Posted on Fri, Feb 05, 2010 @ 08:48 AM
Orlando Getting Ready for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
ORLANDO -- Universal Orlando Resort has suddenly rolled out a number of high profile ads for the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Could it be a sign that the new attraction will be opening sooner rather than later this spring? Universal would not say.
With a brand new Super Bowl ad, a newly updated Web site and a special interactive map splashed across newspapers nationwide, three major advertisements featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in just over the last week have generated lots of interest in the new "theme park within a theme park."
"I know that when Islands of Adventure opened up, everybody was excited about that, but I think this just tops the scale," said Mark Davis, who runs Orlando Discount Tickets USA, a theme park ticket Web site.
Click here to watch Video
Davis said during the last few weeks, 95 percent of his callers and visitors have asked about when Harry's new home is opening.
"When is it opening? We want to be there! Can we buy the package for that time?" the callers ask.
While Universal Orlando will get most of the attention, other tourist businesses have also begun getting ready.
Brian Wong, a local hotel manager, said he has been putting the finishing touches on upgrades for his hotel, and trying to draw in crowds brought in by all of the attention Universal's newest attraction is getting.
"It's newsworthy," Wong said. "It keeps Orlando on the map, and generates interest for years to come."
The crowds and the tourist dollars sure to come are just waiting.
Universal has only revealed that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open this spring. Experts, however, said that many visitors will stay at home until an exact opening date is set, a day our troubled tourism industry said they can't wait for.
"The excitement of something that people have anticipated and really wanted to see is going to be a huge boost," Wong said.
Still wanting tickets or a Vacation Package to Universal Studios Orlando?
Check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Universal Studios & Harry Potter needs...
Posted on Sun, Jan 17, 2010 @ 08:53 AM
New Gate Prices for Universal Studios Orlando
Well it is that time of year again where Universal Studios has raised it's gate price before the Spring Break & Summer crowds arrive...
Below you will see the new prices that have already taken affect..
Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure Base Tickets (1 Park Per Day) Expires in 14 Consectutive Days
- 1 Day Base Adult: $84.14-----Child:$73.49
- 2 Day Base Adult: $127.78----Child:$113.94
- 3 Day Base Adult: $143.76----Child:$127.78
- 4 Day Base Adult: $154.41----Child:$136.30
- 7 Day Base Adult: $181.03----Child:$159.73
Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure Park to Park Access (Expires in 14 Consectutive Days)
- 1 Day Park to Park Adult: $116.08----Child:$105.43
- 2 Day Park to Park Adult: $154.42----Child:$140.53
- 3 Day Park to Park Adult: $159.73----Child:$143.76
- 4 Day Park to Park Adult: $165.06----Child:$146.95
- 7 Day Park to Park Adult: $191.68----Child:$170.38
Still haven't got tickets yet or your
Universal Orlando Vacation Package? Then check out our website at
www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your
Orlando Vacation Packages...
Posted on Wed, Jan 13, 2010 @ 11:51 AM
Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Orlando 15 Years
Bring on the music! Bring on the parade! Bring on the party! Celebrate 15 years of Universal Studios Mardi Gras with the most amazing concert line-up ever, featuring some of the biggest names in popular music.
Saturday Nights: February 6 - April 17, 2010
PLUS Sunday, February 14 and Friday, April 9
Experience our most spectacular parade ever, outrageous street performers, authentic Cajun food*, beads by the handful and more! Join in 15 years of the biggest party this side of the bayou and let the good times roll!
Enter our French Quarter Courtyard and you'll feel like you're strolling down Bourbon Street, filled with the sights and sounds of Universal Studios Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Every event night you'll hear some of Louisiana's most popular bands performing authentic blues, Zydeco and more. Go ahead and dance in the streets...that's what they're there for. Let the good times roll!
