Skip to content

Universal Studios

Universal Orlando Resort Hosts Holiday Festivities

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

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Taking his Magic to Muggles of Universal Studios Hollywood

When I lived in Southern California, the theme park I visited the second most often was Universal Studios Hollywood. I lived within walking distance and would often find myself on the Backlot Tram or watching Waterworld when the thought of driving across town through traffic… Read More »Wizarding World of Harry Potter Taking his Magic to Muggles of Universal Studios Hollywood

Party With Friends at Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras

Last weekend I was invited to Universal Studios Florida for a lesson in fun. We got to see behind the scenes at Mardi Gras, learn how to cook up some authentic New Orleans gumbo, caught some beads, and then partied into the night at a marvelous concert featuring the B-52s. It as an amazing experience.

The night started off with a cooking lesson from the resort’s executive chef Steven Jayson.

Thankfully there was no slicing and dicing required. All the ingredients for our gumbo were ready to go when we arrived as well as a cooking station.

The final product was supposed to look like this

but mine was more like this…

we didn’t really have the time required to bring out all the flavors, but it was still pretty good.

Read More »Party With Friends at Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras

iCarly Star Jennette McCurdy visits Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Capitol Records Nashville recording artist and star of Nickelodeon’s iCarly, Jennette McCurdy, was spotted today at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure newest land the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Above she’s seen enjoying some sweets at Honeydukes. McCurdy was hosted with her family and friends… Read More »iCarly Star Jennette McCurdy visits Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Islands of Adventure closes gates due to high attendance

Walt Disney World and Disneyland aren’t the only parks eexperiencing high attendance this time of year, Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios Orlando has had to close its gates for the first time in its existence. This is, of course, largely due to the popularity… Read More »Islands of Adventure closes gates due to high attendance

Harry Potter draws on Hollywood Talent for new attraction

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed land at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure will celebrate its grand opening on June 18th. The promotions are starting to fly fast and heavy, just like you will on the Forbidden Journey attraction, as the date draws near.… Read More »Harry Potter draws on Hollywood Talent for new attraction

Universal Orlando starts looking for its Wizards

Universal Orlando has opened up its search for employees to work in the soon to open “Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. A quick trip over to http://www.universalorlandojobs.com/ shows they’re hiring for food, merchandising, and attractions operations in the new land.

While the WWoHP is scheduled to open this spring. It will really just be phase one, with the two rethemed coasters and some shops and food locations opening. The big new attraction won’t be opening until a bit later.

(Via the OBJ.)

Follow below the jump for the attractions operations description:

Read More »Universal Orlando starts looking for its Wizards

Universal Orlando revamps Pricing Structure Ahead of Harry Potter

Central Florida’s second largest theme park resort is preparing to welcome the Magic. No, not Disney Magic… Wizard Magic. Universal Studios hopes the Wizard known as Harry Potter will conjure up some better attendance figures when his legion of fans arrive in Orlando for the… Read More »Universal Orlando revamps Pricing Structure Ahead of Harry Potter