Wordless Wednesday: February 11, 2015
Wordless Wednesday – Laissez les bons temps rouler
Category: Universal Orlando Resort
A Celebration of Harry Potter Begins Tomorrow At Universal Orlando
The Second Annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Begins tomorrow at Universal Orlando Resort
Beginning tomorrow, fans from around the world will come together to celebrate Harry Potter’s adventures at the second annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter.”
Hosted by Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros., this three-day event will allow fans to enjoy incredible experiences from Q&A sessions with some of their favorite Harry Potter film talent to exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and more.
A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort will include unforgettable experiences, such as:
· Q&A sessions with film talent and other special guests, including Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Michael Gambon (AlbusDumbledore), James Phelps (Fred Weasley), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)
· A special opening event on Friday evening starring the Harry Potter film talent, MinaLima, and award-winning artist KazuKibuishi and more.
· A live duelling demonstration and wand combat masterclass hosted by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, featuring the world’s only Wand Combat choreographer, Paul Harris
· A live demonstration with award-winning illustrator Kazu Kibuishi, who will be drawing some of the Harry Potter characters on stage in this interactive panel hosted by Scholastic.
· A look behind the scenes of the graphic props of the Harry Potter films with graphic designers, MinaLima
· A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo with unique and interactive exhibits from Warner Bros., Pottermore, Scholastic, MinaLima, Harry Potter: The Exhibition and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, including the opportunity to try on the Sorting Hat
· Special kids’ discussions and interactive experiences such as an exciting duelling demonstration and wand combat masterclasswith Paul Harris, an interactive ‘Dance Like a Beauxbatons and Battle Like a Durmstrang’ experience, as well as Harry Potter film trivia
· Park guests can enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and TheWizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida plus the iconic Hogwarts Express that transports guests between the two lands if they have a park-to-park ticket
· And more!
Access to select events within “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included in regular admission to Universal Studios. Admission to panel events will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information about the event and tickets, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Celebration. To join the conversation, use #HPCelebration.
Follow us for more updates: Wordless Wednesday: The Tale Of The Three Brothers
Wordless Wednesday: January 28, 2014
Wordless Wednesday: The Vault Where It All Started
Wordless Wednesday – January 14, 2015
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Pick Six: Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Concert Planning
It is almost my most favorite time of the year at the Universal Orlando Resort…Mardi Gras!
Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando takes place on select nights February 7 to April 18, and is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida.
Mardi Gras features a kicking parade and event food that is beyond delicious, but the 16 concerts taking place at the Universal Music Plaza Stage, located between Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Twister…Ride It Out, in Universal Studios Florida are always the shining star for me and how I plan what nights I am going to be partaking in the festivities.
With the 2015 Mardi Gras Concert schedule out, it is time to get planning!
Pick Six: Universal Studios Mardi Gras Concert Planning
1. The Schedule
The 2015 Mardi Gras concert schedule is AWESOME!!!
This year’s exhilarating concert lineup features an array of talent with something for everyone to enjoy. Headliners include English pop sensationJessie J, who’s known for her hits “Price Tag” and “Bang Bang,” “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, who has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, and reggaeton superstar Yandel, who has had three songs reach the Top 10 Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart and a No. 1 album on the Top Latin Albums chart. Also performing is R&B artist Trey Songz, award-winning American country group The Band Perry, and the rock group American Authors, whose single “Best Day of My Life” was named the No.1 most played song in 2014 on Adult Pop Radio.
I can’t decide who I am the most excited to see!!!
It’s important to remember that these concerts happen rain or shine and are subject to change.
Each event night you can also enjoy authentic Zydeco bands direct from Louisiana to amp up the Mardi Gras experience.
2. Florida Resident Annual Pass Deal
Florida Residents have the opportunity to earn up to 3 months free on any annual pass when you enter the UPC Code from specially marked 20 and 24 packages of Coca-Cola.
If enter the UPC Code to purchase a ‘Power Pass’ (with blackout dates and admission to Mardi Gras after 5:00 pm), you will receive 1 month free.
