Monthly Archives: September 2019

Batuu, A Galaxy Far Far Away

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In August of 2015, Disney CEO, Bob Iger made an announcement that had every Star Wars fan excited. There was to be a Land created in both Disneyland Park in California and Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Black Spire Outpost in Batuu was to be the location we were set off to visit in the Star Wars Galaxy. While it was not a known area of many fans, people were still excited for it. Construction began and we began to become more excited for it. For 3 years we waited and now in August of 2019 it finally opened. For the newcomers of Star Wars or ones who had never seen a movie this is a land that everyone can to enjoy.

 

Setting foot in Batuu you can feel the change in the atmosphere. You are no longer walking around a Hollywood Studios, but in a different Galaxy. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge to be exact. “Bright Suns” you’ll hear from the local Batuu residents, all of which are eager to show you their favorite things in the land. From special merchandise items only found in the land to amazing food and drinks. You can spend plenty of time walking through the marketplace. Don’t forget to try the blue or green milk! Looking around you see X-wings, Droids and their parts, a Tie-Fighter in an area you know is meant for Empire. You can interact with your favorite Wookie, and make sure you keep an eye out to see another known Rebel around, as well as one not so known. They are happy to take you around and show you some hiding spots from those pesky patrolling Storm Troopers.

 

Once you get deeper in the land you see the one thing everyone who is a Star Wars fan has always wanted to see, the Millennium Falcon, and here in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge you get that chance. It’s the best hunk of junk you’ve ever seen. Looking at her you know it’s exactly what you thought it would look like in real life. She’s big and beautiful. It doesn’t stop there. You can actually board her and take her for a spin! Who hasn’t dreamed of pulling that lever and going into lightspeed? Or being a gunner on the ship? That’s exactly the experience you’ll get onboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. On a cargo run for the rebellion, you’re on a mission and on the run from the Empire knowing they’ll do what they can to stop you. Walking on to the Falcon you can see and feel like you’re actually on the real one. Be aware if lights and sounds start blaring make sure you hit the red button!

 

All in all, Star War’s Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes you out of the normal Disney theme park and into a fully immersive land where any kind of Star Wars fan can appreciate it.

 

If you are planning on visiting the Walt Disney World resort and need discount Hollywood Studios tickets, please call us today toll free at 1-877-406-4836 to purchase your tickets.

NEW ROLLER COASTERS “IRON QWAZI” AND “ICE BREAKER” AMPLIFY THRILLS AT SEAWORLD AND BUSCH GARDENS

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Orlando, Fla. (September 12, 2019) – Today, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay revealed details regarding NEW attractions coming to the parks in 2020. This marks the first time in four years that both parks have launched new coasters in the same year, in addition to a new water slide in Tampa. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Pass Members will be among the first to experience the new attractions.

 

Iron Gwazi – Opening Spring 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

A NEW legend is surfacing in 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with the evolution of Iron GwaziTM, North America’s tallest, and the fastest, and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Iron Gwazi will be 206 feet tall, feature a 91-degree drop, and reach top speeds of 76 miles per hour. The journey will include three inversions and 12 airtime hills as it races along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track. With a 48” height requirement, Iron Gwazi will be an exciting thrill attraction that families can take on together.

 

“Iron Gwazi is the evolution of a classic wooden coaster into a modern icon,” said Stewart Clark, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “From the bones of the original Gwazi, a new legend rises, reaching taller heights and faster speeds, delivering the next-level thrills that our coaster fans crave and expect from Busch Gardens.”

 

While elements of the former wooden attraction will be integrated into the new ride, the steel track and reimagined layout of Iron Gwazi present an entirely unique experience that tells a different story. Iron Gwazi will highlight the best of both worlds — the classic nostalgia of a wooden coaster and the bold innovation of a steel coaster. Thriving and adapting over millions of years, this evolutionary crossroad is perfectly represented in the crocodile, the largest living reptile and the animal inspiration for Iron Gwazi.

Solar Vortex – Opening Spring 2020 at Adventure Island

Spin and splash at Adventure Island on Solar VortexTM — America’s first dual-tailspin water slide.  This thrilling family raft slide combines high-banking rotations and rapid descents, sending sliders on a swirling journey through two open tailspin features. Manufactured by Whitewater, Solar Vortex will also include three dynamic AquaLucent™ elements — harnessing the power of the Florida sun into colorful patterns that shine through the slide as riders reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. Solar Vortex will be an electrifying new ride for families next year when it opens with the 2020 Adventure Island season.

 

Ice Breaker – Opening Spring 2020 at SeaWorld Orlando

Making its debut in spring 2020, riders will shiver through family friendly adventures on SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster: Ice Breaker™. Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will feature four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida — a 93-foot tall spike with 100-degree angle.

 

Located near the Wild Arctic Attraction, the ride’s theme is reflective of this area with a nod to Ice Breaker’s conservation partner, Alaska SeaLife Center. Primarily dedicated to marine research, education and wildlife response, the Alaska SeaLife Center mission matches closely to SeaWorld Orlando’s, making them a perfect partner to help educate riders about the Artic and its inhabitants.

 

“The Alaska SeaLife Center is excited to grow our partnership with SeaWorld.  For many years, SeaWorld has been a stalwart supporter of the Center, and particularly our Wildlife Response program,” said Tara L. Riemer, President and CEO of Alaska SeaLife Center. “We are grateful for SeaWorld’s contributions of funding and staff over the years to further our mission. This new collaboration will continue efforts to highlight Arctic rescue and conservation stories.”

 

The opening of Ice Breaker is the perfect addition to SeaWorld’s ever-growing ride portfolio. From the roller coaster thrills of Mako, Manta and Kraken, to the water rapids of Infinity Falls and the flume fun of Journey to Atlantis, Ice Breaker joins the park’s famed attractions as a must-do experience in Orlando.

 

Best value for Floridians – Enjoy all NEW rides with an Annual Pass!

With three ALL-NEW attractions to enjoy, there has never been a better time to be a SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Annual Pass Member. Upon the launch of each attraction, Pass Members will enjoy EXCLUSIVE RIDE TIME on Iron Gwazi, Ice Breaker and Solar Vortex.

For 2020, the best value for Floridians is the FOUR PARK PASS, which includes admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. In addition to exciting NEW rides coming next spring, guests who purchase an annual pass today can enjoy fan-favorite events included with their park admission in Orlando and Tampa. In the fall, there’s Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends and Halloween Spooktacular. Then, as the holidays draw near, visitors can experience the magic of Christmas Town and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. And for culinary connoisseurs, the spring brings the Food &Wine Festival and the Seven Seas Food Festival to the parks. For pass holders, there’s something for everyone all year at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

If you are planning a trip to Florida and plan on visiting either SeaWorld or Busch Gardens, please contact local discount theme park ticket vendor, The Official Ticket Center for the best rates on discount SeaWorld tickets or discount Busch Gardens tickets. They are locally owned and operated and have been in business of over 20 years and are even able to email your tickets to you.