Category Archives: Universal Orlando Resort

A Celebration of Harry Potter Returns to Universal January 27 – 29, 2017

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One of the most magical events at Universal Orlando Resort is returning for a fourth year. Gather around wizards and witches because A Celebration of Harry Potter is happening January 27 – 29, 2017.

This weekend-long experience is full of fantastic events including a film talent Q&A, demonstrations, exhibits and more. And it’s all included in your regular theme park admission or with an Annual Pass.

But, if you want to attend even more activities throughout A Celebration of Harry Potter, make sure to purchase one of the event vacation packages. You’ll enjoy certain special benefits and reserved sections for the panels and demonstrations.

Premium Vacation Package: If you know every line of the Harry Potter books and films, this is for you.

  • 3-night hotel accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels
  • 3-Day Park-to-Park ticket to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
  • Access to an exclusive evening event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Friday)
  • Evening reception at the Harry Potter Expo (Saturday)
  • Exclusive autograph and photo session with select film talent
  • Exclusive talent Q&A session with select film talent
  • Shutterbutton’s Photography Studio session at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens
  • Special access to the Harry Potter Expo, panels and demonstrations
  • Reserved section for select panels and demonstrations
  • Breakfast at Three Broomsticks in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
  • Breakfast at Leaky Cauldron in Universal Studios Florida
  • Commemorative A Celebration of Harry Potter merchandise item, pin and lanyard
  • Access to select venues at Universal CityWalk

Celebration Vacation Package: Celebrate like a VIP with this package.

  • 3-night hotel accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels
  • 3-Day Park-to-Park ticket to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
  • Access to an exclusive evening event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Exclusive talent Q&A session with select film talent
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens
  • Special access to the Harry Potter Expo, panels and demonstrations
  • Breakfast at Three Broomsticks in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
  • Commemorative A Celebration of Harry Potter merchandise item, pin and lanyard
  • Access to select venues at Universal CityWalk

Annual Passholder Vacation Package: If you hold the gold ticket that is an Annual Pass to Universal Orlando then this is the package for you.

  • 3-night hotel accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels
  • Access to an exclusive evening event in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Exclusive talent Q&A session with select film talent
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens
  • Special access to the Harry Potter Expo, panels and demonstrations
  • Breakfast at Three Broomsticks in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
  • Commemorative A Celebration of Harry Potter merchandise item, pin and lanyard
  • Access to select venues at Universal CityWalk

Wands at the ready because it will be here before you know it!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor Dining Experience Returns to HHN26

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Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor Dining Experience is BACK by popular demand. Feast upon this all-you-care-to-eat dinner buffet with a twist.

When the park closes to day guests—and Halloween Horror Nights unleashes the terror from within—Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe gets infested by bloodcurdling creatures skulking behind every corner.

This is the picture-perfect way to fuel up for the fear, giving you the energy to take on all the menacing souls waiting to terrorize y’all’s neighborhood.

This year’s menu features:

  • Eerie entrees from sliced pork loin and chicken marsala to penne pasta
  • Satisfying sides including mashed potatoes and broccoli
  • Vegetarian options are also available like salads

And we can’t forget about my favorite course, dessert! There’s no shortage of them here from apple and key lime pies to brookies.

This menu seriously features everything but the kitchen sink (and pea soup, for obvious reasons)!

Now food is only half of this experience. If you’re like me, you love a good selfie. And it’s kind of impossible to get one in the streets when you’re busy running for your life from the most terrifying monsters you’ve ever seen.

This is where I am sold on the Scareactor Dining Experience: you can get your picture with some of this year’s most popular scareactors including the one, the only, mistress of mayhem—Chance! (You want to see scary? Imagine face-swapping with her…)

Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor Dining Experience is $49.99 plus tax, per person and includes an all-you-care-to-eat buffet along with a digital download of one photo taken during the experience. Be sure to book in advance because there is limited availability for each seating on select event nights. Halloween Horror Nights ticket and Dining Reservations are required and must be valid for the same day.

Are you going to add the Halloween Horror Nights Scareactor Dining Experience to your Halloween Horror Nights adventure?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Enter to Win a Trip to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

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Win a Trip to Loews Sapphire Falls Resort for Four!