If you enter the UPC Code to purchase a ‘Premium Pass’ or a ‘Premier Pass’, you will receive 3 months free.
You can find out more about this and other Hot Deals to the Universal Orlando Resort here.
3. The best kept secret for Universal Orlando Resort Premier Pass Holders
Universal Orlando Premier Pass Holders receive complimentary Valet parking as part of their pass benefits, however on Mardi Gras nights you will not be able to use this benefit.
Hope is not all lost though, because you are able to use the Red Carpet Valet Parking at a reduced cost, last year it was $15. The main perk of using the Red Carpet Valet Parking is that you receive your car quickly.
This investment was well worth it, because the Valet lines can get incredibly long on Special Event nights!
4. When to arrive
The decision of how early to arrive to Universal Orlando Mardi Gras on concert night largely depends on how close you would like to be to the stage and how long you are willing to stand in the Universal Music Stage Plaza.
While there are benefits to being close to the bands, there are also large screens that will be broadcasting the concert on either side of the stage so everyone is able to see.
Another thing to keep in mind when planning your arrival is the Spring Break Schedule, because that will also have an affect on how many people will be attending Mardi Gras.
Chairs/Seats are not allowed at the Music Plaza Stage, so while earlier in your wait you may be able to sit on the “grass” as the concert draws closer you will be asked to stand.
Also if it is necessary for you or someone in your party, there is an ADA viewing area is located at the far right side of the stage, near the restrooms adjacent to Twister…Ride It Out.
5. Eating & Drinking
Universal Studios Florida is full of great options for catching a bite to eat or a drink, but on Mardi Gras nights you have to visit the French Quarter for Cajun and Creole foods that are only available during this special event.
Also, the French Quarter is located directly across from the Universal Music Plaza Stage so it is very convenient if watching the concert is your priority for the night.
6. Parade Viewing
If being close to the stage is your focus, catching the Mardi Gras parade will be a challenge on most nights.
However if you are interested in catching the parade and seeing the concert, there parade route goes by the Universal Music Plaza Stage so you will be able to catch both in one night.
So those are the six things that I keep in mind when I am planning a trip to the Universal Orlando Resort to see a concert during Mardi Gras.
What is your best tip for visiting Universal Orlando during Mardi Gras?
Follow us for more updates: Wordless Wednesday: Hidden Entrance
Wordless Wednesday – December 31, 2015
Last Call For CityWalk New Year’s Eve Celebration Tickets
TICKETS FOR UNIVERSAL CITYWALK’S UNPARALLELED NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION ON-SALE NOW
Celebration features access to six Universal CityWalk venues, unlimited gourmet cuisine,
six unique party zones and Orlando’s biggest outdoor dance floor
On Dec. 31, 2014, guests can experience non-stop entertainment at EVE, Universal CityWalk’s unparalleled New Year’s celebration. With unique party zones – each featuring their own entertainment and signature drinks, access to six different clubs with live music and unlimited gourmet cuisine, EVE will be the place to ring in the New Year.
Partygoers can celebrate all night on Orlando’s biggest outdoor dance floor, built just for this event. When midnight strikes, guests will kiss 2014 goodbye in style with a champagne toast, and enjoy a pyrotechnics display with incredible special effects.
Tickets for CityWalk New Year’s Eve Celebration are on-sale now for $129.99 plus tax.
Admission includes access to:
- Unlimited gourmet cuisine, including jumbo shrimp, roast sirloin, custom desserts and more
- Six unique outdoor party zones with entertainment and signature drinks
- Orlando’s largest outdoor dance floor, featuring live music from DJ M-Squared on a 360˚ DJ platform
- Six Universal CityWalk venues, including: Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Pat O’Brien’s, the groove, Rising Star and Red Coconut Club
- Midnight champagne toast and pyrotechnics display
httpv://youtu.be/cYVh0ZKrn6M
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.citywalk.com/EVE.
