http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog Orlando area attractions and theme park information and news Thu, 23 May 2013 12:50:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/23/attractions-the-show-may-23-2013-star-wars-weekends-madagascar-live-and-more/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/23/attractions-the-show-may-23-2013-star-wars-weekends-madagascar-live-and-more/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 12:50:27 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15683 Hosts Banks Lee and JeniLynn Knopp bring you this week’s theme park and attraction news. On this week’s episode: • News In The Queue: Sounds Like Summer concert lineup; opening date for World of Chima at Legoland Florida; Cup That Cares Coke Freestyle cups at Antarctica; Adventurers Outpost meet and greet; Wizarding World of Harry [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/23/attractions-the-show-may-23-2013-star-wars-weekends-madagascar-live-and-more/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/22/second-annual-illuminations-dessert-party-celebrating-food-allergies-and-intolerances-to-be-held-in-october/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/22/second-annual-illuminations-dessert-party-celebrating-food-allergies-and-intolerances-to-be-held-in-october/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 18:22:03 +0000 Anthony Armenia http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15413 The second annual Special Diets IllumiNations Dessert Party is being held on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013 at the France Pavilion at Epcot. The event is private party specifically for individuals affected by allergies and intolerances. It will being hosted by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW. The event will include a dessert buffet in [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/22/second-annual-illuminations-dessert-party-celebrating-food-allergies-and-intolerances-to-be-held-in-october/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/22/join-us-live-during-disneys-monstrous-summer-all-nighter/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/22/join-us-live-during-disneys-monstrous-summer-all-nighter/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 13:48:22 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15681 On May 24, 2013, the Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours in celebration of Disney’s Monstrous Summer, and “Orlando Attractions Magazine – The Show” hosts JeniLynn Knopp and Banks Lee will be broadcasting live during the night of the all-nighter. From 11 p.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday eastern time or possibly later, we [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/22/join-us-live-during-disneys-monstrous-summer-all-nighter/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/21/fun-spot-americas-two-new-coasters-now-running-grand-reopening-june-8/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/21/fun-spot-americas-two-new-coasters-now-running-grand-reopening-june-8/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 20:20:03 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15673 Huge is about to get huge-er as Fun Spot America has debuted two new coasters as part of an expansion that will almost triple the size of the park off of International Drive. Freedom Flyer, their Vekoma suspended family coaster, has already been open to the public for almost a week. The coaster, made by [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/21/fun-spot-americas-two-new-coasters-now-running-grand-reopening-june-8/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/21/homesites-now-available-in-marceline-a-new-neighborhood-at-walt-disney-worlds-golden-oak-community/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/21/homesites-now-available-in-marceline-a-new-neighborhood-at-walt-disney-worlds-golden-oak-community/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 14:13:52 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15658 The Golden Oak high-end housing community at Walt Disney World continues to grow with the announcement of the first 19 homesites going on sale in their new neighborhood, Marceline. As part of the Golden Oak community, Marceline residents will enjoy a lifestyle surrounded by the Walt Disney World Resort. This neighborhood is located in close [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/21/homesites-now-available-in-marceline-a-new-neighborhood-at-walt-disney-worlds-golden-oak-community/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/21/photo-finds-star-wars-weekends-merchandise-pleasure-island-construction-and-more-may-21-2013/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/21/photo-finds-star-wars-weekends-merchandise-pleasure-island-construction-and-more-may-21-2013/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 14:08:06 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15676 By Kevin Yee There are exciting new products for sale at Star Wars Weekends. We take a closer look around Darth’s Mall set up behind the Tower of Terror. We also explore the construction walls recently added to Downtown Disney, in preparation for its conversion to Disney Springs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qNi7OHOsjw • Kevin Yee is a theme [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/21/photo-finds-star-wars-weekends-merchandise-pleasure-island-construction-and-more-may-21-2013/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/19/disney-awards-1-5-million-to-support-central-florida-children-nonprofits/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/19/disney-awards-1-5-million-to-support-central-florida-children-nonprofits/#comments Sun, 19 May 2013 16:54:11 +0000 Anthony Armenia http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15374 Representatives from 59 Central Florida organizations and school districts were joined on stage by Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Disney