sort of Christmas event (to go along with that also-always-rumored Yule Ball across the park), or Whacking Day, when all the Springfield citizens drag out snakes and whack them to death in the town square. …on second thought, we’ll scratch that last one. 3. Marvel Super Hero Island Marvel Super Hero Island is, unsurprisingly, in something of a weird state of play: although Universal does own – in perpetuity – the theme park rights for a number of Marvel Comics characters, Disney is the company’s corporate parent and probably would see it in its best interest to try and derail any new developments at its competitor’s park (though there are many in the themed online community who contend that the Mouse is now fully resigned to the fact that it’ll never be allowed to fully implement Marvel characters in Walt Disney World and has, as such, become much more cooperative with Universal, on the basis that increased ticket and merchandise sales still end up in its coffers). So we’re going to limit all talk of tearing down Doctor Doom’s Fearfall and Storm Force Accelatron for a new Avengers-themed dark ride and instead focus on a couple of smaller, more distinct possibilities. First up: with both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley already the recipients of interactive wands and Volcano Bay getting its TapuTapu bracelets when it opens this summer, it’s time for other areas at Universal Orlando to get similarly interactive elements, and there are few locations that would benefit from such an addition as well as Marvel Super Hero Island would. Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s gauntlet (not unlike what we saw in that recent Universal patent), Wolverine’s claws, and Spider-Man’s web-slingers would all prove to be ideal interactive gadgets, and, what’s more, each could be made to provide a slightly different experience, making different parts of the comic-book land respond to your commands. Now let’s throw projection-mapping into the mix. Already used during Halloween Horror Nights to simulate buildings collapsing or to make the different house emblems and mascots slide around Hogwarts Castle during Wizarding World grand openings, such projectors could be used to similar effect here – the Avengers could be seen fighting against, say, Ultron or Loki, with the action unfolding from building to building all throughout the area. But an even cooler (and, probably, more feasible) effect would be to combine them with the interactive props and create something of mini videogames; in this way, the Avengers could assemble in the form of teams of guests coming together, and they would be forced to work together like their comic book counterparts do in order to win the game – a guest using Spidey’s web goo, for instance, could momentarily incapacitate one of Dr. Doom’s robotic henchmen who has just come around the corner, while another player wearing Wolvie’s claws could then finish him off. That’s what I would do, at least, if I ran the (Universal) zoo. What other areas of the resort deserve this type of sprucing up? What other types of experiences would you want to see installed? Let us know in the comments below.$

3 Ways Universal can expand, Harry Potter-style

December 3, 2017 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Last week’s big Harry Potter news – that a nightly show involving projection-mapping on Hogwarts Castle could be coming later this year – was not only … Read more

Hogwarts Castle's projection mapping at the Universal Studios Hollywood grand opening

RUMOR: Universal’s New Harry Potter Nighttime Show

July 18, 2022 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

This article has been tagged as a rumor. Please read our note from the editor to learn about rumors on Orlando Informer. On Christmas Eve, Screamscape … Read more

6 Universal Patents Predict the Future of Theme Parks

December 23, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

It’s not enough that Universal unleashed three of the most revolutionary rides on theme park audiences anywhere in the world – that would be 1999’s … Read more

First Details on Universal Orlando’s Nintendo Land

November 29, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

After originally announcing their partnership a year-and-a-half ago, Universal and Nintendo just today revealed the first details on their highly-anticipated Nintendo Land, which is now … Read more

The Thunderbird from "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"

Fantastic Beasts: Top 3 theme-park attractions

November 19, 2018 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

After the Harry Potter film series ended in 2011, most in the muggle world thought that, barring the occasional short story on author J.K. Rowling’s … Read more

Dragon Challenge in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure

Harry Potter: 4 attractions that could replace Dragon Challenge

November 4, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Almost exactly a year ago, Screamscape reported on a rumor that just started to make the rounds regarding Dragon Challenge, that imposing dual roller coaster … Read more

4 Pokemon Go-inspired attractions to put into Universal’s parks

July 13, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Pokemon Go has, over the course of the past week, dominated news stories (thanks to its being used on smart phones more than Tinder and … Read more

Universal’s sixth hotel: Everything we know

July 5, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

We had reported some time ago that our little birds at Universal indicated that the company was likely to announce its next on-site hotel – … Read more

All-New, All-Different Marvel Comics lineup

3 ideas for a Marvel Super Hero Island expansion

July 1, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

In 2012, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man got an overhaul, upgrading its projectors to 4K and redoing all of its physical sets and digital animations. … Read more

Honu at Universal's Volcano Bay Concept Art

Universal’s Volcano Bay story and attractions REVEALED

June 22, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Starting at the US Travel Association’s IPW convention, which is currently being held in New Orleans, and continuing on its official blog, Universal has finally … Read more

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal's Islands of Adventure

Harry Potter: Ranking ALL the attractions

June 17, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

The two Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter – that’s both Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida – have some … Read more

