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Halloween Horror Nights Universal Studios
The country’s premier Halloween event has announced the 2010 dates and ticket prices, so get ready, horror fans — Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights celebrates 20 years of fear in 2010. This is THE event for horror aficionados and it is rumored to be better than ever. It’s not for the faint of heart and definitely not for younger children (stay tuned for a blog post about Disney’s Not-So-Scary Halloween event, coming soon), but if you want excellent haunted houses, creepy atmosphere and monsters galore, it is definitely the event for you. Get your tickets sooner rather than later, especially if you want to go on a Friday or Saturday night or close to Halloween itself — Halloween Horror Nights sells out early for high-capacity dates and will be crowded with both tourists and locals, who often buy Frequent Fear and Frequent Fear Plus passes so they can hit the houses once a week during the 24-week run.
Halloween Horror Nights is not included in your regular Universal Orlando ticket price, though you can get a Stay and Scream add on for slightly less than the regular HHN pass costs. HHN is a special event with its own tickets, starting at $74.99 base. Express Pass access is also available and it’s highly recommended — on weekend nights, you can find yourself waiting upwards of 90 minutes per house, and with an anticipated TEN houses this year, that’s a lot of line time. The HHN Express Pass is available for an additional fee, which ranges from $39.99 to a whopping $79.99 for high-demand nights (like the Saturday of Halloween weekend).
A great way to go is to take advantage of Universal Orlando’s Gory Getaway packages. Starting at $299 per person, this deal gets you:
* 3-Night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
* 2-Day Base Ticket to both Universal Orlando theme parks – one theme park, per day
* Early Park Admission to Islands of Adventure before the rest of the general public
* 1-Night admission to Halloween Horror Nights
* Access to live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk®
* One 5”x7” souvenir photograph
You can upgrade to an on-site hotel for an additional fee. For more information, go to the Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights tickets page.
There are discounts available for Florida residents and Universal Annual Pass holders, with savings of up for $40 per ticket, making this option — if you have it — very worthwhile. For those of us without those kinds of options, though, it’s time to open the wallet wide. Think of it this way — you can practice your screaming as you pay for the tickets.
Halloween Horror Nights 2010 will run on the following dates:
September 24, 25, 30
October 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 20-24, 27-31, 2010
Harry Potter World
Universal Orlando Also Unveils Details for the Highly Anticipated New Attraction: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
One of the most widely anticipated theme park entertainment experiences ever created – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort – is set for a public grand opening on June 18.
Today, Universal Orlando Resort also revealed details about what is expected to be one the most exciting theme park experiences ever created: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This all new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so effectively that guests will be completely immersed in the experience.
And as they live their adventure, guests will feel things no one has ever felt inside a theme park attraction, move in ways no one has ever moved, experience film like no one else ever has, explore vast sets punctuated by amazing special effects – and have an adventure only possible in Harry Potter’s world.
The new attraction lies deep within Hogwarts castle, a majestic structure that towers over The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films comes to life.
The Adventure
Imagine…
…meeting Harry, Ron and Hermione as if they were in person
…soaring over Hogwarts castle with Harry
…being swept into a Quidditch match
…feeling the chilling effect of a Dementor
…exploring your favorite places inside Hogwarts castle
…living adventures you’ve only been able to imagine – until now.
The Story
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey draws you into the excitement and chaos of Harry’s life. As you venture through Hogwarts castle, you meet Harry, Ron and Hermione who convince you to skip a planned lecture and follow them. Upon taking their advice, you travel by Floo powder, and begin the adventure as you soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.
“Guests will experience firsthand a completely new adventure featuring the iconic characters, amazing creatures and recognizable locations they’ve only read in the books or seen in the films,” said Thierry Coup, creative director for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The Location
The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience starts as soon as you walk through the gates of Hogwarts. Within the towering Hogwarts castle, you explore a truly magical place. You journey through iconic locations taken from the films and take in the extraordinary detail of each scene. They include:
The Innovation
This is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It’s a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking – specially designed and developed for this brand-new adventure.
“We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience.”
The attraction’s newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. This fusion of robotic technology and filmed scenes has never been achieved until now. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series-and the future of theme park entertainment.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Quick Facts
For the latest news about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
Universal Orlando Resort
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation – but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort. It is a completely separate destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. You can be courageous, be outrageous – and be extraordinary.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. The series of books by author J.K. Rowling has been translated into 68 languages with more than 400 million copies sold in over 200 territories around the world. The films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $5.4 billion at the box office worldwide, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.
Universal reporting sharply lower profits for the first three months of the year
In anticipation of Harry Potter’s debut, Universal has been selling Potter-themed vacation packages, restructuring purchase options for 3-and 4-day stays and raised ticket prices.
