Tag Archives: Universal Orlando Resort

Volcano Bay at Universal to Use TapuTapu for Virtual Lines

Opening on May 25, Volcano Bay will become Universal Orlando Resort’s third theme park and further complement the ultimate vacation destination. Volcano Bay will feature incredibly immersive environments, exhilarating rides, relaxing escapes and amazing technology that eliminates the fuss and maximizes the fun.

And today, we’re giving you the first ever look at the waterproof TapuTapu wearable for guests to use during their day at Universal’s Volcano Bay. Designed specifically and exclusively for use in Universal’s water theme park, it will transform the way guests experience water theme park entertainment at Volcano Bay.

The TapuTapu wearable gives you the ability to enjoy the new Virtual Line. You’ll walk up to the totem in front of an attraction entrance and with just a simple tap, receive a return time for that attraction. The TapuTapu then allows you to virtually wait in line so you can enjoy other areas of Volcano Bay while you wait. Each one of Volcano Bay’s four imaginatively-themed areas is filled with incredible experiences for all ages – so you don’t have to go far to have fun while you wait.

Soak up the sun on Waturi Beach, watch your friends speed through the Ko’okiri Body Plunge in The Reef leisure pool or brave the racing torrent of TeAwa The Fearless River. When it’s time for you to ride, TapuTapu will alert you to head over to the attraction. No carrying tubes, no standing in long lines, no hassles.

TapuTapu also allows you to explore various TapTu Play experiences throughout the park. You can control streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef or shoot water cannons at other guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River. You can even illuminate images in the volcano’s hidden caves (I can’t wait for this one).

You’ll receive an interactive TapuTapu wearable to use for the day when you arrive to the park at no extra charge.

Select 3-Park tickets and package offers are now available. You can upgrade your vacation package to stay at one of Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels. To enjoy breathtaking views of Volcano Bay, you can book an all-new volcano-side room or two-bedroom suite at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Start packing your swimsuits and sign up for email updates on all news regarding Universal’s Volcano Bay.

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.

Halloween Horror Nights 27 Vacation Package On Sale Now

Leave a reply

Halloween Horror Nights 27 Vacation Package On Sale Now

I know — it’s only February. But I’m already mentally preparing myself for a record 34 nights of scares from September 15 – November 4, 2017 at Universal Orlando Resort. That’s right, it’s Halloween Horror Nights time.

You can now book your visit to experience Universal Orlando’s ultimate Halloween event. Trust me when I say that this year’s brand new content will leave you panic-stricken. Universal’s award-winning Entertainment team has been working year round to bring you multiple scare zones, incredibly detailed haunted houses and captivating live shows that are sure to frighten any and all.

Brace yourself to be immersed into the world of iconic horror films, terrifying hit TV shows and haunting original stories. Beware of “scareactors” who will lurk in the dark and jump at you when you least expect it. And when you need a break from the screams, enjoy some of Universal Studios Florida’s many popular rides and attractions.

Event Dates:

Sept. 15-17, 21-24, 29-30
Oct. 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-31
Nov. 3-4

You can book our new vacation package which combines the nighttime terror of Halloween Horror Nights with daytime thrills of Universal Orlando Resort. You’ll get admission to two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Plus, for a limited time, you can upgrade to add Universal’s Volcano Bay. Volcano Bay is a revolutionary new water theme park filled with incredible thrills and perfected relaxation that opens May 25.

Halloween Horror Nights 27 Hotel & Ticket Package
Starts at $225 per adult, per night, tax inclusive — Book by April 19 for travel from Sept. 15 – Nov. 4.

3-night hotel accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
2-Park, 3-Day, Park-to-Park Ticket to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- LIMITED TIME OFFER: FREE upgrade to a 3-Park, Park-to-Park ticket, which includes admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay when staying at a Universal Orlando on-site hotel (Offer valid on packages booked by April 19)
1-Night Admission to Halloween Horror Nights (excluding Saturdays)
Early Park Admission one hour before the theme park opens to one (1) Universal Orlando theme park as determined by Universal Orlando
Access to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk
Complimentary transportation to Universal’s theme parks and Universal CityWalk
Special access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights entry gate each event night until 8 p.m.

