Posted on Thu, Mar 25, 2010 @ 03:49 PM
After an anxious wait
Universal Studios finally announced today that the grand opening date of
Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will be June 18th, 2010.
It's been a long journey to create one of the most anticipated attractions of a theme park in decades, the mega-project with a cost of approximately $ 200 million will be ready to welcome thousands of Harry Potter fans this summer, for now on the construction is in full swing, everything must be ready for the soft opening scheduled for May 28
According to the press release
Universal's Islands of Adventure created some new technology for
The Forbidden Journey Ride. The ride itself will consist of “live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking,
Universal Orlando officials would not be more specific about that effect, the new filming process or the robotic ride technology, They refer to the seats as an "enchanted bench," although two test seats with over-shoulder harnesses are in position outside the castle.the attraction will start with meeting
Harry, Ron, and Hermione who convince riders to skip class and go on an adventure with them involving Floo powder travels,
dragon attacks,
Quidditch matches, and the
Whomping Willow.
The details of the ride remains secretive, even its duration, although Mark Woodbury President of Universal Creative expects the entire experience to take about an hour, from entering the winged-boar gates outside to exiting through the gift shop.
Everything seems it will be an unforgettable experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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, Oct 28, 2009 @ 06:31 AM
Open casting calls for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando
The following article courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine
If you're looking forward to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure theme park in 2010 and wish you could conjure up a way to be part of the magic, you will soon have your chance.
Thanks to a post on Orlando United, we've learned that Universal Orlando is holding open casting calls for atmosphere roles as part of the Wizarding World. They're looking for male and female actors who can speak with a British accent. More specifically, Universal is holding calls for male actors with strong improv and interaction skills who are able to portray an age range of mid-thiries to mid-forties. In addition, they're casting male and female actors who are youthful in appearance.
Casting is being held on Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. in the Universal Orlando Human Resources Lobby at 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819.
Full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions are available. All actors should prepare a one-minute monologue for audition and candidates must be available for callbacks on Monday, Nov. 16 and rehearsals beginning in January.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been announced to be opening in Spring 2010 so it's good news that Universal has finally begun its casting process.
Still haven't got tickets or your Universal Orlando Vacation Package yet? Then check out our website for all your Universal needs at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Thu, Oct 22, 2009 @ 07:03 AM
Can't wait for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Open? Visit Harry Potter Landmarks
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming to Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure next spring. But if you just can't wait that long to see a bit of the Wizarding World in person, travel Web sites Skyscanner & Orlando Attractions Magazine has released these top 12 real life locations for experiencing a bit of the Wizarding World.
1. Kings Cross Station (London, England, UK)
Wizarding World: The famed Platform 9 ¾ is where Harry and his wizarding pals hop aboard the steaming Hogwarts Express at the start of each term on their way to their magical school.
Muggle World: The actual platform used for filming was Platform 4 in London Kings Cross station, but Network Rail have erected a Platform 9 ¾ sign and a luggage trolley magically disappearing into the wall to honour the story, which has made Kings Cross station a must see for fans on the Potter circuit.
2. Goathland, North Yorkshire, (England, UK)
Wizarding World: Hogsmeade Station is the place where Harry and friends disembark the Hogwarts Express before making the onward journey to Hogwarts School.
Muggle World: Goathland station is a real station in North Yorkshire, England, that was used as the film set for Hogsmeade and Potter fans still flock to get their pictures taken at this now famous landmark. Unfortunately you won't see Hogwarts in the distance - it was created using special effects.
3. Alnwick Castle (England, UK)
Wizarding World: The grounds outside Hogwarts where Harry and his classmates have their first ever broomstick flying lesson.
Muggle World: The second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle, it was used in the filming of the exterior of Hogwarts for the flying lesson scene as well as when Harry crash lands the flying car. Several other locations were also used to film parts of Hogwarts including: Christ Church, Oxford, Durham Cathedral, Gloucester Cathedral and Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire.
4. London Zoo (England, UK)
Wizarding World: The place where Harry realizes he is a Parselmouth - i.e. fluent in snake speak - during "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone."
