Theme park and attraction news, rumors and videos.
You may have seen an article or two recently talking about how you can virtually visit Disney, Universal and other theme parks around the world while they are closed. (See ours here.) While watching regular 2D point-of-view videos is an easy way to experience the parks, to really feel like you’re there, you’ll need a virtual reality (VR) headset. But fear not, if you don’t have one, you can get one cheap.
By Jackie & Matt Roseboom
The new “Minions” movie takes you back in time to show you how the little yellow guys we love and adore got their start. [Read more…]
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open at Universal Studios Hollywood next spring with a few differences from the Orlando version. Most of which is the land’s signature attraction, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”, will be in hyper-realistic 3D-HD.
More than five years in the making, and inspired by J. K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters and the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood will bring guests the same authenticity and storytelling found at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Japan.
“The momentum behind J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world is as strong as ever and we are incredibly excited to bring Hogwarts to Hollywood,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Fans around the world have experienced the magic at ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ in Orlando and Osaka and we look forward to continued success with our partners at Universal Studios Hollywood as we offer more fans a chance to step into this immersive environment.”
Like its counterparts, Hogwarts castle will sit at the heart of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” where the land’s signature ride, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” will take guests on a journey into many memorable scenes alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. Traveling by Floo powder, guests will soar high above Hogwarts, partake in a Quidditch match, narrowly escape a dragon attack and have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow. Sporting Quidditch-inspired 3D goggles, guests will venture through journeys experienced by Harry and his friends, spiraling and pivoting 360-degrees along an elevated ride track.
When asked at a press conference if Orlando’s Forbidden Journey ride would be getting a 3D upgrade, Tom Williams, CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, said they are concentrating on the Universal Hollywood ride right now but to stay tuned.
Also within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the enchanting family coaster, “Flight of the Hippogriff” will debut as Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor coaster.
Guest will have the opportunity to enjoy authentic food and beverage at multiple locations, including: Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head pub, as well the Magic Neep and Butterbeer carts.
A foray through the shops will add to the authenticity of the land with eight retail shops and locations, including Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Owl Post, Zonko’s Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges, Gladrags Wizardwear and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods.
As excitement builds for the Spring 2016 arrival of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” in-park guests at Universal Studios Hollywood are able to experience and purchase authentic merchandise, including wands, robes and other collectibles from “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” available within the Features Presentation shop, located just inside Universal Studios Hollywood’s main entry.
A new 3D documentary has premiered in the Digital Adventure Theater at the Orlando Science Center: Penguins 3D. [Read more…]
Be among the first to see Disney’s “Planes” on its opening day, Friday, Aug. 9, 2013, at the Arena during the 2013 D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif. [Read more…]
You favorite blue and green monsters are back, well, sort of back in time. Monsters University follows Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan (AKA Sully) in their college years. Fans of Monsters Inc. will enjoy Monsters University, even though it doesn’t quite match up to the original. [Read more…]
The Nickelodeon Suites Resort was the site of the world premier of a brand new Spongebob Squarepants 4D movie last week, a great addition to the new Bikini Bottom character breakfast which recently debuted as well. [Read more…]
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. [Read more…]
The Orlando Science Center has brought cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology to its visitors in its new Digital Adventure Theater. Guests can see educational documentaries and Hollywood features all in stunning, immersive 3D and ultra high definition 4K resolution. [Read more…]