Cast Members as they received more than 1.5 million recently as part of the Disney Helping Kids Shine grants program. Disney’s program is expected to benefit over 70,000 local children through organizations that represent the Disney [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/19/disney-awards-1-5-million-to-support-central-florida-children-nonprofits/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/19/new-race-challenge-and-medals-added-to-the-princess-half-marathon-at-walt-disney-world/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/19/new-race-challenge-and-medals-added-to-the-princess-half-marathon-at-walt-disney-world/#comments Sun, 19 May 2013 16:52:53 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15498 runDisney has announced additions to the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort next year, including a 10K and a new two-race challenge. The Princess 10K gives runners of various levels more opportunities to run through Disney theme parks and receive a specially-designed finisher medal. And runners looking for an even bigger [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/19/new-race-challenge-and-medals-added-to-the-princess-half-marathon-at-walt-disney-world/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/19/disneys-d23-fan-club-to-offer-new-free-membership-with-debut-of-reimagined-website/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/19/disneys-d23-fan-club-to-offer-new-free-membership-with-debut-of-reimagined-website/#comments Sun, 19 May 2013 14:45:08 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15660 D23, the official Disney fan club will be making some changes to their website on June 17, 2013, including adding a free level of membership for the first time. The site will provide access to newly digitized content that delves deeply into The Walt Disney Company’s vault of material, past and present, along with exclusive [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/19/disneys-d23-fan-club-to-offer-new-free-membership-with-debut-of-reimagined-website/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/18/construction-update-wizarding-worlds-hogwarts-express-track-and-diagon-alley-expansion-from-above/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/18/construction-update-wizarding-worlds-hogwarts-express-track-and-diagon-alley-expansion-from-above/#comments Sat, 18 May 2013 21:38:37 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15665 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 [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/18/construction-update-wizarding-worlds-hogwarts-express-track-and-diagon-alley-expansion-from-above/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/18/2013-hyperspace-hoopla-dance-off-with-the-star-wars-stars-adds-a-little-disney-to-the-mix-video/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/18/2013-hyperspace-hoopla-dance-off-with-the-star-wars-stars-adds-a-little-disney-to-the-mix-video/#comments Sat, 18 May 2013 13:01:34 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15663 One of the most anticipated events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars Weekends is the Hyperspace Hoopla, with its Dance-Off with the Star Wars Stars. Many are saying this year’s show is one of the best, and you can see it for yourself below. The Hyperspace Hoopla has been taken over by Emperor Palpatine this [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/18/2013-hyperspace-hoopla-dance-off-with-the-star-wars-stars-adds-a-little-disney-to-the-mix-video/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/16/busch-gardens-to-debut-new-madagascar-show-with-special-experiences-this-weekend/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/16/busch-gardens-to-debut-new-madagascar-show-with-special-experiences-this-weekend/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 20:09:59 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15654 Characters from the DreamWorks Animation hit Madagascar franchise have crash landed at Busch Gardens in Tampa, and their “Operation: Vacation” stage show will be debuting May 18, 2013 in the Stanleyville Theater. To celebrate the arrival of the show, the Tampa park will host a premiere party weekend on May 18 and 19, complete with [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/16/busch-gardens-to-debut-new-madagascar-show-with-special-experiences-this-weekend/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/16/attractions-the-show-may-16-2013-worlds-smallest-film-princess-merida-and-more/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/16/attractions-the-show-may-16-2013-worlds-smallest-film-princess-merida-and-more/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 11:59:52 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15653 Hosts Banks Lee and JeniLynn Knopp bring you this week’s theme park and attraction news. On this week’s episode: • News In The Queue: Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion revealed; Hyatt Regency renovation; Florida Vintage Travel Collectibles Show; Antarctica son & sneak peek • Hidden Mickey of the Week: Ariel’s Grotto • This weekend’s [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/16/attractions-the-show-may-16-2013-worlds-smallest-film-princess-merida-and-more/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/15/universal-survey-reveals-new-details-about-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/15/universal-survey-reveals-new-details-about-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 15:35:18 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15637 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.” [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/15/universal-survey-reveals-new-details-about-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/15/new-mickey-and-minnie-meet-adventurers-outpost-opens-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/15/new-mickey-and-minnie-meet-adventurers-outpost-opens-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 