Muggle World: The reptile house in the London Zoo was used to film this slithery scene. Why not see if you can discuss the latest in reptilian fashion with a boa constrictor too?
5. Scotland (UK)
Wizarding World: Though never specifically mentioned in the books, JK Rowling has remarked in interviews that Scotland was the logical setting for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the place where the vast majority of Harry and company's adventures take place.
Muggle World: Scotland is well known for its castles, mansions and noble houses, all of which may have provided Rowling with inspiration for Hogwarts. Glen Nevis was used for some of the Quidditch scenes, and the West Highland Railway was used to film the journey of the Hogwarts Express which also takes in the incredible Glenfinnan Viaduct.
6. Bulgaria
Wizarding World: Bulgaria is home to Durmstrang Institute's wizarding student and international Quidditch champion, Viktor Krum.
Muggle World: Bulgaria's White Brotherhood - a group who believe in supernatural beings of great power, collect in the Seven Lakes region of the Rila Mountains to perform a spiritual dance every year. Here, over a thousand people dressed in white robes move slowly around in huge concentric circles. The spectacle is so impressive that Monty Python star and world traveler, Michael Palin, visited to area to film it for his BBC documentary series, New Europe.
7. Ireland
Wizarding World: The Emerald Isle is home to many magical creatures in the Potter Universe including Imps, (small mischievous creatures), Porlocks, (horse guardians from southern Ireland) and Kelpies (water demons). Ireland is also well known in the wizarding world for being the proud winners of the 1994 Quidditch World Cup.
Muggle World: Catch a hurling match, which is about as close as a Muggles can get to the sport of Quidditch. A hugely popular sport in Ireland, most towns have a hurling field and team.
8. Wales (UK)
Wizarding World: Home to the "Welsh Green" dragon, this species prefers to nest in high mountain regions. It mainly hunts sheep and small mammals but tends to avoid human contact.
Muggle World: Climb Wales' highest and most famous mountain, Snowdon. A typical climbing party takes around five to six hours to reach the summit and come down again, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you may just catch a glance of a Welsh Green. Pembrokeshire in Wales is also the film location for Shell Cottage, home of married couple Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour which will be featured in the "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows" film.
9. Norway
Wizarding World: Home to the native Norwegian Ridgeback dragon which inhabits the northern mountains, this beast has venomous fangs and feeds on large animals and sometimes aquatic mammals. Hagrid succeeds in hatching a Norwegian Ridgeback egg but eventually gives it to Charlie Weasley who takes the dragon to the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary.
Muggle World: Norway's mountains and fjords are a paradise for wildlife; we don't know about dragons, but trolls are a strong part of Norse mythology, said to be devious and fearsome creatures living underground in hills, caves or mountains.
10. Romania
Wizarding World: this eastern European country is home to the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary, a preservation area created for the protection and study of dragons. The largest dragon sanctuary in the Potter universe, it was the preferred supplier of dragons for the Triwizard Tournament.
Muggle World: Transylvania in Romania is well known for its spooky, reputedly haunted castles. Ever since Bram Stoker used it as the setting for his Dracula novel, the region has been shrouded in supernatural folklore and associated with vampires, who also form part of the wizarding world in the Potter series.
11. Wollongong (Australia)
Wizarding World: Home to the Woollongong Warriors, one of the strongest Quidditch teams in the Harry Potter Universe and dominators of the Australian Quidditch league, their rivalry with the Thundelarra Thunderers is legendary amongst the Australian magical community as documented in JK's book: Quidditch Through the Ages.
Muggle World: Woollongong is an obvious reference to very similar sounding Wollongong, a city in New South Wales, Australia, noted for its numerous surfing beaches, scenery and botanic gardens, so no doubt an ideal place for wizards to obtain essential ingredients for their potions.
