Big Names Are Dropping The Skinny On Disney’s New Additions

If you have been living under a rock for the past year, you may have missed all the buzz about a little known movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It seems that this movie has broke all box office records and is even getting its own space at Disneyland in California and even in Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. Walt Disney World already has a small area dedicated to Star Wars but the latest additions will make this a huge land into itself.

Disney has been the waiting until the new movie release to make it’s big announcement about the addition, but who was going to make it was a secret until now. The only person I think who had the clout and also had 2 areas already at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was non other than Indiana Jones himself, Harrison Ford. Harrison already has the famous Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular show at the Studios and in the current Star Wars area of the park, so he will be making the big announcement about the newest addition.

He will be giving the latest conceptual ideas that Disney’s imagineers have come up with for the new Star Wars Land expansion. As of now, some of the ideas have been that you will be fully immersed in different worlds that the movie has taken place in as well as fan memorabilia to see that was in the actual movies. Think the Great Movie Ride meets Star Wars or even the Backlot Tour. All of this and more will be revealed to fans on Sunday’s showing of “The Wonderful World of Disney”, February 21st at 8-10 pm ET/PT on ABC.

Just think, you might be able to climb aboard the actual Millenium Falcon or fly with Luke Skywalker on a mission to destroy the Death Star. Disney’s Hollywood Studios already has a month that celebrates Star Wars and has special guests every weekend for 5 weeks during May and June. The new expansion is said to be 14 acres and all Star Wars. Just to put that in context, 14 acres is just as big as 10 football fields, so get your walking shoes ready! The current size of the Hollywood Studios Star Wars land is just the ride they have now, the small gift shop and the stage where you can see you favourite characters perform. It was time for more and it couldn’t have come sooner.

If you are planning a trip to Orlando and want to check out the latest progress, call us toll free to set up your discount Hollywood Studios tickets or any of our discount Disney tickets today. A guest service representative is standing by to book your trip to a galaxy far, far away!

What to expect at Universal Studios Orlando’s 2016 Mardi Gras Party

Vacationing in February or April and looking to party, well look no further. Starting February 6 till April 16, Universal Studios Florida will play host to one of the biggest celebrations known to man, MARDI GRAS!!!!! Talk about a cultural wave coming right for Orlando. You can expect tons of fun and more entertainment than you might be able to handle.

First, we will kick things off and talk about the amazing musical line up that Universal Studios is bringing to town.  They are starting out with Hunter Hayes, (who is known for his blues/country/rock style) will perform on Saturday February 6th. On Saturday February 13 you can expect to see one of the most iconic female singers of all time Diana Ross (rose to fame in the 1960s). Sunday February 14, a band who has been together for 27 years and released more than 14 million albums, Barenaked Ladies.

And there are many more such as Nate Ruess (Sat. Feb 20th), Fall Out Boy(Sat. Feb 27th), Kool & The Gang(Sat. Mar 5th), The Fray(Sat. Mar 12th), Adam Lambert(Sun. Mar 13th), Shawn Mendez(Sat. Mar 19th), 3 Doors Down(Sun. Mar 20th), Reo Speedwagon (Sat Mar 26th), T-Pain(Sat. Apr 2nd), Jessie J(Sat. Apr 9th), and finally Yandel (Sat. Apr 16). The concerts start at 8:30pm so don’t be little or you’ll lose your seat.

However, Universal Studios doesn’t just bring the bands to the party; they also bring new food options for the occasion, parades for your enjoyment and the most important part, BEADS!!!!!!! They bring out their own French Quarter Courtyard featuring authentic New Orleans cuisine like Spicy Jambalaya, Sausage, Gumbo and many more dishes. Universal is also bringing some of the Big Easy’s favorite musicians like Rockin’ Jake(Feb 6th), Mississippi Rail Company (Feb 13th&14th), Naughty Professor (Feb 20th), Cha Wa (Feb 27th), Beth Mckee & The Sliders (Mar 5th), Soul Project(Mar 13th), The Big Easy Playboys (Mar 19th&20th), Gravy(Mar 26th), Dirty Bourbon River Show (Apr 2nd), Daddy Mac Blues Band (Apr 9th) and last but not least Big Al and The Heavyweights (Apr 16th).