DATE PERFORMER
Sat, Feb 6 Bryan Lee & the Blues Power Band
Sat, Feb 13 Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers
Sun, Feb 14 Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers
Sat, Feb 20 Mem Shannon & the Membership
Sat, Feb 27 Chris Klein & The Boulevards
Sat, Mar 6 Honey Island Swamp Band
Sat, Mar 13 Big Red & The Zydeco Playmakers
Sat, Mar 20 Rockin' Jake
Sat, Mar 27 Soul Project
Sat, Apr 3 J.J. Callier & the Zydeco Knockouts
Fri, Apr 9 Lil' Brian & the Zydeco Travelers
Sat, Apr 10 Lil' Brian & the Zydeco Travelers
Sat, Apr 17 Daddy Mac Blues Band
All French Quarter Bands will perform at Mardi Gras in Universal Studios® then appear afterwards at Universal CityWalk®.
Performance Times: February 6 - March 20, April 17 - 5:00 pm, 6:15 pm, 7:15 pm
March 27 - April 10 - 5:00 pm, 6:15 pm, 8:00 pm
Enjoy the tastes of The Big Easy right here at Universal Studios Florida®. From tasty snacks to mouth-watering desserts to belly-busting main dishes, you can sample authentic Cajun and Creole specialties that will take you back to the bayou.
Sample Menu Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo, Andouille Sausage, Red Beans & Rice, Catfish, Beignets and more!
Still haven't got tickets yet for Universal Studios & your chance to be at the biggest party this side of the bayou?
Check out all our Universal Studios Orlando Vacation Packages and be a part of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Orlando....
Posted on Thu, Dec 03, 2009 @ 07:24 AM
Get Into The Spirit Of Christmas at Any Of The Orlando Theme Parks
The following article courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine...
December is one of the best times to visit Orlando. Even though there's no real snow, you're sure to be able to get into the Christmas spirit with all of the festivities. Whether want to visit the Grinch, go ice skating, see thousands of dancing holiday lights, Orlando has you covered. Here are the events we've rounded up.
Universal Studios:
Holiday Concert Series: This season brings a new Holiday Concert Series in the new Music Plaza. Enjoy some of your all time holiday favorites as performed by Mannheim Steamroller (Dec. 5), Chris Isaak (Dec. 12) and Natalie Cole (Dec. 19).
Macy's Holiday Parade This seasonal favorite features authentic floats and balloons (including several brand new ones this year) direct from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. You'll also enjoy festive street performers and talented marching bands from around the country, and of course Santa Claus himself. Afterwards stay for a spectacular tree lighting ceremony with music and a dazzling display of lights.
KidZone Holiday Show: Join your character friends as they dance to holiday hits in this live show.
Barney's Christmas Show: Join Barney and his friends for a magical sing-along, clap-along show at A Day In The Park With Barney.
Blues Brothers Christmas Show: Add some rock and roll to your Christmas with the Blues Brothers! Catch them live, performing holiday favorites like "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" and "Blue Christmas" with snow on Delancey Street at the end of each show.
Universal's Islands of Adventure
Grinchmas: Seuss Landing is transformed into the wintry wonderland of Grinchmas featuring a live musical performance of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." Then stroll around the Whoville Wonky Tree Lot and take in the whimsical Wholiday decorations.
SeaWorld
Polar Express: The Wild Arctic simulator ride is transformed into the Polar Express Experience. When the ride is done, you'll be at the North Pole and can visit Santa and his northern animal friends.
Winter Wonderland on Ice: This all-new holiday-themed ice-skating show can be seen at Bayside Stadium and will be performed on select nights through Jan. 3. The show includes water fountains, fireworks, and, of course, ice skaters.
Clyde and Seamore's Countdown to Christmas: Sea lions Clyde and Seamore, along with a few mischievous otters and a walrus or two, offer up comedy in this new Christmas show that runs on select nights from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3.
A Sesame Street Christmas: This new musical show features Abby Cadabby, Elmo, Big Bird, and other popular Sesame Street characters. Abby has never heard of Christmas and her friends help explain the holiday spirit to her. Sesame Street character meet-and-greets are available after each show.
Shamu Christmas ... Miracles - A choir, holiday music and sights help Shamu tell the story of peace and friendship.
