Today was the first day Optimus Prime was revealed atop his perch on the new Transformers: The Ride – 3D at Universal Studios Florida. Autobot leader Optimus Prime stands guard at 28 feet tall and weighs nearly nine tons, beckoning recruits to join the resistance… Read More »Transformers: The Ride Begins Soft Openings at Universal Studios Florida
The Simpsons has been a staple of television animation for over 20 years. There was an profitable animated feature and a second in the works. Since 2008 there’s even been a theme park attraction that takes guests to Krustyland at Universal Studios Hollywood and Orlando.… Read More »Universal Orlando Continues to Expand, Grows The Simpsons Area
Universal Orlando Resort made official its worst kept secret today. The Hogwarts School of Wizarding Magic & Hogsmeade themed Wizarding World of Harry Potter land in Islands of Adventure will joined by a Diagon Alley companion land in Universal Studios Florida. Connecting the two lands… Read More »Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter Expands The Magic with Diagon Alley
Sometimes you look at someone getting a theme park escort and wonder, are they a celebrity? With Shaquille O’Neal there isn’t any question when the big man is in town. Shaq was touring Universal Orlando Resort on July 9, 2012 and encountered some tiny, yellow… Read More »Celebrity Sighting: Shaq Meets The Minions at Universal Studios’ Despicable Me
Apparently Universal Orlando Resort has figured out a large untapped audience – Families of Hipsters. They just announced a partnership with Loews Hotels & Resorts to build a new hotel development with a ‘hip’ theme that will add high-quality, high-value options for families wanting an affordable on-site experience. I joke, but I am willing to bet it will be a success for Universal.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer two distinct experiences within the development’s multiple buildings: 900 family suites, capable of sleeping six, that include kitchen areas and 900 standard guest rooms – offering both moderate – and value-priced accommodations. It will be operated by Loews Hotels & Resorts and is scheduled to open in 2014.
Think of Cabana Bay Beach Resort like a moderate resort, compared to the more deluxe Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Amenities will be slightly different, and the room rate won’t include the Universal Express Unlimited Pass. That’s fine in my book, since a potential of 5000 more people running around with Express Passes could overwhelm the delicate balance that exists now in the parks.
That said, there is an obvious need for family suites. More extended families are vacationing together. A moderate level price is also something that has been missing from Universal’s deck of cards.
Orlando celebrated the opening of another new attraction today. Universal Studios at Universal Orlando Resort rolled out the yellow carpet for the odd ball family cast of Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. On the new 3D attraction, guests get to experience what it’s like to become a minion.
Attending at the event were: Members of Universal Orlando’s creative team, Dana Gaier (Edith) and Elsie Fisher (unicorn hugging Agnes), Miranda Cosgrove (Margo) and a slew of characters from the film. No bananas were harmed in the event.
More photos below the cut:
Big news from Universal Studios theme parks division was just announced. Not only is the rumored Universal Studios Hollywood Wizarding World of Harry Potter clone official, the expansion in Universal Orlando Resort has been officially confirmed. Here’s the official press release: Warner Bros. Entertainment and… Read More »Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter Officially Expanding in Orlando, Coming to Hollywood