Follow us for more updates: Nickelodeon Every Witch Way Weekend At Universal Orlando
A MAGICAL WEEKEND AWAITS:
Universal Orlando Resort to host Nickelodeon’s Every Witch Way Weekend December 12-13, 2014, Featuring Series Cast Members
Fans of Nickelodeon’s Hit TV Show Can Enjoy Q&A and Autograph Sessions with the Cast, An Exclusive Advanced Screening of the First Two Episodes of Season 3 and More
Universal Orlando Resort will host a fun filled weekend featuring the Nickelodeon hit live action series Every Witch Way on December 12 and 13.
Fans of the hit series will be able to enjoy two days of spellbinding activities featuring some of their favorite cast members, including Paola Andino (Emma Alonso), Nick Merico (Daniel Miller), Paris Smith (Maddie Van Pelt) and Rahart Adams (Jax Novoa).
Nickelodeon’s Every Witch Way Weekend will also give guests the opportunity to:
- Enjoy an exciting celebration to kick off the weekend, featuring DJ Boogie and the cast of “Every Witch Way”
- Participate in Q&A and autograph sessions with the cast
- Access a special viewing party featuring an advance screening of the first two episodes of season 3 of “Every Witch Way”
- And more!
Every Witch Way is a spell-binding tale that follows teenager Emma Alfonso (Paola Andino) as she moves to Miami and discovers that she isn’t so ordinary—she’s a witch. The series, which recently concluded its second season, is a bona fide hit consistently winning its time period (Mon-Fri, 7:30-8 p.m. ET/PT) with kids 2-11. Season 3 of “Every Witch Way” will premiere in 2015, sparking mystery and adventure with a daily dose of magic that will keep viewers captivated and enchanted.
During the event, guests can also experience one-of-a-kind traditions that the entire family will enjoy at Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration. Running daily fromDec. 6 to Jan. 3, guests will come face-to-face with The Grinch at Grinchmas, watch majestic Macy’s balloons wind through the streets and hear Christmas music sensation – Mannheim Steamroller – perform beloved holiday classics.
It’s a weekend of bewitching and holiday fun at Universal Orlando Resort—all included with admission to Universal Orlando theme parks. For more information, visit http://www.UniversalOrlando.com/events/everywitchway.aspx.
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Universal Orlando Resort To Celebrate Veterans Day
Universal Orlando Resort to Celebrate Veterans Day with Eighth Annual In-Park Parade, Flag Raising Ceremony, and more!
In honor of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Universal Orlando Resort’s Veterans Network – comprised of more than 400 team members – will march in a special parade at Universal Studios Florida on Monday, November 10. UOR will also commemorate Veterans Day with a flag-raising ceremony and a private lunch for Veterans and their families.
Members of several local organizations will join Universal Orlando’s veterans to mark the occasion, including representation from all branches of the military, the American Legion, Orlando Police Department, area high schools’ JROTC Multi-Branch Color Guard and the UCF Color Guard. Several of Universal Orlando’s performers will also process through Universal Studios during the parade.
The parade will take place inside of Universal Studios Florida and begin at 11 am in front of Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue. The parade will travel throughout the park.
There will also be a Flag-raising ceremony will take place in NY area (Gramercy Park)
Follow us for more updates: Universal Orlando Resort Third Day Free Offer Returns
Universal Orlando Resort announces the return of the popular 3rd day free offer
for U.S. and Canada residents
Universal Orlando Resort announced the return of the resort’s popular 3rd Day Free Offer for U.S. and Canada residents – giving them a third day FREE with the purchase of a 2-day park ticket. This offer gives visitors even more time to enjoy the trip of a lifetime to Universal Orlando’s two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure and enjoy all-new experiences, including the awe-inspiring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, the incredible journey between London and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express, the blockbuster attraction TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D and Springfield, home of America’s favorite animated family “The Simpsons.”
