The SATURDAY SIX Presents: Flights with Bioreconstruct vol 11 (Updates on Tropical Americas, Monstropolis, Fast & Furious Coaster and MORE!)

Derek Burgan April 18, 2026 0 Comments bioreconstruct, Flights with Bio, tropical americas

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This week’s SATURDAY SIX heads back into the air with blogger-in-the-sky @bioreconstruct for another incredible bird’s eye view of the construction projects currently at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando (along with some pretty great “boots on the ground” photos as well.)

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Before we start, the SAT SIX is proud to announce the launch of BioVision, a new certification for Blog Quality Photos (BQP). Done in collaboration with global photographers, and certified by the International Council of Vibes, BioVision will signify to reading audiences which blog posts offer the best, brightest, and most immersive reading experiences available.

BioVision sets a new benchmark for theme park blogging presentation, certifying photos that meet rigorous quality standards, including a focus on:

Landscape orientation for providing more context and maximum eye pleasure
Yellow arrows for superior brightness and clarity
Multiple photos of a single location showing every possible angle
Ducks and other winged creatures for fully immersive story

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As a reminder, you can select any photo for a higher resolution version that you can zoom closer into and see even more details. Let’s start off with a look above Disney’s Hollywood Studios…

# 6 – Monstropolis

Right outside the former Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (the building in the background which has more than a passing resemblance to the Orange County Jail) is work on the up and coming indoor coaster that will be a part of the Monsters Inc. themed Monstropolis land. This attraction is being built on what was previously part of the DHS parking lot.

*Aerial overview of the Monstropolis roller coaster site. Supports are rising, while the foundation continues in development in sections. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

A closer look reveals a fascinating look at “how the sausage is made” when it comes to our favorite theme park rides.

*Aerial overview of work on the foundation of the Monstropolis roller coaster. Station to be at the sandy area at left. Zoom in … workers add scale to the enormous site. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

The size and scope of this coaster is put into scale when you compare the construction workers and pickup trucks on the ground to the large supports that have been installed.

*Aerial photo of supports recently added for the Monstropolis roller coaster. Workers and pickup trucks add scale for the height. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

An even closer look shows exactly how intricate all the work being done truly is.

*Aerial look at a construction team preparing conduits, rebar, and bolts for footers. Concrete to be cast here soon as building floor of the Monstropolis roller coaster. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

The rest of Monstropolis will be taking over what was formerly known as Muppet Courtyard. In the center of the photo below was the PizzeRizzo restaurant.

*Aerial photo of retheming in progress. From Muppets Courtyard to Monstropolis. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Here’s a look at the other side of the street across from the former PizzeRizzo. The massive building in the center of the photo was the home of Muppet*Vision 3D.

*Aerial look at current state of what might be called The Glob theater in Monstropolis. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Aerial photo of Monstropolis, where walls at Grand Avenue were recently demolished. Scaffolding up at former Muppet*Vision 3D theater. Seems like the clock faces at top of the tower are being removed. (photo by @bioreconstruct)

Current work at former Gonzo’s Royal Flush. Brick facing removed, plastic covering the wall studs to protect from rain until new theming is added for Monstropolis. Arrow at a column remaining from a wall demolished at Grand Avenue. (photo by @bioreconstruct)

It’s not easy to make a shot of coaster track staging “pop,” but Bio does just that by picturing it with the Disney Skyliner.

*Aerial photo of the Disney Skyliner viewpoint of construction staging for the Monstropolis roller coaster. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

# 5 – …and the Rest at DHS

DHS has a lot going on right now, and that includes a Muppets retheme of the former Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. The iconic upside down limousine outside the attraction has been completely repainted to feature a more psychedelic look that fits in with the Muppet band The Electric Mayhem.

*Clear shiny sealant recently applied to the rethemed car outside of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Car outside of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Elsewhere in the park we have the transformation of the new Magic of Disney Animation area. This area used to previously home the Star Wars Launch Bay and before that the old Magic of Disney Animation area (the more things change…)

*Aerial overview of current work for The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Aerial photo of the development of the marquee for The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard. A sign that will be similar to the main entrance of the studio in Burbank. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Top of photo has work for the queue entrance of Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Part of the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard. (photo by @bioreconstruct)

Steel frame for the roof of a likely snack stand is seen at center of the photo. Under the canopy of trees. (photo by @bioreconstruct)

These photos were taken just about a week ago, and several days later Disney revealed a behind-the-scenes look at the large Sorcerer Mickey Hat installed on the building below.