12. Edinburgh (Scotland, UK)
No Harry Potter fan can omit Edinburgh as part of their tour. It was in this fine city (which is also home of Skyscanner) that JK Rowling completed the first book in her series - "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" - reputedly doing much of the writing in cafes around the city. To the dismay of Potter fans, one of her favourite spots, Nicolson's Café, has since turned into an all-you-can eat Chinese restaurant. However, another one of JK's haunts, The Elephant House still stands and a coffee with a bagel here is a must for any Potter Fan.
Other Venues in the Potter Universe
Numerous other buildings were used for film locations including Bodleian Library, Oxford (Hogwarts interiors), Australia House, The Strand London (Gringott's Bank), Martins Heron, Berkshire (Privet Drive) and Leadenhall Market, London (Diagon Alley).
Still haven't got tickets yet to visit Harry Potter and the Wizarding World or your Vacation Package for next year? Visit our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com to book your Universal Orlando Vacation Package.
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 @ 08:16 AM
Disney World Is Purchasing Marvel But What Does Universal Have to Say
*The Following Article Courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine*
The Walt Disney Company announced yesterday they're acquiring Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion in cash and stock. This means Disney will own rights to 5,000 Marvel characters such as Spider-Man, Hulk, Capt. America, The X-Men, Dr. Doom, Fantastic Four and more.
So what will this mean for the future of Universal Islands of Adventure and its Marvel Super Hero Island? This section of the park includes rides such as The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Dr. Doom's Fearfall, Storm Force Accelatron and The Incredible Hulk Coaster. In addition to the rides, there are many Marvel walk-around characters in the park.
Marvel shareholders will receive $30 per share in cash plus 0.745 Disney shares for every Marvel share they own. The boards of Disney and Marvel have both approved the transaction, but it requires an antitrust review and the approval of Marvel shareholders.
There's no word from Universal yet on the future of the land.
Update:
Disney's President Bob Iger appeared on CNBC earlier today and had this to say, "Marvel characters have already proven to be strong in terms of theme park attraction and we believe there are a lot of opportunities around the world, not in every one of our parks because there are some existing agreements that we obviously have to honor, but in a number of places for us to use the Marvel characters to basically help us grow our theme park business and better entertain people."
Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroder said Marvel characters will remain a staple at its parks. "Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Marvel characters are a beloved and important part of the Universal Orlando experience. They will remain so. Our guests are going to get to meet Spider-Man and all our other Marvel characters. We believe our agreement with Marvel stands and that the Disney/Marvel deal will have no impact on our guest experience."
The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Marvel has various deals with Universal Orlando. But the agreements governing The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride and The Incredible Hulk roller coaster, appear to be virtually perpetual deals. According to Universal's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Universal Orlando retains American rights east of the Mississippi River for as long as its attractions are in operation. Universal and Marvel also have various deals for everything from merchandise sales to the theming of many other portions of Islands of Adventure.
Still haven't got tickets yet to Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando, or your looking for an Orlando Vacation Package to either theme park? Then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Vacation Package needs.
Posted on Mon, Jul 27, 2009 @ 08:31 AM
Vote For Your Favorite Scene at Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios
After watching Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince movie this past week, many people are looking forward to the next installment in the Harry Potter universe: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
Here's what we know about the main attraction in the new land, which will open early in 2010: It will take place inside Hogwarts Castle. You will board after queueing through the Great Hall. The ride vehicles will be four-person seats on Kuka robot arms, mounted from an overhead track. And there will be about 10 scenes in the ride.
But what do you want those 10 scenes to be? Let's vote!
Several potential scenes from the first three Harry Potter books have been selected. They are all scenes from inside Hogwarts Castle and do not include the Great Hall or the entry, which will be part of the queue. Nor do they include the common rooms, well, 'cause you're not supposed to be in common rooms outside your house. ;-) And they do not include any scenes that take place outside the castle, since that's where the ride will be set.
Pick the one you most want to see, from these options, then discuss in the comments.
Posted on Thu, May 21, 2009 @ 09:22 AM
Harry Potter & the Wizarding World at Universal Studios
With Universal Studios getting ready to open up at Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2010....