Then, go out to the streets and watch as the streets of Universal Studios fill with floats, stilt walkers, dancers and street performers who will be throwing handfuls of beads your way.  No need to pay for souvenirs on this trip, you’ll have to many beads to put in your luggage to worry about souvenirs anyways. Hope you can be a part of this wonderful Universal Studios event, I know I can’t wait!

If you are planning to attend Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration and need to buy discount Universal Studios tickets or Islands of Adventure tickets, please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 today!

How to Allocate Time Between Walt Disney World or Universal Studios Orlando

The biggest issue when anyone goes on a vacation is how much time one can spent at any destination and have the most fun right? Well this has been a new issue with many travelers to the Orlando theme parks lately. Not to long ago Disney World was the destination of choice and there was only 1 other attraction keeping Disney from the theme park monopoly and that company’s name was SeaWorld. The travelers of the past would come down by the hundreds of thousands and spend at least a whole week exploring Walt’s theme parks. Some would take a day and go to SeaWorld while others would just stay the whole time over at Walt Disney World enjoying the parks and sitting by anyone of Walt’s resorts. Even though there was only 2 parks at that time, folks would still stay 3 or 4 days at Disney then head over to A1A on the east coast and stay there for a few days more.

Well time have changed and this is not the case anymore. With more and more people wanting something different while on their Florida vacation, many big companies threw their hats into the huge vacation circle and staked their claims. The increase in venues gave old travelers a reason to come back to their favourite vacation destination, while enticing new travelers to book their travels to Orlando as well. This was becoming a beacon to not only American families, but world wide. Orlando now was not just from the good ole USA, it was a world wide destination and nothing could stop it! When the news broke out about this new vacation destination, people started lining up to book their Florida vacation.

The biggest new injection to the scene had to be Universal Studios. It seemed that Disney and Universal were like McDonald’s and Burger King, where you find one you will find the other. That gave Orlando 3 big players and unfortunately started syphoning vacation days away from Walt Disney World. In the beginning, Disney had the mindset that they would have nothing to worry about and that was a big mistake and now Disney is having a very hard time selling their multi day tickets. This is due to the fact that Universal Studios Orlando built a 2nd park right next door and called it Islands of Adventure. With having so may things to choose from now, one needs to take this planning thing very serious.

Choosing the right tickets for your vacation now comes down to how many days you have to play and what parks do you want to visit. Pretty simple right? It can be and if you are trying to do this alone, it can feel overwhelming. Good thing there are people to call and talk to. If you need help and are ready to reach out for advice, call our office to free at 1-877-406-4836 today. You can save time and money on your Disney tickets, Universal studios tickets and even SeaWorld.

Is Universal Studios A Perfect Vacation for Harry Potter Fans

So as a tourist, when you’re planning your vacations, you usually plan on visiting at least one theme park while your here.  Well if that theme park might just happen to be Universal Studios Orlando & Island of Adventure because your a Harry Potter fan then your in for a treat.  I’m sure most of you have heard of the famous Harry Potter films that prolonged a decade of enjoyment has now officially come to Orlando Florida.

While visiting Island of Adventure you will get enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade; which was the first expansion of the Wizarding World and was completed in 2010.  While visiting, you will get to enjoy shops like Dervish and Banges where they have wizarding equipment including Omnioculars, The Monster Book of Monsters, Quidditch equipment, and much much more. Visit Ollivanders, Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. to have your very own wand choose you.  Or stop at Honeydukes and pick up some Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Bean, exploding bonbons, Chocolate Frogs, and many more sweets. Lets not forget the amazing attractions that were also brought to the park like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey were Harry Potter himself takes you on an adventure with your very own broomstick.  You go through the castle and above it finding many creatures and magic in your path.  Also, you have the famous Dragon Challenge where you get a taste of the Triwizard Tournament and facing one of two very frightening dragons. There are two paths to choose but remember then neither are the same. When visiting these magical parks you truly get lost within the imagination of the parks.

Now that you have explored Island of Adventure lets take a look at its sister park Universal Studios Orlando. At Universal Studios you get to experience its newest attraction Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, which is a multi-dimensional thrill ride that takes to the deepest darkest part of Gringotts bank. You will encounter malicious enemies such as Voldemort and Bellatrix as try to safely return to Diagon Alley. Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes a store where you can find magical jokes and items from the movies. You also have Magical Menagerie which features your furry, or scaly creatures that you can take home with you as a souvenir. Or if you’re impart with the Dark Arts you might want to check out Knockturn Alley which has the famous shop Borgin and Burkes that has all of the dark creepy thing you will ever need.