In order to recoup some debt, Universal eliminated the promotional offer of a 7-day pass and added a 3-day pass.
Potter vacation packages include breakfast at the Three Broomsticks Restaurant, early admission to the Wizarding World, and a grand opening ticket.
The advertising campaign for it’s highly acclaimed Wizarding World of Harry Potter soon to open at it’s Islands of Adventure theme-park is putting a strain on Universal’s low cash reserves.
Raking in some $19 million in revenues during the 1st quarter of 2010, this number represents only 44% during the same time last year. That’s not much to boast about after deducting amortization, depreciation, taxes and debt interest.
Universal’s exorbitant expense during the Super Bowl commercial advertising campaign has set Universal back by $3 million.
Anticipating the draw of huge crowds, Universal believes that the expense was well worth the investment for the June 18 debut of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
First quarter attendance to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios sank 10% albeit there were gains in guest spending representing 3-month revenues of $163 million.
After restructuring dept of $1.6 million in 2009, Universal is hoping to refinance at lower interest rates while the credit-market appears strong.
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Universal Orlando 1 day Base Ticket – Our Price from $68.50
The Universal Orlando Resort Base Ticket offers a full day of fun and excitement at either Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure
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1 day / 1 park Eat and Play Combo Ticket – Our Price from $84.50
Enjoy 1 day admission to either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, PLUS receive UNLIMITED food and soft drinks
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 Universal Studios Flex Ticket – Our Price from $227.95
Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild , Aquatica, and Busch Gardens have joined together to bring you the Orlando FlexTicket™, the ultimate access to excitement and savings. All at a Special Discount Ticket Price.
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
As The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park nears completion the rooftops of Hogwarts is clearly visible including covered in a layer of fake snow. The Harry Potter World scheduled to opening in the spring of 2010 within the Islands of Adventure theme park, is estimated to have cost upwards of £160 million.
The Potter theme park will offer guests a tour of Hogwarts Castle, a visit to Ollivander’s wand shop and the chance to drink some real-life butter beer. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be followed up in November by the release of the last film in the series, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.
Guests to the park will be greeted by the iconic whistle that announces the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade Station. At the Hog’s Head pub, in the recreated Hogsmeade village, Fire-Whiskey and pumpkin juice will be on offer, along with “traditional British food fare”.
Three roller-coaster rides make-up the centre of the new park but Universal are still keeping the biggest and best one under wraps. internet fan sites speculate it is a hi-tech experience inside the Hodgwarts Castle called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey that involves likenesses of the actors from the films
Flight of the Hippogriff is described as a family-orientated ride that replicates a Hippogriff – the half-horse, half-eagle beast from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – training flight over Hogwarts castle.
And Dragon Challenge will be a twin high-speed coaster that features elements from the Triwizard Tournament, which made up a plot line of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Central to the park though, is the recreation of the Hogwarts Castle, in the same way that Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disney Land is the iconic image of that park.
Standing 150 feet tall, the castle will appear to tower some 600 feet up due to architectural tricks the parks creators have put in place. “Harry Potter continues to spark the imaginations of fans of all ages and we really have seen the anticipation continue to build for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” said Brad Globe, President of Warner Bros. Consumer Products.
“We are excited to share with fans a first glimpse into the truly enchanted world we are bringing to life with all of our partners at Universal Orlando Resort.” The park has already received the approval of the stars of the film series Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson and they have both visited the park. Harry Potter creator JK Rowling has said: “The plans I’ve seen look incredibly exciting, and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed.”
Superbowl Sunday Commercial
It’s the hottest new theme park opening in a decade: Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure park is putting the finishing touches on its feverishly anticipated The Wizarding World of Harry Potter section. This Sunday, Feb. 7, the world gets a sneak peek at the new 20-acre attraction // when a top secret commercial airs during the Saints-Colts Super Bowl battle. Among the surprises: Daniel Radcliffe himself appears as Harry Potter to promote the opening, which was designed with the full cooperation and approval of series author J.K. Rowling
Warner Bros. has teamed up with Universal Studios in order to create a Harry Potter “Theme Park within a Theme Park”. It is scheduled to open in 2010. The Harry Potter theme park will open around the same time as the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie. This 20 acre theme park located in Orlando, Florida will enable visitors to experience scenes from the books and movies.
Harry Potter fans will be glad to hear that construction is well under way and close to completion. The 20 acres of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are getting closer to opening in the Islands of Adventure theme Park
Complete with the Hogwarts Castle, the village of Hogsmeade, and probably many other attractions, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , which will be built in the Islands of Adventure, will not be a disappointment to most fans.