How would you like to win a trip to paradise at the all-new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. Now is your chance! From now until Sept. 16, you can enter to win a 3-day, 3-night trip for four in the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort “Message in a Bottle Sweepstakes”. Here’s what you need to do to enter.

First step is to click through to the “Message in a Bottle Sweepstakes” page and fill out the required information. Next step is to write your message to your friends and family and share on either your Facebook page or Twitter, telling them why you want to stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. You can write one message per day to increase your chances of winning the grand prize or up to 100 other prizes.

The grand prize winner will be chosen on Sept. 19, and will receive airfare, a 3-night hotel stay, as well as 3-day park-to-park tickets to Universal Orlando Resort and a $150 meal voucher to use at any on-site restaurant for the winner and three guests for the duration of your trip.

The 100 other prize winners will also be chosen Sept. 19 and include:

  • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort towel and towel stakes
  • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort thermal bottle
  • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort insulated beverage tumbler
  • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort utility bag

We look forward to seeing your messages and welcoming you to paradise!

See complete details and enter today.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Purchase or payment will not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes starts 12:01 am ET on 8/26/16 and ends 11:59 pm ET on 9/16/16. Open only to legal residents of 50 US & DC (“Eligibility Area”) 21 or older. Limit 1 entry per person/email/household/day. Subject to Official Rules. See Official Rules for complete details. Void outside Eligibility Area and where prohibited. Sponsor: Universal City Development Partners, Ltd. d/b/a Universal Orlando Resort, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Performance Schedule for Rock the Universe 2016 at Universal Orlando

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Performance Schedule for Rock the Universe 2016 at Universal Orlando

Get ready to rock, ride and rejoice THIS WEEKEND at Rock the Universe at Universal Studios Florida! This is one of my favorite annual events at Universal Orlando Resort. For years, I’ve attended the event with my family or my church, and it really is a weekend to remember.

While enjoying some of the incredible attractions at Universal Studios, you’re able to experience performances by some of the hottest names in Christian music each night. You’ll get a weekend filled with faith & worship, music and theme park thrills!

And as a friendly reminder, here’s the talent line-up for this weekend.

Sometimes showtimes change, so check your park map when you get here for the latest information.

Friday, September 9

  • Skillet — 11:00 p.m.
  • Matt Maher — 10:00 p.m.
  • Jeremy Camp — 9:15 p.m.
  • Rend Collective — 7:45 p.m.
  • KB — 6:15 p.m.
  • Lauren Daigle — 8:15 p.m.
  • Finding Favour — 6:45 p.m.
  • DJ Promote — 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 10

  • Lecrae — 10:45 p.m.
  • Colton Dixon — 10:15 p.m.
  • TobyMac — 9:15 p.m.
  • Family Force 5 — 7:30 p.m.
  • Andy Mineo — 6:00 p.m.
  • NF — 8:30 p.m.
  • I Am They — 7:00 p.m.
  • DJ Promote — 9:15 p.m.

Plus, check out the Coca-Cola FanZone for even more live music, autograph sessions and more.

And if you want to attend the Sunday Morning Worship Service, make sure to register in advance. It’s free with your Rock the Universe ticket, but you must make reservations.

Tickets for Rock the Universe 2016 are still available, so grab your tickets now and get ready to rock. I’ll see you there!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Experience Immersive Paranormal Virtual Reality at Halloween Horror Nights 26

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You will have the opportunity to experience a cutting-edge, terrifying virtual reality at Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando Resort. “The Repository” seamlessly blends custom virtual reality technology with immersive real-life storytelling bringing guests into the next dimension of horror experiences.

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Throughout this heart-pounding, psychological journey, guests’ most personal and intimate fears will be tested as they encounter real-life characters in highly themed physical environments, while working together in teams of four to uncover a paranormal mystery told through the use of the cutting-edge technology.

All of this is set in a centuries old warehouse where paranormal and supernatural artifacts have been collected and stored for hundreds of years. Recently though, the secretive organization behind this practice has installed state-of-the-art technology that allows spectral transportation into paranormal realms.

Until now, the supernatural has infiltrated our world on occasions labeled “hauntings.” Now, and for the first time ever, you will be sent across the SDP (spectral dark portal) directly into those terrifying environments.