And I think that about sums it all up.  I don’t want to give all the details that way you can let your imagination take flight. If you’re a Harry Potter fan then Universal Studios Orlando and Island of Adventure are the theme parks that your going to want to visit. If you will be needing discount Universal Studios tickets or discount Islands of Adventure tickets, please call our office at 1-877-406-4836 today!

Disney Is On A Roll At Hollywood Studios With Two New Lands

Have you ever been to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? You might remember it as Disney MGM Studios but a lot has changed since the renaming of their iconic theme park. The biggest and latest change probably was the removal of the landmark centerpiece, Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat that greeted guests when entering the park. Lately the big buzz at Hollywood Studios has been the sound of jackhammers and the unpleasant sight of scaffolding that is being used to work on a few of their current projects.

The biggest and most talked about addition to the park has to be the Star Wars Lands and truthfully I can’t wait for this one! It will allow fans to walk through this galaxy far, far away and meet their heroes in real life. Taking up a staggering 14 acres, this new land is sure to please the most diehard fans! The next biggest attraction on the drawing board is the not so much talked about Toy Story Land. The coolest thing that I have heard is that you will be shrunk down to the size of one of Andy’s toys and will be able to go out and explore Andy’s backyard.

From what I have heard, they will be building on to that area where it is now and have 2 new rides created after the little green aliens from Pizza Planet and a new family friendly roller coaster showcasing Slinky Dog as the theme of the ride. I really think that this is a good move on Disney’s part and it is a much needed injection in a pretty boring theme park that was being labeled a half day theme park. Let’s just hope that they can pull off this pretty huge task without putting the guests out to much. Construction at a theme park can suck and really put a damper on one’s vacation!

If you are planning a trip to Orlando, Florida and plan on visiting to any of the Disney theme parks, please consult with any of our vacation planners to discuss what your options are on our discount Disney tickets or Hollywood Studios tickets. Call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 today.

Universal Studios First Visit Tips

The first visit to Universal Studios Orlando will always be remembered. There’s so much to see and do, you don’t want to miss out on certain attractions and activities. Check out these top tips for a first visit to the Universal Studios theme park in central Florida.
Make a List of Must-do Rides
Have everyone in your party visit Universal Studios online to check out the various attractions and rides. Some have height requirements and to avoid disappointment during the visit, plan for an alternative activity for those that don’t meet the requirements. If the teens are riding the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, take the younger kids to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. Riders for the latter only need to be 40-inches tall.
Some of the most popular rides include:
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Shrek 4-D
Revenge of the Mummy (roller coaster)
The Simpsons Ride
Terminator 2: 3-D
Transformers: The Ride 3-D
MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
Plan to Experience the Superstar Parade
The Universal Studio’s Superstar Parade runs daily through the park, entertaining all ages. The parade features your favorite character’s including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora, E.B. plus Gru with the Minions, Agnes, Edith and Margo. There’s music, dancing, aerial acrobatics, tumblers and magnificent floats. The Superstar Parade pauses in front of Mel’s Drive-in and you can get an up-close look at all the characters.
Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
You’ve read the books and seen the movies, now experience the magic in person. Have lunch at the Leaky Cauldron and shop at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes before stepping into Gringotts for a multi-dimensional thrill ride you won’t forget. Check out Ollivanders and Borgin and Burkes for all your wizarding fare.
See the Shows
On a first visit, don’t miss the Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-up Show. This live theatrical presentation takes you behind the scenes for the secrets of how Hollywood horror movie make-up and special effects are created. There’s iconic movie clips plus real-life prop and creature make-up demonstrations. Some images may be too intense for the youngest guests, so Parental Guidance is suggested.

The first visit to Universal Studios Orlando will always be remembered. There’s so much to see and do, you don’t want to miss out on certain attractions and activities. Check out these top tips for a first visit to the Universal Studios theme park in central Florida.

Make a List of Must-do Rides

Have everyone in your party visit Universal Studios online to check out the various attractions and rides. Some have height requirements and to avoid disappointment during the visit, plan for an alternative activity for those that don’t meet the requirements. If the teens are riding the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, take the younger kids to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. Riders for the latter only need to be 40-inches tall.

