The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man to Reopen March 8
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – one of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions – will reopen on March 8 with all-new stunning 4K digital high definition animation, a rockin’ new music score and all-new 3-D “Spider-Vision” glasses. The enhancements will transform what is already one of the most amazing theme park attraction experiences ever created into what will feel like an all-new adventure, as guests will experience hundreds of incredible details they’ve never been able to before – all the way down to the stitching on Spider-Man’s gloves.
Here are highlights from the must-see 3-D experience:
- Legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance in the new film animation.
- The action is more life-like than ever. Guests will actually see the movement of the characters’ muscles and the changes in their facial expressions.
- The enhanced attraction features a new original music score. It is the same Spider-Man theme you love – with a rockin’ twist.
- The ride vehicle audio system has been upgraded from 8-channel to 16-channel so riders will be even more immersed in the action. Guests will experience 3-D sound quality.
- There are hundreds of cool new details for guests to discover in the attraction. Lighting, sets, graphics, props and even scenic detail have been updated to further enhance the animation’s tremendous improvements.
And, for the first time ever, Universal Orlando is giving fans the opportunity to unlock sneak peeks of the new hi-def ride animation before the attraction reopens next week. Click HERE to see a new piece of the reanimation and to learn how you and your readers can unlock even more.
Universal Orlando’s Newly-Enhanced Blue Man Group Show Opens
Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking its unique and captivating brand of live entertainment to another level – complete with a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences.
Opening to the public on Friday, February 24, the show will take guests on an incredible journey where they’ll join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology. New sections include Blue Men interacting with “GiPads” (think Gigantic iPads), a funny and perceptive look at contemporary modes of communication; and a pulsating new finale featuring an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet.
“The heart of our show is, and always has been, the Blue Man, and his inquisitive, wide-eyed take on the world,” said Chris Wink, who co-founded Blue Man Group with Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman. “Our team of artists at Blue Man Productions has created fun, even astounding new visual aspects of the show, and our music team has given us a great new sound. We are really excited to incorporate these elements into the show at Universal Orlando Resort “
“This show will take one of Universal Orlando’s most popular experiences to a whole new level,” said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort. “It’s the perfect complement to the incredible entertainment we offer at our destination.”
Several of the signature moments that have made Blue Man Group one of today’s best-loved theatrical productions will remain in the show, although in most cases, they have also been updated. And as always, the production will fuse innovative theatrical spectacle with improvisation and vaudeville-inspired comedy, art, science and irresistible music performed by the Blue Man Group live band.
“Many of our audience’s favorite pieces, including ‘Paint Drumming’ and ‘Gum Balls/Marshmallows’ will continue to be a part of the production – and yes, the first few rows will still need to wear ponchos,” added Phil Stanton, Blue Man Group co-founder. “But we have developed some brand new elements of the show that provide a larger-than-life, rousing, interactive experience that I hope will really speak to all cultures and give some of our most devoted fans a new reason to check us out again.”
For more information about Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Resort – or to purchase tickets – visit www.universalorlando.com/blueman.
Deciding on a Family Vacation with Children
For those who are getting ready to embark upon a fun family vacation, the choices of where to go are only limited by your individual budget. While many individuals may dream about lavish vacations inside of luxury resort accommodations, many families actually find themselves thinking a little bit smaller scale, based upon their personal finances. A vacation does not have to break your bank and leave you money less as you recover from your vacation spending, and by using a few tips and guides, you will be able to easily have the vacation you have always dreamed about.
One option many families decide to chose when deciding on a vacation spot would be a cruise. Cruises are a great option for a lot of people, largely due to the fact they are all inclusive. That means all the breakfast, lunch, dinners, as well as beverages are included. Alcohol is extra, but there is more than enough to drink beverage wise during the day. Also included are shows, entertainment, as well as family activities. Cruises are a great choice for many families with children, as there are always family friendly activities for children to do while their parents are soaking up the sun and indulging in adult activities and games.
Most cruises feature child sitting services and make it a “Camp” experience. There are movies for children to watch during the day, scavenger hunts around the cruise ship, as well as performances in which the children are the writers, producers, and actors. A cruise would undoubtedly be a great idea for a family with small children.
