A Sneek Peek at Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Another journey around the edge of Wizarding World of Harry Potter reveals a few new sights, a couple of re-revealed elements and a blockage at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure. (Disclaimer: No, we don’t have the exact opening date of Wizarding World. Think “spring.”)

The hanging Hogsmeade sign (”Please respect the spell limits”) is unveiled. Again. But look at the red patch beneath that — it’s a glimpse of Hogwarts Express. (Back to the sign for a second. I haven’t seen any Wizarding World merch yet, but I’d totally buy a t-shirt with that sign as an image.)

Here’s another angle of the Express, construction workers and more Hogsmeade signage. Yes, I stood on a planter wall for this, but just for a second. I really didn’t want the Enchanted Fountain yelling at me.

Scene from the temporary bridge. Significant scaffolding and some framework I’d not seen before.

There’s less wandering to do now that Dueling Dragons has been walled off. Will we ever be able to duel again or must we wait for Dragon Challenge in the new Wizarding World order? No official word yet from Universal, but an educated guess would be that DD as we know/knew it is gone.

The (temporary) juxtaposition of Hogwarts and Jurassic Park Popcorn still amuses me.

Meanwhile, through the palms, what has been non-descript part of Wizarding World is getting gussied up with decorative trim.

And more treatments … is that a pre-rusted look we’re applying? Only in Orlando, kids. Gotta love it.

If you are planning on visiting Universal Studios and need to purchase your discount Universal Studios tickets, then please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836.

CityWalk at Universal Studios Orlando is the hot spot for nightly entertainment, with restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs galore!  The Discount CityWalk Party Pass allows for guests 21 and up to receive FREE admission into all the clubs CityWalk has to offer.  FREE admission to the CityWalk clubs is included on multi-day Discount Universal Tickets.

**SPECIAL EVENTS**

Universal CityWalk Is The Official Mardi Gras After Party!

When the party ends at Universal Studios, the fun is just beginning at CityWalk! On Mardi Gars event nights, your Mardi Gras ticket gives you free admission to select CityWalk clubs.

Pat O’Brien’s VIP Upgrade: $20 per person

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Sunday, March 28

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is coming back to Unviersal Orlando on March 28th. Join the Riff Raff street party in CityWalk to see live musical performances and watch the shows on the Astrovision screen.

St. Patty’s with Attitude at Pat O’Brien’s

Wednesday, March 17 ~ 4pm – Close

- Traditional Irish food and drinks (separate purchase)

- $7.95 Hurricanes all night (glass not included)

- $2 Bud Drafts

- Live Rock Band, Stilt Walkers and Bead Girls!

General admission: $12 plus tax

- No cover until 7PM – 21 and up only after 6PM

Tickets are limited

Fat Tuesday – NEW

Located next to the groove

Cool off with your favorite frozen concoctions at a convenient walk-up counter. Enjoy premium frozen daiquiris and more!

**RESTAURANTS AND CLUBS**

Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom

Legendary Thursdays ~ 9pm – close

- 1/2 off select appetizers

- Heineken and Appleton drink specials

Entertainment

Mystik NRG ~ Monday – Friday

Chain Reaction ~ Saturday & Sunday

CityWalk’s Rising Star

Entertainment

Karaoke with Live Band & Backup Singers ~ Tuesday – Saturday

Karaoke with Backup Singers ~ Sunday & Monday

Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando

Happy Hour ~ Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays 5pm – 8pm

the groove

80s Night – Every Thursday from 9pm to close

- Free admission until 10pm

- $7 cover after 10pm; 21 and up for admission

- SWITCH live every 3rd Thursday

- Russian Standard & Pinnacle Vodka drink specials

- DJ Doc Wells spinning dance, new wave, hair bands and more

Teen Nights at the groove

Come listen to live DJs spin all of today’s hits, and experience state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video. Open to teens, ages 15-19 with proper student ID. Text TEEN NIGHTS to 64646 for on-going updates.

Friday, March 26 ~7pm – 11pm (Admission: $10)

Wednesday, March 31 ~ 8pm – 12am (Admission: $10)

Entertainment

DJs nightly

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Happy Hour at Lone Palm ~ Monday – Friday from 3pm to 5pm

Half-priced domestic drafts and house margaritas

Entertainment

Blue Stone Circle ~ Tuesday – Saturday

Hypersona ~ Sunday & Monday

Guitar Hero at Lone Palm ~ Daily

Live Guitar Soloist on Porch of Indecision ~ Daily

Interactive DJ on the Porch of Indecision ~ Friday & Saturday nights

Latin Quarter

Entertainment

Alejandro Kartal ~ Nightly on the patio

DJ Leony ~ Thursday – Saturday

NASCAR Sports Grille

Happy Hour ~ All Day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Thursday Madness ~ 7pm to close

- Food and drink specials

- Free video games in the Speed Zone Arcade

- NFL Football Games: Free bucket of beer with parking receipt

NBA City

All sports, all the time!

Happy Hour daily ~ 4pm – 7pm

Drink specials and special bar menu during all basketball and football games

Pat O’Brien’s Orlando

2 for Tuesdays ~ Every Tuesday, 4pm – 10pm

2 for 1 Hurricanes; 2 for 1 domestic drafts and drink specials

Half-price select appetizers

Entertainment

World Famous Dueling Piano Players ~ Nightly

Red Coconut Club

Nightly Happy Hour

Sunday – Thursday: 8pm – 10pm; Friday and Saturday: 6pm – 9pm

$5 Martinis and complimentary valet parking

Ladies Night every Thursday ~ 8pm – close

Ladies receive complimentary admission and drink specials all evening

In Crowd Hospitality Sundays ~ Sundays at 10pm

Free admission for members of the hospitality industry all evening

Russian Standard Vodka drink specials starting at $3 with your ID or hospitality pay stub

Entertainment

Herb Williams Band ~ Thursday – Saturday

DJs ~ Nightly

Universal Cineplex 20, an AMC Theatre

Green Zone – March 12, 2010

**Dates and times subject to change

Universal Studios Orlando, Florida welcomes country music star Dierks Bentley at their annual Mardi Gras event this Saturday, February 27th.  The concert starts at 8:30 PM at the Music Plaza Stage following the Mardi Gras parade.  Mardi Gras is included with park admission and with the purchase of Discount Universal Studios Tickets.

Growing up in a nonmusical family in Phoenix, AZ, Dierks Bentley got his country music education on his own, listening to recordings. A love of the music inspired him to move to Nashville at the age of 19, but he quickly grew discouraged by the lack of public and professional interest coming his way. It all changed when he walked into the Station Inn, a bar where the bluegrass faithful hang out. An all-night jam session recharged his batteries and he restarted pursuing gigs. He landed a job at the TNN television network doing research on classic country music and by night he worked on his demos. Capitol Records heard the artist, signed him, and released his self-titled debut, Dierks Bentley, in 2003, which yielded the impossibly catchy single “What Was I Thinkin’”. Modern Day Drifter followed two years later and became a Top Ten hit. In 2006 he returned with Long Trip Alone, a more polished effort that was commercial but not crass.  A new album, Feel That Fire, was released in early 2009, with hits such as “Sideways” and “I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes.”

For more information, or to purchase Discount Universal Tickets, please visit our website or our Kissimmee location, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

I will personally have to say that the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios Orlando is fun for the whole family!  Not only do they have live concerts and parades, but Universal Studios, Orlando now has a  new party zone targeted at children.  The Kidzone Krewe Mardi Pardi features a new stage show starring beloved characters and opportunities for beads and face-painting.

The Mardi Pardi will include: 

• Mardi Gras style background music
• Static mini floats arranged in a horseshoe configuration, bracketing the stage
• Bourbon style gas lamps with colorful banners
• A new interactive Mardi Gras themed character show featuring Universal animated characters such as Woody Woodpecker and Scooby Doo.
• Costume pieces to overlay over current characters

Kidzone Krewe Mardi Pardi is said to happen everyday 2/6 – 4/17 at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:00 pm.  Facepainters will only be present on Mardi Gras event nights I am told. 

Universal’s Mardi Gras is included with park admission and with your purchase of Discount Universal Studios Tickets thru our company.  For more information, please visit our website or Kissimmee location, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

CITYWALK CALENDAR AND VENUE ENTERTAINMENT – FEBRUARY 2010

**SPECIAL EVENTS**

Universal CityWalk Is The Official Mardi Gras After Party!
When the party ends at Universal Studios, the fun is just beginning at CityWalk!  On Mardi Gars event nights, your Mardi Gras ticket gives you free admission to select CityWalk clubs.

Pat O’Brien’s VIP Upgrade:  $20 per person

**RESTAURANTS AND CLUBS**

Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
Legendary Thursdays ~ 8pm – close
1/2 price select appetizers and Red Stripe Beer specials

Entertainment
Mystik NRG ~ Monday – Friday
Chain Reaction ~ Saturday & Sunday

Karaoke at Rising Star

CityWalk’s Rising Star

Entertainment
Karaoke with Live Band & Backup Singers ~ Tuesday – Saturday
Karaoke with Backup Singers ~ Sunday & Monday

Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando
Happy Hour ~ Fridays 5pm – 8pm

the groove
80s Night – Every Thursday from 9pm to close
- Free admission until 10pm
- $7 cover after 10pm; 21 and up for admission
- SWITCH live every 3rd Thursday
- Russian Standard & Pinnacle Vodka drink specials
- DJ Doc Wells spinning dance, new wave, hair bands and more

Teen Nights at the groove
Come listen to live DJs spin all of today’s hits, and experience state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video.  Open to teens, ages 15-19 with proper student ID.  Text TEEN NIGHTS to 64646 for on-going updates.

