North America Quick Takes: Universal Orlando Opens ‘The Bourne Stuntacular’
Universal Orlando Opens ‘The Bourne Stuntacular’
Universal Orlando Resort opened what it describes as “the most advanced stunt show” with its new “The Bourne Stuntacular” at Universal Studios Florida. Combining storytelling, extreme stunts, and advanced technology—including high-tech automated traveling props, an immersive LED screen, and what the resort bills as “captivating practical effects”—the attraction promises to make it impossible to discern where live action ends and the cinema begins.
Inspired by the popular “Bourne” movie franchise and developed in partnership with the filmmakers, “The Bourne Stuntacular” offers an original storyline that takes place within the Jason Bourne universe. Frank Marshall, producer of the “Bourne” franchise, says the attraction not only stays true to the essence of the movies, but delivers next-level action that makes guests feel like they are by Jason Bourne’s side.
After guests enter the attraction, they’re surrounded by images, clips, and props from the films, including the car from the renowned chase scene in “The Bourne Identity” and Jason Bourne’s motorcycle used in “The Bourne Ultimatum.” After entering mission headquarters, guests are briefed by character Nicky Parsons. Then, they enter the theater to join the Jason Bourne character as he travels across three continents to uncover classified information while trying to evade danger and capture.
New Atlantic City Water Park Aims to Attract Families
A $100 million indoor water park is headed for the boardwalk of Atlantic City, New Jersey. To be named Showboat Atlantic City Waterpark, the approximately 100,000-square-foot water park will sit adjacent to the existing Showboat Hotel. Developer and hotel owner Bart Blatstein promises Showboat Atlantic City Waterpark will “be the best, pound for pound, indoor water park in the country.” He states, “We’ve spent many, many hours designing something that’s going to be completely unique so that when you arrive here at Showboat, you’ll know that you’re somewhere different.”
The water park will be connected to the Showboat’s Premier Light Tower, which will undergo a complete transformation as part of the project. Also, a family entertainment center will be constructed to support the water park. Blatstein says the aquatic park will attract families to Atlantic City, while Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., who joined Blatstein at a news conference when the project was announced, asserted that the city can’t survive on casino gaming alone and must diversify. He noted that the city’s Achilles’ heel, from a tourism standpoint, is its lack of family attractions.
SOSH Architects of Atlantic City designed the water park, with interior work from Martin Aquatic Design & Engineering of Orlando. A retractable glass roof will cover the water park to make it a year-round facility. Attractions will include water slides, pools, and lazy rivers, along with food and beverage outlets, retail stands, party rooms, lounge areas, and locker rooms.
