Universal Studios Orlando - 2012 ticket price hike!
The Universal Orlando Resort has followed in the footsteps of the Disneyland Resort and raised its ticket prices for the summer 2012 season.
A one-day, one-park ticket for either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure is now priced at $88, an increase of $3. One-day, two-park tickets now cost $123 versus $120 previously, while two-day, two-park tickets have risen to $159.99 from $155.99.
While tickets prices for shorter visits have risen, Universal has held prices for three and four-day passes at the same level. This is likely to be aimed at encouraging longer visits from Orlando tourists, who often spend much of their time at Walt Disney World, making shorter visits to Universal Orlando’s parks and SeaWorld Orlando.
Walt Disney World is likely to follow in Universal Orlando’s footsteps with its own price rises in the coming weeks. In previous years, Universal has waited for Disney to raise prices before following suit, but its increased popularity following the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter appears to have led to a more independent approach. Universal now sits as the most expensive theme park one day visit in Orlando.

Universal Studios Orlando - 2012 ticket price hike!

The Universal Orlando Resort has followed in the footsteps of the Disneyland Resort and raised its ticket prices for the summer 2012 season.

A one-day, one-park ticket for either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure is now priced at $88, an increase of $3. One-day, two-park tickets now cost $123 versus $120 previously, while two-day, two-park tickets have risen to $159.99 from $155.99.

While tickets prices for shorter visits have risen, Universal has held prices for three and four-day passes at the same level. This is likely to be aimed at encouraging longer visits from Orlando tourists, who often spend much of their time at Walt Disney World, making shorter visits to Universal Orlando’s parks and SeaWorld Orlando.

Walt Disney World is likely to follow in Universal Orlando’s footsteps with its own price rises in the coming weeks. In previous years, Universal has waited for Disney to raise prices before following suit, but its increased popularity following the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter appears to have led to a more independent approach. Universal now sits as the most expensive theme park one day visit in Orlando.

Countdown to Orlando
So, it is less than 30 days until Orlando and I thought I would mark each day closer to my holiday with a reason why I love Orlando….
Reason 1: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this place has to be one of the most incredible theme park attractions/themed lands I have ever experienced. Harry Potter’s forbidden journey also has to be one of the most unique theme park rides ever created, with twists, turns, giant dragons and a bit of magic here and there! 
Definitely one not to miss when visiting the sunny state! 
29 days until Orlando! 

Countdown to Orlando

So, it is less than 30 days until Orlando and I thought I would mark each day closer to my holiday with a reason why I love Orlando….

Reason 1: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this place has to be one of the most incredible theme park attractions/themed lands I have ever experienced. Harry Potter’s forbidden journey also has to be one of the most unique theme park rides ever created, with twists, turns, giant dragons and a bit of magic here and there! 

Definitely one not to miss when visiting the sunny state! 

29 days until Orlando! 

Universal Studios - Spongebob Megastore

Early last week the construction walls came down at the new Spongebob Storepants in Universal Studios, revealing an immersive retail experience. The store is set to open within the next few days and will feature SpongeBob SquarePants and other characters from TV series.

Universal Studios Orlando - Despicable Me 

Earlier this week at Universal Studios, the walls came down around facade for Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, which resembles the house from the film. There is also lots of new Despicable Me merchandise for sale in the Studio Store.

Check out the latest snaps posted above. I have to admit that I wasn’t too keen on the film but this has to be one of the most elaborate themed entrances to a simulator ever! Hopefully the ride matches it’s exterior! 

Universal Studios Orlando - Cinematic Spectacular

Universal Orlando Resort just released a video featuring an interview with filmmaker Steven Spielberg and Universal Orlando Senior Vice President of Entertainment Jim Timon. A bit of their upcoming lagoon show (Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories) can be seen behind Timon and at the end of the video.

The brand-new nighttime lagoon show will highlight some of the most fun, dramatic and awe-inspiring moments in Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. The show, along with a new daytime parade, debut on May 8, 2012 at Universal Studios.

Universal Studios Orlando - Cinematic Spectacular Show
The Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that the Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular show and the Universal Superstar Parade will debut at Universal Studios Florida on May 8, 2012.
Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movies Memories will be hosted in the park’s lagoon, and will be performed nightly during the summer season. An array of fountains has been installed under the water, and will be used to create giant water screens. Memorable moments from almost 200 films will be projected onto these, with light, sound and special effects being used to add to the spectacle.

Universal Studios Orlando - Cinematic Spectacular Show

The Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that the Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular show and the Universal Superstar Parade will debut at Universal Studios Florida on May 8, 2012.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movies Memories will be hosted in the park’s lagoon, and will be performed nightly during the summer season. An array of fountains has been installed under the water, and will be used to create giant water screens. Memorable moments from almost 200 films will be projected onto these, with light, sound and special effects being used to add to the spectacle.

Universal Studios Orlando - Fireworks Testing

Rehearsals are being performed many nights at Universal Studios Florida for the upcoming new lagoon show: “Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories”. The rehearsals are done well after the park closes to guests for the night. This shows a few minutes of the fireworks, as seen from a road bordering the resort. The new show also has fountains and other effects that can only be seen from inside the park, at the lagoon. One of the details caught by the camera here are reflections of the fireworks in the glass surface of the Doubletree hotel, 3/4 mile away!

Universal Studios Orlando - Ariel View of JAWS! Site

A from the air view of construction of the former Amity Island/Jaws area at Universal Studios, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As of March 6, 2012, an expansion has been announced for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but not its location. It has also not been announced what will replace Jaws, but rumors say the Wizarding World expansion will go there with the Hogwarts Express train taking guests between the two parks.

Universal Studios - Harry Potter 2.0 Plans Revealled
The Universal Orlando Resort has released high-level plans for the site of the demolished Jaws ride, which appear to support rumors that a new Harry Potter land will be installed in its place.
It widely expected that a new area based on the Diagon Alley area of London seen in the Harry Potter movie series will constructed at Universal Studios Florida, complementing the existing Wizarding World of Harry Potter at neighbouring Islands of Adventure. The plans show a large building that is expected to house the rumored Gringotts Bank roller coaster. A number of smaller buildings will surround this, but it is not clear what their function will be.

Universal Studios - Harry Potter 2.0 Plans Revealled

The Universal Orlando Resort has released high-level plans for the site of the demolished Jaws ride, which appear to support rumors that a new Harry Potter land will be installed in its place.

It widely expected that a new area based on the Diagon Alley area of London seen in the Harry Potter movie series will constructed at Universal Studios Florida, complementing the existing Wizarding World of Harry Potter at neighbouring Islands of Adventure. The plans show a large building that is expected to house the rumored Gringotts Bank roller coaster. A number of smaller buildings will surround this, but it is not clear what their function will be.

Universal Studios Orlando - JAWS! Deconstruction

The deconstruction of JAWS! is at full speed now over at Universal Studios Orlando with basically all the buildings gone and a giant pit left, ready for construction of the unconfirmed Harry Potter world attraction.

Take a peek at the photos above from amusement pics.com.