The Universal CityWalk Hollywood is the only place you can find in Orlando where entertainment, dining, and shopping are all joined together in a single promenade. Various options include up to thirty wonderful choices of restaurants, at least nineteen movie theaters that feature an eight story high IMAX, and seven of the best night spots in the area. Universal CityWalk also has its indoor skydiving and up to thirty stores where guests can experience the best shopping in Orlando Florida.
Although Universal Studios CityWalk is well known for its world famous clubs and the lively, party atmosphere, CityWalk also offers excellent dining opportunities. There are a number of restaurants including Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Pasta More and Emeril’s, this place can offer any type of restaurant that can fit into anyone’s budget and taste for dining.
For a budget restaurant, Pasta More is worth trying. You can enjoy fresh and delectable food that is reasonably priced, allowing you to stretch your budget and enjoy one of the most decent meals you can have in the area, at half the price you would spend on other restaurants. For a more luxurious and high end dining experience, Emeril’s is the place to be. This restaurant makes sure that everything has been taken care of, from marvelous table settings to world class service, your dining will certainly be a memory you will always cherish. The quality of the food is world class and although you really need to spend some dollars so you can have your share of plush dining and elegance, it is certainly worth the price you will pay for the luxurious dining experience that you can have at Universal Studios City Walk.
If you want to really experience the excitement at City Walk, you need to have the money to spend, but it is also worth every penny you shell out, especially when it comes to a world class dining experience.
Last month Universal Studios opened the Wizzarding World of Harry Potter and I have waited a few months before I wrote a piece about the theme park. I will also admit I have not actually been to the park, but this is what I have heard from our guests.
1. The Island is themed really nice and if you are a big Harry Potter fan it is really fun.
2. The crowds and the lines to get anything are quite long.
3. There are not many rides on the island, it is primarily made up of gift shops and stores.
When Universal first said that they were opening the Harry Potter Theme Park I thought it was going to be a whole separate park, but in reality it is an island at Islands of Adventure. The crowds will more than likely die down once the newness of the attraction wheres off. I did here that the buttered beer is awesome.
July 4th celebrations are only one of several headline events at Universal Orlando this summer. Music fans will flock to see some of the world’s most popular bands at Hard Rock Live’s Summer Concert Series. Notable bands include Counting Crows, REO Speedwagon and Pat Benetar, on July 3, Rob Thomas,on July 10 and Counting Crows on July 17. Pat Benetar is a four-time Grammy Award winning artist, REO Speedwagon produced platinum selling Albums, Rob Thomas has sold more than 80 million albums and the Counting Crows were one of the most popular bands of the 90s, with 20 million albums sold worldwide.
Friday, July 2 at the Portofino Hotel and Resort, guests can enjoy gourmet food samples and sparkling wine, at Harbor Nights, a jazz and wine tasting events and jazz event, with complimentary hand-rolled cigars.
If you’re in Universal Studios on July 4th, you can rock out to live music from the O’Jays at the Celebrate Independence Day festival. Other events on the July 4 weekend include Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular,which features, lasers and pyrotechnic effects that display scenes from classic films in cinema history. Of course, you can’t call it a fourth of July celebration without a fireworks show. At 10 p.m., a fireworks show begins. Throughout July, Universal will host Mat Hoffman’s Aggro-Circus, an extreme sports event showcasing the world’s most talented skaters, BMX, in-line, and motocross athletes,who will perform daily at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Other Universal Orlando events in July include Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock Live, where music fans can enjoy two hours of complimentary drinks and hour dourves while they listen to bands such as Everclear, in a casual and intimate setting. Tickets for Velvet Sessions are $25.
If you can’t make it to Velvet Sessions or the July 4 celebrations, you can find plenty of entertainment at the various nightclubs that line Universal Citywalk. Popular nightclubs at City Walk include the Red Coconut, Pat O’Brien’s, Rising Star karaoke and the Groove.
If you are looking to visit in July don’t miss the chance to check out our Universal Studios Orlando package deals.
Despite the new attractions and adventurous rides that have recently been added to central Florida’s theme parks, the parks haven’t been immune to the damaging effects of the international recession. A perfect example is Universal Studios in Orlando, which recently released its first quarter reports. The report revealed more discouraging news in and a recurring theme from the past two years: profits were dramatically down. According to the report, profits at Universal Studios Orlando saw a 44 percent decrease from this time last year. 2009 first quarter earnings were $34 million and 2010 has only brought in $19 million.
While much of the blame can fall on slumping tourism dollars, other contributing factors may include the heavy amount of marketing and advertising dollars the resort is leveraging to promote one of the most widely anticipated theme park additions across the world: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. For months, Universal Studios has been leaking clips of videos and hints about the Island themed around the bestselling Harry Potter books penned by J.K. Rowling.
Officials are hoping to see an increase in attendance and profits with the opening of the new attraction on June 18.
