Top 10 Reasons Why Orlando Rocks

Sometimes people ask me why I love talking about Disney and why have I been so many times before.
I tell them the same ol' reasons. "It's not just Disney, but the whole Orlando experience and there is so much you can do". So with that said, I thought it was time to discuss my top 10 reasons for visiting Orlando, in reverse order and no prizes for guessing the top two:


10. It's An All Season Destination
Being in the tropics, the best time to go would be Spring or Autumn as it's warm enough for water parks, but not so hot that's you're having to douse 5 liter's of water a day! OK, slight exaggeration there, but summer is incredibly hot although the rain in the afternoon can be welcome, but it too is over powering at times.
But one of the most magical times to go is the build up to Christmas. All the parks have their own decorations and most have special parades or shows. The Grinchmas as Universal is a lot of fun and the famous parade in "the World" is on my bucket list. Although don't expect to go on too many attractions on Christmas day, that is mainly a soak up the atmosphere day. And get there early, as the gates close at about 11am as they have reached maximum capacity. Another one to avoid is 4th July.

But as a 365 destination, it means as an adult without kids you can avoid the crowds if you go outside the school holidays. And I would recommend just after Easter time or just before Thanksgiving (another full park day), as all attractions are likely to be open.




9. It's Not Just for Kids
Yes, a lot of families go there, but plenty of them don't have kids, or at least young kids and there are loads of adult only parties there (OK that didn't sound right). Most of the parks stay open really late and if you're staying on property, (Universal or Disney) there are extra hours when most of the youngsters are tucked up in bed for the next day.

Outta Control Comedy Dinner

There's a plethora of bars, clubs and shows in Downtown Disney or Universal City Walk and places like I Drive and Church Street Station have night time entertainment for any kind of taste. Actually I wouldn't recommend Church Street Station for kids anyway as it tends to be popular for Hen and Stag nights.
I would highly recommend you go to at lest one of the dinner shows, one of the most popular these days is Wonderworks and the Outta Control Comedy Dinner. 

8. It's For Families
OK, so that a contradiction to the previous reason, but that is the beauty of Orlando, anyone can go and enjoy themselves, but kids are the main target market here, let's not "kid" ourselves (see what I did there?) But I really don't have to say more than that do I?




7. Sports and Leisure Facilities
If theme parks are not your thing, then you'd probably think Orlando is the last place you'd think of. But look past the parks and there are plenty of things to do, OK I admit, you don't have to go to Orlando to do this stuff, but it's a great accompaniment for the people on your trip who don't just want to do parks. From balloon rides to the tree top adventure playgounds, from off-road 4x4 tours to the Airboat rides on the everglades. Now if speed is your thing, then you're going to love the Richard Petty driving Experience at Walt Disney World, here you can have a simple ride along experience or even take the NASCAR race car yourself.

But if you prefer a relaxing round of Golf, you have a choice of five Arnold Palmer Golf course at Walt Disney World, two of which have hosted PGA tournaments.
Then there is a host of activities at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, where you can try out from over 60 different sports at any level. Or catch one of the many sporting events that are held there or even watch one of the international teams that use the facilities for their off-season training.


6. The Night Life

I've already mentioned some of the night life in our number 9 reason, but there is plenty of things to do when that burning sun goes down (and if the kids have had an afternoon nap?) in Orlando.

I would first suggest the evening entertaining at some of the parks, Wishes Fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom or Illuminations at Epcot, both of these can be upgraded to a dinner experience at selected restaurants.
In Downtown Disney, there are many shows, including the world famous Circe du Soleil - La Nouba that can only be seen in Downtown Disney.


While over in Universal City Walk, there are also a wide range of shows and restaurants, but the high light would have to be the amusing Blue Man Group.

Now outside the parks over in I-Drive, there are a dozen of dinner shows for all the family, you can have an Arabian night, support your favorite Pirate or even experience the Medieval Times.

