Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opens for Hotel Package Guests

Photo Courtesy of Chris Nash and Attractions Magazine

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: Continue reading

Busch Gardens Summer Nights 2010

BG Summer Nights

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. Continue reading

Cirque du Soleil – Closed May 23 through June 7

Cirque du Soleil at Walt Disney World

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil, located at Downtown Disney West Side, will be dark from May 23rd through June 7th.  There will not be any shows running during this time.  Cirque du Soleil, at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is the perfect way to spend an evening during your vacation! La Nouba is a mesmerizing and extraordinary avant-garde circus spectacle performed indoors – perfect for upcoming rainy summer weather. Continue reading

Wizarding World of Harry Potter – #potterwatch on Twitter

@kcardin09 "Same old story at gates. #potterwatch I'm on duty here another hr http://twitpic.com/1rbfpq "

@kcardin09 "Same old story at gates. #potterwatch I'm on duty here another hr http://twitpic.com/1rbfpq "

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opens its gates in a mere 23 days at Islands of Adventure at the Universal Orlando Resort.  As such, Potterheads and Orland theme park enthusiasts are going a bit wonky with the anticipation!  I, for one, have already downloaded a countdown widget for my computer, I have Universal employees on standy-by to let me know if they hear about any soft openings, and I purposefully didn’t pack my Gryffindor house tie and wand, on the off chance that I’ll get a chance to to see WWoHP before I move in June. 

Potter fans have turned to Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date with all of the WWoHP news and rumors. Continue reading

Star Wars Weekends Start at Hollywood Studios

Stormtroopers take position at the turnstiles at Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends.

Stormtroopers take position at the turnstiles at Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends.

This weekend marked the first of four Star Wars Weekends happening at Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.  The event takes place every weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) through June 13th.  At Star Wars Weekends, guests will find an entire saga’s worth of characters and more celebrities than ever before on hand for autographs, pictures, motorcades, Q & A sessions, and more!  The event is included with general park admission and with your purchase of Discount Disney Tickets.

 Orlando Sentinel’s Dewayne Bevil has posted some insider tips and information that will help you make the most of your galactic vacation! Continue reading

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show – Review!

The Reunion is one of 13 different comedy mysteries!

The Reunion is one of 13 different comedy mysteries!

Sleuths Dinner Mystery Show is one of six Orlando Dinner Shows we offer here at The Official Ticket Center at a discounted price.  Sleuths features thirteen different comedy mysteries, where guests mingle with outrageous characters, watch for anything suspicious, interrogate the suspects, and solve the crime!  This past Thursday night, I helped solve the crime at The Reunion! Continue reading

Harry Potter Stars Visit Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Harry Potter Stars Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis, Emma Watson, and  James & Oliver Phelps in Hogsmeade Village

Harry Potter Stars Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis, Emma Watson, and James & Oliver Phelps in Hogsmeade Village

Universal Orlando Resort welcomed some of the Harry Potter film stars yesterday to preview the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Matt Lewis (Neville), Emma Watson (Hermione), and James & Oliver Phelps (Fred & George) were invited to walk the streets of Hogsmeade Village, check out the shops and restaurants, and taste Butterbeer for the first time! 

Check out these photos and video, courtesy of our pals over at Attractions Magazine. Continue reading

Aquatica Water Park – Omaka Rocka Review and Video!

My sister and I, trying out the new Omaka Rocka attraction at Aquatica!

My sister and I, trying out the new Omaka Rocka attraction at Aquatica!

Aquatica Water Park by Sea World Orlando recently opened a new water slide – Omaka Rocka!  The new attraction was designed to imitate the sensations one would feel on a BMX half-pipe.  Last week, my sister and I visited Aquatica (with our shiny new annual passes), and our first stop was Omaka Rocka!  Keep reading for my personal review and some video footage. Continue reading

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Preview Party!

The Orlando International Pow Wow 2010 special event was held at WWoHP!

The Orlando International Pow Wow 2010 special event was held at WWoHP!

Universal Studios Orlando Resort hosted a special evening event for attendees of the Orlando International Pow Wow 2010.  The annual conference brings together travel and media professionals to see what new and exciting things the central Florida area has to offer.

According to Inside the Magic, the event took place within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWoHP – those bloody lucky prats!) and attendees got the chance to walk through much of Hogsmeade Village, take a trip through part of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey queue line inside of Hogwarts Castle, and got to ride on the Dragon Challenge roller coaster (formerly Dueling Dragons) and Flight of the Hippogriff (formerly the Flying Unicorn.)  Check out these new photos and details: Continue reading

Sea World – NEW Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Pet a shark and a penguin on Sea World's NEW Behind-the-Scenes Tour!

Pet a shark and a penguin on Sea World's NEW Behind-the-Scenes Tour!

Sea World Orlando is offering a new and exciting Behind-the-Scenes Tour that will invite guests to learn about endangered manatees and sea turtles, to pet a shark and a penguin, and to see the polar bear dens.  With the 2nd Day Free and Fun Card options, and with the money you’ll save purchasing Discount Sea World Tickets, you should definitely add on this truly memorable and special experience!

As we will be booking this amazing tour at a discounted price, Sea World was kind enough to offer us a preview – keep reading for more information and pictures! Continue reading