Universal Studios update - The Renaissance has begun.

Renaissance. That's a big word to use for a theme park. But, if you are a theme parks fan, there's no other better word to describe the current situation of Universal Studios Florida. The park is beautiful, no doubt on that, and it doesn't have nearly as many problems as some of the other theme parks in the area (namely, Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park). But (yes, there's a but!) some of the areas and attractions of the park have been either left abandoned, or are currently misused.

And that's where we use the word Renaissance! Indeed, some areas of the park will receive a rehab (either small or big) or a completely new attraction!

1. First of all, as you've heard earlier this week, Jimmy Neutron Nicktoon Blast is closing forever on August 18th, 2011. That's one of the best news for the park, as the ride was really one of the worst of the park, for a lack of a story-line and for the unimaginative use of a simple simulator, as the ride's vehicle. The new attraction (which name has not been disclosed yet) sounds to be very promising, according to universal;
2. The E.T. Adventure is getting a small refurbishment,while maintaining the ride open. On our last trip (yesterday!), we noticed that the geysers in E.T.'s planet were finally actually working, with water squiring out of them. And it was really a great effect to see! Also, one of E.T.'s friends is behind a black tarp, under an extensive rehab. Also, the beginning of the ride looks in much better conditions, with more fog than usual, and more strobe-lights effects.
3. JAWS has recently received its usual refurbishment, but this time, they really did a fantastic job. The whole area was repainted, and the ride's effects are all working.
4. The same can be said of Twister, which has everything working (in the pre-show and in the actual show), and even after all these years, it is still one of the best attractions of the resort.
5. The Future: Universal hinted at many more additions coming soon, right after the new ride that will replace Jimmy Neutron. Which area are they going to work on? The abandoned "Murder:She Wrote" building? The Fear Factor stadium? The old Hard Rock Cafe' building? Or, are they going to build a completely new ride in the plot between M.I.B. and The Simpsons? The only thing we know, is that this (and 2012) is going to be an exciting year for the park!

But, now, let's see the pictures, right? If you skipped all that we wrote, well... that's sad, because I can tell you it's interesting! Anyway, now we can continue:

HOP merchandise was available in front of the Movie Theater, in CityWalk:

Universal has created a truly great environment!:

The Universal Studios Florida:

Jimmy Neutron will soon get what it deserves close down:

Some additional photos of Jimmy Neutron:

We are not sure if we're even going to do a Tribute to this ride:

The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is really nice (when it works):

Preparation for the concert:

Did I mention that it was a fabulous day? The weather was great (as usual), and the park was not as crowded as we thought it would be:

The HOP show was not available, because of Mardi Gras:

The Blues Brothers:

The Back to the Future DeLorean is gone! FOREVER! No, just kidding. It's coming back (I would be so upset if it was leaving for real!):

The train is still here:

One of the globes had some kind of issue:

There was an additional show, with the Vynils:

The HOP meet-and-greet was next to the Cafe' La Bamba:

All the water features of the restaurant were finally working!!:

Thy fountain:

What is wrong with this wait-time clock?:

E.T. phone home and gets rehab:

The old Hard Rock Cafe' is as abandoned as it has ever been:

Behind-the-scenes:

Mandatory Simpsons photo:

Across the lake:

The bridge was recently refurbished, and some of the wood was replaced:

You can tell where they pit new wood:

Really nice:

- PANORAMIC PICTURE -

The Fear Factor show is UNFORTUNATELY coming back once again!:

The Studio directory will be changing sometimes soon:

New York taxi cabs:

Twister:

The entrance:

Once again, this is the entrance!:

Again? Okay, then this is the exit. Happy now?

Great indoor theming:

New posters of a very nice, new show on NBC (I Like it!):

Time to go:

And that's all for now, folks! Thank you so much for viewing! Remember to follow us on Facebook, to post comments, and if you really enjoy our updates, you may consider a small donation, if you can! Have a great day, and see you later with more news, rumors and updates.