Exclusive U.S. and Canada Resident Offer for Universal Orlando Resort |
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| Offer Details | |
| Buy a 2-Day Ticket and Get the 3rd Day Free | Includes the following benefits:
Offer valid for purchase through June 7, 2015 and is valid for 14 days from the first use – must be used in full by June 20, 2015. Current price of a 2-day, park-to-park ticket is $175.99 per adult, plus tax. Blockout dates apply Dec. 26, 2014 – Jan. 3, 2015. |
| Make It a
Vacation Package |
OR MAKE IT A VACATION PACKAGE:
– 2-Day, Park-to-Park with 3rd Day Free ticket offer – 3-nights stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens
|
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Universal Orlando Resort Announces Special Offer For Members of the Military
Universal Orlando Resort Announces New Theme Park Ticket Offer For Active And Retired Members Of The Military
Active Duty and Retired Military Personnel Can Also Upgrade with a Stay at the All-New
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort with a Discounted Vacation Package
Universal Orlando Resort has revealed an all-new offer exclusively for active duty and retired members of the military. Military personnel can now purchase a one-day, park-to-park ticket and receive two complimentary days to experience the extraordinary thrills and heart-warming moments that can only be found at Universal Orlando Resort. Plus, they can also upgrade with a 3-nights stay at the brand-new Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort with a discounted vacation package.
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UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S ALL-NEW MILITARY OFFERS |
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| Buy a 1-Day, Park-to-Park
Ticket and Get 2 Days FREE
|
days FREE with the purchase of a 1-day, park-to-park ticket with valid military
by December 14, 2014 |
| Special Military Vacation
Packages at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort |
OR UPGRADE AND MAKE IT A VACATION PACKAGE:
stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort with a discounted vacation package starting at $269 per adult, tax inclusive with valid military identification.
– The 1-Day, Park-to-Park Ticket with 2 Days Free ticket offer – 3-nights stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens – Access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk
resort hotels Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and select Universal Partner Hotels |
These all-new military offers are available with valid identification on participating bases at ITT or Leisure Travel Service Offices. For additional details on these offers, see below or visitwww.universalorlando.com/military.
Members of the military and their families and friends will experience the trip of a lifetime at Universal Orlando’s two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. A world of excitement and adventure awaits with all-new experiences, including the awe-inspiring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, the blockbuster attraction TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D and Springfield, home of America’s favorite animated family “The Simpsons.”
At Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, guests will be transported back to a time of relaxation and endless family fun in this classic, retro-themed resort. Cabana Bay guests can experience incredible amenities throughout the hotel, including a 10-lane bowling alley, retro arcade,Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio, a zero-entry pool and Universal Orlando’s first-ever lazy river.
About Universal Orlando Resort
Vacation like you mean it at Universal Orlando Resort – where every heart pounding, jaw-dropping, goose-bumping second counts. It is the only place where you can turn spending time with your family into spending time as a family. Together, you can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, become a Minion in the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, and join Optimus Prime in the fight to save mankind on the new mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. And now, you can step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Universal Orlando Resort is home to two incredible theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure; four magnificently themed on-site hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the newest addition, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort; and Universal CityWalk – a unique dining and entertainment complex featuring one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops and nightclubs. And located just minutes from Universal Orlando Resort is Wet n’ Wild, Orlando’s premier waterpark.
Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company. Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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Annual Passholder Appreciation Month At Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando has kicked off Annual Passholder Appreciation Month, providing their passholders with a TON of special benefits during the month of September!
To celebrate Annual Passholder Appreciation Month, Universal Orlando annual passholders will enjoy additional benefits including:
- Early Park Admission to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, one hour before the theme park opens weekdays throughout September.
- Stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort starting at just $69 per night. These Passholder-only special rates offer savings of up to $85 per night.
- Enjoy Wet ‘n Wild on weekdays from Wednesday, September 3 through Friday, September 26 for just $19.99 per day.
- Experience the Blue Man Group for $49 for adults and $29 for children at 4:00 pm every Sunday in September.
- Halloween Horror Nights 24 Passholder Nights: September 19, 20, 26 & 27 from 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm. Enjoy early access to Halloween Horror Nights plus exclusive access to three designated haunted houses as well as the first showing of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure.
- Save $6 on a refillable Souvenir Cup. Just ask for the Passholder special at Louie’s Italian Restaurant, Monsters Cafe, Mel’s Drive-in or Richter’s Burger Company.