 

5. Other Theme Parks

Outside of the big two (we'll get to them!) there are other parks that can add to your Orlando Experience:

Sea World
This has always been a favorite of mine and one I tend to do on my first day. Although in recent times they have been subject of much criticism, the park attendances seem to be unaffected and with the Aquatica water park and Discovery Cove's VIP experiences, the park(s) offer some incredible family fun.

LegoLand
Opened in 2011 this park is huge with over 50 rides, show and attractions, including a water park, it's the second biggest Legoland after Windsor, UK.


Busch Gardens - Tampa
OK, not stricty Orlando, but only an hours drive from there. Before Animal Kingdom opened, I would always make a trip to this park, as I love the animals, it has over 2,700 of them! The attractions here are awesome and give anything in Orlando a run for its money.



4. The Resorts
One of my top tips is to stay on property, of course there is more choice at the world with 18 Disney themed hotels and 5 other franchises with a Four Seasons' on its way. But now even Universal have 4 themed hotels, with more to come. 

Staying at a resort hotel just tops the whole experience, with the free transportation that drops you off at the gate and not the car park, the extra hours and speedy boarding at the most popular attractions. The theming is for all tastes, From the All Star Sports/Music/Movies, to Yacht and Beach club, to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, to The Grand Floridian. So find one that suites your taste and budget and book it!


3. The Water Parks
Florida is hot in the summer and still very warm in the winter, the water parks traditionally have a month or two off either side of the new year, but open for the rest of the time. There are some of the tallest water slide drops in the world right here in Orlando and there are a few to choose from.


Wet 'n Wild

Wet 'n Wild

Voted the number one water park in Orlando by most blogs, forums and comparison sites and has recently become part of the Universal Orlando Resort parks. There are some excellent thrill rides here, along with plenty of slides for families and the less adventurous.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon,
Disney's first water park opened in 1989 was one of the first ever water parks to have a wave machine pool. This park has some thrill slides but mostly focuses on the relaxed beach atmosphere.

Disney's Blizzard Beach,
The strangest theme for a water park, but the story is (as always with Disney) a freak snow storm hit Florida and creates an instant ski resort, but the Florida heat quickly melts the ice to be come a slushy water park. The rides here are more thrill based than Typhoon Lagoon boasting one of the tallest slides in the world - Summit Plummet. 

Note: The two Disney water parks have different closing times for refurbishments, so there is at least one water park open at World Disney World.

Aquatica
This is Sea Worlds entry and one of the newest water parks in Orlando. 
It seems to have two or three of every type of slide and water attraction. It has a South Pacifc theme and with live animal enclosures within some of the attractions. It's been a hit since it opened in 2008 and well recommended.


2. Universal Orlando

Escape from Grigotts

We'll I don't have to talk too much about this park as you can check out some of my posts right here. But as to sum up, this resort is just getting better and better, as thier Harry Potter franchise is just a storming success and with Diagon Alley opening this summer, there are more stages to come. There is also talk of 2 more resort hotels, for me this resort is becoming part of a 2 destination vacation along side...








1. Walt Disney World of course.

The park that started it all in Orlando. Disneyland was Walt's first park and where he walked. But World Disney World was the dream he sadly never got to see and if it wasn't for his brother Roy, we may never have seen.
And it may not be in the form that Walt originally had in mind, especially parks like EPCOT, but Roy's business mind and leadership kept the dream alive.



So there you have it, as if you really needed it, my top ten reasons to visit Orlando. So what are you waiting for, start planning and get booking, you know you want to...enjoy more.

Dale

Magical Extension

source: attractionsmagazine.com

This summer we'll see the biggest expansion to Universal Orlando Resort since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure and it just so happens to be the Wizarding World's expansion into the studio park as they prepare to open the hugely anticipated opening of Diagon Alley.
The expansion has been built on what used to be Amity and the popular but problem stricken Jaws ride. (1 min silence).

Location Location

The best part of this expansion for me is the fact that they have created the expansion in a separate park and joined them with the Hogwarts Express, just like in the movie. Additionally, the train ride itself is also an attraction, with what has been billed as an interactive journey between London and the northern countryside (aka Scotland, according to JKR in numerous interviews) of Hogsmead.

