Posted on Wed, May 05, 2010 @ 08:11 AM
Universal Studios Orlando Gives us a Clue as to Theme of Halloween Horror Nights 2010
Via: Behind the Thrills, in reference to Haunt Con
"A tree. That was the only clue to HHN 20 given. And it's a pretty big clue if we piece together what we already know for fact (not the stupid 10 house, T2 Bill and Ted, and wedding rumors). What we know is that we will be seeing almost every major icon, and several huge characters come back. What we know is that TJ Mannarino has said this will be a "scrapbook of years past". Though everyone is thinking of a wedding, I see more of a "family reunion". Yes, a family tree. And all of our favorite icons are related. It's one sick and twisted family, and perhaps we'll meet daddy...or mama. Maybe Jack is the proud papa? Doubtful, since Eddie is his brother."
Still haven't got tickets yet to visit Universal Studios Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights or how about the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on June 18th?...
Then check out our website to book your next Universal Studios Orlando Vacation Package at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Posted on Sun, Apr 18, 2010 @ 01:20 PM
Caladesi Island Clearwater, Florida.
When you think about Orlando Florida the first image come to your mind is Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld Parks , but definitely we have more than that, Natural Parks just minutes from the city, ecological reserves, natural springs and of course the best beaches in the country a few miles from Orlando. To name a few examples Caladesi Island located in the west coast just 1 hour and 45 minutes (91 miles) from Disney World Area were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. Besides this we have one of the most famous beach in the world Daytona Beach just one hour from Orlando theme parks.
Here is the list of the different beaches you can be found in the area:
1. Cocoa Beach: this five-acre beach has long been a favorite site to view space shuttle launches from nearby Cape Caneveral, most people care about when they go there is to have a great beach day, is a clean, safe environment and close to all kinds of stores,Restaurants and beach bums-related retail shops. Driving time: 1 hour (59 Miles)
2 Daytona Beach: remains one of the few Florida destinations where you can drive the minivan onto the sand, park it and unload for an easy family day in the sun and surf on lifeguard-patrolled beaches. Daytona Beach offer breathtaking beauty and water related fun! At low tide, the beach is up to 500 feet wide. It's easy to see why our beaches are considered among the best in the world. Driving time: 1 hour (57 miles )
3. New Smyrna Beach: Quiet New Smyrna Beach has 13 miles of white-sand beach. Its offshore rock ledges create excellent wave breaks -- which surfers love -- and lessen dangerous undertows. National surfing championships are held several times a year at Ponce Inlet, north of New Smyrna. Driving time: 1 hour, 8 minutes. (58 Miles)
4. Canaveral National Seashore: Pure Florida beach so unique, No cars on the beach, no places from which to rent rafts or buy sodas, no pier parties, no looming condos, no surf shops, no motels or lights. Driving time: 1 hour, 15 minutes. ( 74 Miles )
5. Melbourne Beach: This is a family beach, Melbourne, Florida is located on the beautiful beaches of Florida's Space Coast. the beach is clean and calm with stunning views of the Atlantic coastline.Driving time: 1 hour, 24 minutes. (78 Miles)
6. Clearwater Beach: is a barrier island off a peninsula, three miles of powdery white beach and abundant family attractions await in this reawakening old shore town. hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions, In Clearwater you can Ride on the largest speedboat on the East Coast of the USA, take a dolphin tour with a fantastic dolphin encounter or simply enjoy the white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico.(Near Tampa ) driving : 1 hour, 40 minutes (89 miles)
7. Caladesi Island State Park: America's Best Beach in 2008, Caladesi Island Beach, Florida, is located on Caladesi Island, off the West Coast of Florida. Caladesi State Park is one of the only places where you can still experience Florida’s pristine, untouched wildlife. Caladesi Beach’s unadulterated state is due to strict regulations that make Caladesi State Park accessible only by boat or ferry. (Near Tampa ) driving time: 1 hours, 45 minutes. (91 Miles)
8. Treause Island: Treasure Island, Florida is located on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast and is blessed with miles of gorgeous white sand beaches that boast that "Old Florida" feel yet Treasure Island is part of the Tampa Bay region, one of the nation's fastest growing metro areas. Treasure Island offers you and your family a quiet "laid back" atmosphere while being just a short drive from Orlando theme parks. (Near St. Petersburg) Driving : 1 hour 38 minutes. (93 Miles)
9. Fort de Soto Park: Fort De Soto Park was named America’s Top Beach for the second consecutive year by TripAdvisor. Citing a “spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm, clear water and a laid-back atmosphere. (Near St. Petersburg) driving: 1 hour, 49 minutes. (96 Miles)
10. Anna Maria Island: Anna Maria Island, has always been known for its sugar-white coastline, emerald Gulf waters and quaint business districts, Today, it is now known as a vacation favorite among local, national and international travelers. From honeymooners to Hollywood film crews, youngsters to the young-at-heart, people from around the world have discovered what’s awaiting you – Your Piece of Paradise, An Island In The Sun. (Near Bradenton) driving time: 2 hours, 9 minutes. (113 Miles )
Still haven't got tickets or a Vacation package to Disney World , Come and have the best vacations ever in The Happiest Place on Earth, Call Toll free 1-877 275 1278 and ask for Orlando vacations Packages with Florida Beach gateways, "The Perfect Vacations"
Orlando is always the best destination to celebrate with the family.