15:11:36 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15645 Mickey and Minnie Mouse have moved to a new meet and greet location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Discovery Island. It’s called Adventurers Outpost. The new location, which opened May 15, 2013 in the former Beastly Bazaar gift shop, is the new official meet and greet for Mickey and Minnie, relocating them from their Camp [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/15/new-mickey-and-minnie-meet-adventurers-outpost-opens-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/15/special-coke-freestyle-flavor-and-interactive-customizable-cup-to-be-available-at-seaworlds-antarctica/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/15/special-coke-freestyle-flavor-and-interactive-customizable-cup-to-be-available-at-seaworlds-antarctica/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 13:57:22 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15642 Antarctica at SeaWorld will have a special Coke Freestyle drink available when it opens on May 24 called Vanilla South Pole Chill, and they will offer a unique souvenir cup to go along with it. SeaWorld will offer the Cup That Cares, a refillable-cup program that tracks your CO₂ savings with every Coca-Cola Freestyle refill [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/15/special-coke-freestyle-flavor-and-interactive-customizable-cup-to-be-available-at-seaworlds-antarctica/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/14/world-of-chima-figures-appear-downtown-to-announce-july-3-opening-at-legoland-florida/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/14/world-of-chima-figures-appear-downtown-to-announce-july-3-opening-at-legoland-florida/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 00:32:56 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15640 Animal tribes from Lego’s Legends of Chima descended upon Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando to help announce the opening date for Legoland Florida’s new expansion. The World of Chima will officially open on July 3, 2013. Orlando’s Mayor Buddy Dyer is pictured above with a few of the three-foot-tall Lego Chima figures. Laval the [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/14/world-of-chima-figures-appear-downtown-to-announce-july-3-opening-at-legoland-florida/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/14/future-scream-machines-bigger-wetter-faster-to-debut-sunday-on-travel-channel/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/14/future-scream-machines-bigger-wetter-faster-to-debut-sunday-on-travel-channel/#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 20:39:06 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15636 A new theme park-related show is premiering this Sunday on the Travel Channel. Look for “Future Scream Machines: Bigger, Wetter, Faster” at 9 p.m. May 19, 2013. The show will mark the Travel Channel debut of “Orlando Attractions Magazine” Publisher Matt Roseboom talking about the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) show and [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/14/future-scream-machines-bigger-wetter-faster-to-debut-sunday-on-travel-channel/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/13/seven-tribute-bands-named-for-epcots-sounds-like-summer-concerts/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/13/seven-tribute-bands-named-for-epcots-sounds-like-summer-concerts/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 20:23:30 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15631 You won’t find Bon Jovi or Billy Joel performing at Epcot this summer, but your ears may deceive you as you walk around World Showcase. The Sounds Like Summer concert series is returning this year with seven different official tribute bands. The shows are held at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. each night in the [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/13/seven-tribute-bands-named-for-epcots-sounds-like-summer-concerts/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/13/photo-finds-pirates-adventure-interactive-game-maps-and-more-may-13-2013/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/13/photo-finds-pirates-adventure-interactive-game-maps-and-more-may-13-2013/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 17:42:36 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15628 By Kevin Yee Disney’s Magic Kingdom has begun testing (not every day, and not all day) a new interactive game much like the Agent P adventure in Epcot, but using paper maps and a paper RFID playing card. We review the Pirate’s Adventure maps in detail and show some of the physical effects. But there’s [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/13/photo-finds-pirates-adventure-interactive-game-maps-and-more-may-13-2013/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/13/out-of-the-loop-cedar-points-record-breaking-gatekeeper-debuts/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/13/out-of-the-loop-cedar-points-record-breaking-gatekeeper-debuts/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 14:18:29 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15625 By Andy Guinigundo Sandusky, Ohio – “Orlando Attractions Magazine” debuted in 2007. That same year, Cedar Point’s 17th roller coaster debuted, the wild-as-the-wild-west Maverick. The Intamin linear synchronous motor launched coaster features a steeper than vertical initial decent and is the first coaster to integrate a “twisted horseshoe roll”. It was the first coaster debut [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/13/out-of-the-loop-cedar-points-record-breaking-gatekeeper-debuts/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/11/mold-a-rama-disney-and-old-florida-will-highlight-collectibles-show-at-fantasy-of-flight/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/11/mold-a-rama-disney-and-old-florida-will-highlight-collectibles-show-at-fantasy-of-flight/#comments