This is the full immersion experience that modern theme parks should strive for, linking two parks via a common theme is unique and very few franchises could be staged in such a way. The only ones that come to my mind are Narnia or Middle Earth? Although Disney are building an Avatar world, the other world in this story is a modern present day so it doesn't lend itself to this kind of experience.

Anyway, back to our magical world and let's start by a quick summary of what to expect. Beware some geeky information is about to follow:

In Hogmead, Olivander's is closing and will re-open bigger and better in Diagon Alley, as of course it should be.
Although when the Hogsmead phase was created, it was based on book four, which meant the the Dark Lord had not returned and caused mayhem, but Diagon Alley will have Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shop, which came to life in book six.
There will be the Leaky Couldren, the entrance to Diagon Alley, but it's unclear a this time how guests will enter it.
Both train stations will built, Kings Cross and Hogsmead or course
Most of the usual shops found in the books will be seen here such as; Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions; Magical Menagerie™ ; Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment and Quality Quidditch™ Supplies.
The e-ticket attraction (sorry for the Disney reference) will be Escape from Grigots, which is being promoted as another breakthrough in dark ride technology.
The Hogswarts Express will run between the two areas and I mentioned before will be an attraction in its own right. (You will need a two park ticket to ride this train).

All good things... 

Now I don't plan to go to Orlando for 
at least 2 years, so I'm going to miss the opening rush, but if the opening of Hogsmead was anything to go by, I think I'll be glad to miss it. The crowds can be insane!

There is one thing that I don't understand about Universal parks is how they have not included any of the main attractions in Hogsmead in the express pass system. This park is so popular, there are often 1 hour+ queues for Olivander's wand shop and that isn't even a ride! The main attraction, The Forbidden Journey never goes below 1 hour queues within half an hour of the park opening. So what in the name of Mike will the queues be like for Escape from Grigotts when it opens?

 
The other Battle of Hogwarts

Universal have always gone toe to toe with Disney and they like to point out why it's better to visit Universal Parks and Resorts than Disney's. But let's not kid ourselves, to-date the two Universal parks together can only muster about 2/3 of The Magic Kingdom's attendances alone and I'm not sure Diagon Alley will increase Universal's attendances by that much. For me the reason being is Harry Potter fans don't outnumber Disney fans. Yes it was the highest earning franchise in history, but that is more to do with repeat entry at the box office and in my mind that was highly justified as they were great films, but there are simply too many Disney film and park fans. Not to mention there are 3rd generation visitors with their own childhood stories of the parks and so the cycle continues with them taking their kids.

But when all is said and done, this will be an enormously successful addition I'm sure and I just hope they introduce the express pass system here sooner rather than later.
So if you one of the lucky ones going this summer, please drop me a line and tell me how it went. But what ever happens, I hope you enjoy more.

Dale

The Affordable Universal Resort

The latest Universal resort has now opened with its throw back to the 50's and 60's motel experience, but in a 21st century style. It's partly open now with the complete resort ready for the summer season.

Who needs the Parks?

Cabana Bay Beach Resort was the largest hotel construction in the world outside of China and it's Universal Orlando's first moderate/value hotel, but they have given it some luxuries. So let's get the facts out the way:

• 1,800 rooms, 900 standard and 900 family suites, - it's huge people!
• 10,000 square-foot swimming pool - well you need it for that many rooms
• 100-foot water slide with a waterfall - sweet!
• Lazy River ride - even sweeter!
• 4,000-square-foot play area - That's the kids sorted then
• 10-lane bowling alley - That's the teens sorted then
• Gaming room - OK, standard feature
• Fitness center - Not standard in moderate/value resorts so a nice touch

 

Now I don't know about you, but I don't think I've ever stepped into a fitness center (or gym) in a hotel. Perhaps we'll take the kids to the gaming room if we have to kill some time before a dinner reservation. But the pool, you betcha and a monster swimming pool at that with with a slide and water fall, then throw in a Lazy River and a 10 Lane bowling alley into the resort! Well you really have yourself a self contained holiday resort. So the fact you're on Universal property with all the perks that brings you (Early entry to Wizarding World of Harry Potter for one), then this has just given the guest another alternative to staying on Disney property.

