Tag Archives: Universal Orlando Resort

Chance Returns to Halloween Horror Nights 26 at Universal Orlando

Chance-the-Clown-HHN-26-2-1170x731

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.

Chance-the-Clown-Halloween-Horror-Nights-HHN-26-3

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

2012.01.12_UNIVERSALORLANDO_3592-1170x731

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.

Emerils-Tchoup-Chop-Royal-Pacific-Resort

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

Toothsome-Cake-1170x731

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.

Toothsome-Interior

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.

Toothsome-Interior-2

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:

Toothsome-Burger-1170x731

Toothsome-Waffle-1170x731

Toohtsome-sweet-1170x731

Toothsome-Chocolates-1170x731

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

UO-HHN-2016-Krampus-Digital-Assets_1440x900_FM-1170x731

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. 

Halloween Horror Nights 26 Welcomes Back Michael Myers

H2-blog-1170x731

Michael Myers Returns to Halloween Horror Nights 26

The original Halloween maze that Universal Orlando Resort created for Halloween Horror Nights 24 was a massive success. For fans of the original film, it was an opportunity to walk through the scenes of a revered horror film and be pursued by horror icon Michael Myers.

Just like the movies, Universal has been inspired to continue the story. You’ll have the chance to experience the final scene of 2014’s maze at Halloween Horror Nights 26 and immediately walk in-between the homes of Haddonfield. You’ll be attacked by Myers the entire way before seeking refuge within the hospital. Universal is recreating all the iconic events from the story, including Myers’ fiery “end”.

Many fans who grew up with the original Halloween loved and appreciated that its sequel was simply titled, Halloween II. It literally picked up the events within seconds from where the previous ended. What fans thought was the end was merely the first half of a horrific story!

The sequel continued Myers’ terror on the town of Haddonfield. And instead of a sleepy neighborhood, we were placed into the confines of Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. It’s a cold, stark setting, but also—just like the original—very familiar.

And just like in 2014, Universal couldn’t be happier to be collaborating with Malek Akkad, producer of so many installments of the Halloween franchise.

Hell has indeed returned to Haddonfield. And Halloween Horror Nights.

Are you planning to go to Halloween Horror Nights 26? Vacation packages are still available! Contact us today to start planning your 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. 

Universal’s Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort Opening in 2017

Volcano-Bay-Full-Reveal-1170x731

Universal’s goal for Volcano Bay was lofty, to create a water park unlike any else in the world. However, they took everything they already know about crafting amazing theme park experiences and designing luxurious resorts, and then used that to create a one-of-a-kind water theme park in Universal’s Volcano Bay.

One of Universal’s first goals for Volcano Bay was to eliminate hassles for guests so they can focus on the fun. So, they found a way to get rid of long lines and even made it so you don’t have to carry your tube. They also spread amenities like dining throughout the park, so you won’t have to hike up to the front of the park for a bite to eat. And Universal brought the mindset of designing a world-class resort to create a water paradise.

Spanning 28 acres, Volcano Bay will transport you to a lush, tropical oasis inspired by the Pacific isles. Every step while you’re here can be filled with thrills, indulgence or rejuvenation.

Thrill seekers can enjoy unique experiences like surprising drop slides and our white-water action river. Or if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you’ll be able to enjoy a soothing winding river, serene beaches and two-story private cabanas.

Volcano Bay is made up of four incredibly themed areas with Polynesian influences ranging from Easter Island, Hawaii, New Zealand and more. Here’s what you’ll find in each area.

Volcano-Bay-Full-Reveal-4

Krakatau:
At the heart of the park, you’ll see the 200-foot-tall volcano called Krakatau. By day, you’ll see its majestic waterfalls. And by night, the volcano will illuminate with blazing lava.

  • Three distinctive body slides are found at the rear of the volcano, and each starts off with surprise doors that drop out from beneath you:
    • Ko’okiri Body Plunge: A racing, 70-degree drop that will plummet 125-feet through the center of Krakatau. It will be the world’s first slide to travel through a pool filled with guests.
    • Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Two intertwining slides where you’ll fall freely along 124 twisting feet.
  • Punga Racers: A high-speed race through four different enclosed slides featuring manta-shaped mats.
  • Secret Attraction: I can’t talk about this one yet, but it’ll be like nothing else in the park.

