Universal Studios in Orlando has rolled out their new ticket-pricing this past Monday. It was created in an effort to take advantage of an expected increase in attendance this Spring, when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens its gates for the first time in 2010.

The changes included adding new three and four day [...]]]>

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios in Orlando has rolled out their new ticket-pricing this past Monday. It was created in an effort to take advantage of an expected increase in attendance this Spring, when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens its gates for the first time in 2010.

The changes included adding new three and four day tickets which were not available before. The price for two day tickets increased but the one day ticket did not have its price changed. The one day ticket currently sells for  $79. If you choose the three or four day ticket option, the per day park price drops significantly. With the three day ticket, your day at the park will cost you $42 and if you choose the four day ticket, each day at the park will cost you $34.

Visitors to Universal Studios Orlando will also have the option of going to all the parks on the same exact day. This upgrade is comparable to Walt Disney World’s Park Hopper option which allow park visitors to hop to all of the major Disney theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot Center) all in the same day. The main drawback with Park hopping at Disney World is that their theme parks all take to or 30 minutes to get to so hopping from park to park is quite a task. Those who choose to do so at Universal Studios will be able to visit the various Universal parks much more quickly.

When growing up as a child, I always looked forward to the holiday season, and what I enjoyed most, besides the presents, family and cookies, was watching all of the Christmas holiday shows during the cold Winter days. One of my all time favorites growing up was Dr. Seuss’s classic tale, [...]]]>

Christmas at Universal Studios

When growing up as a child, I always looked forward to the holiday season, and what I enjoyed most, besides the presents, family and cookies, was watching all of the Christmas holiday shows during the cold Winter days. One of my all time favorites growing up was Dr. Seuss’s classic tale, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Thinking back to it, I can see the Grinch forcing that poor little dog up the mountain in snow above Whooville with an over stuffed red Santa bag that Hercules could not even carry.  Fortunately for the dog, he made it to the top. This is certainly one of my favorite Christmas stories and apparently it is  a favorite of others too because Universal Studios in Orlando is now offering a slightly different version of the popular tale with their “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” musical. The musical is performed several times each day at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

In addition to this special presentation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, Universal Studios Orlando is also featuring the floats from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at the Universal Studios theme park which is right next to Islands of Adventure. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade concludes with a very special tree lighting presentation. In addition to all of this, Universal also is running concerts by special performers through their holiday events.

If you are looking for a little added holiday fun and memories this holiday season, then, be sure to bring the family to the Universal Studios Orlando holiday events.

Universal studios Orlando is gearing up for the much anticipated launch of Orlando’s newest theme park within a them park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The big launch is set for Spring of 2010. No official date has been provided yet.

The advertising and marketing departments are busier than ever at Universal Studios [...]]]>

Harry Potter

Universal studios Orlando is gearing up for the much anticipated launch of Orlando’s newest theme park within a them park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The big launch is set for Spring of 2010. No official date has been provided yet.

The advertising and marketing departments are busier than ever at Universal Studios as the first ads are beginning to run on NBC. NBC just happens to be the parent company of Universal Studios Orlando. In addition to the ads running on NBC, a partnership has been formed with one of the UK’s best known travel agencies.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is costing Universal over two hundred million dollars and the main marketing push is expected to start after the new year starts. The Orlando vacation market is very competitive. Vacationers have the choice of going to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot Center, Sea World and Busch Gardens as well as Universals’ theme parks. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the largest addition to a theme park since Disney launched the Animal Kingdom back in 1998.

Universal isn’t spilling any beans when it comes to their marketing approach so Disney will just have to wait and react, if at all, but with a slow economy, vacationers’ dollars are more precious than ever.

If you are looking for some holiday fun, then pack up the family and head out to one of the funnest theme parks in all of Orlando, Florida, Universal Studios Orlando. Universal Studios Orlando begins their holiday festivities on December 5th and they continue all the way through New Years day of 2010.