This feeds into the competition of on-property resorts and we the punter reap the rewards as Universal go head-to-head with Disney.
Although the shear land mass Disney own, the range of choice can't be beaten, unless Universal buy out most of International Drive! Anyway, back to the subject in hand.

On first impressions, this looks like it's going to be an awesome hotel, but for me the shear size of it could be a little off putting. I get this feeling that they'll be a fight for sun loungers by the pool and you'll need advance reservations for a bowling lane on peak seasons. But we're not there yet, so I'll reserve judgement on that.

Time to Eat

So what's on offer as far as culinary experiences go? Well it's a moderate/value resort, so no signature restaurant, well at least not yet as we wait for the complete resort to open, but for now we have the following:

• The Bayliner Diner food court
• Atomic Tonic and The Hideaway Bar & Grill pool bars
• And the Swizzle Lounge lobby bar

Nothing different to report here, expect to see the usual themed menus.

Time to Rest

So now the bit you'll probably use the least, the rooms themselves. Let's face it, you're not there to rest in your room all day right?
Anyway, there are standard rooms for your value stay and the family suites for the moderate stay.

The Standard rooms are just as you'd expect with the following:

• Temperature controlled room with two Queen Size beds
• Small dining table with two chairs
• Internet access (fees apply)
• TV with on demand movies (fees apply)
• Mini Fridge
• Hairdryer, Iron, ironing board and In-room safe

 

The Family suite consist of the following additional features:

• Kitchenette with a sink, mini fridge, microwave and bar counter
• Living Room with a Sofa bed 
• Two TV's, one in the Living room and one in the bedroom
• Three split bathroom, toilet and vanity area.

Early impressions

The first reviews coming out of Trip Adviser are generally good, but there are a few bad ones as you'd expect from a new resort.

So there you go people, another option for on-property fans. I hope this helps you plan your next trip and if you're booked to stay there or have already been, I'd love to here from you in the comments below.

So what ever you do, enjoy more.

Dale

Forget Harry Potter, Disney have Magic Bands!

 

For anyone who's been to a popular theme park during peak times knows what has always driven their day has been the queue times at the most popular attractions. Well our favorite theme parks have found ways to make it easier for us.
Now l'm not saying that at any time soon we'll never have those snaking queues that keep moving ever so slowly but can go on for quite some time. But with what the parks and geeky fans are doing to reduce your wait time, there is no reason to suggest that it couldn't.
So for the time being, I'd advise you to still work on getting the kids used to having to wait in line and expect some moaning teen who thinks they're too cool for the ride!.

Distraction is the art of illusion 

Illusionists have been using it for years and so have the parks. Along with the winding queues, some attractions have created some themed detail that set the scene to what you're about to experience in order to "distract" you from the time you're in the queue.

Haunted Mansion interactive queue

Lately though, this has become an art form itself and none more evident in the latest developments in the interactive queues found at attractions like Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom.


Here you'll find quite a few amusing things to do as you walk through the graveyard. The idea here is to play while you walk past, there are musical walls, squirting tombs and a talking self writing book asking you to complete the riddles it's creating.


Thunder Road Mountain is another ride they've improved the ride queue, along with giving everything an enhanced story line with items to read, they have given you things to look and play with, like explosive detonators in which you create new mine shafts. There are viewing screens to look down and see the mine itself or the ventilators that send the air down to the minors.
Over in Universal Studios, the Revenge of the Mummy has its archaeological story with some great artifacts and has also given you an array of things to press, push and try out. There is even something you can do to unexpected people along the queue.
The Amazing Spiderman runs video footage of how a newspaper is run, when suddenly a story breaks and then sets the scene on the adventure you're about to encounter

Manta  - Sea World

Sea Word's Manta ride has a series of aquariums just under the loading area showing hundreds of Manta's and tropical fish really setting the tone of the ride you're about to enjoy. This is one way to tacke the long queues and for most of the time it does work, but at the end of the day you still are using a best part of your day to queue up for these attractions. But there are another ways to reduce your queue time.