Wave Village:
Located at the base of Krakatau, Wave Village is a perfect place to soak in the sun and relax on the sandy shores. It includes:

  • Waturi Beach: A sparkling, multi-directional wave pool where you can swim, relax on the sand or indulge in private, one- or two-story cabanas.
  • The Reef: An adjacent leisure pool with calmer waters and exciting views of riders speeding through the Ko’okiri Body Plunge.

Volcano-Bay-Full-Reveal-3

River Village:
River Village offers several family-friendly attractions and experiences and features:

  • Kopiko Wai Winding River: A gentle, winding river that passes through the volcano’s hidden caves, featuring spontaneous water effects and a journey through the cave of starlight.
  • Tot Tiki Reef: A whimsical toddler play area with spraying Maori fountains, slides and a kid-size volcano.
  • Runamukka Reef: A three-story water playground inspired by the coral reef overflowing with twisting slides, sprinklers and more.
  • Honu: An adventurous, multi-passenger raft ride that will soar across a dual wall.
  • Ika Moana: A twisting, multi-passenger raft ride that will glide across bubbling geysers.

Volcano-Bay-Full-Reveal-2

Rainforest Village:
Rainforest Village features an incredible assortment of attractions for thrill-seekers, including:

  • Maku: North America’s first “saucer ride”, sending multi-passenger rafts speeding around three saucer-shaped curves.
  • Puihi: A breath-taking multi-passenger raft ride that will plunge you into darkness before bursting into a funnel and launching into a zero-gravity drop.
  • Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides: Two twisting, adrenaline-pumping slides that launch you four- or six-feet above the water at the end.
  • TeAwa The Fearless River: An action-packed, racing torrent river where you’ll have to hang tight in your inner tube amidst roaring, whitewater rapids.
  • Taniwha Tubes: Four unique Easter Island-inspired slides with rafts for single or double riders.
  • Puka Uli Lagoon: A tranquil pool where you can swim and relax.

As you can see, Universal’s Volcano Bay will be a water park unlike any other! We can’t wait to check it out next summer! How about you? Will you visit Volcano Bay when it opens in 2017?

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. 

Skull Island: Reign of Kong Now Open at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Skull-Island-Reign-of-Kong-Now-Open-1170x731

The moment that has been years in the making is finally here… Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is officially open!

You can now venture into the dark jungles of Skull Island. You’ll encounter hostile natives and fend off vicious predators. Finally, you’ll come face-to-face with the mythical beast himself: King Kong.

When the ride opened for the first time, guests were treated to a special celebration marking the opening before they embarked on their adventure.

Skull-Island-Reign-of-Kong-Now-Open-2

If you’re not familiar with this attraction, you can check out Universal Orlando Resort’s full description below:

“Enter the ruins of a primal realm and journey into the dark heart of an island filled with untold dangers. Vicious, ancient predators and unspeakable monstrosities rip into your crew and swarm from every side. Then, in an act of sheer ferocity—or monstrous bravery—King Kong charges between you and certain doom with an earthshaking fury. With each thundering roar and each chest-pounding thud, one colossal truth comes clear.

This is his home, his kingdom. Only he reigns.”

Then, be sure to grab yourself a ticket to Universal Orlando Resort and experience Skull Island: Reign of Kong!

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. 

Meet Kubo and The Two Strings Characters at Universal Orlando Resort

Kubo-and-the-Two-Strings-Characters-1170x731

Meet Kubo and The Two Strings Characters at Universal Orlando Resort

Telling larger than life stories is one thing, but living them is another. Now you can meet Kubo, Beetle and Monkey from Kubo and the Two Strings at Universal Studios Florida this summer for a limited time through August 19.

From the creators of The Boxtrolls and Paranorman comes a story of Kubo, a scrappy, shamisen-shredding 12-year-old with magical powers he’s only beginning to unlock. Kubo joins forces with Beetle (part samurai, part insect and all warrior) and Monkey (a loyal guardian and fierce protector) on a quest to save his family.

Kubo, Beetle and Monkey make daily appearances at the Character Party Zone, just outside Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show in Universal Studios, as well as on the title float during Universal’s Superstar Parade at 7pm each night.

Kubo-and-the-Two-Strings-Face-Paint

Be sure to check out the face paint stations throughout Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where you will be able to choose from designs of each character and rock your favorite all day long!