The biggest Halloween Horror Nights reveal yet

September 17, 2021 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Let’s get the big news out of the way first: Halloween Horror Nights, the nation’s premiere Halloween event, is returning to its roots this year … Read more

The Walking Dead coming to HHN26: 3 ways for it to not suck

September 17, 2021 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Universal let the undead cat out of the bag today and announced The Walking Dead as the third house for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights … Read more

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Why Diagon Alley can never be repeated

May 27, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

There is a little recent addition to Universal Orlando called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Maybe you’ve heard of it – … Read more

Revenge of the Mummy queue statue Universal Studios Florida

5 reasons Revenge of the Mummy is the most overlooked ride at Universal Orlando

May 20, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Did you know that tomorrow is Revenge of the Mummy’s 12th birthday? And did you know that the ride is a not-to-be-missed attraction at Universal … Read more

New Incredible Hulk Coaster ride vehicle — overhead

The NEW Incredible Hulk Coaster revealed

July 9, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

After months of waiting for Universal to unveil what the newly redesigned Incredible Hulk Coaster will entail, the company just this morning went ahead and … Read more

The Excorcist is coming to HHN26 at Universal Orlando

4 HUGE updates from Universal – April 2016

April 29, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Aprils are typically sleepier months at Universal Orlando Resort (don’t believe us? You can view the crowd calendar right here), and while this year was … Read more

3 ways Universal Orlando can use DreamWorks

April 28, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

After being initially reported earlier this week, the news was made official by Comcast today: NBCUniversal is the new, proud owner of DreamWorks Animation, the … Read more

Harry Potter: 4 NEW updates to the parks

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Last month, we discussed all the ways that Universal Orlando Resort could expand without having to build new attractions on new parcels of land, and … Read more

Polynesian Villas and Bungalows Walt Disney World

How Disney is trying to change the theme park industry

April 30, 2018 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

It seems as if the theme park industry is undergoing some kind of quiet, not-quite-behind-the-scenes revolution in how the park operators charge the public and, … Read more

Flashback 1990: Jaws, Psycho, & Phantom of the Opera

November 30, 2017 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Welcome back to the past: June 7, 1990, the day that Universal Studios Florida formally opened its doors. We hope the time travel process this … Read more

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium's lineup of milkshakes

6 HUGE updates from Universal – March 2016

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

How many big developments can happen in a single month? If you’re Universal Orlando Resort and it’s March, it turns out the answer is quite … Read more

How Universal can expand without land

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Everyone knows that Universal Orlando Resort, at “just” 840 acres, is rather limited on real-estate. Yes, there’s the 50-acre Wet ‘n Wild property, which is … Read more

Opening day banner - Universal Studios Florida in 1990

Let’s tour 1990’s Universal Studios Florida

March 8, 2018 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

It is June 7, 1990, and it is the grand opening of Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s very first built-from-the-ground-up theme park. Sitting on a 840-acre … Read more

4 BIG Universal attractions by 2020

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

You are reading an article tagged as a rumor. Read our note from the editor to learn about rumors shared on Orlando Informer. You may … Read more

Rumors! Kong, Hulk, and Fast & Furious

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

You are reading an article tagged as a rumor. Read our note from the editor to learn about rumors shared on Orlando Informer. There’s been … Read more

Harry Potter: 3 ways to fit the new stories in the parks

July 31, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 may have concluded the insanely popular, $7.7 billion film franchise back in 2011, but that hasn’t caused … Read more

4 HUGE updates from Universal – January 2016

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

January is renowned for being the slowest month of the year in practically every profession known to man (well, save for politics – especially in … Read more

avengers-age-of-ultron-1-rumor-round-up-january-22

Rumors! Volcano Bay, Avengers, and new hotels

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

You are reading an article tagged as a rumor. Read our note from the editor to learn about rumors shared on Orlando Informer. Why, hullo, … Read more

Star Wars Land: 5 new things to know

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

We may still be some five years(!) before Star Wars Land opens up at Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, but that doesn’t mean … Read more

Harry Potter’s future at Universal

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

You are reading an article tagged as a rumor. Read our note from the editor to learn about rumors shared on Orlando Informer. Over the … Read more

Is Nintendo Land being delayed?

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

When word first broke that Nintendo was coming to Universal Orlando Resort, the themed community made a collective gasp – what a surprise! – and … Read more

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.

The 12 best new Universal Orlando additions

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

It’s old news by now: Comcast, after purchasing NBCUniversal in 2010, was pleasantly surprised by just how well Universal Parks and Resorts was performing, all … Read more

5 big Universal developments in 2016

July 29, 2018 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

The opening of NBC Sports Grill & Brew in CityWalk, some tinkering in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, an expansion of … Read more

The Force Awakens poster - Season of the Force

Disney’s Season of the Force: Worth it or a waste?

April 19, 2016 by Marc N. Kleinhenz

Right from day one, when Disney first announced the new Season of the Force event back in August, there was something off between how Disneyland … Read more

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Marc N. Kleinhenz

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