The Annual Passholder Appreciation Month benefits even extend to Universal CityWalk:
- Get a FREE CityWalk PartyPass for one Passholder and a guest throughout September.
- AMC Universal Cineplex 20 with IMAX: Save $1.75 each on up to 5 matinee movie tickets.
- Bob Marley–A Tribute to Freedom: Buy one adult entrée and get 50% off a second.
- Pat O’Brien’s: Buy one adult entrée and get 50% off a second.
- Red Coconut Club: Buy one, get one free martinis.
- Dippin Dots carts: Receive 25% off at CityWalk locations.
To find out more information about becoming an Annual Passholder at Universal Orlando, you check out all the pass options available here.
Already an Annual Passhoder? You can log in here to enjoy all your benefits!
Follow us for more updates: Wordless Wednesday – Celestina Takes The Stage
Wordless Wednesday – September 17, 2014
One Direction Coming to Universal Orlando
One Direction Day at the Universal Orlando Resort November 17, 2014
One Direction is coming to, and really taking over, the Universal Orlando Resort on Monday, November 17, 2014!
This is not a drill!!! If you have a One Direction fan in your family, you are going to want to make your plans now to be there!
The big event is to celebrate the release of their Album Four! One Direction will be giving a special performance at Universal’s City Walk that is open to the public without any admission required that will be broadcasted on NBC’s TODAY show. The concert will also be available throughout Universal’s CityWalk.
Universal Studios Florida will also be making a few changes to help celebrate One Direction visiting the Resort.
Riders on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will be able to choose One Direction songs to listen to as they ride.
That night, Universal Cinematic Spectacular, the nighttime show are Universal Studios Florida, will take on a One Direction theme.
If you want the ultimate One Direction at the Universal Orlando Resort experience, you will want to make reservations at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. For the day, there will be a One Direction theme and you can even receive a specially recorded wake-up call from the one of the band members. Who wouldn’t want a wake-up call from Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry, or Louis?
To book hotel and theme park admission tickets to Universal Orlando Resort, click here or call 800-575-1643.
Follow us for more updates: Loews Sapphire Falls Coming To The Universal Orlando Resort In 2016
Loews Sapphire Falls
Universal and Loews Hotels & Resorts Announce New Hotel For Universal Orlando Resort
Caribbean-themed Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Will Feature 1,000 Rooms and Suites –
Casual Feel Built Around a Lagoon and Towering Waterfall
When it opens in the summer of 2016, guests visiting the new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando will walk into a colorful Caribbean hideaway built around a lush, tropical lagoon and towering waterfall.
The new hotel, announced today by Universal Orlando Resort and Loews Hotels & Resorts, will be located across Adventure Way from the new Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It will become the destination’s fifth resort hotel and its 1,000 rooms, including 77 suites, will bring the number of on-site hotel rooms at Universal Orlando to 5,200.
Inspired by the picturesque rivers and waterfalls of the Caribbean, Loews Sapphire Falls will immerse guests in a highly themed resort environment using traditional island styling with modern touches. A resort-style pool with a water slide, children’s play area, sand beach and fire pit will help form a central courtyard and will be surrounded by the hotel’s guest rooms. There will be water taxi and shuttle access to all of the entertainment and dining options throughout Universal Orlando Resort.
“We are excited to continue our growth plans at Loews Hotels by building another hotel with our long-standing partners at Universal Orlando,” says Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts. “Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will be every bit as distinctive as the other four on-site hotels and will offer a new option to families looking for a truly special Orlando vacation.”
“Our guests repeatedly tell us that our Universal Orlando on-site hotels provide them a completely immersive vacation experience from the moment they enter our hotels and are transported to another place,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Universal Parks & Resorts. “We look forward to bringing them yet another incredibly themed experience with the opening of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.”
The new hotel will be full service. Amenities will include Early Park Admission to Universal’s theme parks, a full-service restaurant with scenic views and outdoor dining, a themed lobby lounge, poolside bar and grill, quick-service marketplace, valet service and a fitness center. Booking information and pricing will be announced at a later date.
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