According to reports from the Orlando Sentinel, attendance was down 10% at Universal’s two theme parks during the first quarter of 2010.
Universal Orlando spent $3 million to advertise the Harry Potter Island in a Super Bowl commercial. In a written statement, Universal Studios President Bill Davis said:
“We are excited about the June 18 grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and what it will mean for our guests and our business. We continue to look to the future and manage our business aggressively.”
The contrast with last year was especially sharp because Universal in 2009 cut deeply into its marketing budget as it sought to reduce costs during the global recession.
Central Florida’s newest theme park may play a key role in the arch rivalry between Universal Studios and Disney World. Scheduled to open in the fall, Legoland will replace one of Florida’s oldest theme parks, Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven.
Geared toward a much younger audience than Cypress Gardens, Legoland will feature over 50 rides, shows and attractions, including spectacular LEGO® models. Legoland’s owner, Merlin Entertainment, just purchased new property in its surrounding area for improved roads to be built around the park to avoid traffic issues.
Legoland is indirectly tied to two of Disney’s biggest rivals- SeaWorld and Universal Studious, because it is co-owned by Blackstone, through the private-equity firm’s stake in Merlin Entertainment Group. When asked about the possible inclusion of Legoland in a flex ticket package, SeaWorld Parks Chief Atchison said the addition is still just a speculation and Universal Studios representative didn’t comment on the possibility of adding the third major park. Legoland’s spokesperson Julie Estrada said that the park is exploring opportunities for partnerships to benefit vistitors, but she didn’t disclose any specific figures or plans.
Adding Legoland to the flex ticket could be an effective way for Universal and Sea World to lure families away from the more expensive choice of a Disney Resort. Universal suffered a dropoff in visitors last year, with a 10% drop in attendance. Despite the drop in attendance, Universal still beat SeaWorld in Flex Ticket sales revenue, claiming $28 million to SeaWorld’s $25 million and $7 million for SeaWorld. By adding Legoland, the flex ticket would add year-round appeal, which could compensate for the winter attendance dropoff at Wet N Wild. LegoLand is expected to generate millions of dollars for central Florida and create 1,000 jobs for its staff.
For 15 years, a partnership between Universal Studios and SeaWorld/Busch Gardens provided central Florida tourists with a ticket package to rival Disney’s park-hopper pass. Within the next year and a half, the theme park executives at Universal Studios and Sea World Orlando must reach a decision on whether or not they’ll extend the joint agreement on the ticket package known as the “Flex ticket” package.
Currently, the flex ticket package offers 14 days of unlimited admission to both Universal’s and SeaWorld’s collection of theme parks, and the agreement is intact until December of 2011. Park executives are expected to renew and extend the deal, but the negotiations may go smoother than originally expected, thanks to the recent change in ownership of SeaWorld. In 2009, 25% of Sea World was purchased by the investment firm Blackstone Group, which co-owns Universal Orlando with GE’s NBC Universal, from Anheuser-Busch InBev purchased 25%. Blackstone already co-owns Universal Orlando with General Electric Co.’s NBC Universal.
One transaction that may complicate matters is Comcast’s ongoing negotiations to purchase NBC Universal.
According to reports by universal regulatory filings., Sea World and Universal sold an estimated 300,000 FlexTickets in 2009 for $60.9 million. Universal, SeaWorld and Wet ‘n Wild split the revenue according to a contract that was negotiated according to each respective park’s attendance figures. Last year’s attendance at Universal was down 10 percent, yet it claimed the largest amount of sales, with $28 million, roughly 6% of Universal’s total revenue. The $28 million for 2009 was 52% lower than the Universal’s total in 2008, and experts blame the global economic recession to the slumping figures. at the beginning of every year, that is based on the attendance share of each park included in the ticket.
SeaWorld earned $25.6 million through Flex Ticket sales last year, followed by Wet ‘n Wild,with $7.3 million.
County commissioners may get a first glimpse into the $200 million dollar addition to Islands of Adventure, but they won’t have any fancy invitation trinkets as mementos. According to new rules regarding gifts, commissioners can’t keep the fancy trinket invitations originally sent by Universal Studios. In the wake of a lobbying scandal,t he county attorney’s office recently instructed a lobbyist for Universal not to send county commissioners elaborate invitations to a May reception previewing the Wizarding World attraction. The exclusive invites included a $40 Harry Potter mementos, which constitute illegal gifts. Commissioners are banned from accepting any gifts, other than meals, from companies and other organizations that employ lobbyists.
Universal would not describe its $40 Harry Potter keepsakes, but said he was told only that they were “something you can put on your desk.” Assistant County Attorney Charles Hawkins said.
