Actor Brendan Fraser was one of 1 Million riders to experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

According to the Universal Orlando Resort Facebook page, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has reached 1 million riders in record time.  The newest attraction at Islands of Adventure’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter introduces new robotic arm technology and has guests flying with Harry through elaborate life-like scenes from the famous book series.

Check out this video released by Universal:

Popular blog site, Inside the Magic offers this insider look at Hogwarts Castle and the incredibly detailed queue line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included with general park admission to Islands of Adventure, and with your purchase of Discount Islands of Adventure Tickets.  For more information on Universal Orlando Resort or to purchase Discount Universal Tickets, please visit our website or Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center.  You may also call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Enjoying some Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice at WWoHP!

For months, Potterheads and theme park enthusiasts have been following the development of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter closely, as various construction photos and videos have been leaked and as rumors flew around like Golden Snitches.  Universal employees and hotel guests got early sneak peeks a few weeks ago, and for the past couple of weeks, guests lucky enough to be present at Islands of Adventure were able to experience the WWoHP during its soft opening.  I was one of those lucky guests!

My sister and I, with the Conductor of the Hogwarts Express!

As an Orlando resident and an avid Harry Potter fan who has been blogging about the WWoHP for months, I knew the soft openings were going on, I had a Universal Power Pass, and I knew that as of Friday, IoA was gonna be a mad house!  As such, my sister and I ventured to WWoHP this past Tuesday for one of the most magical and memorable days of my life!

When I was 13, I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and I literally cried upon finishing it, because I knew I’d never be able to experience the magical world JK Rowling created.  I’m glad that about 10 years later, I was proven wrong.  Upon first entering the WWoHP and seeing the Hogwarts Express, I was mesmerized.  For uber Potter fans, the WWoHP is truly a dream come true – I was perfectly content to walk the streets of Hogsmeade and marvel at all of the intricate details.   The shops were amazingly accurate in their portrayals, and I loved seeing merchandise I had read about in the books brought to life.  My favorite store was definitely Honeydukes!

Pepper Imps! One of the many book-to-reality creations!

Of course, one of the first things we did was try some Butterbeer, and surprisingly, it tasted almost jsut how I imagined it!  Kind of like cream soda, with a hint of butterscotch and an almost cidery zing to it.  Of course, I had to get the souvenir mug – $8.50 plus tax with refills for $3.  The foam is added separately, and it almost has the consistency and flavor of thick whip cream, except it doesn’t melt or dissolve, and you get the Butterbeer mustache when you take a sip!  I tried both the fozen and chilled – I liked the chilled better, but my sister liked the frozen.  So far, it seems as though if you’re a fan of slushies and smoothies in general, then you’ll prefer and love the frozen version.  It was bloody delicious!

Please Note:  The seats are a bit of a tight fit.  They have tester seats located outside of Hogwarts Castle and again right before you get on the ride.  Some guests, who I would certainly not consider overly large, have had some issues fitting in the seat, despite having no problems riding other rides at the Universal theme parks, like the Hulk or Dueling Dragons.  Check out Banks Lee’s story.

The ride is a combination of simulated movement in front of a screen – think Spiderman and Simpsons – with the actors filling in for various Quidditch flying and Dragon escaping adventures.  When you’re not looking at a screen, the arm is moving you through a series of real-world sets and scenes, full of spiders and dementors (yes, it was scary and yes, I screamed a lot). At one point, the arm rotates so that you are flat on your back, looking up, as the Whomping Willow flails about above you, with one large branch bearing down on you just as you jerk away.

The ride was quite long (apparently about 4 minutes, though it feels longer than that), and is definitely one of the more technologically advanced rides out there. I looked back at the car behind us, and it was like something out of the Terminator. *eeks*

Did you know that the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHoF) at Cape Canaveral is included with your purchase of Discount Kennedy Space Center Tickets?  The AHoF houses the world’s largest collection of astronaut memorabilia, displays, exhibits, and tributes dedicated to the heroes of the Mercury, Gemini, and Ap0llo Space Shuttle Programs. 

NEW to Kennedy Space Center ~ The Science on a Sphere exhibit at the AHoF and Star Trek Live! 

NEW Science on a Sphere Exhibit at the Astronaut Hall of Fame

NEW Science on a Sphere Exhibit – Imagine looking at Earth from space, witnessing a season of hurricanes moving across the Atlantic, watching commercial air traffic movements all across the planet, and examining changes in sea currents and temperatures across the globe. Science On a Sphere provides a three-dimensional representation of a view of the Earth and planets as if they were viewed from space.

This engaging new exhibit at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame allows you to examine the planets and moons of our solar system and learn how space technology can aid in meteorological sciences such as hurricane prediction and global weather trends. 

