| |

PARKsaver: Wizard Wanderlust package available from Renaissance Orlando

By Christopher Ollendorf Hey Savers! Everyone here in the Orlando area is patiently waiting for the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Islands of Adventure theme park over at Universal. I feel lucky since I live here I don’t need to get a place to stay, but many of you will…

| | | | | | | |

Dark ride fans pick their favorites in Orlando – Magic Kingdom named best dark ride park

To amusement park lovers, Orlando may be the mecca for dark attractions. In a recent survey of the Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE) (Yes, there’s a club just for fans of indoor attractions), members chose Magic Kingdom as their “Favorite Dark Attraction Park”. Members were also asked for their favorite dark attractions in the Orlando…

| |

Wizarding World website updated with virtual walk-through

Universal’s official Wizarding World of Harry Potter website has a new feature. From the main page, if you click on Hogsmeade, you’ll be taken to an eye-level view just inside the entrance. From here when you move the mouse pointer left, right, up or down, your view will change, letting you virtually look around.

| | |

Exclusive interview with the art director of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

We were able to talk with Alan Gilmore, the art director for two Harry Potter films and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, during the Entertainment Designers Forum last night. As you’ll hear in our video below, he tells a few tidbits about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure that…

| | |

Writer describes new Harry Potter ride as 'Spiderman meets Soarin'' – Ride's length given

An article by Lisa Oppenheimer in the May edition of AAA Car & Travel reveals some new information about the new Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure. The story gives the length of the ride (four minutes) and tells other details such the…

| | |

Video: Movie makers discuss bringing the Wizarding World to life at Islands of Adventure

Universal just released a new video in which the film makers and actors discuss the challenges and attention to detail needed to bring Harry Potter’s world to life at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. In the video below you’ll hear from Production Designer Stuart Craig, actress Emma Watson, Producer David Heyman, Producer David Barron and actor…

| | |

Video tour of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey queue – First look at Hogwarts' founders

Universal has released a new video featuring Mark Woodbury, president of Universal creative, talking about and showing off parts of the queue for the new Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. You’ll see the Portrait Gallery room with the first ever look…

| | | |

TV shows offer a look into many of the Wizarding World stores and rides

An authentic replica from the Harry Potter films, guests will pass by Hagrid’s hut on their way to the Flight of the Hippogriff family-friendly roller coaster. Just before they board, Hagrid instructs guests on how to properly approach and fly on a Hippogriff. Hagrid’s hut will be seen as part of a feature about The…

| | | |

Universal Update: Ellen, Mat Hoffman and Green Eggs and Ham

It was an interesting weekend at Universal Orlando. The highlight was the filming of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Ellen was in Orlando to tape two episodes of her show, which will air on April 1 and 2, 2010. Above Ellen is shooting some T-shirts out to the crowd. On Saturday Ellen was spotted all around…