The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Launch Date

Finally - we’ve heard of when the new Harry Potter will open! May 28th is the date to remember. It happens to be Memorial Day weekend- very convenient considering many people have an extra long weekend, due to an additional day off of work. It should be a great money making weekend for Universal Studios Orlando. Of course, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be a money maker in and of itself for many many years to come.

Why that weekend? Through the years, many new theme park attractions have used the same weekend to open. One thought is that for parks that are only open during certain seasons, such as in cold climates, Memorial Day weekend is often the date that those parks reopen. It makes sense that they would use that same weekend to unveil their newest rides and attractions. So it’s kind of a traditional date to open a new feature.

We can’t say for sure when the park will open, because Universal has issued no formal statements about the official opening date. We’re judging by the new vacation package that Universal is offering, which states that you will be granted early park admission to “experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” And when do these packages become available? May 28th is the first date you can take advantage of the special packages.

It’s common to hear about a “soft” opening before the actual opening date, too. That could be as early as late April, based on previous experience with new attractions at similar parks. So for all of you who have been waiting patiently and asking us and anyone else who may know, “When exactly does the new land open?” Here is your likely answer. You can actually purchase the special packages now, so what are you waiting for? You know you want to be the first among your friends to experience it. The wait is over my friend!

Disney kicks off its 17th International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot

For those mourning the loss of Cypress Gardens from Central Florida's entertainment options, there is a ray of sunshine. It cannot take the place of the year-round theme park completely devoted to flowers and plant life, but this week Disney kicks off its 17th International Flower and Garden Festival at Disney's Epcot Center. If you are unfamiliar with this Disney event, read on for some highlights.

The festival is a 75 day celebration of plants, flowers, and everything outdoors. One of the most fun features offered at this year’s event is the topiary display. Imagine ten feet tall Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy made out of plants and flowers, fishing, roasting marshmallows, and other favorite outdoor activities. They’re really amazing to see. The park features about 70 of these gigantic and caringly constructed topiaries.

Spring begins in the third week of March. It’s a great excuse to get out to Epcot and enjoy the special surroundings while they last. This is the earliest start date of the 17 festivals since they began. Disney hopes that starting earlier will give visitors the chance to make the most of the tips and tricks taught during the festival in their own gardens before planting time is mostly over.

The event also offers educational opportunities, in case you need another excuse to visit. Top horticulturists will be on the premises to give gardening tips. There is even a butterfly garden with hundreds of colorful flying beauties.

Make sure you stay for the "Flower Power" concert series. Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, popular music artists of the 1970s and 60s will entertain crowds. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a bustling day on your well-used feet.

Universal Studios Continues to Grow with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Theme park lovers this could be your chance! Young or old- if you have ever dreamed of getting a job at one of Orlando’s amazing theme parks, this is the time. Whether you are in need of a permanent job, a temporary job, or just a part-time job for fun and of course - discounted or free park tickets - you should apply at any or all of the Orlando theme parks right now!

It’s a little early for the usual boost in theme park hiring, but all of the major parks have recently reported that they are gearing up for their busy Spring and Summer seasons right now. Disney World is said to be hiring hundreds of workers. Universal said they’re hiring around a thousand new employees. Sea World has already begun hiring by adding nearly two hundred new workers and they say they will hire seven hundred fifty more by mid to end of March! There's no time to wait.

With the new attraction The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening this Spring, Universal will need lots of extra hands. Harry Potter fans may want to apply just to get a sneak peak at the attraction before it opens.

With unemployment as high as it is and the poor economy our nation has been facing for a couple of years now, almost everyone could use a job, or even a second job. And what better atmosphere could there be to work in than one where all of the customers are happy and relaxed on vacation? So, if you need a job, or have just always dreamed of working at a theme park, get online and find out how you can apply today. They can sure use your help at the Universal Studios theme park.