Some of the most popular rides include:

  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
  • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
  • Shrek 4-D
  • Revenge of the Mummy (roller coaster)
  • The Simpsons Ride
  • Terminator 2: 3-D
  • Transformers: The Ride 3-D
  • MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

Plan to Experience the Superstar Parade

The Universal Studio’s Superstar Parade runs daily through the park, entertaining all ages. The parade features your favorite character’s including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora, E.B. plus Gru with the Minions, Agnes, Edith and Margo. There’s music, dancing, aerial acrobatics, tumblers and magnificent floats. The Superstar Parade pauses in front of Mel’s Drive-in and you can get an up-close look at all the characters.

Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

You’ve read the books and seen the movies, now experience the magic in person. Have lunch at the Leaky Cauldron and shop at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes before stepping into Gringotts for a multi-dimensional thrill ride you won’t forget. Check out Ollivanders and Borgin and Burkes for all your wizarding fare.

See the Shows

On a first visit, don’t miss the Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-up Show. This live theatrical presentation takes you behind the scenes for the secrets of how Hollywood horror movie make-up and special effects are created. There’s iconic movie clips plus real-life prop and creature make-up demonstrations. Some images may be too intense for the youngest guests, so Parental Guidance is suggested.

Dining Options at Universal Studios Orlando

One of the greatest things about vacations is the food. Universal Studios Orlando offers some of the most unique and delicious dining options in central Florida. From quick service meals that you can grab in between rides to sit-down meals that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into your favorite movie, dining at Universal Studios is an event.

Springfield Dining

Springfield offers a cornucopia of dining options, from sweet treats to mouth-watering burgers. If you’re a fan of The Simpsons, then a bite from one of the Springfield eateries is a must during your visit to Universal Studios. Enjoy a meal from Krusty Burger or Cletus’ Chicken Shack or some fried shrimp at The Frying Dutchman. Lisa’s Teahouse of Terror offers healthy options like salads and wraps while Lard Lad Donuts has treats galore. Enjoy beverages at Moe’s Tavern and the Duff Brewery.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley Dining

A visit to Universal Studios isn’t complete without experiencing the magic of Harry Potter. Stop by Diagon Alley for a pumpkin juice, perfect before shopping at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes. Enjoy a sit-down meal at the Leaky Cauldron, washed down with an authentic Butterbeer or a frozen treat from Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, which also serves breakfast items.

Lombard’s Seafood Grille

A full-service restaurant serving lunch and dinner daily, Lombard’s Seafood Grille effortlessly transports guests from central Florida to San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf. The flagship restaurant for Universal Studios Orlando, Lombard’s Seafood Grille offers mouth-watering meals like lobster bisque, clam chowder, fish tacos, Mahi, Mahi and the Lombard’s signature burger. While seafood is the specialty, there are ample non-seafood choices as well, including sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes. A children’s menu is available.

Other Dining Options in Universal Studios

Universal Studios has many dining choices including quick-service eateries and food carts. Be sure to check out Mel’s Drive-In located in Hollywood along with Schwab’s Pharmacy for delectable ice cream sundaes. Production Central is home to the Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Café which offers pizza, rotisserie chicken and more, while in the New York area you can find everything from smoked turkey legs to genuine Irish pub food at Finnegan’s Bar and Grill.

Top Teen Rides at Universal Studios

Universal Studios, Orlando offers tons of thrills for teens of all ages with rides that twist, turn and hit all the senses. From action-packed 3-D simulator-style rides to stomach-flipping roller coasters, your teen will enjoy every minute.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Interactive, immersive and one of the most high-tech attractions in Universal Studios, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit also is Orlando’s tallest roller coaster with the world’s first non-inverting loop. Not for the faint of heart, this ride reaches speeds of 65 miles-per-hour and soars 17-stories over the park. Riders get to rock out to the song of their choice during this multi-sensory coaster experience. It’s unique, thrilling and not-to-be-missed.

Revenge of the Mummy

Another action-packed roller coaster, the Revenge of the Mummy plunges riders into total darkness where danger is lurking in the form of scarab beetle swarms, massive fireballs and the warrior mummies of the evil Imhotep. This ride is recommended for teens and everyone who does ride must be at least 48-inches tall for safety.

MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

Located in Universal Studio’s World Expo area, the MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack is an exciting, interactive adventure ride. Once you’ve boarded your transport, it’s time to chase down those aliens through the New York streets just like Agents Kay and Jay. Keep an eye out because these aliens do shoot back and soon you’ll find your transport spinning out of control. Feeling competitive? Good, because for every alien zapped, you earn points which affect the rides final outcome.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Even if you’ve never read a Harry Potter book or seen a Harry Potter movie (is that possible?) you’ll enjoy Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios. A multi-dimensional thrill ride it’s perfect for teens and the family. Riders must be 42-inches to ride this 3-D adventure. Not only will you experience the majesty of Gringotts’ bank grand marble lobby but you’ll see the goblins as they work. The ride journey takes you deep underneath the bank where you’ll have to thwart the multiple security measures to escape safely.

Universal Studios Characters to Meet

Stepping into Universal Studios, Orlando is like stepping into your favorite movies and television shows. Between the thrilling theme park rides and spectacular live entertainment there’s something for every visitor, any age.

One of the most popular activities at Universal Studios is meeting favorite characters in person. Get a hug from Minion or take your picture with Optimus Prime—these are the moments that make vacation memories.

Characters to Meet

Throughout the Universal Studios theme park guests can meet a variety of popular characters. Some have set meet-and-greet times, while others do not. During the daily Superstar Parade, you can even catch several of your favorites when the parade stops in front of Mel’s Drive-in.

In Universal Studios the following characters have designated meet-and-greet times:

  • Shrek, Fiona and Donkey
  • SpongeBob SquarePants
  • Barney and his friends

For the most current meet-and-greet times and locations for grab a park map when you enter for the day.

Other characters that may be seen in the theme park include but are not limited to:

  • Bart Simpson and other Simpson characters, including Krusty the Clown
  • Gru, Agnes, Margo, Edith and the Minions
  • Dora and Diego
  • Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat
  • Scooby Doo and his pal Shaggy
  • The Transformers: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron
  • The Men in Black
  • Lucille Ball
  • Marilyn Monroe
  • Doc Brown

Other characters like Spider-Man, Captain America, the Cat in the Hat and Woody Woodpecker can be found in the adjacent theme park Islands of Adventure.

Best Ways to Get Autographs

When you’re at Universal Studios and plan to meet the various characters in person, collection autographs and taking pictures, be ready with a marker, something to write on and your camera. The best type of “pens” for collecting character autographs are markers that click open—you don’t want to have to fumble with a cap. Keep all your autographs in one place with an autograph book and be sure to print the name of the character on the page after getting it signed as well.

Tips for Viewing Universal Studio’s Superstar Parade

On the streets of Universal Studios in Orlando, a spectacular parade takes place daily. Visitors to this popular central Florida vacation destination can take some time out from the thrills of riding favorites like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and The Simpson’s Ride to catch their favorite characters in live action at the Superstar Parade.

Parade Route and Times

When you enter the Universal Studios, make sure to grab a park map. It has the times listed for the Superstar Parade as well as its route. Parade times may vary, so be sure to check your park map that day. The Superstar Parade kicks off in Hollywood on Embracadero Street, located near the Louie’s Restaurant. The route travels down 5th Avenue past Revenge of the Mummy, turning onto 57th Avenue/Plaza of the Stars.

Note: The parade makes regular stops at Mel’s Drive In and Battery Park to allow for interaction with your favorite characters.

From Plaza of the Stars it takes a left onto Rodeo Drive at the Beverly Hills Boulangerie. The Superstar Parade dances it way down Rodeo Drive to Vine street where it exits near the Horror Make-up Show.

Best Places to View the Superstar Parade

Annual pass holders and Universal Studios park veterans suggest that the best place to enjoy the Superstar Parade is along 5th Avenue. The area near Mel’s Drive-in is another. There’s a wheelchair viewing area in front of the Macy’s façade, which is also the reserved viewing area for anyone holding Character Breakfast tickets.

See Favorite Characters + Great Entertainment

Universal’s Superstar Parade is one of the best ways to see dozens of your favorite characters plus some of the theme park’s most amazing performers. The parade features the whole Despicable Me family, including Gru, Agnes, Margo, Edith and the Minions plus Dora, Diego, E.B., SpongeBob SquarePants and a host of aerial stunt performers and acrobats. The floats are unforgettable and there’s even a full drum line led by the one and only E.B.

You don’t want to miss the Superstar Parade at Universal Studios.