 

Priority Boarding

Universal were the first to introduce the priority boarding system called Express Pass. So instead of joining the usual line, at participating attractions people with Express Pass could join a separate line that would get you on the attraction much quicker. This is at an additional cost to the park ticket and only limited amount of tickets are sold and normally sold out in advance at peak times. These are sold as either one time use for each participating attraction or the unlimited pass for all day usage. But, if you're staying on property, the unlimited pass is included in your stay. (Nice little grab there!)
Disney Parks used their Fast Pass system, similar to ones that are found in many other theme parks, where you would approach the attraction and using your entry ticket you are given a Fast Pass ticket with a time to return to the attraction and then join a much shorter line. But you can only take one Fast Pass at a time, you can take another one out just before your return time or after a certain amount of time has lapsed. But on busy days those return times could also run out for the day quite quickly. And when that happens you're back to the normal queue times.

So Disney have now introduced Fast Pass+ and here they take the concept to the next level.

Pre-planning

With  Fast Pass+, there is now the My Disney Experience app that can be accessed from a PC, or mobile device. Each entry ticket is assigned 3 Fast Pass+ tickets per day, when purchased in advance you can go to the app and start reserving 3 participating attractions for 7 consecutive days, up to 60 days in advance of your visit. 
  
During your stay

With Fast Pass+ you can change reservations up to 24hrs prior to the allocated time.
The app can also be set-up to email you if an attraction you're booked to go on is down, so letting you book a time for another participating attraction.



The Magic of the Band

Available in many colours

If you're staying on property, guests are given Magic Bands, these are sent to your home in advance once you've logged in to the app and set up each persons profile. You even get to choose from a selection of colours

The bands are now your key to the world, they will get you into your hotel room, the parks, reserve Fast Pass+ attractions and dinner reservations. You can also purchase merchandise and food at participating food outlets. They can also be used in water when you're at the hotel pool or water park.
To help keep tabs of your party expenses, one Magic Band can keep control of the others credit

 

You can even use Photo Pass on the bands, when the photographer takes the photo, he scans the band and the picture is emailed to your address you set up on the profile. Then log-in to the app and download the picture.
And when the vacation is over, you get to keep the bands as a memento or even re-use them on your next visit, like you need another excuse to return right?



Universally slow

Now for the time being there doesn't seem to be any sign of Universal coming up with their own version of Magic Bands, or even an experience app. Although there are plenty planning apps available for mobile devices. But to be honest, their parks are not as busy as Disney's and in any case, their busiest park is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Express Passes aren't used there for the time being. I think this is a big mistake, but I'm sure it will eventually.

So look out for all these queue busters on your next trip and I'd love to hear about your experiences if you do and don't forget to enjoy more

Dale

Sea World 101 - no longer your half day park

I have always been a huge fan of Sea World, in every trip it's been the first park I visit. Traditionally this has been because it's great to visit a park on our first full day there, where you don't need to be their at rope drop and you could get pretty much everything done in a little over half a day and be out way before the park closes. Allowing you to rest back at the hotel to really get over that jet-lag before you hit the bigger parks.
Well nowadays things have changed, to compete with the other parks they added some thrill seeker rides and interaction tours. They also have two sister parks, Discovery Cove and Aquatica, but more about them later.

Sea World 

Even with the added rides, this is still and easy park to visit. And as with most zoological and marine parks, there are four types of attractions; exhibitions, shows, rides and interactive tours.
Your day mainly revolves around show times across the park, then fitting in the interactive tour, exhibitions and then rides in-between. There are six shows in total, one of which is performed only once during the day, but most of them repeat the show several times a day giving you plenty of chances to see each one. 

Interact with them

There are seven different interaction tours (at an extra cost or course).


These range from being up close with Dolphins, sea lions or a general behind the scenes tour and this is where Sea World come into its own as a theme park. The decades of research and interaction with these marine animals have resulted in them providing an educational but entertaining experience. So in my opinion, if you're heading over to Orlando, I'm guessing you're not doing this trip too often (unless you're as freakishly obsessed as me) splash some cash and try to get on one of these tours fitted into your schedule. Kids (like me) will love them and they'll actually learn something about these creatures and the dangers they face in our world.

