Park Paradise

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!

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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.

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Universal Studios Hollywood - Transformers Official Opening

Universal Studios Hollywood hosted a star-studded ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new attraction for the 2012 season, Transformers: The Ride - 3D.

Legendary director Steven Spielberg was in attendance as the new dark ride made its official debut, having been open for several weeks as part of a “soft opening” period. Also on-hand were life-sized models of Transformers heros Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, who play starring roles in the ride itself.

Check out the opening day coverage in the video posted above!

Tags: Universal Studios Hollywood Universal hollywood universal studios LA california theme park transfomers the ride steven spielberg

Universal Studios Singapore - Sesame Street Dark Ride

Further information has emerged about the new Sesame Street-themed dark ride that will open at Universal Studios Singapore later in 2012.

Reports suggest that the attraction will be located on the corner of the park’s New York Street area, and confirms the Sesame Street theme. Ahead of the ride’s debut, a new show starring Bert, Oscar and Cookie Monster from the popular kids’ TV show will begin performances on Monday, May 28, 2012.

The Sesame Street dark ride is expected to use a similar ride system to E.T. Adventures at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Japan. The report quotes Andrea Teo, vice-president of Resorts World Sentosa (which hosts Universal Studios Singapore), as saying that it will be “wacky”, but will still offer “thrill” and “adventure”.

The new ride will form the centrepiece of a new Sesame Street sub-land, which is also expected to incorporate a number of smaller flat rides and a meet-and-great area. Characters breakfasts with characters from the show will also be on offer.

Tags: Universal Studios Singapore Universal universal studios china singapore theme park sesame street dark ride

Orlando Countdown Continues…

30 Days!!

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Universal Studios Singapore - Sesame Street Ride/Area [RUMOUR]

Universal Studios Singapore has released a new teaser video that strengthens rumours that the park will open a Sesame Street-themed dark ride in 2013.

The video, embedded below, features a number of clues that point to the Sesame Street theme. This includes references to the “Sunny Days” theme song, as well as footage of a trash can that could easily be home to the Oscar the Grouch character. These are consistent with reports from Screamscape that the new ride will be based around the kids’ TV show.

The Sesame Street dark ride is expected to use a similar ride system to E.T. Adventures at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Japan. It is likely to form the centrepiece of a new Sesame Street sub-land, which may also incorporate a number of smaller flat rides and a meet-and-great area.

Universal Studios Singapore has previously revealed plans to open at least 4 new attractions by 2013, although this includes the recently-opened Transformers The Ride.

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Universal Studios Florida - Summer Concert Series

Universal Studios Florida has revealed the line-up of acts for its 2012 Summer Concert Series, which will take place every Saturday from June 9 - July 14.

Among the headline acts are rapper Lupe Fiasco, country singer Josh Turner and the cast of Nickelodeon’s Victorious. They will perform in the park’s Music Plaza, which is located in front of the music-themed Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit roller coaster.

The concerts are included with standard park admission tickets. For the first time, Universal Orlando is also offering a special ticket that allows entry to the park after 7pm, for those that simply wish to view the concerts. These are priced at $59.99 plus tax and will be available to purchase online.

The full line-up of acts performing in this year’s Summer Concert Series is:

June 9 - Cast of Victorious
June 16 - Doors Down and ZZ Top
June 23 - Josh Turner
July 30 - Al Green
July 7 - Lupe Fiasco
July 14 - to be confirmed

The 2012 events will be the fourth Summer Concert Series held at Universal Studios Florida. Full details can be found on the Universal Orlando Resort website.

I have to say that I am disappointed with this line up, being one of the only events happening in Florida when I visit in June 2012, the selection is poor and to be honest I don’t even know who any of them are?

Tags: Universal Studios Florida Universal universal studios florida orlando theme park coaster summer concert summer concert series 2012 victorious doors down zz top josh turner al green lupe fiasco

Port Aventura - Shambhala POV

Just take a look at this beast of a roller coaster! Theme Park Review have just uploaded a brand new and exclusive point of video from the new mega coaster Shambhala in Port Aventura, Salou, Spain.

I love this park and this is just another reason to visit sooner!

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Universal Studios Japan - Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes to Japan in 2014 [CONFIRMED]

Universal Studios Japan has confirmed that it will open a version of the hugely popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2014.

The original Wizarding World at the Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure has drawn millions of visitors since its 2010 debut, with the Japanese version set to replicate many of its most popular features. This will include a version of the ground-breaking Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey dark ride, as well as a recreation of Hogsmeade Village as seen in the Harry Potter movies.

The LA Times reports that Universal Studios Japan will spend around $500 million on installing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It is expected to attract large crowds in a country in which the Harry Potter books and films are enormously successful, even more than it’s origin of the UK (shocking).

Little is known about the location or precise details of Universal Studios Japan’s Wizarding World. For instance, it is not known whether it will include elements from the Diagon Alley area that is expected to be installed at Universal Studios Florida as part of an extension to Universal Orlando’s Potter offering.

Japan’s version of the Wizarding World will open in advance of Universal Studios Hollywood’s version, which was announced last year. No opening date has been confirmed for the Harry Potter attraction in Hollywood, although rumors point to a debut in 2015 or 2016.

Commenting on the announcement of a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter, creator J.K. Rowling said: “I was delighted to experience and enjoy the attention to detail, creativity and superb craft that went into the first Wizarding World in Orlando. I am equally delighted that the same level of expertise and enjoyment will translate to the new park in Japan.”

I personally love Harry Potter, so the more attractions that pop up over the world the better in my opinion! Nothing will beat the original studios tour with ORIGINAL sets in my home of London!

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Universal Studios Florida - Superstar Parade

The all-new Universal Superstar Parade has officially launched at Universal Studios Florida, after previews that took place over the weekend ahead of its official opening date of today.

The new addition will be performed daily, and features large floats and hundreds of street performers. A variety of well-known characters are in the line-up for the Universal Superstar Parade, including the minions from Despicable Me, Hop’s E.B. and Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants.

The new parade is designed to be an interactive experience, with the characters stopping in the New York and Hollywood sections of Universal Studios Florida to enable guests to engage in dances and sing-alongs. The characters will also take part in meet-and-greets throughout the day.