Posted on Thu, Apr 01, 2010 @ 06:57 AM
What to expect in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando
One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort - is set for a public grand opening on June 18.
Universal Orlando Resort also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience.
And as they live their adventure, guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects - and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter's world.
The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts Castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.
The Adventure
Imagine...
- Meeting Harry, Ron and Hermione as if they were in person
- Soaring over Hogwarts castle with Harry
- Being swept into a Quidditch match
- Feeling the chilling effect of a Dementor
- Exploring your favorite places inside Hogwarts castle
- Living adventures you've only been able to imagine - until now.
The Story
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws you into the excitement and chaos of Harry's life. As you venture through Hogwarts Castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
"Guests will experience firsthand a completely new adventure featuring the iconic characters, amazing creatures and recognizable locations they've only read in the books or seen in the films," said Thierry Coup, creative director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The Location
The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience starts as soon as you walk through the gates of Hogwarts. Within the towering Hogwarts Castle, you explore a truly magical place. You journey through iconic locations taken from the films and take in the extraordinary detail of each scene. They include:
- Dumbledore's office: Here, you meet the Headmaster as he welcomes you to Hogwarts
- Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom: Where you first meet Harry, Ron and Hermione
- Gryffindor common room: You meet three additional characters who prepare you for your journey
- Room of Requirement: Here, with hundreds of floating candles above, you take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey
- Other locations: In addition, guests will pass through the Dungeon passageway and hallways of Hogwarts where they will have the chance to see hundreds of wizard portraits from the films, including several magical talking portraits created exclusively for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including the four founders of Hogwarts. Guests will even get a glimpse of the Sorting Hat.
The Innovation
This is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It's a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking - specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.
"We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. "What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience."
The attraction's newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. This fusion of robotic technology and filmed scenes has never been achieved until now. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series-and the future of theme park entertainment.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Quick Facts
- Storyline: As you venture through Hogwarts, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice you travel by Floo powder, and begin your adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
- First-ever combination of advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking
- Award-winning composer John Williams oversaw the creation of the attraction's score
- The queue includes the following Harry Potter book and film elements: Headmaster Dumbledore's office, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Gryffindor common room, Room of Requirement, and the greenhouse; talking portraits including the Fat Lady and the never-before-seen four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw; the Sorting Hat, the One-Eyed Witch statue and the Mirror of Erised
- Duration of ride: The full attraction experience, including the queue, takes about an hour
- Number of scenes in the attraction: 12
- Characters (featuring Harry Potter film talent): Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy
- You may also catch a glimpse of Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom
So, as you can see there is going to be alot to do and see when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens on June 18th....
If you haven't yet purchased your Universal Studios Tickets or your Universal Vacation Package yet, then check out our website at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com for all your Universal Orlando needs!
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 Thu, Dec 17, 2009 @ 08:55 AM
Disney World & Universal Orlando Vacations Package Promotions
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- Internet Wi-Fi Service (Fees Apply)
- Swimming Pools/Game Rooms/Gym
- Additional Nights for only $99 p/n
- Hotel Taxes & Fees are not Include
- 90/120 Minute Resort Preview Required
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$759 That's it! Not per person,
Not per night. Just $759 for the Package.
(Retail $1509/Savings $750)
Book your Orlando Vacation Package now to Disney World & Universal Studios before it's too late...Christmas time is here and the Orlando Resorts are selling out fast....So if you are planning a Disney World & Universal Vacation, then book now!
Posted on Wed, Dec 16, 2009 @ 06:25 AM
Universal Orlando Vacations Package Promotions
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Free Daily Continental Breakfast Internet Wi-Fi Service (Fees Apply) Swimming Pools/Game Rooms/Gym Additional Nights for only $69 p/n Hotel Taxes & Fees are not Included 90/120 Minute Resort Preview Required
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$229 That's it!
Not per person, Not per night. Just $229 for the Package
(Retail $563/Saving $334)
Book your Orlando Vacation Package now to Universal Studios before it's too late...Christmas time is here and the Orlando Resorts are selling out fast....So if you are planning a Universal Vacation, then book now!
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 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 14, 2009 @ 08:44 AM
The Miss America Girls Visiting Universal Studios Orlando
*Article, Photo & Video courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine*
Contestants for the Miss America 2010 pageant got together for the first time for a few hours yesterday (Aug. 12, 2009) at the Universal Orlando Resort, enjoying the many rides and attractions found within the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks.
The girls were met just outside the entrance to Universal Studios for a quick photo shoot before heading into the park. While large groups of park goers wearing the same color shirt is not unusual to see in around any of Orlando's many attractions, it was definitely a uniquely head-turning sight for many guests (and ourselves) to spot such a group comprised entirely of attractive young women.
Following the shoot, the girls walked through the Universal Studios streets with the group as they began their day of riding the movies. With the pageant world of big hair, sashes, and evening wear temporarily put aside, the girls were ready to take on the arguably equally bizarre worlds of Jaws and The Mummy - though they still had plenty of big smiles and friendly waves to offer.
Below is a six-minute video that Orlando Attractions Magazine shot as they tagged along for the first couple of hours of the girls' day at Universal Studios. (And guys: I'm willing to bet you'll enjoy this video too, even if you're not a Miss America fan.)
This was the first time this group of Miss America contestants had all spent time together and it seemed like they were getting along very well. They were excited to be in the theme park capital of the world and enjoying the all of the sights and sounds around them.
When we left them, they were on their way to Men in Black: Alien Attack, removing dangling hoop earrings and loose sunglasses after being warned that the ride tends to spin. It seemed like the day at Universal was going to be filled with nothing but fun and friendship - but I imagine all that will change when January 2010 rolls around and it’s time for the girls to put their pageant faces on in their quests for the title of Miss America.
Still haven't got tickets yet to see Universal Studios Orlando? Check out our website for all your Universal Studios needs including Universal Studios Vacation Packages at www.orlandodiscountticketsusa.com