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 Fri, Feb 19, 2010 @ 06:31 PM
Book your Harry Potter Vac
ation Package now for Universal Studios Orlando
Harry Potter should be accepting guests to his new theme-park home by the end of May.
Universal Orlando has starting selling Vacation Packages for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios...The deals are good for travel beginning May 28.
But May 28 is not being considered the grand-opening date for the $200-million-plus expansion of the Islands of Adventure theme park, Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said.
"It's to help people plan their vacations," he said Thursday. "It's a
day in which we know we'll be able to deliver everything we're offering them as far as vacation packages."
The resort expects Wizarding World to be in operation before that, but is sticking with its "to be revealed in spring 2010″ mantra. There could be soft-opening dates or previews, as is common with many new attractions.
"Obviously it's our goal to open the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as soon as it's ready," Schroder said.
Until Thursday's announcement, Potter fans were forced to play a guessing game on booking reservations.
Rhonda Poelma's 11-year-old daughter Savanna, a Harry Potter fan, convinced her to take a leap of faith on Wizarding World. After talking with a Universal representative on the phone, the Denver mother of two made reservations for early June.
And she lucked out.
"I was just taking a stab in the dark. I went with late spring, post-Memorial Day weekend," Poelma said. "We really wanted to get it in this season while it was still new."
Poelma visited Orlando seven years ago and went to Walt Disney World. This will be her family's first time at Universal, which they will follow with a cruise to the Bahamas.
Setting an opening time frame is an important step, said Ray Braun, a senior vice president at Economics Practice at AECOM, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm that does economic research for the theme-park industry.
"You build your marketing campaign around your big new attractions every year, so you have to build your marketing campaign. It has to be on the front of your brochure, and you have to deliver on that," he said.
"In this case, this is so big, this is like opening a whole new park," Braun said. "This is going to have an inpact on all of Universal's neighbors as well, in terms of the parks. There's going to be an uplift, and I'm sure all of the other parks want to have some knowledge about when that uplift is going to hit too."
At local AAA offices, Wizarding World posters distributed by Universal have created buzz - and questions. Now there's at least a bit more information to go on.
"Once they see the poster, they get all excited and ask about when it is opening," said Vanessa Jones, AAA senior motor club manager of metro Orlando.
"It's people of all ages - old and young," she said. "We're expecting it to be a good attraction for Central Florida and, of course, for Universal."
Wizarding World, which will be included in regular admission to Islands of Adventure, will feature rides, eateries, stores, merchandise and atmosphere based on J.K. Rowling's books and movies about a boy wizard. Universal's version of Hogwarts Castle will house a dark ride, still wrapped in mystery, called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Hogsmeade Village will feature shops, including Ollivanders, where theme-park guests will be able to buy wands. Two current roller coasters at Islands will be rethemed to be Potteresque.
Universal's media release emphasizes that the "May 28 travel date was set to help consumers with vacation planning and does not represent the opening date for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal has announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in Spring 2010. Specific opening information will come as soon as it is available."
Still haven't booked your Harry Potter Vacation Package for Universal Studios yet?
Check out our website for all the latest deals on Universal Studios Vacation Packages at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com
Don't wait...they will go fast...
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 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 25, 2009 @ 07:47 AM
Orlando Christmas Holiday Vacations to Disney World, Universal Studios or SeaWorld Orlando
Well the time is here, Thanksgiving just a day a way, Black Friday just 2 Days away and everybody knows what that means. Christmas is just around the corner...
Are you left with what to do or where to go for the Christmas Holidays? Why not Orlando, Florida? Make it a Magical Christmas and visit Disney World, maybe Universal Studios or even SeaWorld Orlando....Below is a few of the current Orlando Vacation Packages that we at Orlando Discount Tickets USA have to offer for you and your family during the Christmas Season.....
Disney World:
Universal Studios:
SeaWorld Orlando:
This is just a few of the Orlando Vacation Packages that we have to offer for the Christmas Holiday Season here in Orlando...
So if you and your family are planning on visiting either Disney World, Universal Studios or SeaWorld Orlando and haven't got your Vacation Package yet. then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Orlando Vacation needs.....
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.