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 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! 

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

Orlando Attractions Magazine - News in the Queue

@attractions

It’s that time of week again, forget about work, grab a cup of tea and load up this week’s News in the Queue episode from Orlando Attractions Magazine. Check out all these latest updates below:

• New Superstar Parade and lagoon show at Universal Studios
• Despicable Me facade revealed
• Testing new Fastpass systems
• Legend of Capt. Jack coming to Hollywood Studios
• Fantasyland update
• Meet Merida at Disney World
• New wine bar at Epcot
• Phineas and Ferb exclusive
• New roller coaster tour at Busch Gardens
• This weekend at Flower & Garden Fes