Here are a few polls that we have found interesting:
1. Where are you most likely to get a beverage or snack at Hogsmead?
- The Hog's Head
- The Three Broomsticks
- The HoneyDukes
2. If you could order a drink at the Three Broomsticks, What would it be?
- Butter Beer
- Pumpkin Juice
3. Which is your favorite Broomstick?
- Firebolt
- Nimbus Two Thousand
- Nimbus Two Thousand and One
4. Which would be your favorite place to shop at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
- HoneyDukes
- Olivanders
- Zonko's Joke Shop
5. Which Dragon would you like to ride?
- The Chinese Fireball
- The Hungarian Horntail
6. Which type of Wand would you prefer to own?
- A personalized Olivander's wand that choose you
- A replica of a wand used by a hero
7. Which of these would scare you the most?
- The Whomping Willow
- The Hungarian Horntail
- A Dementor
- An Acromantuia
- A Basilik
Feel free to comment on any of the polls and let us know which is your favorite Harry Potter question.....
Haven't got tickets yet to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure? Check out our Orlando Vacation Packages for your next trip to Orlando...
Posted on Mon, May 11, 2009 @ 08:11 AM
Universal Studios Orlando Rides & Attractions
If you have ever been to Orlando, then I am sure that you have been to Universal Studios....It is made up of actually 3 sections: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure & Universal City Walk.
Both Universal & Islands of Adventure have very different rides, Universal having all the major movie rides, with Islands having all the major thrill rides..
Below is a little of just a couple rides and attractions at both Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure!!!!
Universal Studios:
Revenge of The Mummy:
An indoor Roller Coaster that will plunge you into total darkness as you face
fireballs, scarab beetles, and an army of warrior mummies. This is more than a
roller coaster, it is a psychological thrill ride. If you love roller coasters,
then you are in for a truly unique experience that you won't find anywhere else.
This thrill ride catapults guests at speeds up to 45 mph in virtual darkness,
Get ready to scream!
The Simpson's:
Hold on as you are rocketed along with the Simpson family on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. They’ll experience a side of Springfield previously unexplored as they enjoy the new ride’s interpretation of thrill rides, dark rides and “live” shows that make up a new fantasy amusement park dreamed up by the show’s cantankerous Krusty the Clown.
Men In Black Alien Attack:
An interactive ride based on the hit movie. As an agent trainee you start out with some basic training, but you will soon be sent on a chase through the streets of New York that will have you zapping aliens all around you. Each seat is equipped with a laser gun and gaming system that records each agent's score. The final outcome depends on your score. You'll want to check out this ride a few times, because Man in Black Alien Attack has multiple endings, it is never the same ride twice.
Jaws The Ride:
The Classic Movie is one of Universal Studios most dramatic water rides. Riding along in your boat you see a giant fin slice through the water, and suddenly you are face to face with a three ton shark. The 32 foot shark moves through the water at realistic speeds of 20-feet-per second. Try not to scream.
Islands of Adventure:
The Amazing Spiderman:
An eye-popping, pulse-pounding, first-of-its-kind 3-D simulation Ride. Your Spidey-Senses will tingle, as you swing high above the city streets. Be prepared to see, hear and feel the action. The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man is the first ever combination of moving, motion-based ride vehicles, 3-D film and live action, join Spider Man on his most amazing 3-D adventure ever.
The Hulk Coaster:
You'll be transformed by the slingshot Gamma Ray booster as you go from 0-to-40 miles-per-hour in two seconds and launch into the Incredible Hulk Coaster. You'll feel the power of the jade giant himself when you get blasted out with the full-throttle thrust of an F-16 fighter jet. It's just the blazing start of a thunderous roll through the air at speeds of up to 60 mph. You'll be flung up to 110 feet in the air and then go plummeting toward earth on drops as far down as 105 feet. You'll go weightless on a Zero-G roll, go below water and above buildings. And when it's all over, you'll know what it's like being green.