Kubo didn’t choose how his story began. But on August 19, he will decide how it ends. While you’re waiting for the quest to begin, enjoy the trailer below then come out to meet Kubo and his friends at Universal Studios Florida.

Are you going to meet Kubo and The Two Strings Characters at Universal Orlando Resort this summer?

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. 

Top 5 Spots for Happy Hour at Universal Orlando Resort

Emerils-Restaurant-CityWalk-Happy-Hour-1170x731

The end of a day at the parks sometimes calls for a celebratory cocktail. Maybe you were able to conquer your fears and ride Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Or you’re just toasting the lasting memories you’ve just created. And sometimes, you just need to lower your revolutions after an excitement-packed day.

Whatever the case may be, you’re in luck. Universal Orlando Resort has several fun happy hours to choose from, all with top-notch service and beautiful settings.

On-site-hotels-happy-hour

Here are our top five favorite spots for happy hour at Universal Orlando Resort:

  1. Emeril’s at Universal CityWalk – Daily, 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
    It’s Mardi Gras every day at this New Orleans-inspired eatery. You’ll find half-priced well cocktails and bottled beers, and special prices for glasses of wine (red and white), specialty cocktails (changing seasonally) and a delicious selection of small plates.
  2. The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel — Monday–Saturday, 1 p.m.–5 p.m., All day Sunday
    Happy hour includes a selection of draft beers, house wines and some specialty martinis and yummy Bloody Mary’s.
  3. Orchid Court Lounge and Sushi Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Located on the lobby level overlooking the pool area, Orchid Court Lounge is furnished with hand-carved furniture and adorned with beautiful orchids. Its sunset Sake and Sushi happy hour is a must after a day of rides.
  4. Jake’s American Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Daily, 3 p.m.–5 p.m.
    This bar is a temple to craft beer. During happy hour, enjoy $3 off all craft bottled and canned beers and $2 off all draft beers, including Jake’s American Red Lager.
  5. Swizzle at Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Daily, opening – 7 p.m.
    This retro-themed bar, located in the hotel lobby, offers a unique take on classic cocktails from a bygone era. Happy hour includes specials on house wines and well cocktails, as well as some specialty liquors.

These specials are subject to availability. Don’t hesitate to call any of the bars to confirm. But do it soon and try these out. We all deserve more happy hours in our lives. Cheers!

Where is your favorite spot for happy hour at 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. 

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre at Halloween Horror Nights 26

439579-TCM-2016-Blog-Assets_1440x900_FM2-1170x731

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre at Halloween Horror Nights 26

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre at Halloween Horror Nights 26 will be an all new haunted maze in 2016. The entire creative team of Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights has a library of films that have permanently etched their initials in our collective psyche. Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is certainly one of those films and this year, we’re bringing the original 1974 classic to life in an all-new haunted maze.

It’s a film that if made identically today, it wouldn’t compare to the original. Yes, today’s version would be gorier and with artistic camera moves and edits. But the 1974 original’s grit and journalistic style is what makes it so terrifying; it’s what makes it feel so real.

And I’d be willing to bet this film is the reason a chainsaw’s iconic roar is frightening to so many people.

The film features very little gore, instead focusing on the psychological nature of this warped family. I’ll never forget watching it over at my buddy’s house in middle school. Sally’s ordeal of being captured by this maniacal family is never more pungent than when the family’s near-dead, corpse-like grandfather is attempting to limply bash Sally in head. The family’s sheer joy at this sickening display was indelible.

But nothing can equate to the late, great Gunnar Hansen’s portrayal of the killer, Leatherface. You can see the maniac but also the layers of innocence deep down, that this chainsaw-wielding murderer is a product of his upbringing. Leatherface is a feral character with hints of sadness and humanity. Gunnar brought this to the role and no one has yet to duplicate his performance.

As creators of Halloween Horror Nights, we have the privilege of bringing to life many popular horror films. Every now and then, we are able to replicate one that forged the reason horror has become such a factor in many of our lives. The original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is undoubtedly on that short list.

Like all of you, the horror fan in me is looking forward to reliving this story and entering that dilapidated Texas farmhouse. The anticipation of coming face-to-face with a horror legend and having my screams drowned by that saw blade is just as prevalent now as when I first witnessed this amazing horror film decades ago.

Are you attending Halloween Horror Nights 26? Halloween Horror Nights vacation packages are now on sale!

Contact Siera at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com today for more information or your free, no obligation quote.