Magic Kingdom
Castle Dreamlights! - Guests can behold twinkling lights of one of Disney's newest holiday traditions - Castle Dreamlights! Donning their holiday finest, Cinderella and friends take to the Cinderella Castle stage daily for a dream-come-true, light-the-night moment. With 200,000 sparkling, jewel-like crystals adorning the iconic castle, the glistening light-show spectacular signals the beginning of Disney's seasonal merriment.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - The theme park hosts the long-running Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights. During this special-ticket event, guests are treated to the new stage show "A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas!," "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade," "Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" fireworks spectacular, plus special shows featuring Disney characters decked out in their holiday finest, carolers, festive tree lightings and more. And while forecasters predict the first snowfall of the season will swirl a winter-like effect down Main Street, U.S.A, guests can take heart: there's hot cocoa and cookies to add a warm spirit, plus apple slices and apple juice. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dates are: Dec. 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18.
Epcot
Candlelight Processional - Held daily at World Showcase, America Gardens Theatre at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m., the Candlelight Processional is a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. Upcoming presenters are:
Dec. 2 John O'Hurley
Dec. 3 - 5 Steven Curtis Chapman
Dec. 6 - 8 Anika Noni Rose
Dec. 9 - 11 Andy Garcia
Dec. 12 - 13 To be announced
Dec. 14 - 17 Abigail Breslin
Dec. 18 - 20 Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 21 - 23 Brian Dennehy
Dec. 24 -26 Edward James Olmos
Dec. 27 - 30 Angela Bassett / Courtney B. Vance
Gospel Choir - Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season featuring D'Vine Voices will appear through Dec. 26 on the Fountain Stage at 1:15, 2:15, 3:15 and 4:15 p.m.
Holiday storytellers - International holiday traditions unfold throughout World Showcase Nov. 27-Dec. 30 when storytellers such as Pere Noel in France, La Befana in Italy and Santa Claus in The American Adventure share the traditions of the season and spread the message of goodwill. As a "nightcap" to each day, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" - a kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, fireworks and music - takes on a spirited holiday finale.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights - Bathed in bulbs of brilliance, the Streets of America glow with millions of dancing lights and animated displays through Jan. 4, 2010. Amid gently falling snow, guests will bask in the glow as twirling carousels, melodic angels, colorful wreaths, marching toy soldiers and Santa and his reindeer move to high-energy music and 3-D effects, creating a dazzling symphony for the senses.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade - This whimsical spectacle is a theatrical showcase of characters, floats and puppetry with a holiday world-beat twist. Guests can meet Disney characters decked out in their holiday best at Camp Minnie-Mickey, which also features live seasonal entertainment, holiday photo opportunities and decorative Christmas trees.
Outside the Orlando Theme Parks
Busch Gardens - Christmas on Ice at the Stanleyville Theater.
More Information
ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort - It's rooms full of hand carved Ice. Tag along on Santa's journey, beginning with an encounter with Old Man Winter, through an arctic forest, and into the middle of a Christmas Carnival, complete with a life-size carousel. Next, chill-seekers will explore Santa's ornament room, climb onto his oversized knee, and watch as he and reindeer take flight (yes, the ice slides are back) Then view the Nativity finale, hand carved from crystal clear ice.
Now Snowing in Celebration, Fla. - This "Snowing" event, offers an all new ice rink this year. Now Snowing is a month long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and nightly snowfall at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m.
Bok Tower Gardens Christmas at Pinewood - Designers will deck the halls of the 20-room, 1930s Pinewood Estate with elegant and elaborate decorations.
Holiday Lights Zipline Safari - Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida has announced their new Holiday Lights Zipline Safari that takes guests through the Forever Florida Wildlife Conservation Area fifty‐five feet off the ground amid dancing colorful lights and music.
Wild Wonderland at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo - Millions of twinkling lights and glimmering holiday displays light up the night. Meet Santa and his real reindeer. See a Frozen Forest with crystal animals, trees and dancing fountains set to the sounds of festive music. Hear the jingle bells ring on a special holiday horse-drawn carriage ride.
