We'll start at the far end of the construction area and work our way around. As of right now, no work done on the new entrance for Tidal Wave. We're still holding out hope that they aren't going to move the entrance but instead give the ride a re-theme to fit Metropolis. 

The building is almost completely sealed in at this point. 

Sorry for the crooked pics, it's easier to get pictures with the cell phone in this area than with the big camera. 

More stuff looks like it's been cleared out from JB's, but no re-theme yet. 

Lots of clearing of land, and a few wrapped up doodads here and there ... hmmm. 

Doesn't look like much now, but wait. 

Birds eye view. Lots of work still to be done. 

Doesn't look like much change to the eateries yet. 

As we first shared with you on Thursday, a company called Wood Coaster Developments is doing some major work on Apocalypse. While it wasn't clear how major the work actually was a couple of days ago, we're pretty sure that after seeing the pictures below you'll agree it's pretty major. 

"temporarily" 

Unless having a crap load of track removed is just a "temporary" thing. =) 

Was kind of shocked to see so much track gone. This is a MAJOR (and much needed) refurb. 

While some parts of the track are gone entirely, some are still standing ... for now? 

Big ass crane on site, and no, this isn't the one for Aftermath 2. 

A look at some of the track that's been removed so far. We had thought at first that this may be pre-fabricated track, but it wouldn't just be laid out like that if it was. We don't think. =) 

Maybe sometime this year Southern California will have 2 awesome wooden coasters at the same time!! When is the last time that happened? 

(never, the answer is never) 

Tatsu is still closed, also temporarily. No visible work going on with the replacement of the lift hill chain. Didn't make it up the hill though. 

One last little tidbit, the Xtreme Zone store was closed, and while it still had merchandise inside, it looked to just be a "storage" area. 

Honestly, we'd love for this entire area of the park (from Jet Stream to Apocalypse) to get a major makeover now that Apocalypse is seemingly going to return to greatness. We'd love to see a complete re-theme of Apocalypse to some kind of "boardwalk" coaster and a re-do of this entire area with maybe a few flats and perhaps a Ferris Wheel. That's what I'd do.

Right now, Apocalypse just doesn't match the theme of the rest of the area, unless you consider Candy Stores and Cold Stone to be post apocalyptic. =) 

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for this update. If you were following along on our social media over the weekend you probably already know it's going to be a busy week of updates this week. We've got Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood, California's Great America and Busch Gardens Tampa. Team Park Journey has been busy little bees this weekend. So stay tuned for all of that this week!! 

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​Tonight we're at Disney Springs. We aren't dining at the new Planet Hollywood yet, but they have some powerful lights you can see for miles!

​The Characters in Flight balloon has gotten a really nice makeover.

​We're going to visit DisneyQuest one last time! 

​Entering the third floor of DisneyQuest, Ventureport, where your adventure begins.

​We tried to go on Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters. Took forever to load, ride started for .5 seconds and went down and we had to exit.

Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam. I guess it's fun? At least it was working.

There's a good variety of racing games at Disney Quest.

The selection of arcade games is definitely the best part of going to DisneyQuest.

The snack bar on the 4th floor of DisneyQuest appears to be closed for good.

If you remember the Ride the Comix attraction, which closed some time ago, it's now just a lounge area.

Well, they do have Avatar pinball at DisneyQuest.

There's always Cyberspace Mountain, if you feel like designing your own coaster and get tossed around.

Here's what 5 floors of gaming awesomeness looks like.

I wish I could say that I'm sad DisneyQuest is closing but I'm not. Our final visit was disappointing and I need to bathe in hand sanitizer

​Related Updates: 

• Rivers of Light debuts at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Disneyland Update: Lunar New Year, Empty Park and Security Changes
• Opening Day of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 
• Disneyland Resort Update - Avengers Half Marathon, Star Wars Land and Tower of Terror
• The Disney California Adventure that could have been

Today we are enjoying winter in Florida at Blizzard Beach water park.

There's lots to do at Blizzard Beach and no waits today! We conquered everything already, except for Runoff Rapids which is closed.

The weather is perfect to float along in Cross Country Creek, or catch some waves in Melt-Away Bay!

To save your legs from lots of stairs, the ski lift is a great option, and also gives you nice views of Blizzard Beach.

Tike's Peak has fun activities and slides for the kids.

At the top of Mt Gushmore, you have 3 amazing slides, Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher and Teamboat Springs.

Summit Plummet is one of the tallest and fastest water slides in the world at 120 feet and speeds up to 55 mph. It's quite thrilling!

Slush Gusher is slightly shorter but gives you some awesome airtime on those hills!

Toboggan Racers takes you down the hill with others in a race to the bottom.

Downhill Double Dipper is a ton of fun, except for the long wait to get a tube.

You can see all 4 WDW theme parks and more at the top of Mt Gushmore.

Here's another view, this time panoramic.

One of the best snacks in WDW, mini donuts!

Of course Blizzard Beach isn't just your average water park. The theming around the park is adorable!

Thanks for following along with us on our day at Disney's Blizzard Beach! Have an ice day!

The all new Universal Cinema featuring IMAX

The entire lobby has been redone and it's supposed to invoke the Universal Logo that you see before every Universal movie. The lights here are the stars. 

An all new Market Place for your movie goodies and it's all "grab and go" which is awesome. 

Coke Freestyle FTW!! 

Lots of cool spots for movie displays, the cool thing is they aren't all out in the middle of the floor, they actually built in spots for them so they look very cool and not out of place at all. 