Fans of one of the most beloved series of books and films will be able to visit J.K. Rowling’s fanciful lands and characters when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes to Universal Orlando. Universal says that the land won’t be based on any one book or film, but rather be an amalgam of the Potter world. Looming high above the Wizarding World will be the iconic Hogwarts castle, where guests will be able to venture inside and around its, um, hallowed grounds.
Other elements of the land will include Hogsmeade village (which, according to preview images released by Universal, will apparently be covered in snow–an interesting challenge for the sun-dappled Florida resort) and the Forbidden Forest. In addition to the attractions, there will be shops and restaurants.
It’s unclear what role J. K. Rowling, who obviously had to give her blessing to the project, will play in the development of the land and attractions. Warner Bros., which owns the film rights, is partnering with Universal in bringing Potter to life at Islands of Adventure. The highly anticipated land looks to be richly detailed and true to Rowling’s vision.
Bring on the music! Bring on the parade! Bring on the party! Celebrate 15 years of Mardi Gras with the most amazing concert line-up ever, featuring some of the biggest names in popular music.
Saturday Nights: February 6 – April 17, 2010
PLUS Sunday, February 14 and Friday, April 9
Mardi Gras Universal Studios 2010
Experience our most spectacular parade ever, outrageous street performers, authentic Cajun food*, beads by the handful and more! Join in 15 years of the biggest party this side of the bayou and let the good times roll!The days are winding down to one of the best parties of the year at Universal Studios Orlando. If the state of affairs in the world is getting you down, then we can think of no better solution than to relax, let loose, and have fun with Mardi Gras: Let the Music Move You. On Saturdays and select nights from February 7 through April 18, park guests will be able to party in the Universal streets New Orleans-style. Enjoy music, food, and outrageous performers in a colorful celebration that’s sure to lift your spirits.
What’s garnering the most excitement in this year’s upcoming Mardi Gras is the concert line-up, which even Universal Orlando admits is the best and most diverse in the event’s history. With a combined total of more than 300 million records sold and a dozen Grammy Awards between them, this year’s Mardi Gras lineup features thirteen of the most popular names in pop, rock, R&B, country, hip-hop, and more.
Party-goers will be able to hear the sounds of KC & the Sunshine Band, Frankie Vallie & the Four Seasons, the Village People, Ne-Yo, and Pat Benatar (featuring Neil Giraldo on guitar) in February; Barenaked Ladies, Montgomery Gentry, Collective Soul, Boys Like Girls, and Kelly Clarkson in March; and MC Hammer, Trade Adkins, and Nelly in April. All these performances will take place in a brand new permanent live concert venue within the park called the Hollywood Bowl Stage, which will make its debut during Mardi Gras.
In addition, New Orleans bands will showcase their authentic bayou music in the “French Quarter,” a replica of the famous district in New Orleans. Guests will be able to groove to the tunes of Big Red and the Zydeco Playmakers, Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers, the Daddy Mac Blues Band, The Honey Islands Swamp Band, and Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone.
And that’s not all – one of the highlights of Mardi Gras is the fantastic parade, which features hundreds of costumed characters, tons of souvenir beads, and amazing street performers. This year’s parade theme is “the Wonderful World of Literature,” giving guests a glimpse into the world of beloved books. Themed floats featuring memorable characters and settings from popular novels and children’s stories will cruise the streets of Universal Studios throughout each Mardi Gras night at 8 or 9 pm. The floats are designed by Blaine Kern Artists, Inc., who also designs floats for the New Orleans parade.
In the middle of all the dazzling floats and pumping music, guests will also be able to enjoy the spicy flavor of Cajun and Creole snacks, entrees, and desserts straight from the Big Easy. Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo, Andouille Sausage, Red Beans and Rice, Cheese Steaks, and Beignets are just a few of the tasty offerings that will be available.
And after all the fun at Universal Studios, be sure to head to Universal’s CityWalk for the official Mardi Gras after party, where your Mardi Gras ticket provides you with free admission to select CityWalk clubs.
So when the weather starts to heat up this spring in Orlando, you can bet that Mardi Gras: Let the Music Move You is the source. Get in on the Bayou excitement and fun now by getting your discount Universal Studios tickets
It seems that Orlando theme parks are joining in on the iPhone app craze. The Pocket Rockit app, just 99 cents at the iTunes app store, is your personal sidekick to this great ride at Universal Studios.