You [...]]]>

Santa Parade

If you are looking for some holiday fun, then pack up the family and head out to one of the funnest theme parks in all of Orlando, Florida, Universal Studios Orlando. Universal Studios Orlando begins their holiday festivities on December 5th and they continue all the way through New Years day of 2010.

You will not have to pay extra,, money beyond your initial theme park ticket price, in order to enjoy all the holiday entertainment. Concerts at the park are scheduled to start at 7:00 PM. These concerts are an added benefit to this years holiday celebration. Performers scheduled for this year are:

- Mannheim Steamroller is scheduled to perform on Dec. 5

- Chris Isaak is scheduled to perform on Dec. 12

- Catch Natalie Cole is scheduled to perform on Dec. 19

In addition to the concert performances, the world famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day floats will be at their holiday best as they appear at Universal Studios Orlando as well as at Islands of Adventure. Who would have ever though that floats could go on tour?

Specially priced holiday packages are available but tend to sell fast so you will want to be sure to book your as soon as possible because of the limited availability and high demand.

Anticipation is growing while the world awaits the first theme park devoted to Harry Potter. Spring 2010 sounds so near, but when you’re a fan, it feels like eternity. A friend of mine went to Universal Orlando last weekend and I asked her if you can see anything of the Wizarding [...]]]>

Harry Potter Theme Park

Anticipation is growing while the world awaits the first theme park devoted to Harry Potter. Spring 2010 sounds so near, but when you’re a fan, it feels like eternity. A friend of mine went to Universal Orlando last weekend and I asked her if you can see anything of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter yet. She said they have it all cordoned off. You can see where they’re working on it but they aren’t revealing much.

What we do know, is that when you walk into this section of Islands of Adventure, you will feel like you’re in a Harry Potter movie. What else would you expect from Universal? They are all about the movies. From what I’m hearing, this park will not disappoint. And sine J.K. Rowlings herself is collaborating on the project, you know it will be authentic and as realistic as possible.

Some of the details that you’re dying to know: in this new park you will see the famous Hogwarts castle, the boarding school where Harry learns his magic. You will also get to tour Ollivander’s wand shop, where the wands choose the wizards. Which wand will choose you? I know you can’t wait to ride a Hippogriff- a cross between a griffin and a mare. Well you will be able to do all these things and much more when the park opens its doors next Spring! If you can’t wait that long, Universal Orlando’s website has more information, including a video with the creators of the new land talking about what all is going on behind the scenes.

Am I the only one who thinks it is surprising that Universal Studios Orlando is opening an entire theme park centered around Harry Potter? I can certainly understand a ride or even maybe a section of a theme park, but a whole park for it? They’re calling it a theme park [...]]]>

Harry Potter Theme Park

Am I the only one who thinks it is surprising that Universal Studios Orlando is opening an entire theme park centered around Harry Potter? I can certainly understand a ride or even maybe a section of a theme park, but a whole park for it? They’re calling it a theme park within a theme park. I have to say I didn’t think it could draw that many people. First of all, you have a whole population of people who would not even consider going because of religious conflicts. I know plenty of families who would not allow their children to read the books or watch the movies.

Second, isn’t Harry Porter mainly for younger age children? Is a 9 to 16 year old target audience enough to support a whole park? Of course there are older kids, even adults who would be interested in going to a Harry Potter theme park (named “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”), but I am surprised that there is a large enough market for it. And I do believe Universal did their market research. I’m sure they don’t just act on projects of this magnitude without feeling fairly confident that they will not only be able to make money, but continue doing if for years and years to come. They wouldn’t put this many millions of dollars into this, only to tear it down and build something else in a few years. Apparently, they think Harry Potter will be hot for a very long time. Boy J.K. Rowling must be richer than rich.

Well, in any event, the park is scheduled to open next summer. It’s part of Islands of Adventure. Maybe I’m totally clueless as to the size of the Harry Potter fanbase. I mean, I know it’s large, but I must be really missing something for me to be so surprised at the whole idea.