Entertainment
DJs nightly

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Happy Hour at Lone Palm ~ Monday – Friday from 3pm to 5pm
Half-priced domestic drafts and house margaritas

Entertainment
Blue Stone Circle ~ Tuesday – Saturday
Hypersona ~ Sunday & Monday
Guitar Hero at Lone Palm ~ Daily
Live Guitar Soloist on Porch of Indecision ~ Daily
Interactive DJ on the Porch of Indecision ~ Friday & Saturday nights

Latin Quarter at City Walk

Latin Quarter
Entertainment
Alejandro Kartal ~ Nightly on the patio
DJ Leony ~ Thursday – Saturday

NASCAR Sports Grille
Happy Hour ~ All Day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Thursday Madness ~ 7pm to close
- Food and drink specials
- Free video games in the Speed Zone Arcade
- NFL Football Games:  Free bucket of beer with parking receipt

NBA City
All sports, all the time!
Happy Hour daily ~ 4pm – 7pm

Drink specials and special bar menu during all basketball and football games

Pat O’Brien’s Orlando
2 for Tuesdays ~ Every Tuesday, 4pm – 10pm
2 for 1 Hurricanes; 2 for 1 domestic drafts and drink specials
Half-price select appetizers

Entertainment
World Famous Dueling Piano Players ~ Nightly

Red Coconut Club
Nightly Happy Hour
Sunday – Thursday: 8pm – 10pm; Friday and Saturday: 6pm – 9pm
$5 Martinis and complimentary valet parking

Ladies Night every Thursday ~ 8pm – close
Ladies receive complimentary admission and drink specials all evening

In Crowd Hospitality Sundays ~ Sundays at 10pm
Free admission for members of the hospitality industry all evening
Russian Standard Vodka drink specials starting at $3 with your ID or hospitality pay stub

Entertainment
Herb Williams Band ~ Thursday – Saturday
DJs ~ Nightly

Universal Cineplex 20, an AMC Theatre
The Wolfman – February 10, 2010

**Dates and times subject to change

Education Program – “Exploring Our Connectedness”

Last Spring, Blue Man Group at Universal Studios Orlando Resort rolled out a brand new education program, called “Exploring Our Connectedness.”   After receiving extremely positive feedback from teachers and students, they have decided to bring it back this year!  The program will be offered on Thursday, April 22 and Thursday, May 6.

The program is targeted toward middle school and high school students, and begins at 10:30 AM, lasting about 2-hours.  According to the Blue Man Beat Newsletter, the goal of the program is “to have imagination and education merge in our theater to create an exciting and motivating atmosphere that will leave students inspired.”  The unforgettable stage experience combines theater, music, art, science, and technology, including a post-show interactive discussion with the emcee, Blue Man Band members, and the Blue Men themselves (without make-up).

Blue Man Group Joins Forces with UCF Marching Knights

On January 13th, Blue Man Group partnered with the University of Central Florida’s Jammin’ Knights to perform at a Men’s Basketball Game at the UCF Arena.  Blue Man and the Knights prepared for weeks to create one of the most powerful half-time shows ever for the sold-out game against Marshall. 

Christian Chenier, General Manager of Blue Man Group said, “Although Blue Man Group has entertained audiences all over the globe, this is the first time we’ve performed alongside the high energy of a marching ensemble.”

 Check out the half-time show:

For more information, or to purchase Discount Blue Man Group Tickets and make reservations, please visit our website or our Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center.  Feel free to call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Ollivander's Wand Shop at Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Visitors to the Ollivanders Wand Shop at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure will step into one of the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter series. With the assistance of a live actor, along with amazing special effects, guests of Ollivanders will get to experience the same type of magical moment Harry had in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” when a wand ”chooses them.”

Universal Orlando Resort has worked closely with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and the Warner Bros. Harry Potter brand team to make this moment as authentic, magical and immersive as possible for guests.

“When guests visit Ollivanders, they will instantly feel like they’re in the shop from the films. It’s an intimate, single-windowed building, with the same signs, colors and other details read about in the books and seen in the films,” said Alan Gilmore, art director of the Harry Potter films and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. “But more importantly, visitors to Ollivanders will experience for themselves the magical moment that forever changed Harry’s life.”

