Universal to Detail Florida Expansion Plans
Universal Studios Inc. is expected to announce today the specifics of a major expansion of its Florida theme park, with the unveiling of an island-like attraction that will have director Steven Spielberg as its creative consultant.
The attraction is Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which will include such characters as the Cat in the Hat, Popeye and Spider-Man, as well as dinosaurs from “Jurassic Park,†the 1994 blockbuster movie directed by Spielberg.
Universal is expecting the attraction to open in the summer of 1999. It will be next to the company’s existing Universal Studios Florida theme park in Orlando.
The 110-acre new park will have five themed “islands,†including Seuss Landing, which will feature characters from the late author Theodor Geisel’s classic Dr. Seuss books.
Other islands will be Toon Lagoon, Marvel Super Hero Island, Lost Continent and Jurassic Park.
Universal parent Seagram Co. considers the company’s theme parks one of the major areas with potential for growth.
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