Universal Orlando Updates Plans for Attractions
Big changes are afloat at Universal Orlando.
Literally, since the new Superstar Parade, to be held daily starting in the spring, will feature floats with characters from Despicable Me, Hop, Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego, and SpongeBob SquarePants. And if you’re interested in auditioning for the parade, check out the details here. Read More…
New Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens Tampa
Starting Jan. 23, visitors to Busch Gardens will be able to get an in-depth look at the treatment provided to the animals there.
The new Animal Care Center will provide information on nutrition and treatments, X-rays and surgeries, much of which will be able to be observed by guests. Officials say that no other zoological facility can offer this type of experience. Read More…
Busch Gardens Welcomes Baby Giraffe
At 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing 127 pounds, she is a Christmas gift to Busch Gardens.
According to various Florida-based reports, she was born Dec. 27 to Tesa, a reticulated giraffe who has already given birth to four offspring at Busch Gardens. The baby is not yet on display; zoo staff members are monitoring her to make sure she receives specialized care. A giraffe’s gestation period is 15 months and babies nurse for a year.
The baby’s birth brings the number of reticulated giraffes to 18 at Busch’s Serengeti Plain, a 36-acre habitat featuring free-roaming African animals.
Huge Hot Air Balloon Provides Uplifting Experience in Orlando
Hot air jokes aside, Orlando Balloon Rides launched its 24-passenger hot air balloon last week. Billed as the largest in the U.S. it’s 11 stories high, 90 feet wide, and is filled with 425,000 cubic feet of air.
Jason Schulke, company CEO, describes the new attraction as the “Bentley of hot air balloons.” According to the Orlando Sentinel, the balloon was custom-ordered from Ultramagic Balloons of Spain. The size is common in Europe, but the first of its kind in the U.S. The extra-high basket walls are made of aircraft-grade stainless steel that is wrapped in wicker. Partitions divide the standing space, creating a skybox affect. Schulke said the cost of the new balloon and related expenses was about $275,000. It will increase Orlando Balloon Rides’ capacity by 50 percent. Read More…
Is Harry Potter Heading to Universal Studios Florida?
With the closing of Jaws and the Amity section of Universal Studios Florida (USF) on January 2, there has been a flurry of speculation about possible expansion of the Harry Potter franchise at Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal has revealed no details about what is planned for this sizable chunk of real estate, but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from operating full tilt. Perhaps because Universal has announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (WWHP) will be recreated at Universal Studios Hollywood in California, much of the speculation has centered around Harry and friends putting in an appearance at USF.
One rumor has it that the USF attraction (or attractions) would be based on the London themes from the Harry Potter movies. Ricky Brigante of InsideTheMagic.net has suggested that WWHP could expand into Universal Studios’ space via a Hogwarts Express.
Linking Islands of Adventure (IOA) and Universal Studios Florida the way Brigante imagines would be especially problematic in terms of admission costs, especially for those who purchased only one-park access. Ticket packages cover a single park admission and a two-park admission. The Lost Continent seems a more logical candidate for the expansion, a possibility Brigante also mentioned. Read More…
Legoland’s Christmas Bricktacular
In true Legoland spirit, the theme park’s first annual Christmas Bricktacular opens Dec. 8.
According to WESH.com, the park has built a 30-foot Christmas tree with 270,000 Lego and Duplo bricks. The event runs through Dec. 31.
SeaWorld Christmas Show: A Joyful Noise
Orlando Sentinel’s Theme Park Ranger Dewayne Bevil reviews this year’s Christmas offering by SeaWorld. Titled “O Wondrous Night — The Greatest Story Never Told,” the show retells the birth of Jesus as seen from the perspective of the animals of the nativity scene.
Bevil reports:
It’s like an ambitious Christmas pageant for a megachurch trying to get funky. It isn’t thoroughly solemn. The script makes reference to “Charlie’s Angels,” the donkey uses the oh-so-2001 phrase “epic fail,” and the innkeeper suggests that Mary and Joseph try “the Best Middle Eastern” hotel. Read More…
Jaws Closing January 2
Universal has announced that it will close “Jaws,” one of the original attractions in Universal Studios Florida, on January 2, 2012.
Not only that, but the entire Amity section will disappear as well leaving a sizable hole in the park.
WESH News quoted a Universal source as saying:
We must always work to provide new, innovative entertainment experiences for our guests . . . We know “Jaws” holds a special place in the hearts of our guests, and we have put a great deal of thought and care into this decision.
No word on what will replace the beloved ride. Universal promises more info “in due time.” Stay tuned.
Legoland Florida Adding Water Park
If you’ve been putting off a visit to Legoland Florida, wait just a bit longer. Read More…
Profits Rise for Universal Orlando’s Parent Company
The crowds enjoying The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando have contributed to a third quarter rise on profits for the parent company, Comcast, reports the Orlando Sentinel. Read More…