Rebounding from post-Sept. 11 slump, Universal Studios plans expansion

ORLANDO, Fla. - After recently restoring work schedules cut back after Sept. 11 and raising pay for hourly employees, Universal Studios is working on plans to open three new attractions at its theme parks.<br> <br> The final go-ahead for the expansion plans depend on solid attendance in the first two quarters of this year, said Universal Orlando president Bob Gault.<br> <br> Two attractions would be at Universal Studios, with one opening in spring 2003 and the other that summer, he said. The third planned attraction would be in Islands of Adventure.<br> <br> If those plans go through, it would be the first time Universal Studios has opened two major attractions in the same year since 1992, spokesman Jim Canfield said.<br> <br> Gault, who has run the two theme parks since November, said he has recently restored the work schedules of all 12,000 Universal hourly employees, most of whom were cut back in cost-saving moves soon after the terrorism attacks.<br> <br> Gault is also hiring 800 seasonal workers to beef up park services for spring break and the Easter holiday.<br> <br> The other major Central Florida parks - Disney World and SeaWorld - also are hiring seasonal workers and say their parks have been busy, though not back to pre-Sept. 11 levels. <br>

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