Aerial look at exterior theming so far at The Magic of Disney Animation.Will have more red stripes, and a Sorcerer Mickey hat, similar to the design of the Feature Animation building in Burbank. (photo by @bioreconstruct)

You better believe Bio went straight to the park to get a pic of it!

*Sorcerer Hat added recently at The Magic of Disney Animation. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

# 4 – Tropical Americas

Over at Animal Kingdom we have work chugging along on the former Dinoland USA to Tropical Americas (home of areas themed to Encanto and Indiana Jones.)

*Aerial overview of all of the construction in Tropical Americas. Including the Indiana Jones ride at top left (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

The Encanto-themed carousel is starting to take shape.

*Aerial photos of the Tropical Americas carousel construction relative to the former Restaurantosaurus. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Aerial photo of a berm with trees hiding construction of the Tropical Americas carousel from guests using the the Animal Kingdom walkway at bottom left. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

We mentioned last week when discussing Epic Universe’s Constellation Carousel that Orlando is the home of the best collection of themed carousel’s in the world, so the bar is pretty high for this one to live up to.

*Aerial look at steel frame rising for the carousel building in Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Elsewhere we have the Encanto E-Ticket ride making a lot of progress.

*Encanto ride construction. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Aerial photo of the Encanto ride show building. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

One of the best things about following Bio on social media (including Facebook) is he will give context of photos that he takes from the ground…

*A view clear-through the Encanto show building. Arrow at steel frame likely for the ride exit.*
*Seems like this view from inside Animal Kingdom will be of Casita (La Casa Madrigal). Concept art has it at end of the steel frame seen in foreground. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

…with photos he has taken from the air. Bio puts in the work, and it shows.

*Encanto attraction show building. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures gift shop closed back in January and will be featured in our annual end of year In Memoriam. That store was loaded with so many amazing details.

*Aerial photo of current work at the former gift shops of Dinoland USA. To be rethemed for Tropical Americas. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

The former Dinosaur ride is being converted to one themed to Indiana Jones.

*Aerial photo of work at the Indiana Jones ride in Animal Kingdom. A tree is being cut at left. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Aerial photo of construction in the jungle near the Indiana Jones ride in Animal Kingdom. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

How incredible is stuff like this? True artisans are working on these parks day and night, and almost none of them will ever get the attention or credit they deserve.

*Artists sculpting and painting reference models for theming in Tropical Americas. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

# 3 – Fast and Furious: Hollywood Drift

Alright, let’s head across town and see how things are going at the Universal Orlando Resort, starting with the replacement for my beloved Rip Ride Rockit… Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. This is an attraction that will stretch from inside Universal Studios Florida all the way to Universal Citywalk lagoon.

*Aerial overview of Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift construction near CityWalk. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Aerial overview of Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift construction. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Bio is amazing at identifying details in his photos to give you a better understanding of what you are looking at.

*Aerial photo of where switch track will be for Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift near CityWalk.*
*Tall stakes added for visibility to equipment. Earthmoving in progress to fill in the excavation. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Below we have a photo that includes a whole bunch of footers with large stakes coming out of them…

*Aerial photo earlier in the day, of some stakes and footers. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

…while later that very same day, Bio took this photo from CityWalk showing those same stakes and footers. Amazing!

*CityWalk view of tall stakes added at each footer in the Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift site. Spanning from the waterfront fence to the switch track footers. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

A closer look at one of the footers reveals an interesting detail.

*Hidden Mickey, perhaps, in the Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift work site. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Many reading this know how much I love the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and one of my favorite moments takes place when the character of Happy Hogan picks up a heavy shield and tries to throw it, only for the shield to feebly land a couple feet in front of him. He exasperatedly yells, “How does Cap do that?!” That’s how I feel seeing shots like below and Bio explaining that we are looking at an elevator doorway through the facade. “How does Bio know that?!”

*What will be an elevator doorway in the station of Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift is seen through an opening of a facade. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Like the previous Rip Ride Rockit, Hollywood Drift is going to travel through several areas of Universal Studios Florida. Here we have the area in the New York section of the park.

*Aerial photos of Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift construction behind the Jimmy Fallon ride. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

The photo below shows a new building being constructed at the top right. Next to that building is where they usually have the merchandise stands and artist meet-and-greets for the annual Rock the Universe music festivals.

Aerial photo of the maintenance building in development for Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift.This two-floor building likely will service other ride vehicles during what tends to be annual inspections. Existing RV service facilities are nearby. (photo by @bioreconstruct)

How incredible is this shot?!