Silver Spring's Festival of Lights - More than a million twinkling lights and neon displays will be on display throughout the park from dusk until 8:30 p.m. Nightly activities will include Miss Molly's Storytelling (Except Dec. 24) in the Silver River Theater, local choirs on the weekends singing songs of the season, strolling carolers, the famous lighted boat parade, shopping in the Silver Springs specialty stores, and of course don't forget to visit with Santa Clause (through Dec. 24).
Holy Land Experience Festive musicals and engaging presentations unfold throughout the day and help tell the tender story of the birth of the Christ child. All new for 2009 "Eyewitness to His Glory" is the Christmas story as you've never seen it before. Other shows include Come To The Manger, The True Story of St. Nicholas, Ye Olde Christmas Carols and Glorious Impossible.
Light Up UCF - The area's biggest free holiday light show, free outdoor Holiday Film Festival and Orlando's largest outdoor skating rink. For 2009, Light Up UCF is offering all-new rides and attractions including Santa's Village, the Arctic Glide Ice Slide, Kris Kringle's Carousel and McDonald's Ferris Wheel.
Still haven't got tickets or your Vacation Package yet to your favorite Orlando Theme Park? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your favorite theme park tickets and Vacation Packages for your Christmas Vacation.
Posted on Wed, Nov 18, 2009 @ 07:19 AM
Win a Trip to Grand Opening of Harry Potter & The Wizarding World
The following article courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
The Universal Orlando Resort is running a contest in which you can win a trip to the grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.
The grand prize is a trip for four to Orlando to participate in the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter sometime in Spring 2010. The official rules state that the specific grand opening dates are not yet determined. Trip package includes roundtrip plane tickets, three nights at a Universal Partner Hotel, and four 2-park Unlimited tickets.
Beyond the grand opening trip, other Potter-related prizes include magic wands, video games, DVDs, and other collectibles.
To enter, visit www.theroadtohogwarts.com and follow the instructions to fill out the registration form. In addition to the basic entry, completing various activities, like watching video clips or downloading wallpaper, will earn you additional entries into the contest.
Each participant can earn up to twenty-three entries throughout the course of the contest. The sweepstakes ends on Dec. 18, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ET. with winners selected by the end of the year.
Remember, If you don't win, you can still be there for all the exciting action. Just check out all our Universal Studios Orlando Vacation Packages at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Harry Potter needs.
Posted on Wed, Oct 14, 2009 @ 08:16 AM
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Construction Update at Universal's Islands of Adventure, Video and Photos
The following article courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
It's time again for an update on the construction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure. There's a lot more to see since our last update as Hogwart's Castle is starting to really look like a castle. The new area of the park is set to open next spring.
Let's start with our first video update, then some photos for a more detailed look, then we'll end with a video from the land's designers walking us through the whole area.
This building, seen from the bridge from The Lost Continent to Jurassic Park, will be the Three Broomsticks restaurant. To the right is Zonko's joke shop, which will be on your left as you enter the Wizarding World.
The best view of the castle is as you're leaving Dueling Dragons. But this view will eventually be going away when they close the ride to start converting it to Dragon Challenge.
You can also see the queue area for the already closed Flying Unicorn ride from the Dueling Dragons queue. Flying Unicorn will become Flight of the Hippogriff.
So, there you have it...The latest update for Harry Potter and the Wizarding World at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure set to open next year....
Still haven't got tickets yet or a vacation package to Universal Studios? Then check out our web site for all your Universal Studios Orlando needs at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Tue, Sep 01, 2009 @ 08:43 AM
Many are saying that the Disney World purchase of Marvel is very Unfair
The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith is investigating whether the Board of Directors of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) breached its fiduciary duty to its shareholders in agreeing to sell the Company to The Walt Disney Company for $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares, which translates to approximately $50.00 per share.
The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith believes that the deal is suspicious because it appears from a review of the Company's financial statements that the inherent value of the Company's stock is greater than $50.00 per share and also because it appears that Marvel did not conduct a fair bidding process to ensure that the Company sold for the best price possible.
