Tag Archives: Universal Orlando Resort

2017 Dates for Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort Announced

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2017 Dates for Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort Announced

In just a few months, it will be time to let the good times roll as Universal Orlando’s annual Mardi Gras celebration returns to Universal Studios Florida. 2017 Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort will offer a bigger party than ever before with 49 nights spanning from February 4 through March 24, 2017!

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And next year, Universal is changing things up a bit. Mardi Gras will run for a total of 49 consecutive nights from February 4 to March 24.

That means you’ll have 49 nights to catch as many beads as possible during the dazzling Mardi Gras parade.

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…49 nights to interact with Mardi Gras characters and hear live music from bands straight from The Big Easy…

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…49 nights to enjoy the delicious authentic Cajun cuisine in the French Quarter Courtyard, like jambalaya, gumbo and more…

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And on 12 select nights, some of the biggest names in music will take the stage for live concerts. Stay tuned – the concert lineup for Mardi Gras 2017 will be revealed in the next few months.

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Mardi Gras is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida. Will you be in Florida next year to celebrate Mardi Gras at 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. 

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Now Open at Universal Orlando Resort

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Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Now Open at Universal Orlando Resort

It’s not every time you walk into a hotel that you’re greeted by cheering team members, a steel drum band, stilt walkers and a colorful burst of streamers. However, the first family checking into Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort received fanfare, a special tour of the resort, a complimentary stay, and more.

This brand new Caribbean-inspired property is the fifth on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort and will whisk you away to an island state of mind. Here are a few of the “must-do” experiences at Sapphire Falls:

  • Unwind at the pool (which is the largest pool across all of Universal’s on-site hotels!) and take a ride down the water slide.
  • Enjoy a leisurely water taxi after a busy day in the theme parks back to the hotel and take in the incredible view of the waterfalls at the lagoon.
  • Indulge in a Strong Water Tavern grog and our signature mojo-marinated rotisserie chicken from Amatista Cookhouse.
  • Experience incredible views from your room, which is one of 1,000 guest rooms, including 83 suites.
  • And more!

As with all of Universal’s on-site hotels, you’ll also receive a plethora of benefits, including Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk.

Whether you come to Universal Orlando Resort in search of fun, relaxation or adventure (or all of the above), you will create lasting memories. Book your next stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and be transported to an island escape on your next Universal Orlando vacation.

Are you going to stay at the new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort during your next visit to Universal Orlando Resort?

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. 

New Annual Pass Program at Universal Orlando Offers More Benefits and Flexibility

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Universal Orlando Resort’s annual passholders are some of their most loyal fans so they’re always looking for ways to revamp the UOAP program for them. Universal recently began rolling out a new Annual Pass program at Universal Orlando Resort that includes more benefits, a new pricing structure and an all-new pass.

MORE BENEFITS

There are now even more benefits for Power, Preferred and Premier annual passholders to enjoy:

Premier and Preferred annual passholders now have Early Park Admission to enjoy access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure one hour before the park opens to the public.

And, they have removed summer blockout dates for Power annual passholders – so now you can access both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure ALL SUMMER LONG.

ALL-NEW SEASONAL PASS

Universal also introduced a new pass option, the Seasonal Pass, to the UOAP program that grants access to the parks seasonally throughout the year.  They’ve added it to their lineup to give you more options so you can choose the best Universal Orlando Resort pass for you. Now there is a pass to suit every need – whether you want to visit the parks just a few times throughout the year or every single day.

Here’s a quick overview of each of Universal’s Annual Passes and the new Seasonal Pass:

ALL-NEW! Seasonal Pass

  • One year of park-to-park admission (blockout dates apply)
  • Discounts on Universal Orlando’s separately-ticketed events – Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
  • Discounts on Blue Man Group tickets, on-site hotel stays, multi-day theme park tickets purchased at the Front Gate, and more

Power Annual Pass

  • One year of park-to-park admission with fewer blockout dates and access to concerts at Universal Studios Florida
    • NEW! Blockout dates have been removed for summer dates – so you can access both theme parks all summer long!
  • NEW! $10 self-parking – that’s 50% off the regular price
  • Discounts on Universal Orlando’s separately-ticketed events – Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
  • Discounts on Blue Man Group tickets, on-site hotel stays, multi-day theme park tickets purchased at the Front Gate, and more

Preferred Annual Pass

  • One year of park-to-park admission with NO blockout dates
  • NEW! Early Park Admission to enjoy the parks one hour before opening (blockout dates apply)
  • Free self-parking; $10 preferred parking
  • Discounts on Universal Orlando’s separately-ticketed events – Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
  • Discounts on merchandise, restaurants, Blue Man Group tickets, on-site hotel stays, multi-day theme park tickets purchased at the Front Gate, and more

Premier Annual Pass

  • One year of park-to-park admission with NO blockout dates
  • NEW! Early Park Admission to enjoy the parks one hour before opening  all year long – no blockout dates
  • Complimentary valet and preferred parking
  • Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at participating rides and attractions after 4 p.m.
  • Free Halloween Horror Nights ticket on select event nights
  • Discounts on Universal Orlando’s separately-ticketed events – Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
  • Discounts on merchandise, restaurants, Blue Man Group tickets, on-site hotel stays, multi-day theme park tickets purchased at the Front Gate, and more

Visit the Annual Pass page for more information and pricing for each pass and to see the complete list of benefits and entitlements. And stay tuned to the Universal Orlando blog for the scoop on more updates coming to the UOAP program.

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 and Savory Feast Kitchen Grand Opening September 22

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The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen Grand Opening September 22

I’m incredibly excited to share with you all that Universal CityWalk’s newest full-service restaurant will officially grand open on Thursday, September 22.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen will officially open to guests at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, for dinner. The next day will begin standard operating hours, opening at 11 a.m. for lunch and closing at 11 p.m.

Some of you may have had the chance to visit the restaurant during preview to get a sneak peek at the incredible savory dishes, all-day brunch and delectable sweet treats. For those of you who haven’t, here’s a look inside the 19th Century Steampunk-themed emporium to whet your appetite.

With that, let the official countdown begin to The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen Grand Opening on September 22, 2016!

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. 

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.