Universal Orlando Resort’s current status as a theme park giant can largely be traced back to the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The original land is one of the first fully immersive theme park lands, and the...
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20 in 2020: Flying Unicorn at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
This year we’re featuring 20 roller coasters that opened 20 years ago in 2000 (that’s a lot of 20s). The year 2000 was arguably one of the most exciting for the roller coaster community, with iconic roller coasters like Millennium...
Continue reading...Universal Orlando’s “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure” to Open June 13!
Universal Orlando’s newest roller coaster has an opening date and a name! The new attraction, called “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure,” will open at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on June 13. According to the Universal Orlando Blog, riders will join...
Continue reading...Universal Studios Hollywood to Debut All-New Harry Potter Christmas
On Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, Universal Studios Hollywood will celebrate the start of the inaugural “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” event, which transforms the Hogwarts area of the park into a winter wonderland. The iconic Hogwarts castle...
Continue reading...I Attempted to Conquer Universal Orlando in 12 Hours
My impulsive, last-minute trip to Universal Orlando Resort was fueled by a burning desire to ride Dragon Challenge (Dueling Dragons) before it closes forever next month. But of course one does not go to Islands of Adventure without visiting Universal...
Continue reading...My Final Rides on Dueling Dragons
I last visited Islands of Adventure in 2006 — I spent a couple of hours at the park after a long day at the neighboring Universal Studios Florida. The visit consisted of a lap around the lagoon with a couple...
Continue reading...Dragon Challenge Closing at Islands of Adventure
The Universal Orlando Resort blog confirmed a bombshell rumor that has been circulating for months: Dragon Challenge, formerly known as Dueling Dragons, will be removed from the park this September. The iconic dueling inverted coaster’s removal will make room for...
Continue reading...Trip Report: Universal Orlando Resort in One Day
Last year, I took a one-day trip to Universal Orlando Resort, and tried to cram two parks into seven hours. While I had a good time, I missed several of my favorite attractions, and learned my lesson. Even for a...
Continue reading...How Minecraft Roller Coaster Tricks are Applied in Real Theme Parks
I had a blast attending and presenting at Minefaire, a massive Minecraft inspired fan experience. You can read more about what there is to see and do at Minefaire here. So what does this have to do with coasters and...
Continue reading...Technical Rehearsals = Sneak Previews of Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This week Universal Studios Hollywood began what they’re referring to as “technical rehearsals” for the nearly completed Wizarding World of Harry Potter, set to officially open April 7. So what does that mean? Well, most importantly for guests it means...
Continue reading...Universal Buys 475 Acres of Land in Orlando
Comcast, the parent company of Universal Orlando Resort (home to the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks), has purchased roughly 475 acres of land “adjacent to an existing theme park,” according to the Orlando Business Journal. The...
Continue reading...Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opening Date Announced
Universal Studios Hollywood announced this morning the opening date of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter as part of their countdown to the new attraction. The Wizarding World will be open April 7, 2016, earlier than I was expecting,...
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