Another quality option for families with small children when it comes to vacationing is a Disney World vacation, while staying inside of one of the many Disney Orlando Hotels. Disney hotels offer a great value for families with children as well as provide a ton of great family-friendly activities. While many may think a Disney family vacation may be out of their budgets, Orlando offers many Disney Orlando Hotel packages which feature discounts on hotel stays, meal plans, and even day passes to the individual parks. Your young children would have the time of their lives partaking in the fun activities offered to the families, as well as the ability to dine with their favorite Disney characters. There are theme nights with your youngsters favorite characters, as well as opportunities for your child to spend a day with Disney Princesses being pampered in the Bippity Boppity Boo salon.
Even though Disney World is geared towards the fun and entertainment of your little ones, simply never forget that there is a great amount of entertainment for adults as well. There are quaint little restaurants and cafes which you will be able to sit and enjoy a nice quiet dinner, as well as entertainment for the grown-ups only.
Whatever you decide for your family vacation, always remember that the the important part of your vacation is to enjoy the time spent with your family making holiday memories. Spending time with your children and loved ones are a memory you will surely never forget.
Universal’s Superstar Parade Details
Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during Universal’s Superstar Parade – an all-new daily parade that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will sing and dance along with characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants during the interactive experience, which will open this spring.
Universal Studios: Mardi Gras lineup includes Diana Ross, Plain White T’s, B.o.B
Universal Orlando has released the bulk of its lineup for Mardi Gras concerts, which begin Feb. 11 with the B-52s, and include a variety of acts ranging from the legendary Diana Ross to teen TV sensations Big Time Rush to rapper B.o.B to the ever-present KC & the Sunshine Band.. As previously announced, Kelly Clarkson will appear on Feb. 18, the second weekend of the theme park’s annual celebration.
The dates and acts thus far include:
+ Saturday, Feb. 11: The B-52s
+ Saturday, Feb. 18: Kelly Clarkson
+ Sunday, Feb. 19: Boyz II Men
+ Saturday, Feb. 25: Diana Ross
+ Saturday, March 3: [To be announced]
+ Saturday, March 10: Big Time Rush
+ Friday, March 16: J. Cole
+ Saturday, March 17: Jill Scott
+ Friday, March 23: Hot Chelle Rae
+ Saturday, March 24: B.o.B
+ Friday, March 30: Plain White T’s
+ Saturday, March 31: Prince Royce
+ Saturday: April 7: Cyndi Lauper
+ Saturday, April 14: KC & the Sunshine Band
Wizarding World of Harry Potter to expand at Universal Orlando
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to get bigger at Universal Orlando. And it will have a sister world at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in California, the company revealed Tuesday.
Details about the Florida expansion — such as cost, new attractions, time frame or which of the two Universal Orlando theme parks it would be located in — were not shared. The original Wizarding World of Harry Potter, based on the books created by J.K. Rowling, opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in June 2010.
“We’ve not announced a time frame, but it’s going to take years for us to create something on the scale and scope we envision,” said Tom Schroder, a Universal Orlando spokesman. Details will be announced “over time,” said a Universal news release.
Universal Studios to close Jaws to make way for new attraction
Jaws, the classic Universal Studios Florida ride in which tour boats full of guests are attacked by a robotic great white shark, will close permanently on Jan. 2 to make way for a new attraction, Universal Orlando announced Friday.
The ride, based on the 1975 movie directed by famed director and Universal theme-park consultant Steven Spielberg, was one of the original attractions in Universal Studios when the park opened in 1990.
The Amity-themed area surrounding the attraction, named after the fictional resort island in the movie, will also be closed “to make room for what will be an exciting new attraction experience,” Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said.
Universal Orlando’s Holidays Event Returns – Florida Resident Offers
There’s no better place to enjoy the Holidays with your family this year than at Universal Orlando Resort. It’s the only place you can come face-to-face with The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville, watch a cheerful holiday parade filled with big, colorful Macy’s balloons and sing along to the classic sounds of the season as you stroll through a holiday-trimmed theme park with your loved ones.
The Holidays fanfare runs from December 3, 2011 through January 1, 2012, offering guests incredible entertainment themed for the season at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
At Islands of Adventure, adults and children alike will be entertained when the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought to life in Grinchmas. Guests can see the heartwarming live stage show, “Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular,” starring The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville with an original recorded musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet The Grinch and the Whos, and on select dates, purchase a spot at a special character breakfast with the mean, green one himself.
At Universal Studios, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will celebrate its 10th Anniversary of partnership with Universal Orlando by filling the streets every evening with some of the same iconic elements seen winding through New York City each year at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The beloved event features colorful holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats – including one specially-designed to commemorate the 10-year milestone – a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus and dozens of larger-than-life balloons. The Macy’s Holiday Parade also welcomes select park guests to participate in the procession as real balloon-handlers guiding the helium giants, a truly unique and exclusive experience to Universal Orlando.