The Halloween Horror Flex Ticket is also now available for purchase. This ticket allows you to add Halloween Horror Nights admission to your Universal Orlando visit. Options include:

Sunday – Friday Flex Ticket ($69.99 per adult + tax): Entitles one (1) guest admission to one (1) 2017 Halloween Horror Nights Event night on any Sunday – Friday event date that is valid for the ticket type.
Sunday – Saturday Flex Ticket ($80.99 per adult + tax): Entitles one (1) guest admission to one (1) 2017 Halloween Horror Nights Event night on any Sunday – Saturday event date that is valid for the ticket type.

Here’s a look back at last year’s event to get your adrenaline pumping.

We can help you plan your Universal vacation to experience all the thrills and chills of Halloween Horror Nights. Contact us today!

Top Three Reasons to Visit Universal Orlando Resort in 2017

Leave a reply

Top Three Reasons to Visit Universal Orlando Resort in 2017

There’s no doubt that 2016 was a big year at Universal Orlando Resort—from the new Skull Island: Reign of Kong, and the relaunch of The Incredible Hulk Coaster to the opening of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

But there’s even MORE coming in 2017 to make your vacation epic.

VOLCANO BAY

And when you think epic, one thing rises to the top: Volcano Bay, our third park.

When Volcano Bay opens this summer, it will be the world’s first water theme park. What does water theme park mean, you may ask?

It means the creative geniuses behind the incredible lands you know and love in Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure went out and created the ultimate water playground.

There’s a part of Volcano Bay for everyone: water slides for thrill seekers, luxurious cabanas for those looking to unwind, and the most amazing kid’s play area ever.

RACE THROUGH NEW YORK STARRING JIMMY FALLON

If that’s not enough, you’re also getting a brand new attraction in Universal Studios Florida: Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Jimmy brings the Big Apple, and his unique twist on humor, to Orlando. Catch up here on everything we announced last year. And stay tuned for more details to be revealed soon.

Halloween Horror Nights 27

The nation’s premier Halloween event returns this year with its award-winning recipe of haunted houses, scare zones and live shows.

I begged and pleaded with the powers that be to share one, little detail…but alas. All I have is the ability to tease you by saying, “It’s never too soon to start panicking!”

Now bring on 2017!

2016 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort By the Numbers

Leave a reply

2016 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort By the Numbers

Have you ever wondered how many miles it takes for the balloons to travel from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York to Universal Orlando Resort? Or just how many feet of garland are draped over the resort every holiday season?

Well, Universal’s Art & Design team just shared some festive figures on the holiday cheer they spread throughout Universal Orlando each year:

100,500 – Lights on the tallest Christmas tree
56,000 – Cubic feet of helium used in Macy’s Holiday Parade each year
50,000 – Linear feet of garland strung about Universal Orlando each year
7,000 – Lights on the Universal Studios Florida arch wreath
1,081 – Miles The Macy’s balloons travel from New York City to Universal Orlando
1,000 – Pounds of confetti used in Macy’s Holiday Parade each year
864 – Feet of garland on the Universal Studios Florida arch wreath
222 – Performances of “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular”
90 – Performers in Macy’s Holiday Parade
80 – Approximate feet of the tallest Christmas tree
12 – Balloons in the Macy’s Holiday Parade

Come on out and see a holiday celebration of epic proportions for yourself with Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, now through Jan. 1.

Catch Warwick Davis at Universal Orlando’s Celebration of Harry Potter in 2017

Leave a reply

I am thrilled to announce that – for the first time in A Celebration of Harry Potter history – Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick and Griphook) will be attending the event alongside returning film talent Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom). And, this is just the first Harry Potter film talent to be announced – more will be announced soon!

You’ll be able to hear from all the Harry Potter talent during their Q&A panel. Plus, for the Premium Vacation Package guests, the film talent will be doing a private autograph signing. (Packages are selling out so get your package now by clicking here.)