*Arrow in this photo at steel frame for the Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift roller coaster station.*
*A VelociCoaster train in the Top Hat in background. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Over by Epic Universe we have the area where Hollywood Drift coaster track is being staged.

*Aerial photo of current track staged for Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

# 2 – Closing of the EPIC Preview Center

This past week marks the one year anniversary of Epic Universe’s soft opening in 2025. It also marked the closing of the Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal Citywalk.

*Epic Universe Preview Center with darkened windows. Last operating day was April 13th. Video loop continues to play with concept artwork. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

The big draw to the Preview Center was the absolutely amazing scale model of Epic Universe on display.

*Preview Center model. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Bio spent some time this past week showing some differences between what we saw in the model before the park opened…

*Piece from the concept model in the Epic Universe Preview center. Bar Zenith. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

…along with what was actually built.

*Bar Zenith. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Piece from the concept model in the Epic Universe Preview center. Stardust Racers marquee. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*A Stardust Racers train with #stardustTrails behind the attraction’s marquee. 9.5s long duration photo. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*A Hiccup’s Wing Gliders train in the model. With outlines for attaching wings to the front car. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Hiccup’s Winged Gliders (with wing attached) racing past some of the sheep of Berk. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Piece from the concept model in the Epic Universe Preview center. Emblem design at Helios Grand Hotel. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Apollo with flaming arrow in front of Helios. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Bar Helios had a concept where glass at the outdoor patio was angled, instead of horizontal. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Bar Helios. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

In a manner of speaking, Bio also got us our next “Epic preview” shots when he dropped photos of an area Universal is developing near Epic Universe, but has given no information on this mystery project. These photos sparked an unbelievable amount of blog posts and speculation videos by people trying to figure out what Universal is doing.

Aerial photo of a spur of the Epic Universe property. Along Universal Blvd, between The Wheel at ICON Park and Topgolf Orlando/Andretti Indoor Karting. The spur connects through land between Lockheed Martin and apartments.Sand is currently being placed in this spur. (photo by @bioreconstruct)

*Aerial photo of where the Epic Universe property has a spur past the Universal bus maintenance facility. Bus facility is top right. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Aerial photo of sand being placed in a spur of the Epic Universe property. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

# 1 – Only Bio

There are various collections of photos that I describe as “Only Bio” because he is the only one getting these types of shots. We’ve seen other people attempting to steal Bio’s gimmick of getting aerial shots of the parks, but not a single one of them can get something as great as this photo showing two Stardust Racer trains in tandem.

*Aerial photo of Stardust Racers trains in high-banked curves. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

These “Big Picture” shots by Bio might be my personal favorite, as he can show an entire land (and even theme park!) in one shot that almost reminds me of what we would see in park maps. This puts everything we see on the ground in a fascinating perspective.

*Aerial photo of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Bio even does it for attractions!

*A straight-down aerial photo of Kali River Rapids. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Bio was Johnny-on-the-spot, as he always seems to be, for a recent story that involved a stopped monorail train. Now a stopped monorail train isn’t news, but it is when guests start removing windows!

*Monorail Teal spotted yesterday afternoon being tugged after a breakdown. Look close. Guests aboard. Many door windows removed for ventilation. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Many door windows removed for ventilation. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Longtime readers of this fine blog series may remember that it was a stopped monorail that led to Your Humble Author interacting with Bio for the very first time. It happened back in 2015, and Bio was – once again – capturing photos of a stopped monorail. This particular story went viral at the time because guests onboard were stuck for well over TWO HOURS (and it followed a series of high profile Monorail stoppage.)

*Yellow Monorail. (photo taken Oct 10, 2015 by @bioreconstruct)*

I took Bio’s photo, and added a Snickers advertising slogan that was popular at the time. You can read more about that story of how we “met” (and the next 10 years) by CLICKING HERE.

With Universal Mardi Gras ending, we got the return of the CineSational nighttime show at Universal Studios Florida and of course Bio was there covering it in the way only Bio can.

*Princess Peach inside the Universal Studios Florida gateway arch. As if a medallion. Seen during the CineSational show. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

This particular photo blew my mind when I zoomed in on it.

Drones in shapes of hearts turn on and off during a scene in the CineSational show. Zoom in to see heart outlines of drones reflecting ambient light. These unlit drones aren’t visible in eyesight, but can be visible in a camera. (photo by @bioreconstruct)

Bio always ready for an astronomy lesson.