Returning this year with more concerts than ever before is Mannheim Steamroller – the masters of Christmas music with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide. The acclaimed musical group will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios six times this year to play their memorable holiday hits for guests, performing on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.
Also at Universal Studios, guests can enjoy special holiday-themed versions of their favorite shows, and nightly a capella holiday music in the nearby Holiday Village, which is filled with hand-blown glass ornaments, caramel apples, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and a cupcake decorating location.
The celebration continues at Universal Orlando’s three on-site hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort – all of which will glisten with holiday decorations. Hotel guests will be immersed in the spirit of the season with tree-lighting ceremonies, special musical performances, holiday pool-side “dive-in” movie presentations and holiday buffets and dining events. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel kicks off the season on Friday, November 25 with ‘Holiday Harbor Nights’, a wine tasting, food and jazz celebration on the piazza, along with a tree lighting ceremony. Hard Rock Hotel welcomes Santa to The Kitchen restaurant on Fridays in December and Loews Royal Pacific Resort rings in the new year with a family-friendly dinner and celebration.
All holiday entertainment – including the Mannheim Steamroller concerts – is included as part of any annual pass, two-park or multi-day admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. There’s never been a better time to start a new family tradition at Universal Orlando’s Holidays event, as guests can take advantage of these special Florida resident offers:
| ‘Tis the Season for Florida Resident Holiday Offers | ||
| Florida Resident 2-Park Annual Pass Offer | • Purchase a 2-park annual pass and get 2 months FREE with a UPC code from any Coca-Cola, Diet Coke or Sprite can or specially-marked cups from Firehouse Subs | Starting at $164.99 plus tax per person
*Must be purchased by January 1, 2012
Also available on Flexible Payment option |
| Florida Resident On-site Holiday Getaway Offer | • 2 night stay at a Universal Orlando on-site hotel
• Florida Resident 2 day park-to-park ticket to both theme parks • Complimentary Universal Express access to skip most regular attraction lines – a FREE benefit worth up to $87 per person, per day • PLUS early park admission to Islands of Adventure and MORE
|
Starting at $139 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
|
For more information on Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration and Florida resident offers, guests can visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/holidays.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Holidays Event Returns
There’s no better place to enjoy the Holidays with your family this year than at Universal Orlando Resort. It’s the only place you can come face-to-face with The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville, watch a cheerful holiday parade filled with big, colorful Macy’s balloons and sing along to the classic sounds of the season as you stroll through a holiday-trimmed theme park with your loved ones.
The Holidays fanfare runs from December 3, 2011 through January 1, 2012, offering guests incredible entertainment themed for the season at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
At Islands of Adventure, adults and children alike will be entertained when the popular Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought to life in Grinchmas. Guests can see the live stage show featuring The Grinch and the Whos from Whoville with an original recorded musical score by Mannheim Steamroller. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet The Grinch and the Whos, and on select dates, purchase a spot at a special character breakfast with the mean, green one himself.
At Universal Studios, the Macy’s Holiday Parade will celebrate its 10th Anniversary of partnership with Universal Orlando by filling the streets every evening with some of the same iconic elements seen winding through New York City each year at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The beloved event features colorful holiday characters, fantasy-filled floats – including one specially-designed to commemorate the 10-year milestone – a tree-lighting ceremony by Santa Claus and dozens of larger-than-life balloons. The Macy’s Holiday Parade also welcomes select park guests to participate in the procession as real balloon-handlers guiding the helium giants, a truly unique and exclusive experience to Universal Orlando.
Returning this year with more concerts than ever before is Mannheim Steamroller – the masters of Christmas music with more than 40 million albums sold worldwide. The acclaimed musical group will take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios six times this year to play their memorable holiday hits for guests, performing on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.
Also at Universal Studios, guests can enjoy special holiday-themed versions of their favorite shows, and nightly a capella holiday music in the nearby Holiday Village, which is filled with hand-blown glass ornaments, caramel apples, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and a cupcake decorating location. (more…)
Photo of James Cameron at Wizarding World of Harry Potter
You might have done a double-take Wednesday at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Could that be director James Cameron (center, blue shirt) in the shadow of Hogwarts? The King of the World at the Wizarding World … of Harry Potter? Sure could. We know he’s in Central Florida because Disney World posted that on its blog this week. He’s been scoping things out at Disney in preparation for the upcoming expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a land devoted to his “Avatar” films.
