From a new Jimmy Fallon-themed ride to an entirely new water park, Travel Agent got the lowdown on what’s new at Universal Orlando Resort this summer at a press event Wednesday night.
Jimmy Fallon himself dropped in as a surprise guest to update media on the new Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon attraction, which will officially open on April 6. The “flying theater” ride will see 72 guests board moving hydraulic chairs for a 3D movie race through Studio 6B, where Fallon’s Tonight Show is taped, and then out through the streets of New York, to the moon and back, encountering famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building along the way.
“It’s a great commercial for New York City,” says Fallon. “It shows how colorful and electric and exciting the city can be.”
One of the most notable features of the new ride, however, is the line – or lack thereof. Race Through New York will mark the debut of a new “virtual line” system Universal is experimenting with, in which guests are issued color-coded tickets printed with the time of their ride. After that, guests are free to wander about the park before returning when it’s time to ride. While there is a waiting area, it’s structured less like a traditional queue and more like a two-level museum, designed to be reminiscent of New York’s 30 Rock building, filled with New York television-themed artifacts. Guests can browse here while they are waiting, or watch clips of the Tonight Show and even a barber shop quartet.
The Tonight Show will be filming at Universal Orlando the week of the new ride’s opening, so look for it to be on clients’ radar screens then.
Opening May 25: Universal’s Volcano Bay
On May 25, Universal will debut an even bigger expansion: the new Volcano Bay water park, marking the third theme park at the resort.
Spanning 30 acres and four themed areas, the South Pacific-themed water park will be built around Krakatau, a 200-foot volcano, which will hold a body plunge sliding plummeting 70 degrees and 125 feet through the center, two intertwining 124-foot water slides, and the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, a combination water slide / roller coaster that uses linear induction motors to propel guests along a water-filled track up, down and around the volcano. For guests less interested in thrill rides, there will also be a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, a winding river, and plenty of spots to lounge and relax.
Volcano Bay will expand a virtual line-style experience throughout the park through the new TapuTapu wearable, which will be included with admission for all guests. The wearable wristband will allow guests to virtually wait in line for attractions, summoning them from wherever they are relaxing when it is time to ride. In a move reminiscent of Carnival Corp.’s new Ocean Medallion, the wearable device will also allow guests to activate various interactive experiences at each attractions with a tap of the device.