http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog Orlando area attractions and theme park information and news Fri, 25 May 2012 00:51:42 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/10/guest-editorial-one-fans-hope-for-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/10/guest-editorial-one-fans-hope-for-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:32:29 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=12358 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 [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/04/10/guest-editorial-one-fans-hope-for-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion/feed/ 6 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/26/out-of-the-loop-legoland-california-announces-multi-million-dollar-2012-expansion/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/26/out-of-the-loop-legoland-california-announces-multi-million-dollar-2012-expansion/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:26:36 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11587 By Andy Guinigundo Carlsbad, Calif. – Last year marked the eighth straight year of increased attendance at Legoland California and a double digit increase at that over 2010. On the strength of those numbers, Legoland California has decided to put a multi-million dollar investment into the park. Legoland California General Manager Pete Ronchetti attributes the [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/26/out-of-the-loop-legoland-california-announces-multi-million-dollar-2012-expansion/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/03/new-dumbo-ride-now-testing-in-fantasylands-storybook-circus-video/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/03/new-dumbo-ride-now-testing-in-fantasylands-storybook-circus-video/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:08:41 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11329 Today, a few elephants were hooked up to the new Dumbo ride Disney is adding to the Storybook Circus area of the Fantasyland expansion, and our roving reporters spotted some men in hard hats testing them out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVVPEb7CaAg In the first half of 2012, Great Goofini’s Barnstormer coaster, Fantasyland Train Station and the first half [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/01/03/new-dumbo-ride-now-testing-in-fantasylands-storybook-circus-video/feed/ 1 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/31/plans-for-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion-at-universal-studios-leaked/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/31/plans-for-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion-at-universal-studios-leaked/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:51:16 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=11245 It appears someone at Universal Orlando has anonymously shared plans for the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion at Universal Orlando with Robert Niles of ThemeParkInsider.com. The detailed plans call for a Gringotts Bank ride, a large restaurant and more at the Amity and Jaws area, which is closing Monday. Robert says he has [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/31/plans-for-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter-expansion-at-universal-studios-leaked/feed/ 5 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/06/significant-expansion-announced-for-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/06/significant-expansion-announced-for-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:48:16 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=10872 Not many details have been announced yet, but Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts have announced a ‘Significant expansion’ for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. The Universal Studios Hollywood park in California will also be getting its own Wizarding World of Harry Potter. “We are thrilled to be able [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/12/06/significant-expansion-announced-for-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/16/photo-finds-an-evening-at-the-magic-kingdom-with-tiki-birds-and-more/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/16/photo-finds-an-evening-at-the-magic-kingdom-with-tiki-birds-and-more/#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:09:31 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9682 We headed over to the Magic Kingdom yesterday evening to see the new/old Enchanted Tiki Room. Here are some of the more interesting things we saw. We started our trip at the Grand Floridian to get a look at the upcoming expansion. This wall lines the walkway from the resort out to the spa near [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/16/photo-finds-an-evening-at-the-magic-kingdom-with-tiki-birds-and-more/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/09/the-show-episode-28/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/09/the-show-episode-28/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:12:51 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=9258 June 9, 2011 – Join hosts Mark Daniel and Samantha Sanders as they bring you the latest Orlando theme park and attraction news and more on this week’s episode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSLaafLiPrY In this week’s episode: • Little Mermaid attraction opening at California Adventure • Mickey’s Soundsational Parade at Disneyland • Fantasyland construction update • New details [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/06/09/the-show-episode-28/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/18/seven-dwarfs-mine-train-coaster-among-new-additions-for-fantasyland-at-magic-kingdom/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/18/seven-dwarfs-mine-train-coaster-among-new-additions-for-fantasyland-at-magic-kingdom/#comments Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:16:38 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=8090 Disney has announced some new additions to the Fantasyland expansion which is already underway. Look for Goofy’s Barnstormer kiddie coaster to be rethemed and renamed Goofy as The Great Goofini, a Princess Fairytale Hall, and a brand new type of roller coaster with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. These new additions are to be added [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/18/seven-dwarfs-mine-train-coaster-among-new-additions-for-fantasyland-at-magic-kingdom/feed/ 7 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/02/fun-spot-near-international-drive-recently-purchased-a-huge-expansion-area/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/02/fun-spot-near-international-drive-recently-purchased-a-huge-expansion-area/#comments Sun, 02 