If you’ve been to A Celebration of Harry Potter in the past, then you know you can’t miss the Harry Potter Expo. This year, the expo has more than doubled in size. Check out who’s coming to this year’s event:

MinaLima: Graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima recently finished production on the new feature film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter: Fans will relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers who brought the Harry Potter film series to life.
Harry Potter: The Exhibition: Are you a Gryffindor or a Slytherin? A Hufflepuff or perhaps a Ravenclaw? Find out at this experience.
Scholastic: Celebrate Harry Potter at Scholastic’s booth by signing the “Muggle Wall” and testing your knowledge of the Harry Potter books at the Trivia Challenge. Fans will also be treated to a meet & greet and signing with Mary GrandPré, famed illustrator for the Harry Potter books.
Pottermore: If you’re eager to discover more about J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, Pottermore has a surprise in store for fans attending this year’s celebration.
Audible: Bringing fans Audible Recall – the ultimate audio challenge that decides who knows the wizarding world inside-out and who has a bad case of the wrackspurts.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Get a glimpse into the world of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and see images from the award-winning West End production.
Google Daydream VR Experience – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them:With Daydream View, Google’s newly launched virtual reality headset, you can experience the magic of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in VR. Wave a wand (via a Daydream controller) to solve puzzles and meet a few of the beasts in Newt’s case.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment: A magical adventure awaits in the LEGO Dimensions experience, where you’ll be able to explore the Wizarding World and be the first to play as Hermione Granger! Guests will also be given the opportunity to participate in special giveaways and contests.

In addition, we have some exciting new panels and demonstrations that will give fans a look into how the magic was brought to life on screen:

Behind the Scenes: Harry Potter Film Talent Discussion: Want to know what it was like on the set of the Harry Potter films? Now is your chance to find out.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – Creating Creatures for the Harry Potter Films with Nick Dudman and Warwick Davis: This panel is a discussion with award-winning special make-up effects artist Nick Dudman and Harry Potter film talent Warwick Davis about the incredible skill that went into producing iconic creatures such as Aragog, Buckbeak and the Gringotts Goblins, plus see some authentic models from the Harry Potter film series.

Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris: Expelliarmus! Learn how to duel in this interactive panel with the world’s only Wand Combat Chorographer, Paul Harris.
*Kids panel will also be offered for guests ages 12 and under

Stories from Harry Potter: The Exhibition: The Exhibition has the unique privilege of bringing a selection of some of the best known authentic props used to create the entire film series to fans in cities close to home. Each and every real element on display within the exhibition has a story. Eddie Newquist, creator of the exhibition, will be joined by Pierre Bohanna, head prop-maker from the films to tell stories of how these props and costumes were selected for the exhibition and about their histories.

MinaLima: Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima of MinaLima will share how their paths crossed at the WB film studios in London while working for 10 years on the Harry Potter movies, and more recently on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. They will show some of the iconic props they created, such as The Marauder’s Map, the Daily Prophet , The New York Ghost, MACUSA Wand Permit and more. Additionally, they will talk about their involvement in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Also coming to this year’s event is Harry Potter trivia and a Fan Art Walk where you can contribute your artist skills to a chalk art gallery that will be on display throughout the entire event.

Grab your tickets now and join us at the fourth annual A Celebration of Harry Potter from January 27 to 29, 2017.

Top 5 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day at Universal Orlando Resort

Leave a reply

In Florida, you never know when a rain shower might pop up! However, you don’t have to let it ruin your vacation or make you sit in your hotel room all day. From sheltered shows and attractions to dining and more, there’s so much to do at Universal Orlando Resort when it rains. Your biggest challenge will be fitting it all into one day! Here are the top 5 ways to spend a rainy day at Universal Orlando Resort:

1. Ride an Indoor Attraction

At both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, you can experience high action and thrilling roller coasters or experience amazing 4-D and 3-D attractions. One of my personal favorites is TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D. The visual effects on this ride are spectacular. I also get goosebumps from riding Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. From the moment you enter the line, the whole experience makes you feel like you’re in the movies. In addition, be sure sure to challenge your friends to a high score at Men in Black: Alien Attack, or experience even more awesome effects in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.

2. Watch a Covered Show

Several of Universal’s spectacular shows are performed rain or shine. If you’re in Universal Studios Florida, I highly recommend catching Animal Actors: On Location! Who wouldn’t love seeing adorable animals perform unique tricks? In Islands of Adventure, you can experience the exciting action of The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad Stunt Show, or the amazing follow-along adventure of Poseidon’s Fury. I honestly can’t pick a favorite between these two shows! Check out your handy park map the day-of for show times.