Show business

At the time of this post there were six shows running in the park. The most popular show would be what is regarded as the heart of the Sea World attractions and just so happens to be its logo, the Shamu Show. This is the hugely popular Orca (Killer Whale) performance. Now don't tell the kids, but Shamu is just the stage name, there have been a number of be "Shamu's" performing here since it opened.
There has been a lot of controversy regarding this show recently, when one of the trainers was tragically killed and last year a documentary film was made about the tragic events and how the marine park treat their Orca's.  I'm not going to make any judgments on this post, but I can tell you that the show has been adapted resulting in the investigation and now, trainers do not enter the pool with the Orca's. But in spite of that, the show is just as entertaining and recent attendance records have confirmed the park is as popular as ever.
But there are other great shows too, such as the Clyde and Seamore show (again, stage names). This is a really fun sea-lion show I guarantee the kids will howl with laughter.

The thrills and spills

OK, Sea World knows what it has to compete with and has some pretty cool rides in their park. The first one they introduced to the park nearly 20 years ago is Journey to Atlantis, this is a cross between a flume ride and roller coaster. You start off rolling down a river thinking, this is easy even with the inevitable drop, but then it joins the tracks for a while just like a usual roller coaster before it hits the water and boy do you get wet on that one.
Manta is a head first ride that skims you on the water and flies through the air so smoothly giving you such a different experience than most roller coasters.
But nothing beats Kraken in size and speed. A true thrill seekers ride that will not disappoint the most seasoned of riders.
So when you add the other smaller rides and simulators, Sea World really has something for everyone. And it doesn't stop there.

Aquatica

Sea World's own water park. For most of the time, these rides are much like the ones you would see in most parks, but there are a couple of exceptions in this park. First of all, Dolphin Plunge is a closed flume ride that goes under water where you ride along side, no I mean race! Commerson's Dolphins, this is just spectacular.
And secondly, we wait in anticipation for their newest ride, Ihu's Breakaway Falls. Planned to open in 2014, this is claimed to be the tallest, steepest and only multi-slide ride of its kind. But details are being kept secrete. So I can't tell you anymore at this time. But not to worry, because what's next is the ultimate client experience in a marine park.

Up close and personal

Discovery Cove is your own all inclusive VIP day at to swim with Dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish and rays, meet otters or exotic birds and relax on a beautiful beach.

In this park, there are no crowds or queues as your day is booked in advance with per-arranged meeting times. Lunch is also included and you can take your time with each section of the park. You can even take it one step further and take out a "trainer for the day" package that goes behind the scenes and shows you what it's like to work as a marine life trainer. It is advised to book this months in advance to avoid any disappointment. 
This is not a cheap day ($400-$600), but certainly a once in a life-time experience.

So Sea World, Aquatica and Discovery Cove have become a main player in the theme park arena in Orlando and you would need 3 days to cover all three parks. So if you do visit these parks or have a change to purchase any of the interactive experiences, I would love to hear from you and let me know your views and pictures.

So what ever you do on your next rip to Orlando, I just hope you enjoy more.

Dale 

Universal 101 - All the fun of the movies and more

When Universal Studios Florida opened its doors in June 1990, it started as 1or 2 day park but it has now developed into what has become a themed resort that attracts over 14 million visitors a year across the 2 parks and that figure will only increase as it's continues to build its fan base. 

It wasn't a surprise why they chose to build a park in Orlando when there were other attractions and theme parks already established, but they brought something new to the party. What they had achieved in Hollywood with a studio tour and stop-over attractions meant Orlando was destined to be a better theme park. I always loved the tag line on my first visit to the park "Where you ride the movies" to me that said it all and the movie themed attractions gave the park a new dimension.