Posted on Wed, Aug 26, 2009 @ 06:22 AM
Universal Has Added it's Official Page to Facebook
Universal Orlando has just launched an official fan page on Facebook for their Halloween Horror Nights event. They've promised their Facebook fans frequent updates and exclusive details about this year's event, Halloween Horror Nights 19: Ripped From the Silver Screen. Fans will be able to participate in live Halloween Horror Nights Q&A sessions on the page with Universal Orlando's entertainment team throughout the event.
For the first session, fan questions posted between 3 and 3:30 p.m. this Thursday, Aug. 27 will be answered by Michael Roddy, manager of show development for Universal Orlando Entertainment. (You can see the teaser video Roddy recorded for us below.) Fans are encouraged to leave their questions on the Halloween Horror Nights Facebook page during that time for Roddy to answer.
To become a fan of Halloween Horror Nights on Facebook, visit facebook.com/halloweenhorrornightsorlando
Still haven't got tickets yet or your Vacation Package to Universal Studios Orlando to visit Halloween Horror Nights? Then check out our website for all your Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights needs at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
*The following article is courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine*
Posted on Fri, Aug 21, 2009 @ 04:39 PM
Watch The Wolfman Trailer from Universal Pictures
Below is the new trailer for Universal Studios "The Wolfman" which is due in theaters Feb.2010....
Also, as you know or may not know, The Wolfman is also going to be part of this years main theme at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights which starts in Sept only at Universal Orlando..
Each year Universal Studios has used a different theme and has had much success with each passing year, and this year, with the theme being straight from the movies, The Wolfman along with Chucky from "Childs Play" and Jigsaw from "Saw" Halloween Horror Nights is sure to be the best one yet..
So watch the trailer, enjoy and hope to see you at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights 2009.
Posted on Sat, Aug 15, 2009 @ 11:35 AM
Universal Studios Testing Rip Ride Rockit with Real People
The following article is courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
The new Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal Studios in Orlando may finally be opening soon after a long delay. The ride was open for all Universal employees to ride last night. And if all went well with that test, it may have a soft opening for park guests as soon as 2 p.m. today.
Orlando Attractions Magazine reader Mickey who works at the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Studios City Walk and was able to ride it twice last night. Here's his report:
I pulled in to the Ikea parking lot at about 6:15 p.m. to buy some furnishing for my new place. Before I turned off my car, I received a text message from my sister, who works at Blue Man Group, that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit would be opened until 9:30 p.m. for Universal Orlando team members. At that time, I promptly headed towards Universal Orlando without a moment to lose.
They didn't let us enter using the normal queue entrance. They made all team members go through the backlot/soundstage area. The locker rentals were free for a three and a half hour window. They were strictly enforcing "NO LOOSE ARTICLES" on the ride. They even wanted me to put my ball cap in the locker!
I rode the first time by myself and waited about 25 minutes. While waiting, they show you videos on how to pick your music once you've finally boarded the vehicle. They also go through all the categories and show you some clips from the featured songs. There are a ton of fans and water misters in the staging area, and even though I was waiting in the evening time, it was "cooler" in the line.
I picked Sabotage by the Beastie Boys as my first song, and it really worked well with the ride. It was tall, it was fast and it wasn't too loud. Dare I say it ... I may like it more than the Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster!
There are kiosks at the ride exit where you can look up your own picture and video. The on-ride video wasn't functioning for the preview unfortunately. Also, several potential riders were turned away because the ride vehicles couldn't accommodate them. Hopefully Universal puts a sample car at the front of the attraction to avoid people waiting the entire line to get to the front and be turned away. Also, if you are too tall, you won't be able to ride! Lots of restrictions, but after riding it, I can see why. It is very intense, and I cant wait to ride it again and again!
Mikey was also Twittering (@justmikeyhrc) about his experience and described the ride as "More thrilling than Manta, but a different experience. Definitely more intense than Revenge of the Mummy."
Still haven't got tickets yet to visit Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida? Then check out our website for all your Universal Studios Vacation Packages at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com