It's not all about Universal movies either 

That's one big hand 

Because the theater now has assigned seating you don't have to stand in line and are free to chill out before your movie begins. 

Seriously, if you've never gone to a theater with assigned seating you are totally missing out. It's incredible. 

Let's head into one of the theaters 

This is definitely one of the smaller ones, but looks and sounds amazing. All of the seats have recliners and are incredibly comfortable. 

You can even lift up the arm rest and make it a love seat. 

Chilling out and watching a Toyota commercial. ;) 

Considering the last movie my wife and I saw at this theater was Casper (when we were just dating) I'd say we're due for a return visit. And we'll do that soon. 

Some info on the technology inside the theaters 

All-New Next Generation Technology
Projectors:
All 18 auditoriums are equipped with Christie RGB laser projection. Delivering the best color reproduction of any display system in the world with incredibly bright on-screen images, Christie’s 4K resolution creates sharper, detailed visuals for the best in movie-going viewing.
The projectors, located within the largest auditoriums, were relocated into air conditioned “pods” hidden on each balcony to enhance and improve projection angles.
Projectors located within the all other theatres were also repositioned to improve projection angles. 11 of the 18 theatres are equipped with 3D technology.
The recent upgrade to the IMAX theatre features next-generation 4K laser projection and 12-channel sound systems designed to enhance the entire movie-going experience and provide audiences with sharper, brighter, clearer and more vivid digital images than ever.

Audio:
All 18 auditoriums have been upgraded to Dolby ATMOS immersive surround sound utilizing Christie Vive Audio system and enhanced with Digital Signal Processing.
The new Cinema features more than 700 new speakers, with each auditorium equipped with approximately 40. Each screen also has three sub-woofer speakers located behind the screens to further enable 360-degree audio. 
The Universal Cinema is the first laser-multiplex in the United States to utilize the Christie Vive Audio solution which further allows for precise audio fine-tuning of each auditorium.

Screens:
All 18 theatres are outfitted with new, state-of-the art screens, perforated to enable 360 degree audio.

Auditoriums: Auditoriums
All 18 auditoriums were completely remodeled as sleek and elegant “black boxes” to create the ultimate immersive environment. Every theatre is tonal black on black – black walls, speakers, seats and flooring – to reduce any light interference and allows movie-goers to focus on the movie-watching experience.

Deluxe & Loveseat Recliner Seats
The complete renovation of the split level structure includes the installation of plush deluxe recliner seats with retractable leg rests to all theatres —the equivalent of those found in Hollywood screening rooms, making every seat, the best seat in the house. The theatre also features extra wide loveseat recliners, measuring 59”. The seats measure 32” in width with the inclusion of the armrests on either side each measuring 5”.
​
The Universal Cinema provides reserved seating, with real-time seating charts. Collectively, the Cinema comfortably seats up to 2,000 movie-goers at one time. 

While you are chilling out waiting for your movie to begin you can have a drink. And you can take them into the theaters located on the top level which is very cool. 

A bit more of the "Universal Logo" layout. Can definitely tell here. 

Themed drinks are all the rage these days. This one is guaranteed to be better than the movie it's themed after. ;) 

More lounging

We also got a chance to go into one of the projection rooms, this is a "laser" projector. 

We did also get to see the IMAX projector, but no pictures sadly. Let's just say that thing is as big as my Kia Soul. 

The renovated theater isn't the only new thing open on CityWalk, Margaritaville is open as well. 

Definitely more bright and lively than Jillians was. 

Spend the day at the park, have dinner at Margaritaville with some live music and then go see a movie at Universal Cinema. Sounds like a fun day to us!! 

Hey, we ordered the large!!! =) 

After dropping the good camera off in the car we decided to head into the park for a bit, it was raining. 

Some work going on around the globe. 

There's really not many parks that handle rain better than Universal Studios Hollywood 

Looks like some more work going on on New York Street on the upper lot. 

Kind of odd, yesterday there were some wraps on these walls, next day back to bare. Weird. 

It was stormy, but it would get worse later in the day. 

Again, Universal handles rainy days amazing. And the hot chocolate was delicious!!! 

Alright, that's going to wrap it up for this update. Thanks to Universal for inviting us out on a tour of the new theater. We'll definitely report back when we see a movie up there. We'll have to make it something loud and crazy to fully get the impact of the IMAX. 

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Today, we're visiting Gatorland!

All sorts of different gators are lurking around at Gatorland.

I wish these signs were at Disney for shows and fireworks!

​The aviary at Gatorland is only open in 30 min time blocks, and the birds sure love getting a snack from visitors.

Here's a job I would never want to have... gator feeder in the Jumparoo show. These guys are nuts!

The warning signs around Gatorland are pretty great.

We didn't do this today, but the Screamin Gator Zipline looks awesome!

Adventure Hour at Gatorland is a $10 up-charge where you actually go into the enclosure and feed the gators! They look hungry...

Apparently this big guy ate dogs in Tampa! Good thing he's here now.

How to tell what the weather is like at Gatorland...

You can go along the Swamp Walk to take in some natural central Florida sights.

The boardwalk through Gatorland takes you through some lovely areas.

Gators galore as you walk next to the waterways.

While gators are the stars of Gatorland, there are still other animals you can visit while you're there.

Gatorland has a terrific gift shop. This shirt is my favorite.

Had a blast at Gatorland! We made it out alive, and would definitely go back again sometime!

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