For this February 2010 update, we take a peek above the construction walls – way above. Come fly with us to check out the progress of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. No, we didn’t use a magical broomstick. Thanks go to Air Florida Helicopter Charters on International Drive. …

The Lakeland Ledger newspaper covered a recent meeting of Central Florida Vacation Rental Managers Association. The guest speaker was Sarak Holt, sales coordinator at Universal Studios Orlando. In the meeting she reveled a few new facts about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. She told the group they were the first to hear about a [...]

Universal is now offering a special Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package. For travel starting May 28, the package includes: • Early Park Admission to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. • A traditional British breakfast at the Three Broomsticks – one per person. • Commemorative Grand Opening ticket – one per person. [...]

Auditions have begun for Season 5 of “America’s Got Talent” and the producers will be at Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Universal Orlando this Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010. No matter what your age or talent, they want to see it. They’re looking for singers, musicians and dancers, as well as variety [...]

Editor’s Note: 2:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 2010 – We’ve just been notified that LeeAnn Rimes has canceled. The Zac Brown Band will perform in her place at 3 p.m. at SeaWorld tomorrow. It’s a musical weekend in Central Florida. You have your choice between three big name musical acts as three different theme parks kick [...]

The official Web site for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure was updated today with some new features and details on the rides and experiences. One new feature on the Web site is a low fly-through tour of the Hogsmeade Village and around the castle. New details found on various [...]

Aol’s WalletPop.com is hosting the exclusive online premiere of the complete Super Bowl commercial for Universal’s new The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area in Islands of Adventure. The spot is also appearing on the home page of Aol, in advance of its CBS television broadcast on Sunday’s Super Bowl. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9d1nXpalNs The ad shows two [...]

Universal Orlando will launch a brand-new, national commercial for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, Feb. 7. Set to air during the first half of the game, the ad will feature all new footage. You’ll see children magically transported to Orlando to fly on broomsticks around the Wizarding World. [...]

Visitors to the Ollivanders wand shop at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will step into one of the iconic scenes from the Harry Potter books and movies. With the assistance of a live actor, along with some special effects, guests of Ollivanders will get to experience the same type of magical moment Harry had [...]

Today’s “USA Today” features a story on Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure and a map of the land. When you visit harrypotter3d.com and hold the map up to your webcam, it will appear 3D using a process called augmented reality. But you don’t need to run out and buy the [...]

Click on the photo to see it full size. The magical transformation continues. Although still very much a work in progress, the magnificence of Hogwarts castle is beginning to take shape above Hogsmeade as work continues on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Hogwarts will be the home of a [...]

Harry Potter fans will want to buy the “USA Today” newspaper next Thursday, Jan. 28. An ad in the newspaper will seemingly come to life on your computer screen when you hold it up to a webcam. The first-ever augmented reality map of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will allow you to rotate the [...]

As you’ll see in the video and photos below, most of the scaffolding has come down in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and many of the small details are starting to appear. First let’s take a video tour, then we’ll get into some detailed photos. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNInd7hyj4A

On Feb. 6, Universal Orlando Resort will kick off its 15th year of Mardi Gras – the biggest and most authentic Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans. Guests will experience the spirit of Bourbon St. in the heart of Universal Studios, with festivities including live concerts, authentic Cajun cuisine, a parade and tons of [...]

Wrestling fans will be able to be part of a rally/party celebrating wrestling legend Hulk Hogan’s new partnership with TNA Wrestling. Starting at 5 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, the Hulkster, along with syndicated radio talk show host Bubba the Love Sponge, will be meeting fans at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in Universal CityWalk. Hulk [...]

Everyone can give a thumbs up or down to any photo in our gallery. As you’ll see below, our American Idol pictures were very popular by visitors to our online gallery. Here are the top 10 photos from 2009 that received the most thumbs up (and least thumbs down). Click on any of the photos [...]

Our YouTube channel was a popular place in 2009. We reached more than a million views for a couple of our older videos, while others lay dormant for reasons unknown to us. Sometimes we think a video is going to be a huge hit and it flops, and sometimes we wonder why we’re bothering to [...]

A lot has happened in the Orlando area theme parks in 2009. Some new attractions were announced, some have closed down and some have opened up. One both opened and closed in 2009 (we’re talking about you Stitch.) Below are the top 10 most read blog posts on our site during 2009. Below the top [...]

There’s a lot going on for New Year’s Eve, but not all of the parks will be having special events or fireworks at midnight. Here’s a list of the special New Year’s Eve events. But be warned that it’s the busiest day of the year and many of the parks may close when they reach [...]

The Grinch will take over Universal Orlando’s new official Facebook page to answer guests’ questions live this afternoon. The star of Dr. Seuss’s “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” will interact with fans and give them a humorous glimpse into the entertainment they can expect at Grinchmas – a live stage show at Universal’s Islands of [...]