NEW Star Trek Live – Join Starfleet Academy only to be unexpectedly whisked into an adventure steeped in the grand tradition of Star Trek. Mad Science presents STAR TREK LIVE, a live 30 minute interactive show combining cutting-edge special effects, unmatched audience interaction, cool science and on-screen appearances from Captain Kirk and Spock themselves to create an exhilarating and unforgettable theatrical experience.

Science on a Sphere and Star Trek Live are both included with a general admission ticket and with your purchase of Discount Kennedy Space Center Tickets.  For more information, please visit our website or Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center.  You may also call us at 1-877-406-4836.

Guests get their first up-close sight of Hogwarts Castle. Photo Courtesy of Attractions Magazine.

Universal Orlando Resort has begun allowing regular park guests, or Muggles, to venture into the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter, located at Islands of Adventure.  Last week, only Universal hotel guests were let in to the WWoHP, but starting on Tuesday, general IoA park guests have been admitted into the new addition each morning for a couple hours.

With less than two weeks to go before the Grand Opening on June 18th, the soft openings and continued release of photos and videos are truly amping up the anticipation!  (The new WWoHP billboards on Interstate 4 are awesome!)  In fact, our Wizarding World of Harry Potter page on our website went live yesterday, and we are extrememly excited to be the discount ticket provider for Muggles all over the world!

Muggles milling around Hogsmeade Village. Photo Courtesy of Attractions Magazine.

According to Orlando Attractions Magazine, who have been on site for the openings, “starting at 8 a.m., (an hour before park opening) hotel guests are let into the new land. Then, depending on how many hotel guests chose to visit the Wizarding World that day, some regular guests may be let in anywhere between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. The whole area has been closing at 10 a.m., allowing guests until about noon to make their way out.”

As we previously reported, Attractions Magazine and Inside the Magic have been posting tons of photos and videos, including this one of the Forbidden Journey Ride (Warning: Spoiler Alert!!)

Also, check out this video – a walk-through tour of Hogsmeade Village.

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

Screen Grab of the Howl-o-Scream 2010 website

Busch Gardens Tampa has revealed (kind of) their Howl-o-Scream 2010 theme.  Although there aren’t really any details on the website, it seems as though there is going to be a concert theme – the “most electrifying” HoS ever, apparently.   Tickets are already available for pre-sale and the schedule has been posted.  And yes, we will probably be offering Discount Howl-o-Scream Tickets, so be on the look out!

There will be a Freaky Preview on September 24th and 25th.  7:30 pm – 1:00 am.  HoS officially begins September 30th and runs through Halloween night.  The event hours are:  Thursdays 7:30 pm – 1:00 am; Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 pm – 2:00 am; and Halloween Night 7:30 pm – 1:00 am.

Orlando Attractions Magazine has posted this video highlighting some of the haunted houses and scare zones from last year’s event.

Keep checking our blogs for updated Howl-o-Scream information!  For general information, or to purchase Discount Busch Gardens Tickets, please visit our website or Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center.  You may also call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Wet ‘n Wild, one of the awesome Orlando water parks, will be offering extended hours and extra summer fun June 11th through August 20th.  This summer, guests will be able to splash in the waves, soak up the sun, and party all afternoon and into the evening during Wet ‘n Wild’s Summer Beach Bash!

The Summer Beach Bash begins Friday, June 11th and continues daily through Friday, August 20th.  The park will be open daily from 9:30 am intil 9:00 pm.  (Keep in mind, the park is scheduled to close at 7:00 pm on 06/12/10 for a special event.)  The bash will feature a live DJ, music, contests, dancing, and daily prizes.  It’s fun for the entire family and gives guests the chance to experience their favorite Wet ‘n Wild attractions all day long and into the night.

The Travel Channel featured Wet ‘n Wild in a segment about extreme water parks.  Check it out!

For more information, or to purchase Discount Wet n Wild Tickets, please visit our website or Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center.  You may also call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Make a splash at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach!

Stay cool this summer with two amazing Orlando water parks – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach – at the Walt Disney World Resort!  Both Disney water parks are fun for the whole family, offering both thrilling water slides and kid-friendly attractions. 

Here at The Official Ticket Center, we offer both discounted single-day Disney water park tickets and the Water Park Fun and More ticket option.

The Water Park Fun and Moreticket option is an excellent value, offering lots of flexibility.  The Waterpark Fun and More option matches however many days you want at the theme parks with that many visits to the following:  Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Disney Quest, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and the Oak Trail 9-hole Golf Course.  Disney Quest is an indoor adventure, providing an alternative for those rainy days!

Gang Plank Falls at Typhoon Lagoon offers fun for the whole family!

Family Fun at the Disney Water Parks

Gang Plank Falls at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – Get set for a slippery trip down rocky falls, caves, and rapids on this white-water family rafting adventure.

Teamboat Springs at Disney’s Blizzard Beach – The world’s longest family white-water raft ride travels down a twisting, winding 1,200-foot series of rushing waterfalls.  Big kids, teens, and adults can all ride together in a large raft that holds 4 to 6 people.