Dueling Dragons:
Out from the ruins of a once majestic castle comes the fury of the dark ages. And you have been chosen to vanquish the beasts. Mount one of two Dueling Dragons in the world's first inverted, dual-track, near-miss roller coaster air battle. You'll soar up to 125 feet in the air and travel at speeds of 55 miles-per-hour on one of two distinct, yet simultaneously running tracks that put you unbelievably close to collision. Take up the mighty quest and challenge your bravery on Dueling Dragons.
Rip Saw Falls:
There are dastardly deeds afloat and you're placed in the thick of it all. Snidely Whiplash, the villainous scoundrel, has made off with our fair damsel Nell Fenwick. Our hero, Dudley Do-Right, is on the chase. It's an outlandish adventure on the high frontier when you join your favorite Canadian Mountie on a flume ride that takes you 15 feet below the water in a madcapped melodrama of mayhem. You'll slide, sling and slosh through scene after scene of calamity as you smash, splash and blast your way through Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls.
So if you had to choose, what would be your favorite ride or attraction at Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure..
If you still haven't been to either one of these amazing Theme Parks and are coming to Orlando....Check out our Orlando Vacation Packages for all your Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure thrills...
Posted on Tue, Apr 21, 2009 @ 08:21 AM
Islands of Adventure Theme Park at Universal Studios Orlando
which is part of Universal Studios in Orlando Florida, consists of
five different themed lands. Here all your favorite children’s stories, legends,
myths, comic books, and cartoon heroes come to life in state-of-the-art rides
and attractions providing adventure-filled days for all ages. When you arrive at
the park, you are escorted to a main port of entry where guests depart to an
inland sea to visit the islands. Islands of Adventure opened in 1999 along with
CityWalk making Universal Studios Orlando the famous Universal Orlando
Resort.
Marvel Super Hero Island:
- The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - if you love roller coasters this will
be the ultimate coaster adventure for you.
- Dr. Dooms Fear Fall – here you
will be taking fear to new heights as Doctor Doom prepares to submit you to his
evil experiments via a device that will extract all fear from your body by
rocketing you 200 feet into the air and then sending you back down faster than
gravity itself.
- Storm Force Accelatron – get ready for a whirling and
spinning ride and watch a battle between the world’s super heroes against
villains in a battle of good and evil.
- The HulkCoaster - This is one mean green machine, prepare to be amazed at this very face and fun ride.
Attractions at Toon Lagoon Island:
- Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – watch as Popeye rescues Olive from
Bluto in this water ride and you can help too.
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – an action packed side-splitting flume
ride that will get you soaked when you plummet down Ripsaw Falls.
Attractions at Jurassic Park:
- Jurassic Park River Adventure – take a river raft ride and see dinosaurs in
their natural habitats. Watch out when they brake loose and your only escape is
an 85-foot plunge in total darkness.
- Pteranodon Flyers – here you can soar
through the air and view the Camp Jurassic play area. It is a great journey you
will never forget.
Attractions at The Lost Continent Island:
- Dueling Dragons – ride the Fire Dragon or Ice Dragon coasters and soar 125
feet in the air while they are dueling across the sky. You will experience a
heart pounding adventure as you explore ancient myths and legends.
- The Eight
Voyage of Sindbad – this is a stunt show in an open air amphitheater of heroic
proportions.
- Poseidon’s Fury – tour the remains of the ancient temple of
Poseidon in this explosive under sea adventure and find yourself trapped beneath
the sea as huge fireballs, lasers and explosions erupt around you.
Attractions at Seuss Landing Island
- The Cat in the Hat – here you can ride the pages of famous children’s books
as Dr. Seuss’s whimsical children’s tales come to life.
- The High in the Sky
Seuss Trolley Train Ride – this ride will take you on a journey high above the
colorful rides and attractions below.
For young children:
Young children can have lots of fun at Islands of Adventure with
special attractions throughout the park. Some of the rides here include: If I
ran the Zoo, Caro-Seuss-el, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Camp
Jurassic, Jurassic Park Discovery Center, Me Ship, The Olive, and King’s Row and
Comic Strip Lane.
All these children’s attractions are sure to make your family
vacation to Orlando Florida an unforgettable one.
Make sure to check out all our Orlando Vacation Packages to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure!!!!