3. Dine Indoors

With numerous dining experiences on property, there are several options to suit everyone’s palette. From fine dining to casual and quick serve, there’s an option for everyone. The food’s so good, you will probably forget it’s even raining! You’ll certainly feel like you’re in the movie at Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks. I also enjoy the screamtastic Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Café. If you’re staying at one of Universal’s fun resorts, take some time to go bowling with the family at Galaxy Bowl Restaurant at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. At Universal CityWalk, you can spend some time looking at the memorabilia on the walls of Hard Rock Cafe Orlando.

4. Watch Blue Man Group

If you’re a fan of music and quality entertainment, you will love Blue Man Group in Universal City Walk! It’s a colorful concert and dance party jam-packed with comedy, rock music, and unforgettable moments. This indoor venue is located just left of the entrance to Universal Studios Florida. Grab your tickets at a discounted price online before you arrive or purchase them at the Blue Man Group Theater!

5. If You’re Already Wet, Ride a Water Ride

Show Mother Nature that she can’t dampen your spirits by riding one of our water attractions. Take the plunge into Jurassic Park River Adventure, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, or Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – all of our which are located in Islands of Adventure.

Consider your rain plan complete with this convenient infographic that gives you a list of attractions and shows you can experience on a not-so-sunny day at Universal Orlando Resort!

What are your favorite ways to spend a rainy day at Universal Orlando Resort?

Plan A Night Out at Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Leave a reply

Plan A Night Out at Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

When a weekend trip to Italy just isn’t possible, relish the next best thing during Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. Set under the twinkling lights of the picturesque Harbor Piazza, Harbor Nights invites locals and visitors to enjoy the starlit sights, sounds and flavors of Italy without leaving Orlando.

Included in the event’s entrance fee are an array of wines and gourmet foods, which are placed at stations throughout the piazza. The delectable dishes range from classical Italian favorites to more adventurous dishes that will electrify your palette.

And as if the fabulous food and wine wasn’t enough, the evening is made that much better with the addition of charming musical performances. Dance the night away to dreamy jazz and romantic crooning. Be sure to keep an eye out, because you just might see an opera singer booming from one of many balconies overlooking the piazza.

Upgrading to Harbor Night’s VIP experience is a must. During a recent visit, we were treated like royalty as we were sat at our own table for two, just a stone’s throw from the stage. We had the option to visit the food stations within the VIP area and beyond, but with the VIP experience, top-notch servers catered to our every whim, making it hardly necessary to leave our seats. Servers kept my Prosecco glass full and brought a constant barrage of delectable small plates.

There simply isn’t anything to rival Harbor Nights in the Orlando area. Combining ambiance, food, music, and scenery in a way that excites every one of your senses, Harbor Nights is truly a romantic experience that every couple needs to experience at least once.

Want a romantic night out? Harbor Nights takes place seasonally throughout the year, so be sure to find out when you can transport to Italy for your next date night.

Top 5 Snacks at Universal Orlando Resort

Leave a reply

It’s inevitable that you’ll need to stop for a snack as you hike your way around Universal Orlando Resort theme parks. The body needs fuel, and here are my top 5 favorite snacks at Universal to fill up on!

#5 ButterBeer – Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This delicious treat can come in any number of forms. Frozen, Cold, and a few times with Rum… it matters not how you partake of this snack; it only matters that you do. It’s well worth the stop.

#4 Duff Beer – Moe’s Tavern

Who says the parents can’t get lost in Springfield’s most famous tavern? Pull up a bar stool. Push aside Barney and ask for a mug of your favorite beer, Duff!

#3 Lard Lad Donut – Springfield

Lard and Donut just fit together don’t they? If you’re going to enjoy a donut, why stop at a lighter version when staring at you is a gigantic donut with pink frosting. I can’t say for sure these donuts actually contain lard, but they are pretty sweet and a delicious way to gain energy for the mid-afternoon rush!

#2 Flaming Moe’s – Moe’s Tavern

We’ve heard rumors of a Flaming Homer… I doubt it could stand up to the Flaming Moe’s though. A kid-friendly version of a world-class beverage. People come from miles around to enjoy Moe’s famous cocktail, and now you too can quench your thirst with a Flaming Moe!

#1 Ice Cream Sundaes – Schwab’s Pharmacy

Ice Cream, Ice Cream, We all Scream for Ice Cream…Or something to that effect. Let’s not stop at just ice cream though. Let’s go all the way with an original Schwab’s Pharmacy Ice Cream Sundae! This replica pharmacy location provides all the ooey gooey goodness of an old fashioned sundae. Stop by and treat yourself!