Although they class the park as a fully working studio, it's clear that they conduct more post production than actual filming, but nevertheless, the authenticity of the props and scenery around the studios are still impressive.
As I've mentioned in a previous post how all of Disney's attractions and scenery have a story behind it, well for Universal the films are the story throughout the park.
But before you start to compare these two resorts, don't! They are both as entertaining as each other but in different ways and that discussion is for another post.
So in case you've been living under a rock for the last 20 years here is a "quick" summary of what all the fuss is about.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios Orlando

In the usual park design there are themed sections with associated attractions.
You start in Production Central, with attractions that include Shrek 4D show, Despicable Me's Minion Mayhem 3D ride, Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket roller coaster and Transformers 3D ride. In New York you have the Twister experience and Revenge of the Mummy dark roller coaster. Then we have Hollywood with the Horror Make-Up show and Terminator 2 3D live show. Moving on to World Expo with the Men in Black shooting ride, the interactive show Fear Factor and the Simpsons Ride. Woody Woodpecker's KidsZone is the home to young children's play areas, a Woody Woodpecker ride and the ever popular ET ride. San Francisco the smallest section of the park is mostly eatery's and shows, but does include the walk through interactive attraction Disaster. Now up until last year this area was connected with Amity, which included the hugely popular scene attraction Jaws, but this has now been demolished to may way for the even more popular franchise and the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley opening in summer 2014. This immersive experience which includes all the shops and eatery's found in the books will have the attractions Escape from Gringots Bank that promises to use breakthrough technology in dark rides and The Hogwarts Express that will take you on a realistic journey to Hogsmead located in Universal's sister park Islands of Adventure. Now for me this is genius idea, creating 2 associated lands connecting 2 parks with an attraction.

ET the ride

This is still a 1-2 day park and is consistently been updated as the only remaining opening day ride is ET and even that has been given numerous refurbishments. Although this park has over 6 million visitors a year it has given way in popularity to its sister park...

Universal Islands of Adventure

With over 8 million visitors a year, this park attracts a wide spread of fans, from families to the thrill seekers and it's jam packed with attractions in the following seven "islands":
After the Port of Entry with its shops and bars, there's Seuss Landing for the younger visitor with walk through attractions, playgrounds and mild rides themed with the popular characters books like Cat in the Hat. Lost Continent has special effects and stunt shows, where Marvel Super Hero Island has the spectacular Spiderman 3D attraction and the huge white knuckle ride The Incredible Hulk. Then there's Toon Lagoon, with a family flume ride and Popeye themed playground, it's  another favorite with younger kids. Jurassic Park is a family-centric "island" that has playgrounds, discovery areas and the legendary Jurassic Park River Adventure. 

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

 This leaves us with what has to be considered as their jewel in the crown, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmead. It adopted the side name Hogsmade after they announced the second phase expansion Diagon Alley. Outside of creating its own park, there really could only have been one resort to house this franchise. What kid doesn't know about the boy wizard and wouldn't want to be immersed in his world and the Forbidden Journey ride within Hogwarts castle has pushed the envelope in dark ride attractions. 
But it doesn't stop there, now a public area that doesn't require an entry ticket is...

City Walk

Blue Man Group

This, mainly evening entertainment area bridges the 2 main parks and it too is always evolving. It now boasts dozens of bars, restaurants and live entertainment venues with brand names such as NBA Sports, Hard Rock and Blue Man Group, it has something for everyone. But wait, we haven't finished, this is a resort and you can't have a resort without...

Hotels

Currently there are 3 hotels all within walking distance from any of the parks or each other. They are the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. All individually themed and classed as luxury hotels, with benefits such as Express Unlimited allow you as a resort guest to take the express lines on participating park attractions.

Hard Rock Hotel

 
The Cabana Bay Beach Hotel opening in 2014 is the 4th resort hotel and is a modest and affordable resort that will include it's own entertainment complex and night life.





So with all this at your door step and their partner water park Wet'n Wild just a few minutes away, there is no wonder that Orlando visitors are choosing to stay at Universal Resort as their vacation base. 

So will you make this as your vacation base on your next trip? Let me know if you do, but what ever you do, enjoy more.

Dale