Sat, 11 May 2013 19:59:20 +0000 Anthony Armenia http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15404 On Sunday, June 9, 2013 memorabilia dealers from around the country and local legends will gather for a one day collectibles show at Fantasy of Flight. The Florida Vintage Travel Collectibles Show is a celebration of vintage travel memorabilia from the history of travel and vacations in Florida. The show will showcase airline, old Florida, [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/11/mold-a-rama-disney-and-old-florida-will-highlight-collectibles-show-at-fantasy-of-flight/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/11/merida-becomes-disneys-11th-princess-in-a-ceremony-at-the-magic-kingdom-video-and-photos/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/11/merida-becomes-disneys-11th-princess-in-a-ceremony-at-the-magic-kingdom-video-and-photos/#comments Sat, 11 May 2013 16:36:59 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15623 Merida, Disney•Pixar’s first princess from the film “Brave”, was officially crowned as the 11th Disney Princess in a coronation ceremony held in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom today, May 11, 2013. Merida arrived in style atop her horse Angus, and all 10 prior Disney Princesses were on hand to welcome her to [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/11/merida-becomes-disneys-11th-princess-in-a-ceremony-at-the-magic-kingdom-video-and-photos/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/10/out-of-the-loop-a-look-at-air-force-one-and-more-at-the-ronald-reagan-presidential-library/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/10/out-of-the-loop-a-look-at-air-force-one-and-more-at-the-ronald-reagan-presidential-library/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 22:45:34 +0000 Don Gworek http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15561 One of the unique features of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California is the gallery with a retired Air Force One jet. President Reagan flew aboard this jet more than any other, 211 times. The Reagan Presidential Library is north of Los Angeles in a ranch-style building in the Simi Valley. Life-size statues of [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/10/out-of-the-loop-a-look-at-air-force-one-and-more-at-the-ronald-reagan-presidential-library/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/10/universal-orlando-stilt-walking-demonstration-to-be-held-at-the-history-center/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/10/universal-orlando-stilt-walking-demonstration-to-be-held-at-the-history-center/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 13:05:46 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15621 Stilt walkers are a common occurrence around Orlando’s theme parks, and if you’ve ever wondered what goes on to bring these performers to life, now’s your chance to see for yourself. In conjunction with its A Year in the Life: Backstage to Onstage at Universal Orlando Resort exhibition, the Orange County Regional History Center is [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/10/universal-orlando-stilt-walking-demonstration-to-be-held-at-the-history-center/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/09/attractions-the-show-may-9-2013-pie-festival-star-wars-day-and-more/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/09/attractions-the-show-may-9-2013-pie-festival-star-wars-day-and-more/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 12:36:16 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15618 Hosts Banks Lee and JeniLynn Knopp bring you this week’s theme park and attraction news. On this week’s episode: • News In The Queue: Disney VoluntEARS pep rally; Transforers: The Ride 3D grand opening date and recruitment; new WDI ride system patent; Limited Time Magic – Cinco de Mayo; Fun Spot America expansion filming; lineup [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/09/attractions-the-show-may-9-2013-pie-festival-star-wars-day-and-more/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/08/seaworld-releases-new-look-inside-antarctica-and-free-attraction-theme-song-by-lauren-alaina/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/08/seaworld-releases-new-look-inside-antarctica-and-free-attraction-theme-song-by-lauren-alaina/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 22:08:16 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15615 SeaWorld Orlando has released their first look inside the new attraction Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, as well as announced a partnership with award-winning country artist Lauren Alaina to perform the official theme song for the new attraction, which opens May 24, 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAUYxO-VzFA Alaina recorded two songs for SeaWorld, including the theme song for [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/08/seaworld-releases-new-look-inside-antarctica-and-free-attraction-theme-song-by-lauren-alaina/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/08/detailed-look-at-diagon-alley-and-london-concept-art-for-universals-wizarding-world-expansion/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/08/detailed-look-at-diagon-alley-and-london-concept-art-for-universals-wizarding-world-expansion/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 15:05:09 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15604 Universal Orlando has officially announced The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion will open next year at Universal Studios and will include recreations of Diagon Alley and London from the Harry Potter films. So far, they've only released one piece of concept art. Let's zoom in and take a look:]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/08/detailed-look-at-diagon-alley-and-london-concept-art-for-universals-wizarding-world-expansion/feed/ 5 