What are your favorite snacks at Universal Orlando Resort?

Don’t Miss Live Entertainment at Universal Studios Florida

Leave a reply

Don’t Miss Live Entertainment at Universal Studios Florida

I don’t know about you but in-between defying gravity on thrill rides, it can be nice to take a break and walk around taking in the atmosphere of Universal Orlando Resort. Along with Universal’s Superstar Parade, you can now be entertained while you’re on your stroll through Universal Studios Florida with new performances and live entertainment at Universal Studios Florida bringing the streets to life!

From throwing it back to the silver screen with Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas to rockin’ with the Beat Builders, there is incredible entertainment for every Tom, Dick, and Harry.

My personal favorite is the aca-awesome Sing It! Here, dynamic vocalists compete in a “riff-off”—and enlist your help—in a battle for acapella supremacy. This treat for the ears features hits from summer chart-toppers such as, “Can’t Stop The Feeling” to classics like, “Don’t Stop Believin’”.

Also in New York, share the silver screen with Hollywood’s Bombshell as Marilyn & the Diamond Bellas perform her classic songs with a Star-Spangled Flair.

Just on the edge of New York City streets before heading to San Francisco, you’ll find the Beat Builders. This lively percussion group incorporates the materials and equipment from a construction site to create jams that echo through the streets.

And last, but certainly not least, is the high flying, fish tossing, Flying Fish Market. Located in San Francisco, you can stop by for the Halibut and stay for the acrobatic awesomeness.

Check your Park Map on your next visit for show times to enjoy a performance in the streets.

Universal Replaces Universal’s Photo Connect with My Universal Photos

Leave a reply

Universal Replaces Universal’s Photo Connect with My Universal Photos

Vacation pictures really are memories and souvenirs from your travels and adventures over the years. And that is EXACTLY why Universal Orlando Resort is refreshing the look and name of their photo program – say goodbye to “Universal’s Photo Connect” and hello to “My Universal Photos” – because every photo taken is capturing an adventure or moment that is unique to every guest in the parks.

My Universal Photos, New Photo Program at Universal Orlando Resort

My Universal Photos locations and professional photographers are all over both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Whether you’re a ride junkie or you love meeting all of the characters in the parks, we’re ready to capture all of your favorite memories. Even those roller coaster photos you can’t capture with a selfie or a photo with the ENTIRE group instead of someone getting left out of the photo. We’ve got you covered!

My Universal Photos features two photo packages that are a great way to capture and share all of your amazing #UniversalMoments:

1-Day Photo Package: Includes one day of unlimited digital downloads of your theme park photos (character meet & greets, participating attractions, etc.), a themed lanyard and discounts on photo products in the parks. Available for online purchase only.

3-Day Photo Package: Includes all of the above for up to three consecutive days as well as one free 4×6 print, one free 5×7 or 8×10 print, and additional print discounts in the parks.

For a full list of photo locations and further details on the various photo packages, check out the new My Universal Photos page.

Did you ever use Universal’s Photo Connect during your vacation? Are you planning to try out the new My Universal Photos program during your next visit?

What’s your favorite photo you’ve captured from your Universal Orlando vacation? Share with us in the comments below.

Spreading Magic

Travel Agent Specializing in Family & Romance Travel

Tag Archives: Universal Orlando Resort

Volcano Bay at Universal to Use TapuTapu for Virtual Lines

Halloween Horror Nights 27 Vacation Package On Sale Now

Top Three Reasons to Visit Universal Orlando Resort in 2017

2016 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort By the Numbers

2016 Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort By the Numbers

Catch Warwick Davis at Universal Orlando’s Celebration of Harry Potter in 2017

Top 5 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day at Universal Orlando Resort

Plan A Night Out at Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Top 5 Snacks at Universal Orlando Resort

#5 ButterBeer – Wizarding World of Harry Potter

#4 Duff Beer – Moe’s Tavern

#3 Lard Lad Donut – Springfield

#2 Flaming Moe’s – Moe’s Tavern

#1 Ice Cream Sundaes – Schwab’s Pharmacy

Don’t Miss Live Entertainment at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Replaces Universal’s Photo Connect with My Universal Photos