Tike's Peak at Blizzard Beach offers tots their own watery play area!

Fun for the Little Ones at Disney’s Water Parks

Ketchakiddee Creek at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – An interactive world of twenty different water activities including pint-sized slides, ball fountains, floating boats, animals that squirt water, and waterfalls designed specifically for young children.  Paradise for kids ages 2 to 6.

Tike’s Peak at Disney’s Blizzard Beach – A snow-castle fountain, pop-up water jets, and kid-sized slides make this shallow water area a perfect place to play for little ones who are less than 48 inches tall.  It is suggested that water footwear be worn in this area because the pavement can get hot.

Check out these video tours of the Disney Water Parks, courtesy of Orlando Attractions Magazine.

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

Check out this video of a boy being chosen by a wand at Ollivanders, and many more on the Attractions Magazine YouTube Channel!

Photo Courtesy of Chris Nash and Attractions Magazine

Universal Orlando Resort hotel package holders lined up outside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter this morning, awaiting the chance to be some of the first Muggles (non-magical folk) to walk the streets of Hogsmeade Village.  Guests who booked the WWoHP Vacation Package received early admission into the highly anticipated addition at Islands of Adventure – guests who did not book the package will have to wait for the grand opening on June 18th. 

Tons of photos and videos have been taken and posted on Twitter and Facebook fan pages, as well as on our affiliate site – Orlando Attractions Magazine.  Check out some of my favorites below:

Photo Courtesy of Chris Nash and Attractions Magazine

Look how huge Hogwarts Castle looks from the ground!  Truly epic!

Photo Courtesy of Chris Nash and Attractions Magazine

Buckbeak resting outside of Hagrid’s Hut.  I wonder if the hippogriff is animatronic or interactive at all…

Photo Courtesy of Chris Nash and Attractions Magazine

At Hogwarts, students earn and lose points for their whole house based on their behavior and success in school.  If a student loses points, their house’s standing automatically goes down.  I find it hard to believe that Ravenclaw would have the least amount of points, though.  I wonder if the levels change throughout the day…

Photo Courtesy of Chris Nash and Attractions Magazine

During the queue line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a life-like hologram-ish form of Dumbledore greets riders.  Later, the same technology is used to display the trio. 

Photo Courtesy of Chris Nash and Attractions Magazine

Guests enjoying a nice cold Butterbeer!!  I think other than visitng Ollivanders, trying Butterbeer for the first time is probably one of the most anticipated moments for Potterheads!

Check out this video Chris submitted of the Frog Choir at WWoHP.

Inside the Magic posted this video from inside Ollivanders Wand Shop. 

Here’s another video from Inside the Magic – a detailed walk-through of Hogsmeade Village.

After seeing all of these amazing photos and videos, I am super pumped and excited to check out WWoHP!!  I’m keeping an ear out for soft openings, which will probably start some time next week.  Keep checking back for more WWoHP goodies!

To purchase Discount Islands of Adventure Tickets or Discount Universal Tickets, please visit our website or Kissimmee Location, The Official Ticket Center.  You may also call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

Busch Gardens Tampa in Florida is amping up the fun in 2010 during their Summer Nights seasonal event starting June 11th and running through August 15th.  Guests will enjoy extended hours at the park, with more contemporary entertainment, more special effects, and more reasons to stay and play! 

Park hours for Summer Nights will be extended until 9:00 pm Sundays through Thursdays and until 10:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays.  Summer Nights will be included with general park admission and with your purchase of Discount Busch Gardens Tickets.

New this year, Busch Gardens will feature Kinetix, a high-energy stage show taking place every night at 9:00 pm at Gwazi Park.  Kinetix brings together live musicians, singers, dancers, and artists from around the world for an original, non-stop 30-minute contemporary rock experience that delivers awesome lighting effects, modern music and high-energy performances.

Busch Gardens’ world-class rides will be amplified this summer with pulsating sights and sounds to intensify each experience.  Thrill rides and coasters, such as Sheikra, will incorporate strobe lights, black lights, music, and other special effects for an even bigger thrill – all while blanketed in the night!  Even the carousel will be amped up with a disco ball, and the Serengeti Express will be aglow as it chugs around the park. 

To get an idea of what to expect, check out this commercial for Summer Nights 2009.

Each night, DJs located throughout the park will be playing party songs and inviting families to dance and sing along.  In fact, every Friday and Saturday night, guests will be invited to display their most impressive dance moves in the Dance Challenge.  The best dancers will be selected each Friday and Saturday night to compete in a dance off at 7:00 pm at Desert Grill – three rounds that challenge them to a variety of dance styles.

With the money you’ll save purchasing Discount Busch Gardens Tickets, take advantage of the extra money and time you’ll have (thanks to the extended hours) by adding on an animal interaction or up-close tour.  My personal recommendation is the Serengeti Safari or the Serengeti Night Safari.

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