Getting The Most Out of One Day at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

Every morning at our guest service office we see hundreds of faces. They all ask pretty much the same question, “What’s the best ticket to see the most”? Well that can be a loaded question in itself! Lately the trend has been leaning towards Universal Studios and not so much Disney. People want to see Harry Potter and not Cinderella. So that being said, we tend to sell our clients Universal Studios tickets instead of Walt Disney World tickets. If you are working with one day and want to see the most one can possibly see, the I always suggest the 1 day 2 park Universal Studios ticket which includes their sister theme park, Islands of Adventure. Most people do not have two days to spend at Universal, so the 1 day 2 park ticket works perfect for them.

Walt Disney World has 4 parks to Universal’s 2 parks and most people will go and spend 2 or 3 days at the Disney parks, 1 day at SeaWorld and that only leaves 1 day more to play! The Universal Studios parks are a great bet as they are situated right next door to each other and do not require a monorail or bus to get to. Quick trip to the next pak equals more time playing! They do however have the all new Hogwart’s Express train that connects the two parks together at the back of the parks. This is a great way to get to the other park when you are way in the back and do not want to walk all the way to the front! I thought this was a brilliant idea if you ask me. The only rub is that you will need a Universal Park to Park ticket in order to ride the train.

For some travelers, a one day Universal base ticket works for them. This ticket only allows them to go to one of the two parks and they must stay at that park all day. They can come and go within that day, but in the end one park is all they will see with those Universal tickets. When it is in the busy season, this ticket is probably the best bet as the lines can be pretty long so most of the time in the park will be spent waiting to ride rides. This makes park hopping not feasible. But if you only want to do the biggest rides and cherry pick what you want to do, then a park to park ticket can be a good choice. Most travelers are not going to stop and do every little kiddie ride, so traversing the parks in a half of day is doable, making a 1 day park to park ticket a possible choice.

So for the traveler who wants to go to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure but only have one day to do them in, the 1 day Park to Park ticket is a great ticket to have. It will allow you to visit two great theme parks in one day and also allow you to ride on the new Hogwarts Express train while traveling to both parks. Compared to a 1 day Universal Studios ticket or Islands of Adventure tickets, one can spend about $40 more and have a whole other park to explore. With both parks now having a Harry Potter themed area to them, people want to see both but are worried about the walking to get to both and money. But for a few dollars more and a train to get you to both without all the walking, it make sense to just get the park to park ticket and have the best one day one could have! To get discount Universal Studios tickets or the 1 day park to park tickets mentioned in this article, make to visit us on the web at www.officialticketcenter.com or by calling us toll free at 1-877-406-4836 today.

Orlando’s New Springfield Expansion Takes Simpsons Experience to the Next Level

The New Simpsons Springfield USA Now Open

The New Simpsons Springfield USA Now Open

The Official Ticket Center ~ It seems Universal Studios Orlando is all set to hit new records every now and then. Achieving milestones one after another becomes a constant trend for the premier Theme Park today. After the much anticipated Transformers -The Ride 3D attraction with a whooping one million riders in just over a month since inception, it’s time again to win more laurels and visits with the new Springfield Area expansion program. While most of the new expansion features were already launched for the public, the Park is confident of bringing a new joy to generations of Simpsons’ fans.

For Universal guests and visitors the Simpsons Experience is not just the same old adventure-ride any more, it’s all about exploring the entire world of the Simpsons in real-time. For the first time ever, fans visiting this area will be able to live and breathe Springfield like the characters themselves. Thanks to Universal Orlando for bringing to life the experiences of America’s most favorite animated family show.

The new “Springfield USA” welcomes you to the bright and colorful city and the hometown of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson. Once inside, there lays a whole new world of iconic landmarks from the famous Simpsons Episodes; all ready to greet you like never before. Imagine walking in the streets of a dream town only seen on television until today. Imagine the sight of the statue of Jebediah Springfield as you approach the dream town, or having a seat at Moe’s Tavern or enjoying a Krusty Burger or go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, everything you encounter at the new Springfield will take your Simpsons experience to the next level.

The Simpsons Springfield Expansion is on the verge of completion and almost all of the features already opened to the public with the exception of the two upcoming attractions namely – Kang & Kodos’ and Twirl ‘n’ Hurl. It was just a couple of months earlier, as part of the expansion program we saw the opening of The Simpsons Fast Food Boulevard that comprises of the Cletus’ Chicken Shack, Krusty Burger, Moe’s Tavern, Frying Dutchman, and Luigi’s Pizza. And later it was The Simpsons waterfront area that comes alive with the home to Lard Lad Donuts, Duff Gardens, Bumblebee Man’s Tacos and more.

Moreover, despite a couple of features still to open, the response to the new Springfield Expansions is tremendous. And it is good to know that the new Area is already being praised of as a win- win initiative by many. Truly, the Simpsons command’s the most lofted position in the list of Universal attractions now. A must visit themed-area that combines the best of America’s most ground-breaking and innovative entertainment franchise.

For discount Orlando theme park tickets and passes, including Universal Studios tickets and Sea World tickets you can call us toll free today at 1-877-406-4836

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT REVEALS MAJOR ATTRACTION NEWS

Orlando, Fla. (May 19, 2011) – Universal Orlando Resort today announced that its newest attraction will be based on Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s blockbuster 3-D-CGI feature “Despicable Me,” bringing minions, mayhem and a whole new level of 3-D family fun to its guests. The “Despicable Me” experience will replace the Jimmy Neutron attraction at Universal Studios Florida. Continue reading

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 10 Year Master Plan

NASA officials announced on 4/12/11 that Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been selected to permanently display space shuttle Atlantis upon retirement of the Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis, one of three orbiters in the space shuttle fleet, will fly the last scheduled space shuttle mission before being retired in 2011. 

 

The $100 million exhibit for Atlantis will be the marquee element of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s 10-year master plan. Initial design concepts for the 65,000 square-foot home for the space-flown orbiter include viewing the space shuttle “in flight,” showing how the spacecraft worked in space and providing a unique vantage point for guests to look at the complex vehicle up close. Complementing the orbiter display will be interactive features reflecting major accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

 

Officials with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex plan to break ground on Atlantis’ new home in 2012 with a grand opening planned for 2013. The orbiter home will be located in the Shuttle Plaza at the main Visitor Complex; incorporating the Shuttle Launch Experience attraction. To purchase your Kennedy Space Center Tickets, please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 TODAY.

Universal Studios Orlando Kicks Off Biggest, Best Mardi Gras Celebration Outside Of New Orleans 2011

Top-Name National Music Talent, Authentic Mardi Gras Parade and Cuisine Straight from The Big Easy Make for the Ultimate Street Party Beginning Feb. 12

Top-Name National Music Talent, Authentic Mardi Gras Parade and Cuisine Straight from The Big Easy Make for the Ultimate Street Party Beginning Feb. 12

 

Universal Studios ~ Orlando, Fla. (January 13, 2011) – It is the biggest, best, party in the country – and Universal Orlando Resort brings it straight from New Orleans to you this February 12 through April 23. Continue reading

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Reaches 1 Million Riders!

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

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: Continue reading

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Review!

Enjoying some Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice at WWoHP!

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! Continue reading

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Soft Opens at Islands of Adventure

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

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! Continue reading

Orlando Attractions Magazine – Tons of Wizarding World Videos!

Attractions Magazine has posted a ton of videos from within Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is opening for Universal Orlando Hotel guests this week.  WWoHP is set to open at Islands of Adventure on June 18th and will be included with general park admission and with your purchase of Discount Islands of Adventure Tickets.

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

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