*Pegasus and Venus (in background) above Constellation Carousel. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Bio is my go-to guy when it comes to covering the latest donut offerings at Voodoo Doughnut at Universal Citywalk. For Easter, Voodoo released a bunny-themed donut. Although this might be one of those “eye tests” because if you look at this donut a different way you’re gonna see a duck.

*Bunny donut. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

Above all, Bio “gets it.”

Bio spent a good portion of the month continuing his lifelong ambition to photograph every single bird species seen in our theme parks.

*It’s Purple Martin nesting season at EPCOT. Female seen in foreground, with a tracking tag on leg.* *Male in background. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*A Grackle in the custodial team of Spit Fyre Grill. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

*Daddy Osprey arriving with mobile order of fish for dinner. At the nest across the street from Islands of Adventure, at Dr Phillips HS. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

The photo below is the definition of an “Only Bio.”

Canals in the CityWalk water system are regularly refreshed with dye. Usually not very noticeable. However, overcast ambient light from today’s rain caused the fresh color to stand out. (photo by @bioreconstruct)

Got a great update on the Bio Maintenance Report this week…

Continuing a somewhat annual check of mineral staining of the EPCOT entrance fountain. Mostly iron is depositing on the concrete surface, as part of the theming of World Celebration. This photo Mar 28, 2026. (photo by @bioreconstruct)

…along with a flashback to the same area.

*A look back at the EPCOT entrance fountain Dec 22, 2020. ( photo by @bioreconstruct)*

This may seem impossible to believe, but not only does Bio exhaustively cover all the major theme parks in Orlando in the air and on the ground, but he’s also covering pretty much every major road construction/detail in the area as well. Including these sensors that are about to put in some overtime…

*Aerial photo of what may be traffic monitoring sensors in I-4 lanes. (photo by @bioreconstruct)*

So there you have it: Flights wit Bio vol 11! See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out the THEME PARK ENJOYMENT INDEX, giving a monthly recap of all the theme park news you need to know (and a lot more you don’t need to know, but we’re gonna tell you anyway). You can also follow Your Humble Author on Twitter (@derekburgan).

If you enjoyed this article, you will surely like the following:

Flights with Bio vol 1 (Starcruiser, Disney Lake Nona Land)

Flights with Bio vol 2 (EPIC Universe, Tron Lightcycle Run)

Flights with Bio vol 3 (The Destruction of Harmonious, EPIC Universe)

Flights with Bio vol 4 (Luminous, Journey of Water)

Flights with Bio vol 5 (DreamWorks Land, EPIC Universe)

Flights with Bio vol 6 (Back to WDW!)

Flights with Bio vol 7 (Tropical Americas)

Flights with Bio vol 8 (EPIC Universe Taking Shape)

Flights with Bio vol 9 (Muppet Courtyard)

Flights with Bio vol 10 (Lakeshore Lodge, Tropical Americas)

Flying Over SeaWorld with @bioreconstruct

The SATURDAY SIX Celebrates 10 Years of @bioreconstruct

The SATURDAY SIX Presents: @bioreconstruct’s favorite aerial photos

The SATURDAY SIX Takes 3 Flights in a Single Day with @bioreconstruct

The SATURDAY SIX Presents:Our Favorite @bioreconstruct photos of 2025

THE SATURDAY SIX Presents: Our Favorite @bioreconstruct photos of 2024

The SATURDAY SIX Presents: Our Favorite @bioreconstruct photos of 2023

The SATURDAY SIX Presents: Our favorite @biorconstruct photos of 2022

The SATURDAY SIX Presents: Our favorite @bioreconstruct photos of 2021

The SATURDAY SIX Presents: Our favorite @bioreconstruct photos of 2020

Special Thanks to The Elite Brandon Glover, Digital Maestro Scott Walker, the bio-est of all reconstructs @bioreconstruct, Captain Cruiseline Scott Sanders of the world famous Disney Cruise Line Blog, my personal protege Hunter “Elvey” Underwood, artist @SonderQuest, the mighty maven of merchandise Hedgehog’s Corner, the SAT SIX Fun Squad of Parkscope Joe and “the Dadalorian” Nick, hot shot Michael Carelli, charter member of the Universal Four @Nitro230, the permit princess Alicia Stella, master cartographer Tommy Hawkins, and Hermione Granger’s tutor Megan Stump for their invaluable assistance with this article. Absolutely no help was added by SeaWorld Influencer @SuperWeenieHtJr. The SAT SIX is inspired each week by goofballs Aengus Mackenzie and LitemAndHyde and you Potterheads will enjoy Meg’s other blog work over at the Central Florida Slug Club.