Rip Ride Rockit
The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is a rock and roll-themed rollercoaster that features all new thrill ride technology and lets you choose a song that will serve as the soundtrack. They have everything from hip hop to disco. The five available genres each have six songs, making a total of 30 songs in the setlist. However, once people began to ride the new coaster it was soon discovered there were more than 30 songs. Somehow, someone tinkering around with the system discovered there were (as of now) 999 song possibilities on the Rockit. The internet blogs went wild posting lists and techniques on how to select the hidden songs which feature everything from Kermit the Frog to U2 and Megadeth.
The purpose of the Pocket Rockit app is to archive and confirm those song choices. With live update technology, you will be able to upload any songs you discover to the app’s list. On the other hand you can also see what other people with the app have uploaded and confirm or deny the accuracy of their song numbers. The Pocket Rockit has all of the confirmed songs, both the 30 original releases and any other songs that people have uploaded. All of the song listings can be organized by band or song like on your iPod’s regular system in case you want to ride the Rockit multiple times and want to experience a different song each time. The Pocket Rockit is constantly receiving updates, so if you’re an iPhone owner and want to go to Universal Studios soon, definitely download this beforehand.
Happy Birthday Mickey
Break out the bubbly and get the cake batter ready. Everyone’s favorite Disney Character, loved all over the world by kids and adults, is celebrating his 81st birthday this week! While Mickey began as a silent black and white cartoon in “Plane Crazy,” where he tries to fly a plane and sneak a kiss with Minnie Mouse at the same time, his official debut is considered to be in the musical cartoon “Steamboat Willie.” Disney aficionados will recognize the familiar image of Mickey steering a giant steamboat as he whistles along, and some may say it was with that cartoon that the empire of Walt Disney began. Who knew, way back then, that a little cartoon about a mouse would spawn the incredible Disney theme parks in Orlando and all over the world?
There’s a famous quote by Walt Disney that goes: “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse.” It couldn’t be a more honest and even fascinating statement. That little mouse trying to sneak a kiss and steer a steamboat gave birth to a company that would create Disneyland in Anaheim, California and the Walt Disney World Resort right here in Orlando. There are now Disney Parks all over the world including Tokyo, Paris and soon Shanghai. How can we forget the classic movies? From Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and The Lion King to the brand new The Princess and the Frog, which features Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana!
There are also great television projects like The Mickey Mouse Club, which was where stars like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake got their start. The Disney Channel expanded to produce a new level of teen stars with performers like Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez. Along with the great shows and theme parks, there are also special events where Mickey and Minnie are the star of the show; whether it be in a parade or through Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Incredible how Disney has grown after 81 years, and it’s only going to get bigger. Still, shirtless and all, Mickey keeps his full-time job as Master of Ceremonies at the Walt Disney theme parks around the world. We’re guessing he’ll have his little gloved paws full today as folks (including his toony pals Donald Duck, Goofy and main squeeze Minnie Mouse) head over to wish him a happy birthday. Happy Birthday to the mouse that started it all!
Harry Potter World Universal Studios
Orlando Florida’s theme-parks are promoting new attractions this year, but none more than the parks opening in 2010.
“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the $250 million-plus “theme park within a theme park” that is scheduled to open by next summer in the Islands of Adventure, has sparked a near-constant stream of speculation about just how the resort will bring the Harry Potter universe to life.
“The industry scuttlebutt is that it will be fabulous,” said Bob Rogers, founder of BRC Imagination Arts, a Burbank, Calif.-based attractions-design company. “I see the gleam in the eyes of the people who are working on it. They think they’ve got a real winner here.”
Universal Studios has kept the project – based on the wildly lucrative, seven-book series by British author J.K. Rowling and the movies it inspired – largely shrouded in secrecy. Contractors working on the project have been required to sign confidentiality agreements, and the resort has offered few clues beyond a handful of artist renderings. Universal Studios has also fueled the hype with a series of Harry Potter-themed Internet polls asking fans questions such as what dragon they would like to ride (a Chinese Fireball beat out a Hungarian Horntail) and what they would like to drink (butterbeer bested pumpkin juice).
Shops, Eatery & More:
But interviews with people in and around the project, and a review of public records, offer some details about what to expect.
Plans for the 20-acre Wizarding World of Harry Potter show more than a dozen buildings, including at least three shops, a restaurant and multiple forced-perspective decorative buildings. The centerpiece will be the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the iconic castle and keep from the Harry Potter books and movies.
Universal’s Hogwarts, records show, will be 150 feet, or 15 stories, high.
The castle will also house what is expected to be the Wizarding World’s signature attraction. Several people familiar with the project, including one person directly involved, said the ride will be what’s known as a “robocoaster” – a ride system in which guests sit in seats suspended from a robotic arm that can swivel and swoop in multiple directions while it advances along a track.
Plans show the track snaking through more than a dozen scenes, though what those scenes will be remains a mystery. The attraction, according to the people familiar with it, will also feature an elaborate pre-show queue with special effects such as floating candles and snow falling indoors.
Before they arrive at Hogwarts, guests entering the Wizarding World will pass through Hogsmeade Village, an old-Europe-style town from the Harry Potter novels. Universal’s plans for Hogsmeade include The Three Broomsticks restaurant, shops and stylized locker and stroller-parking areas. The few clues Universal Studios has provided indicate the stores will include Dervish & Banges, which sells and repairs magical equipment, and Honeydukes, a sweet shop whose treats include chocolate-covered frogs.
In between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, Universal Studios is building Hagrid’s Hut, home of the friendly half-giant. It has also said it plans to re-create the Forbidden Forest, an ominous setting from the books that’s home to creatures such as centaurs, unicorns and spiderlike “acromantulas.”
Re-themed coasters?
There is little yet to indicate what rides will be included in the Harry Potter Wizarding World beyond the Hogwarts “dark” ride. Part of the Wizarding World is being built in the Lost Continent section of Islands of Adventure, and documents indicate that two existing attractions there – Dueling Dragons, where riders choose between two intertwined roller coasters, and the Flying Unicorn, a children’s coaster closed last year as part of the Potter construction – will be incorporated into Harry Potter’s world.
Both rides are expected to be re-themed with Harry Potter story lines. Records show, for instance, that Universal Studios plans to add a large tent at the entrance of Dueling Dragons, which fans have speculated will ultimately be converted into a re-creation of a wizarding tournament from one of the books in which one of the events involves stealing eggs from dragons.
Of course, the rides are almost secondary for fans when it comes to the Wizarding World, said Robert Niles, publisher of the Web site www.themeparkinsider.com.
“People are expecting to immerse themselves in the whole Harry Potter universe,” Niles said. “Really, a lot more than other attractions, people are going to be paying a lot of attention to the theming, the attention to detail and the atmosphere of the place, more so than the rides.”
Universal Studios would not elaborate on any of its plans last week.
“We will be excited to talk about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – when we are ready to do so,” spokesman Tom Schroder said.
The off-the-charts anticipation surrounding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes with some risk for Universal, said Rogers, of BRC Imagination Arts. “If you’re dealing with one of the great intellectual properties like, for example, Star Trek or Harry Potter, you have to work very hard to make sure that you don’t disappoint the fan base,” he said.
Whatever is ultimately included when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens next year, newer additions will soon follow. Universal’s licensing contract with Warner Bros. requires the resort to add elements from the final movies in the series – the last of which isn’t scheduled to arrive in theaters until 2011.
The contract even states that the later movies must be represented “in generally similar per-movie proportion” as the first five films.
Universal Studios CityWalk
CityWalk at Universal Studios has been a hit since it opened in 1999. The enormous entertainment complex features themed restaurants like , NASCAR Sports Grille, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and the Hard Rock Café, along with amazing nightclubs like the groove and a 20 screen movie theatre. There are always amazing events going on at CityWalk from Happy Hour specials to concerts featuring great bands from every musical genre. During special events like Halloween Horror Nights, Universal CityWalk serves as the perfect gateway to start the party early. You can grab dinner or some drinks before heading into big events at either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure.
This week anyone that’s ever dreamed of being a bartender will be thrilled to find out that Universal CityWalk is hosting the Quest World Flair Bartending Grand Finals. Flair bartending involves more than just mixing some vodka and cranberry juice into a glass; it involves intricate tricks like juggling and pouring drinks over your head or behind your back. Flair bartending takes the art of mixing cocktails to a whole other level! If you’re in the CityWalk area this week you’ll be able to see the action starting tomorrow at Pat O’Brien’s. The Irish establishment will be holding a practice session for the 100 flair bartenders that have come to compete in Orlando from over 15 countries.
Stop by Pat O’Brien’s on Tuesday November 17th at 4:00 pm to watch the bartenders practice as you enjoy traditional Irish food, live entertainment, and $7.95 Hurricanes. The fun continues on Wednesday November 18th for the Quest World Flair Bartending Grand Finals at the groove! Doors open at 6:30 pm and there will be Three Olives drink specials throughout the night. You have to be 21 and over, of course, so make sure you bring your ID to this awesome event!
Your best bet would be to search for some discount Universal tickets and check out the amazing rides at Universal Studios like Revenge of the Mummy or the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Or you can go to Islands of Adventure and ride The Hulk and try to get a sneak peek at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The choice is up to you, but make sure you check out the Quest World Flair Bartending Grand Finals!
Orlando Vacations 