“The Repository” can be purchased as an upgrade from your Halloween Horror Nights admission for $49.99 plus tax, per person. It will be available to guests during all Halloween Horror Nights events, beginning September 29 and running through October 31.

Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can purchase tickets beginning August 16. Tickets for the general public will be on sale beginning August 23. Halloween Horror Nights admission is required.

Get ready for The Repository, a paranormal virtual reality at Halloween Horror Nights, because the door will soon be open to a mind-blowing paranormal experience like no other.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

American Horror Story: The Last House for Halloween Horror Nights 26

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American Horror Story: The Last House for Halloween Horror Nights 26

It’s pretty impressive what Universal has been able to assemble for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort. Universal has finally revealed the last house for Halloween Horror Nights 26 – FX’s American Horror Story. This all-new house will feature Season 1: Murder House, Season 4: Freak Show, and Season 5: Hotel.

Since this fantastic series began, Universal has been watching and calculating how – if ever given the chance – they would translate it into a haunted experience. The most engaging aspect of American Horror Story is the fact that every season is a completely new storyline, with brand new environments and characters, not unlike Halloween Horror Nights.

First, Universal needed to decide how to capture all of that content into a single house. The uber-maze or larger template Universal has adopted, most recently with their popular 25th Anniversary maze last year, was the most ideal format.

You’ll be confronted by the horrors that reside within the walls of the newly bought Harmon residence and evade the abominations that call its basement home.

You’ll witness the atrocities that befell many of the unfortunate souls of a roadside Freak Show and encounter Twisty, a maniacal and deformed clown performer.

Lastly, you will check into the Hotel Cortez and unlock the domain of The Countess, as she ensures your stay is anything but pleasant.

These three seasons will be vividly recreated in every detail – environments characters and moments. Universal has even worked extremely close with the series creator, Ryan Murphy and 20th Century Fox, to insure it captures the series in every way possible.

This reveal rounds out the most eclectic slate of brands we’ve ever had. Combined with Universal’s original content houses, scare zone, and show slate, Halloween Horror Nights 26 is looking to be one for the books.

You won’t want to miss this year’s event so make sure to book your Universal Orlando vacation and grab your tickets now!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Chance Returns to Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando

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Chance Returns to Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando

Halloween Horror Nights 25 was a monumental success. The designers quickly realized that they had a unique opportunity to elevate someone from “deadly sidekick” into “event icon”—Chance!

Who better to take Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights by the throat than someone who has been influenced by Jack, learned from him? But someone who brings with her a new environment and tone to the event.

Halloween Horror Nights 26 literally takes place where we left off. The aftermath of the carnage is still fresh and Chance finds herself incarcerated for the crimes of last year. With the “Jack in the Box” on an evidence shelf somewhere waiting for someone to turn the crank once more, Chance bides her time within her cell.

But this is not a tragedy for her. This prison is a toy box. It’s within the confines of her cell that she enters her horrific “theatre of the mind”. She knows that the acts committed inside her mind will manifest in the real. Both equally deranged and gothically beautiful.

So, there are two very distinct states of mind for Chance—as well as two distinct looks. Terror itself, ripped in half… the shockingly real and the grotesquely imagined. This is an evolved Chance taking her rightful place atop Halloween Horror Nights.

How these worlds collide and the amazing nightmares that are brought forth as a result is what Halloween Horror Nights 26 is made of. Our amazing line-up of houses and scare zones—drawn from movies, TV shows, and original stories—all live within the confines of her terrifying theatre.

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As she stands center stage within a yellowed, flickering spotlight, I can see her with a coy and maniacal smirk stating simply…

“The Show Must Go On.”

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Enjoy Magical Dining Month at Universal Orlando Resort

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Another one of the most magical times of the year is almost here: Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. Get ready to take your taste buds on an adventure at some of our unique on-site hotels and Universal CityWalk restaurants.

From August 29 through October 2, you can enjoy a three-course, prix fixe dinner for only $33. I’d say that’s pretty magical!

The prix fixe dinners include your choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert from the Magical Dining Month menu at our participating restaurants.

Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Caribbean, Asian or American, we have the perfect date night restaurant for you.

Check out the list of participating restaurants at our destination:

Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Enjoy a relaxing evening with waterfront dining and delightful Caribbean dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.

