We’ve been following the expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios since even before it was officially announced. With the recent official announcement, and a few more details found through a Universal survey, we figured we’d give you a look at what’s happening behind the construction walls and backstage. (Click on [...]

Universal recently sent out a survey asking former guests their opinions on some details recently announced about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion. Sean at Parkscope.net took part in the survey and shared a look at it on their site. The survey talks about the Gringotts attraction being “an innovative new 3-D thrill ride.” [...]

If you haven’t watched the original Jurassic Park movie recently, the new 3D version, in theaters now, is worth seeing. Overall the movie looks great in 3D and still holds up on the big screen 20 years later. This isn’t a review of the movie itself. Most of you have already seen it. But I [...]

Universal Orlando Resort recently celebrated the five-millionth Butterbeer served within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. One thousand guests were given complimentary Butterbeers to mark the moment, with many of them sporting “Butterbeer mustaches.” Since first being served to guests in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in June 2010, Butterbeer has become one of [...]

Universal Orlando’s Holiday celebration returns this year with more performances by Mannheim Steamroller, the Grinch taking over Seuss Landing and more. Accompanying them will be the annual Macy’s Holiday Parade, special decorations and holiday festivities throughout the whole resort from Dec. 1, 2012 through Jan. 1, 2013. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, families will enjoy [...]

Our ride along series returns to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Dragon Challenge is two separate but intertwined roller coasters at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Chinese Fireball dragon races along the red track. The Hungarian Horntail darts along the blue track. Here’s a view of Hogwarts Castle that we’ve never been able …

Universal Orlando is testing a whole new system to skip the lines at select attractions. Instead of their Universal Express pass, the Universal Ride Reservation System lets guests reserve the time they want to ride using a small interactive pager. The new interactive pager, dubbed the U-Bot, lets guests make a reservation by scrolling up [...]

 Join us as we travel full circle around each of the four views of Dr. Doom’s Fear Fall, as seen from a pair of new high-tech camera eyeglasses. Loose articles like handheld cameras are not permitted on this ride. So we’ve never been able to share these splendid views until now. The soundstages and skyline [...]

By Elizabeth de Graaf My Hogwarts letter was safely stowed in my bag – my owl was hooting beside me, and I was anxious for my day to start. OK, I didn’t have a letter or an owl, but I was still on my way to Hogwarts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. For [...]

Central Florida’s many theme parks will light the night skies July 4, 2012 with special pyrotechnic shows, including a patriotic display at Magic Kingdom, a rock’n’roll spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Red, Brick and Boom at Legoland Florida and more. Check out this year’s Fourth of July line up: At the Magic Kingdom, “Disney’s Celebrate [...]

The cast of Nickelodeon’s hit TV series, “Victorious,” visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on June 8, 2012. The group rode the family-friendly coaster, Flight of the Hippogriff, and soared above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey before performing live the next day at the Universal Studio’s [...]

Now through Aug. 31, Florida residents can purchase a two-park annual pass and get three more months to enjoy both Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure. Universal Orlando is also introducing an all-new summer vacation package exclusively for Florida residents. Starting at $95 per adult, per night, tax inclusive, this package includes the following: [...]

By Erin McDaniels Since Universal has not released any official details or plans for their Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, I must start by saying this is all just speculation and dreaming, some based on other rumors. While this post will focus on the rumor that the expansion will be London/Diagon Alley themed, please [...]

Ascendio and their “Night of a Thousand Wizards” are returning to Universal Orlando Resort this July 12 through 15, 2012. Ascendio, dubbed as Infinitus in 2010, is a Harry Potter conference (or convention), and features presentations, music, meet-ups and social events. Their Night of a Thousand Wizards 2 is an exclusive after-hours event at the Wizarding [...]

We have a video showing a unique view from the air of construction of the former Amity Island/Jaws area at Universal Studios and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Blueprints have also been found online that show what and where buildings might be going in the former Jaws place. An expansion has been announced for [...]

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure reopened today with new HD projectors and many other enhancements. The day started off bad as Dr. Doom and Green Goblin started harassing reporters and kids, but they were quickly chased away by Spider-Man and some of his superhero friends. Here’s a look at [...]

Are your spidey senses tingling yet? In just one week, the reanimated and upgraded Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will reopen. Set your calendars for Thursday, March 8 as the day to see the all-new 4K digital high-definition animation, hear a new musical score and try on a pair of [...]

We spent a couple of days at Universal Orlando this past week and saw many new and interesting things at both parks and in CityWalk. Here’s what caught our eye. As you enter CityWalk, you’ll notice construction of the mini-golf courses is coming along well. Check out our full miniature golf photo update here. In [...]

Television and film actress Ginnifer Goodwin explored The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure with friends earlier today. During her visit, Ginnifer showed off her affinity for the Harry Potter books and films by dressing up in a Hogwarts school robe and a Gryffindor scarf. Ginnifer has previously appeared in successful [...]

By Kevin Yee The SeaWorld Orlando penguin exhibit will be replaced by a ride in the coming months and years, so we swung by to document the building and exhibit as it exists now (the puffin exhibit is already closed). We did the same for Jaws at Universal, which is rumored to be replaced by [...]