Award-winning actress Uma Thurman was hosted by Universal Orlando Resort on Sunday, January 15, 2012 while vacationing in Orlando with friends and family. During her visit, she came face-to-face with a mysterious Egyptian guard moments before experiencing the pulse-pounding attraction, Revenge of the Mummy. Thurman… Read More »Uma Thurman spotted at Universal Studios
The week between Christmas and New Years is always a busy one in Orlando. This year with both major holidays falling on weekends and twin bowl crowds in town, everyone was expecting it to be crazy. The first part of this week has actually been… Read More »Orlando Theme Parks Reach Capacity
A few years ago you could fire a cannon down any pathway in Islands of Adventure and have little risk of hitting a soul. But a big change swept into the park and with it a ton more visitors, all opening their wallets to take… Read More »How should Universal Maximize Harry Potter Potential
Universal Orlando Resort showed a bit of restraint waiting until after Thanksgiving to launch its Christmas celebration. That’s appreciated by us purists, but means you only have a short window of time to get yourself to the resort and enjoy the festivities. For a list of their offerings, read our earlier post.
I recommend arriving early and exploring both parks. They have a lot of decorations up and the Holiday Village has fun games and treats for the whole family. I would have liked to see more entertainment options like they had for Mardi Gras, but there was still plenty to see and the treats all smelled delicious.
This year marks the 10th year the Macy’s Holiday Parade has run through the streets of Universal Studios. In theory these are the floats and balloons from the actual parade in NYC and I think I saw a few (the Polar Bear float and some of the balloon characters), the rest are from past parades. But it is the next best thing to being at the real parade, and it was a balmy 78 degrees instead of 42 degrees.
The highlight of the parade was Santa Claus lighting the Christmas Tree. But you have to be standing near the tree (opposite the Macy’s facade near Revenge of The Mummy).
Also returning is Grinchmas – a fun ‘wholiday’ stage show. The show was moved indoors a few years ago, which means you won’t encounter any weather issues. You will have to leave Suessland in Islands of Adventure and venture to one of the Soundstages, however. I found all of the featured performers to be quite talented. That includes Max the dog. Definitely catch this show when you visit.
Wrapping up the evening on the studios side is a special concert from Mannheim Steamroller. We didn’t stay to see the whole concert, but if you like their music, like I do, it is fun to see it made live and in person.
Please join me below the fold for more photos of our special evening at Universal Orlando Resort for their Christmas celebrations:
Read More »Universal Orlando Resort Hosts Holiday Festivities
Universal Orlando Resort’s Holiday festivities kick off this weekend with holiday entertainment for the entire family. Both parks will have events and decorations meant to keep the spirits bright with holiday offerings running Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. Grinchmas, at Islands… Read More »Universal Orlando Holiday Festivities Start This Weekend
Universal Orlando has permanently changed the nature of one of its most popular attractions after a pair of guest injuries on the roller coaster. Dragon Challenge, formerly Dueling Dragons, will never duel again. Instead it will become a chase with cars being dispatched so that… Read More »Universal Orlando Permanently Changes Dragon Challenge Roller Coaster After Injuries
The second injury from flying objects on the Dragon Challenge roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure Wizarding World of Harry Potter in two weeks has forced changes to the attraction. The two coaster trains used to be released near simultaneously so the riders… Read More »Second Injury on Dragon Challenge forces Universal to Change Ride
Earlier today a man riding in the front row of the Dragon Challenge Roller Coaster at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park was injured and possibly blinded, when an object hit him in the head as he rode the dueling roller coaster attraction. This… Read More »Man injured on Dragon Challenge Roller Coaster at Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure park