Well, this is cute, and a great idea. This morning, the Universal Orlando Resort surprised guests who attended the midnight film screening of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” at AMC Universal Cineplex 20 with exclusive, complimentary access to The Wizarding World of… Read More »Universal Orlando surprises Harry Potter Midnight Showing Guests with WWoHP visit
In a move that would put the two domestic Universal Studios theme parks back on the same track and under unified ownership, Comcast owned NBCUniversal has opted to agree to the Blackstone Group’s offer to sell their half of the Universal Orlando Resort. This also… Read More »NBCUniversal to Buyout Blackstone Group’s half of Universal Orlando Resort
This morning Universal Orlando announced that Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure will be re-animated using 4K digital HD. The 3D projection system will be by Infitec. They will even add some enhancements to the film – perhaps we should expect some additional inside jokes?
The big announcement was that a 3D attraction will replace the Jimmy Neutron simulator in Universal Studios-Florida. Using the same 3D technology as the new Spider-Man, this attraction will transform audiences into minions. We will start in Gru’s house and be taken to his lab. As Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative, puts it, the end will be a “one of a kind celebration, where you show off your best moves as part of a minion dance party.” How many minions will there be? Lots and lots and lots – over one million!
Despicable Me will be open in 2012.
The full press release with more details is below the jump:
Read More »Despicable Me and Updated Spider-Man Ride Coming to Universal
Okay. Here’s the problem with private equity firms, they’re only in it for the money. That’s not a secret, but it is problem if your brand depends on consistency of service. That’s exactly the situation Universal Orlando Resort faces now that the Blackstone Group has… Read More »Universal Orlando Faces Forced Sale by Private Equity Firm
Remember when you were young and you didn’t walk and wash your dog? Then your mom would tell you, if you don’t walk and wash your own dog I’m going to give it away? This would go on for weeks and eventually you either started… Read More »Grad Nites Flunk Out, Disney World to End Near 40 Year Tradition
Hope you’re having a terrific Fat Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras. Let the good times roll, if you know what I mean. If you can’t find a Mardi Gras parade near you, you can always come celebrate this Saturday at Universal Orlando. British-American band Foreigner is set to perform at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras this Saturday, bringing their unique blues-pop-rock sound and some of the most unforgettable rock songs spanning three decades.
Part of what makes Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras so good is the themed food choices. I’m a big fan of Cajun cuisine so it was a great pleasure to learn how to prepare authentic gumbo as part of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras festivities. If you want to celebrate with your own authentic gumbo, the recipe from Universal is below the jump:
There is little doubt Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter addition was the main driver behind the park’s reported 20% attendance growth and a profit of $261 million, which is more than the estimated cost for the whole addition. While it’s unlikely Universal Orlando… Read More »Will London Harry Potter exhibit slow Universal Orlando’s growth?
Where do you go for Dr. Seuss’s birthday? Well, a library seems the most appropriate, but failing that Seuss Landing at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure is good too. Orlando Magic’s Community Ambassador and former player, Nick Anderson, was there and reading Dr. Seuss’ “The… Read More »Universal Orlando Resort Joins Read Across America’s Celebration