Revisiting Your Favorite Orlando Theme Park

What makes a theme park a place that you can visit again and again? When I see a movie for the first time, I always have criteria in my mind- somewhat of a rating scale. I never sat down and wrote it out, or spent much time contemplating it. It just sort of happens automatically. When people ask how I liked the movie I tell them things like “It was good. It was okay, etc.” But the ultimate criticism from me is if I would a) see the movie again and b) buy the movie. Buying a movie is the ultimate acclaim that I could ever give to a film, because that means I liked it so much that I could see myself watching it over and over.

The theme parks of Orlando are like that. Think about it. Have you ever heard of anyone coming back from Universal Studios Orlando or Disney World saying, “Ohhh, it was okay, but I wouldn’t want to go there again.”? I haven’t. There is so much to do at each park that one visit is never enough. Even people who spend several days in a row at a park still have things that they did not get to or that they can’t wait to do again.

The last time I was at Universal, I loved the Hulk ride so much, I went on it at least three times in the same day! Just because you’ve experienced something doesn’t mean you have had your fill and never need or want to do it again. If that were the case, there would be no McDonald’s, no ice cream shops, and no CD or DVD industry at all! If something is truly exciting, truly fun, or simply put- an experience, you want to enjoy it again and again. Of course, the parks work hard to add new rides and exhibits so that each time you come, you find something new. That is one more reason that people love visiting the theme parks again and again.

Cheap Disney Vacations

Disney vacations just became a bit more affordable. You can now get a cheap Disney Vacation because Walt Disney World has changed the structure of their annual passes. For a limited time, you can purchase an annual pass for 15 months rather than just 12 months at the same price as the 12 month pass. If you love the Disney Theme Parks, then, the extra 3 months will really come in handy. It is important to know this because Disney has recently raised all of their ticket prices. This 15 month pass certainly offers you a great value provided that you can visit the parks a few times a year.

Of course, we know that buying Disney tickets is just one of the expenses for a Disney vacation. When it comes to lodging, we offer the best rates on quality Orlando Hotels. For example, you can book the beautiful Radisson Worldgate Resort near Disney for only $49 per night. They are only minutes from the Disney parks, have fantastic amenities, and they offer shuttle service to the parks as well. The resort recently received over twenty million dollars in upgrades, and AAA gave them a 4 Star Diamond Rating. So you not only get a great price, you have a very nice room for you and your family on your Disney vacation that is conveniently located. With cheap Disney Vacations, you can certainly have a great time with your family and still experience all of the magic of Disney.

Orlando Vacation Packages - The Way to Save on Your Disney Vacation

If you are looking to save money on your Orlando Vacation, then, the best way to do it is with Orlando Vacation Packages. We all want to save money when we purchase our vacation. Especially, in today's economy. Two of your biggest vacation expenses are theme park tickets and where you are going to stay at.

The ticket prices to the Orlando theme parks are pretty much fixed. There are only a few select resellers that offer very nominal discounts on the Orlando theme park tickets. There isn't much wiggle room in the prices because Disney, Universal and SeaWorld want you to buy the tickets from them and they do not want to be undersold because that cuts into their profits. So having said all of that, would you like to know how to save on your theme park tickets?

The way to save the most on your tickets is to book your hotel or vacation home and your tickets together as a vacation package. This allows us, Orlando Vacation, to give you the best discounts by booking the tickets and lodging together. We have prenegotiated the hotel and vacation home prices and you simply cannot book the properties that we represent any cheaper. You can look at other websites online but you just can't beat our rates. If you are coming to the Orlando area for vacation, be sure to give us a call and we will help you save with our Orlando Vacation Packages.

Disney Theme Park Closes Fan Favorite Attraction

Walt Disney World recently announced that Space Mountain, Disney's in the dark roller coaster thrill ride, will be undergoing renovations to better service their guests. Space Mountain has been a park favorite since its grand opening in 1975 and has never been updated. The ride will close on April 19th and will remain closed during renovations. The ride is expected to be closed through the Summer months. The 34 year old coaster was in need of some updating. Renovations will include changes to the ceiling, loading area and the track itself. Disney has been steadily working on updating all of their older rides throughout the Magic Kingdom. A date has not been set for the reopening of the ride.