Jan 2011 14:49:45 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7982 Fun Spot Action Park, just off International Drive, will soon triple in size. The 13 year-old, five acre park recently purchased an adjacent 10 acres. Plans are being developed for the expansion of rides and go-kart tracks at the Orlando fun park. Once construction is complete, the new additions may include some water rides and [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2011/01/02/fun-spot-near-international-drive-recently-purchased-a-huge-expansion-area/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/12/12/fantasyland-expansion-update-aerial-photos-and-video-of-the-magic-kingdom-fall-2010/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/12/12/fantasyland-expansion-update-aerial-photos-and-video-of-the-magic-kingdom-fall-2010/#comments Sun, 12 Dec 2010 17:23:10 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7857 We recently had a chance to go high above the Magic Kingdom to bring you these aerial photos and video of the construction progress of the Fantasyland expansion. Click on any of the photos to view them larger. The Fantasyland expansion was first announced at Disney’s D23 Expo in California a little over a year [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/12/12/fantasyland-expansion-update-aerial-photos-and-video-of-the-magic-kingdom-fall-2010/feed/ 4 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/13/the-grand-reef-at-discovery-cove-to-offer-snorkeling-helmet-dive-and-more-photosvideo/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/13/the-grand-reef-at-discovery-cove-to-offer-snorkeling-helmet-dive-and-more-photosvideo/#comments Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:41:49 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=7432 Discovery Cove has started a new large expansion that will be completed in June 2011. The Grand Reef will feature multiple levels of exploration. Guests can roam shallow waters, or swim, snorkel or helmet dive among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world. Or they can just relax in one of the hammocks on [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/10/13/the-grand-reef-at-discovery-cove-to-offer-snorkeling-helmet-dive-and-more-photosvideo/feed/ 5 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/26/large-photo-leaked-of-tabletop-model-for-fantasylands-makeover/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/26/large-photo-leaked-of-tabletop-model-for-fantasylands-makeover/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:10:28 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=5057 Click on the photo to see the full size version. This photo of a large model of the expanded part of Fantasyland has been appearing around the Internet this past week. It’s a bit different from the originally leaked blueprints of the redone Fantasyland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The Pixie Hollow area has been moved [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/01/26/large-photo-leaked-of-tabletop-model-for-fantasylands-makeover/feed/ 2 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/15/disneys-queueless-system-testing-continues-at-rock-n-roller-coaster/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/15/disneys-queueless-system-testing-continues-at-rock-n-roller-coaster/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:29:38 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4702 Photo by TouringPlans Last week, we told you about Disney testing a queueless meet-and-greet system in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom in which parents would wait in line while their children played in a playground until it was time for everyone to meet a character. Now it appears that testing continues this week but on [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/15/disneys-queueless-system-testing-continues-at-rock-n-roller-coaster/feed/ 13 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/11/disney-testing-new-meet-and-greet-queueing-procedures-may-point-to-upcoming-fantasyland-changes/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/11/disney-testing-new-meet-and-greet-queueing-procedures-may-point-to-upcoming-fantasyland-changes/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:43:35 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4647 In Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom this week, a few of Disney’s Imagineers and cast members held a test at Pooh’s Playful Spot, the playground located across from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh dark ride. Pooh characters were made available for meet and greets, but new queueing rules were attached. Parents were instructed, [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/11/disney-testing-new-meet-and-greet-queueing-procedures-may-point-to-upcoming-fantasyland-changes/feed/ 3 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/04/winter-2010-issue-of-orlando-attractions-magazine-now-available-for-preview-and-pre-order/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/04/winter-2010-issue-of-orlando-attractions-magazine-now-available-for-preview-and-pre-order/#comments Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:14:26 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=4580 The Winter 2010 issue of Orlando Attractions Magazine is now available for preview and pre-order. Feature articles in this issue include: • COVER STORY: A Whole New World Reimagined and expanded Fantasyland to deliver more magic than ever before. • Blast Off Into Superspace Disney’s Space Mountain reopens with new enhancements. • Star Tours II: [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/12/04/winter-2010-issue-of-orlando-attractions-magazine-now-available-for-preview-and-pre-order/feed/ 0 http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/09/12/d23-expo-20-pieces-of-concept-art-for-the-major-fantasyland-additions-now-confirmed-for-walt-disney-world/ http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/09/12/d23-expo-20-pieces-of-concept-art-for-the-major-fantasyland-additions-now-confirmed-for-walt-disney-world/#comments Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:09:33 +0000 Matt Roseboom http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/?p=3374 The long-rumored Fantasyland expansion / addition has been confirmed at the D23 Expo during the Disney Parks & Resorts presentation. Imagineers did not want to comment specifically on the leaked blueprint but it appears that, more or less, all of what was rumored is coming true. The Fantasyland expansion will begin construction in early 2010 [...]]]> http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/09/12/d23-expo-20-pieces-of-concept-art-for-the-major-fantasyland-additions-now-confirmed-for-walt-disney-world/feed/ 12