Apparently Universal Orlando and Comcast don't like the idea of the skyscraper coaster in Orlando... http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-skyplex-orlando-zoning-20151015-story.html

From Universal's head of external communications- "This is not a competitive issue."

 

Really? 

 

Also this.

 

Chrissy Foglesong, that group's executive director, said roller coasters at theme parks have been successful without great height.

"Height has not driven the customer; it is the experience," she said Thursday, reading from the letter. "We believe that the thoughtfulness that the Wallack team has put into this project, it will also bring that customer experience. But that excessive height is unnecessary to do that."

 

 

Riiiight. 

Scott Maxwell, a columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, isn't convinced either... http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/taking-names-scott-maxwell/os-universal-vs-skyplex-7-things-to-know-20151019-post.html

 

Hopefully the folks involved with Skyplex will be able to fight off the stupidity from Universal.

If Universal is truly limited to only be allowed to build structures to 200 feet, then I can agree with them that the Skyplex should be held to same standards. If they allow Skyplex to move forward I would fight the 200 feet cap, if I were Universal. I really don't see it pulling profits away from Universal. There is too much going for Universal that a single tower coaster will draw too much attention away from them.

Perhaps it's just me, but I see no stupidity from Universal. This is a business, not a co-operative collaborative video game.

Most of what happens on planning and zoning boards doesn't generally get most of the public involved. Unless, say, youre refusing a factory being built behind your neighborhood with your community. For all we know, whats taking place is considered "business as usual" for all the corporate heads involved in this project. 

If Universal is truly limited to only be allowed to build structures to 200 feet, then I can agree with them that the Skyplex should be held to same standards. If they allow Skyplex to move forward I would fight the 200 feet cap, if I were Universal. I really don't see it pulling profits away from Universal. There is too much going for Universal that a single tower coaster will draw too much attention away from them.

 

Universal Orlando is only 8 miles from the airport. It's likely that the height restriction is imposed by the FAA and not local government.

It's probably in Universal's best interest that its smaller competition doesn't go big in the style of Cedar Point. Kids might point at such attractions from afar and ask their parents if they can ride "that one".

 

If Universal is truly limited to only be allowed to build structures to 200 feet, then I can agree with them that the Skyplex should be held to same standards. If they allow Skyplex to move forward I would fight the 200 feet cap, if I were Universal. I really don't see it pulling profits away from Universal. There is too much going for Universal that a single tower coaster will draw too much attention away from them.

 

Universal Orlando is only 8 miles from the airport. It's likely that the height restriction is imposed by the FAA and not local government.

 

This skycoaster's location is the same distance to the airport, if not closer, than universal, so thats not it. My understanding is that Universal's height limit is written into the zoning they agreed to when building the resort originally. Something to do with proximity to residential neighborhoods I believe. 

See also, perhaps, flight paths.

 

 

If Universal is truly limited to only be allowed to build structures to 200 feet, then I can agree with them that the Skyplex should be held to same standards. If they allow Skyplex to move forward I would fight the 200 feet cap, if I were Universal. I really don't see it pulling profits away from Universal. There is too much going for Universal that a single tower coaster will draw too much attention away from them.

 

Universal Orlando is only 8 miles from the airport. It's likely that the height restriction is imposed by the FAA and not local government.

 

This skycoaster's location is the same distance to the airport, if not closer, than universal, so thats not it. My understanding is that Universal's height limit is written into the zoning they agreed to when building the resort originally. Something to do with proximity to residential neighborhoods I believe. 

 

 

Universal is in a pretty residential area.  They are directly across the street from a School (behind Jurassic Park in IoA).  They have apartments behind Fear Factor, and Men in Black (although these are the parks fault).  Beyond these the entire North and West sides of the park are surrounded by houses.  

 

They have a lot of noise restrictions and I know they have restrictions on fireworks which I believe include how many nights a year they can have fireworks. 

 

 

This is nothing more then a recommendation and the county commissioners get the final say.  But I totally agree with the author of this article.

 

I’m still not completely convinced the Skyplex guys can make this $500 million project happen.

 

Orange County Approves:

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2015/12/01/orange-county-approves-500m-skyplex-project-on-i.html?ana=e_orl_bn_breakingnews&u=pB2D54PrJ4m%2Btf5T51zZ5o6bDaJ&t=1449015097

More:

 

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-skyplex-orlando-vote-orange-county-20151201-story.html