 

16-16740, Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort pre-open photo shoot. Food and drinks

16-16740, Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort pre-open photo shoot. Food and drinks

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop and Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Embark on an exotic culinary journey through the Pacific Seas with bold flavors at both of these tropical restaurant destinations.

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Bice Ristorante and Mama Della’s Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Indulge in authentic Italian dishes for an unforgettable meal the whole family will enjoy. Buon Appetito!

Advertising Resorts Shoot at Loew's Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort UOR PBH

Advertising Resorts Shoot at Loew’s Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort UOR PBH

The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel

Get ready for a meal fit for a rock star with a menu that features the best in comfort food from juicy burgers to mouth-watering flat breads.

Advertising B-roll and National DRTV commercial shoot for Resorts at Hard Rock Hotel HRH at Universal Orlando Resort UOR

Advertising B-roll and National DRTV commercial shoot for Resorts at Hard Rock Hotel HRH at Universal Orlando Resort UOR

Emeril’s Orlando at Universal CityWalk

Craving the tastes of the Big Easy? Spend a night out at Emeril’s Orlando and enjoy Creole-based gourmet creations.

Straight from the bayous of Louisiana, this sophisticated, spirited culinary adventure is a cousin to Emeril's of New Orleans, created by master chef Emeril Lagasse. Star of the hit "TV Food Network" program Emeril Live, Lagasse is one of Food & Wine Magazine's top 25 chefs in the country and a James Beard Foundation award winner.

Straight from the bayous of Louisiana, this sophisticated, spirited culinary adventure is a cousin to Emeril’s of New Orleans, created by master chef Emeril Lagasse. Star of the hit “TV Food Network” program Emeril Live, Lagasse is one of Food & Wine Magazine’s top 25 chefs in the country and a James Beard Foundation award winner.

Best of all, a dollar from each Magical Dining Month meal will be donated to The Russell Home for Atypical Children. This local charity has been helping severely disabled children and adults for over 60 years.

So make your reservations now, support a worthy cause, and get ready for a magical month of dining across Universal Orlando Resort.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen Now Open For Preview

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The sweet sense of anticipation keeps building for the official grand opening of Universal CityWalk’s newest restaurant later this fall. Starting this week, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is now open for preview.

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The preview is a time for the new restaurant to offer a limited number of guests the opportunity to get a sneak peek at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium as Universal puts the finishing touches on the experience in preparation for its official opening. During this time, the restaurant will be open on a limited, unscheduled basis.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is a 19th Century Steampunk-themed, full-service restaurant that brings together a specially created and expansive menu plus an incredible array of gourmet-level chocolates and desserts – all in a highly themed, unique environment that can only be found at Universal CityWalk. The impressive menu features twists on classic steak, seafood and pasta entrees, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, incredible salads, all-day brunch and so much more. And, of course, the desserts are absolutely out-of-this-world.

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If you have a chance to try some of the incredible sweet treats and unique savory fare at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium during Preview, let us know what you think!

Here are a few photos of the amazing dishes available at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen:

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Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Don’t Miss Krampus at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26

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Krampus at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26

This year, Universal Orlando Resort is bringing to life the terrifying Christmas legend Krampus at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26. Universal has collaborated closely with filmmaker Michael Dougherty, Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures to bring authenticity to each terrifying encounter.

The Engel home is decked out for the holidays and all of you are invited to join them. From the myriad of dark elves, gingerbread men wielding nail guns, and the engorged Jack-in-the-Box, to my favorite… the Teddy Bear, each room is full of its own horrifying moments pulled from the film.

You’ll not only try and dodge the invading dark elves around every corner, but will also have to keep your holiday spirits up, while sneaking past the looming presence of Krampus himself. Each encounter with Krampus holds its own unique perspective, as he gathers more souls for his sinister workshop.

The excitement for this property, and what it adds to this year’s event, is the same excitement as waiting to see what Santa has left under the tree. Mixing two cups of horror with humor, a tablespoon of trick, with a dash of treat, and you’ll receive the most gruesome holiday gift ever.

Remember, it’s better to give than receive… unless you’re Krampus. He only takes.

You won’t want to miss out on the horrifying cheer Krampus is bringing to Halloween Horror Nights. Purchase your Halloween Horror Nights 26 tickets or vacation package now and become a part of the legend this fall.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.