Universal Studios hopes to benefit from the wave of enthusiasm that typically accompanies a Harry Potter book or movie release. The theme park is in much need of a positive bounce in visitor attendance, especially after they announced a 12% drop in visitor attendance. Harry Potter’s section in Islands of Adventure marks one of the biggest enhancements to the park since it first opened in 1999. The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter features three main attractions: The Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge. Each of the three attractions features revolutionary technology that’s sure to make a lasting impression on every guest. Fans of Harry Potter should find the Island with ease, since the prominent center hub of the Island is Hogwarts castle. Forbidden journey is an interactive journey that combines a robotic ride system with visual immersion special effects. To give the land a 100% authentic feel, Universal park made a series of trips to Scotland to consult with the hands-on Rowling, who signed off on everything from what would be displayed in the Hogsmeade shop windows to the recipes for the butter beer and pumpkin juice served in the restaurant. Click here for Universal Studios Package Deals
Fans of Harry Potter will experience the stories in a new dimension this summer, as Universal Studios opens the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, the newest island to be added at the popular theme park in Orlando. Previews of Wizadring World have generated a buzz comparable to the lines for a new book release.
J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book series. The new island will feature three main attractions: The Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge. Each of the three attractions features revolutionary technology that’s sure to make a lasting impression on every guest. For example, The Forbidden Kingdom combines an advanced robotic ride system technology with innovative, immersive filmmaking, on a ride that features popular characters from the series, including Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid and Draco Malfoy, Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom. Music on the ride was conducted by the legendary composer, John Williams, who also composed the scores for Jaws, Jurassic Park, Indian Jones, Star Wars, Saving Private Ryan, the Indiana Jones series and many other blockbusters. During the ride, you’ll journey through Floo powder and fly through Hogwarts Academy. Highlights of the ride include a dragon attack, a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, a Quidditch match and more.
Serving as the hub for each of the attractions will be will be Hogwarts castle, a majestic structure that towers over the island. Attractions within the island include Dumbledore’s office, where you meet the Headmaster as he welcomes you to Hogwarts, Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, where you first meet Harry, Ron and Hermione, the Gryffindor common room: along with three other characters who prepare you for your journe. There’s also the Room of Requirement, with hundreds of floating candles above, you take your seat on an enchanted bench and begin the Forbidden Journey
You don’t have to head to Hollywood to see live taping of your favorite shows. Two of the most popular television shows in the U.S. are coming to Orlando during the second week of April. NBC’s America’s Got Talent will be taping live performances at Hard Rock Live, from April 7-8. Talented singers from across the Sunshine State will showcase their skills to Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne, Piers Morgan, Nick Cannon and a public audience.Tickets are free, and the first taping begins Wednesday, April 7 at 1 p.m.. If you plan on going with a charitable group, you can register your organization at http://www.ocatv.com/group/.
In its fifth season, America’s Got Talent is a spin off of a British reality show where live performers vie for a million-dollar prize. The format is similar to American Idol, but with a wider range of contestants. In addition to singers, America’s Got Talent also features dancers, magicians, and comedians.
One of America’s longest-running game shows, Family Feud, is hosting tryouts to any families who will be in the Orlando area from April 7 to April 11. If you think your family is worthy of an appearance with John O’Hurely on Family Feud, sign-up your family for a tryout, you can email orlando@familytryouts.com or call, 323-762-8467.
Originally aired in 1976, Family Feud is a trivia game show where two families square-off in a challenge to guess the most popular answers to a variety of surveys. Other Universal Orlando events in April at include: Earth Week! April 19 – April 23, Mardi Gras concerts featuring Sheryl Crow on April 9, Flo Rida on April 10 and Chicago on April 17. Fans of live music will appreciate Harbor Nights Primavera on April 23 , a wine-tasting event with live jazz and complimentary cigars, hosted at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
With Universal Studios Orlando focusing on the teenage thrill rider market and Walt Disney World focusing on the toddlers and elementary school aged children, you would think the Disney’s Magic Kingdom would be no place for a teenager. However don’t think that Disney has thrown in the towel when it comes to teenagers.
If you are going to the Disney Magic Kingdom for your family vacation and you are concerned about your teenager being bored at the Magic Kingdom, don’t worry about it. Disney has everything under control.
Here is a short list of rides descriptions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom that most teens enjoy:
• The Haunted Mansion – This is not necessarily a thrill coaster. In fact, there are no gut wrenching drops nor is there any high speed motion, but there are plenty of scary moments and scenes that keep most teens entertained.
• Thunder Mountain – Hold on to your hat on this one. This out door crazy train will leave you wanting more.
• Space Mountain – Ever been on an indoor roller coaster that is all in the dark? This space coaster makes you feel like your racing through space. This is one of Disney’s most popular rides. Make sure that you get your Speed Pass for this ride as line can be quite lengthy.
• Splash Mountain – I would not exactly call this one a roller coaster, but it sure has quite a drop. In fact, Disney takes pictures of you, as you go down the main hill of this log coaster. If you don’t like getting wet, then I would not set in the front seat. This ride is great for Florida’s Hot Summer days. As the ride proclaims, everyone has a laughing place.
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