Inside Ollivanders, visitors will be surrounded by thousands of multi-colored dusty wand boxes stacked on shelves from floor to ceiling. They will be welcomed by an inquisitive Wandkeeper, who will guide them through an enchanting experience to find their very own wand. First the Wandkeeper will ask the guest a few special questions and then select the first wand for them to try. Just like Harry, the guest will be prompted by the Wandkeeper to give the wand a wave, and a series of magical mishaps will occur until the right fit is found.

Augmented Reality Map of Wizarding World of Harry Potter Featured in USA Today

On Thursday, January 28th, Universal Orlando Resort and USA TODAY partnered to provide the first-ever augmented reality map of the world’s most highly anticipated and magical theme park experience.   With just a computer, webcam and the newspaper, you can make this one-of-a-kind experience appear before your eyes.

Augmented Reality blends real-life environments with computer animation allowing you to explore things in a completely new way. For the first time, guests can explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in a unique way – before experiencing it first hand.

By rotating the map, you can take a closer look at this 20-acre magnificently themed environment from all sides and angles. Hogwarts castle will appear before your eyes. Hold the map closer to your webcam and explore Hogsmeade and see the Hogwarts Express. Blow on your computer’s microphone and the banners in the map will wave.  Bloody Brilliant!

Check out this video: 

Check out our Universal Weekly Scoop Blog for previous entries about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  For more information, or to purchase Discount Universal Tickets, please visit our website or our Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Super Bowl Ad Hints at Flying Broomsticks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Studios Orlando announced yesterday that they have bought ad time during the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 7th.  The ad will air during the first half of the game.  Although the ad is a general promotion for the Universal Studios Orlando Resort, Potterheads are going crazy over the screen grab they released, featuring children flying on broomsticks.

The ad will feature all new footage.  Apparently, the commercial will depict children being magically transported (Apparation?!)  to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located in the Islands of Adventure theme park.  The wee muggles will soar through Hogsmeade, dodge a dragon, and meet The Boy Who Lived at Hogwarts. 

The ad will also feature a new ad campaign for Universal as a whole: “Be Courageous.  Be Outrageous.  Be Extraordinary.”  The ad will show viewers that Universal Orlando Resort is the only theme park experience in the world where you can “soar above Hogwarts castle with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D.”

Hogwarts Castle, Home of the Forbidden Journey ride in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure

Now, for the speculations!  Will the flying broomsticks be featured in the new Forbidden Journey ride, as part of the Kuka arm technology?  That’s my personal guess!  Or, could the re-themed Dragon Challenge roller coaster include broomstick-themed ride vehicles?  We only have to wait a couple more months to find out for ourselves!

For more information or to purchase Discount Universal Tickets, please visit our website or our Kissimmee location, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios

Orlando Sentinel is reporting that testing is being done on the Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.  Tests are now being done on the new moving sidewalk feature, which is theoretically going to be facilitating faster loading times, and increasing the guest capacity per hour.  Check out this video:

In other news, Dwayne Bevil of the Sentinel had an interview with Universal Orlando’s senior vice president for entertainment, Jim Timon, where they discussed how the roller coaster will affect the concerts at the Music Plaza for Mardi Gras this year.  Given that the coaster runs right behind the stage, guests are wondering if it will be running during the musical performances that are scheduled to take place on Mardi Gras Nights.

Basically, Timon says it depends.  

“The operation of the roller coaster in some ways is always going to be a little bit discretionary because of the artist,” Timon says. It all depends on the tone and feel of the artist.  During Universal’s holiday concert series, Natalie Cole was one of the performers, and her style of music does not necessarily mesh very well with the high energy sounds and screams of a roller coaster.

“We’re never going to run the coaster during a Natalie Cole concert,” he says. “Now, Flo Rida is here? Sure. Can the roller coaster run during a Flo Rida concert or even during KC [and the Sunshine Band]? Sure. Frankly, the energy of the roller coaster running only adds to the concert experience because it’s big and flashy and exciting.”

Timon emphasizes that they will always defer to the artist and their wishes for how they want their show to go, but for most of the Mardi Gras artists, they don’t foresee an issue.  It’s probably pretty safe for guests to assume that the coaster will be running most Mardi Gras event nights. 

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios starts February 6th.  For more information, refer to our latest Mardi Gras Blog entry.  

For more information or to purchase Discount Universal Studios Tickets, please refer to our website, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Hogwarts Castle at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Orlando has released a new high-res image!   The magical transformation continues.  Although still very much a work in progress, the magnificence of Hogwarts castle is beginning to take shape above Hogsmeade as work continues on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Hogwarts will be the home of a thrilling, new, state-of-the-art attraction – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – that uses ground-breaking technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced. Set to open in Spring 2010 only at Universal Orlando Resort, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will feature multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant.

© 2010 Universal Orlando Resort.  All rights reserved.

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of
and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights ©
JKR.