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/08/universal-officially-announces-details-for-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion-opening-in-2014/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/08/universal-officially-announces-details-for-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion-opening-in-2014/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 13:44:38 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15532 Today Universal Orlando officially announced their well known secret, Diagon Alley is coming to Universal Studios Florida. From Universal Orlando’s Facebook page: Scheduled to open in 2014, the world’s first centrally themed, multi-park experience expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both Universal Orlando theme parks and allows Universal’s creative team to bring an [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/08/universal-officially-announces-details-for-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion-opening-in-2014/feed/ 6 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/07/hyatt-regency-grand-cypress-completes-multi-year-renovation/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/07/hyatt-regency-grand-cypress-completes-multi-year-renovation/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 19:01:27 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15594 The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress resort, located just around the corner from Walt Disney World, recently completed a multiple-year $65 million dollar renovation. Everything from the lobby, to the pool and the rooms has been made fresh with new amenities. Here’s a look at just some of the new features: Water Slide Tower Pavilion From [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/07/hyatt-regency-grand-cypress-completes-multi-year-renovation/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/06/photo-finds-may-the-4th-be-with-you-wishes-dessert-party-monsterail-and-more-may-6-2013/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/06/photo-finds-may-the-4th-be-with-you-wishes-dessert-party-monsterail-and-more-may-6-2013/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 20:53:41 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15592 By Kevin Yee We sample the entertainment and decorations at last week’s Star Wars themed Limited Time Magic, as well as look at the Wishes Dessert Party menu. We also take a closer look at the Monsters University monorail wrapping. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yexCNjNxjzg]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/06/photo-finds-may-the-4th-be-with-you-wishes-dessert-party-monsterail-and-more-may-6-2013/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/06/out-of-the-loop-a-look-at-space-shuttle-endeavour-at-the-california-sciencenter/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/06/out-of-the-loop-a-look-at-space-shuttle-endeavour-at-the-california-sciencenter/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 15:09:20 +0000 Don Gworek http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15553 Last year we watched as shuttle orbiter Endeavour left the Kennedy Space Center for its final flight, to Los Angeles. Endeavour is now on display at the California ScienCenter. Here’s video of Endeavour, including details of how the orbiter is protected from earthquakes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di4Lwqz8B7c Endeavour is currently in a temporary building. A permanent gallery will [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/06/out-of-the-loop-a-look-at-space-shuttle-endeavour-at-the-california-sciencenter/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/05/a-look-back-at-star-wars-may-the-4th-be-with-you-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/05/a-look-back-at-star-wars-may-the-4th-be-with-you-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/#comments Sun, 05 May 2013 15:51:57 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15544 It was a busy, fun day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday as Disney’s Limited Time Magic celebrated Star Wars “May The 4th Be With You”. Let’s take a look back in photos and videos. Throughout the day there were many Star Wars characters (and Disney characters dressed as Star Wars characters) roaming the park. [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/05/a-look-back-at-star-wars-may-the-4th-be-with-you-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/05/legoland-florida-is-looking-select-kids-to-join-buddys-brick-bunch/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/05/legoland-florida-is-looking-select-kids-to-join-buddys-brick-bunch/#comments Sun, 05 May 2013 14:51:36 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15534 Legoland Florida is searching for children ages 8-12 with a passion for Legos, who love Legoland Florida and, most of all, are adventurous and fun, to become the first members of Buddy’s Brick Bunch. The Buddy’s Brick Bunch members will have the chance to participate in exclusive opportunities at Legoland Florida throughout their 12-month term [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/05/legoland-florida-is-looking-select-kids-to-join-buddys-brick-bunch/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/04/universal-orlando-unveils-2013-summer-concert-series-lineup/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/04/universal-orlando-unveils-2013-summer-concert-series-lineup/#comments Sat, 04 May 2013 14:15:22 +0000 Banks Lee http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=15540 Universal Orlando Resort has announced the performers that will be taking the stage during their 2013 Summer Concert Series. Every Saturday night June 1 through July 6, Universal will host a Billboard chart-topping artist. The full lineup is listed below. June 1 – NE-YO (pictured above) June 8 – Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush June 15 [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2013/05/04/universal-orlando-unveils-2013-summer-concert-series-lineup/feed/ 1