Universal Shuts Down Iconic Attraction For Good

Shrek 4-D is one of the first attractions that Guests were able to visit when they enter Universal Orlando Resort and was created in 2003 after the success of Shrek in 2001. Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Japan would all open the attraction in 2003, and later in 2010, Universal Studios Singapore joined in.

In 2017, Universal Studios Hollywood closed down the attraction, and replaced it with Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest attraction is located in the theater. That being said, it has not been confirmed what will take over the theater after the attraction shuts down, but considering the location of the attraction is front and center in the Park, it seems likely that something new will one day come in its place.

The show features Kong Fu Panda, and here’s what Universal Hollywood says about the attraction:

Get ready for another level of awesomeness at DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda, now open. Discover the all-new multi-sensory attraction using state-of-the-art visual effects and cutting-edge technology, including the first-ever interior projection mapping, 360 surround sound audio and sweeping physical effects, to engulf you in a world of adventure. Join Master Po and more from DreamWorks’ blockbuster franchise on a thrilling journey of awesomeness destined to stimulate your senses, exercise your wit and unlock the hero within through the power of kung fu.

We can speculate that another theater-type attraction will live in the space, as Halloween Horror Nights uses the space as well for their houses, but that is purely speculative. We know that Epic Universe will be utilizing a lot of DreamWorks IP, so perhaps we will see another DreamWorks attraction in place of Shrek 4-D as Universal continues to highlight those specific films.

The Shrek and Donkey meet and greet location that can be found at Universal Studios Florida will seemingly continue to live on, so Shrek fans can still get their fix.

At the moment, Revenge of the Mummy is also under a massive refurbishment at Universal Studios Florida. That being said, Guests can still enjoy attractions such as Rip Ride Rockit, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, Transformers: The Ride, and more. Visit Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can venture into Gringotts! Islands of Adventure has some amazing attractions like the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, and more! Volcano Bay is also open for those who want to get their splash on.

Source: https://insidethemagic.net/

Universal’s Horror Nights Open For Screams After Absence

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — After a pandemic-related absence of almost two years, Universal Orlando Resort’s celebration of all things scary has opened for screams.

Halloween Horror Nights kicked off at the Florida theme park resort for a 30th year of disturbing haunted houses, live entertainment and celebrations of pop-culture scares.

Each haunted house is a small, temporary attraction, elaborately designed and themed, built with studious attention to details and populated with “scare-actors” who chase but never touch the thousands of patrons passing through each night.

This year’s haunted houses are inspired by the movies, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Beetlejuice,” and “The Bride of Frankenstein.”

Halloween Horror Nights starts next week at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. The celebrations of all things scary will last through Oct. 31 at both theme park resorts.

Now Open: Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando Resort's Third Theme Park

The park's first guests gathered today inside the new water theme park to enjoy an authentic, South Pacific dedication ceremony commemorating the opening of Volcano Bay. The ceremony featured special performances by an array of authentic Maori entertainment, ranging from water dancers to "Haka" war dancers. The moment culminated with an eruption from the mighty 200 ft. Krakatau volcano – the park's stunning icon.

Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando's third theme park and the next chapter in the award-winning vacation destination's evolution.  Universal Orlando is part of the NBCUniversal Comcast family, which has invested significantly in the destination's unprecedented growth.  In just seven years, 25 new experiences – entire themed areas, attractions, restaurants, and hotels – have been added across the destination.  Universal Orlando now has 5,600 rooms across its five (soon to be six) on-site hotels.

Volcano Bay was brought to life by Universal Creative – the same team responsible for bringing so many other groundbreaking experiences to life within Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. Volcano Bay is a next-level water theme park - combining spectacular storytelling and incredibly immersive guest experiences with innovative technology exclusively designed for Universal to give visitors a fun-filled, hassle-free experience with their friends and family. 

"Universal's Volcano Bay sets a new standard on every level – from the attractions to how our guests experience them," said Tom Williams, Chairman & CEO – Universal Parks & Resorts. "Our new water theme park is the perfect complement to the rest of our incredible destination.  It provides our guests with spectacular entertainment experiences and innovative technology that helps them enjoy more of what matters most – connecting with each other and having an amazing time together."

Spanning 25 fully immersive acres and featuring something for everyone – from perfected relaxation to incredible thrills – Volcano Bay is unlike any other water park in world.  It offers an immersive environment filled with unbelievable detail and innovative technology to enhance fun and remove hassles. Volcano Bay features:

• More than 30 experiences including 18 unique attractions such as a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, a peaceful winding river, twisting multi-rider raft rides, speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below and more.
• The TapuTapu wearable – included with guest admission and specifically designed for use within Universal's Volcano Bay. Features of TapuTapu include:
• Virtual Line Access: TapuTapu allows guests to virtually wait in line for rides while enjoying other areas of the park. Their wearable will simply alert them when it's time for their ride.
• TapTu Play: Guests can enjoy many TapTu Play experiences throughout the park - like controlling streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef, shooting water cannons at guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River, illuminating images in the volcano's hidden caves and more.
• TapTu Pay: Guests can make purchases throughout the entire park with their TapuTapu wearable, eliminating the need to carry cash, credit cards or a wallet throughout the park. 
• TapTu Snap/My Universal Photo Access:  Guests can take advantage of special interactive photo opportunities and selfie-spots throughout the park as well as photo opportunities on Volcano Bay's attractions.  Their wearable will automatically link those photos to their account so that guests can view, share and purchase them at their convenience.
• Locker Access: After renting their lockers, guests will be able to access them with a touch of their TapuTapu wearable.
• Beautifully-themed dining locations featuring more than 60 delicious, South Pacific-inspired dishes – ranging from jerk mahi sandwiches to fresh island chicken salad to decadent chocolate pineapple upside down cake. 

For more information about Universal's Volcano Bay, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Universal's Volcano Bay Revealed: Universal Orlando Resort's Highly-Anticipated Water Theme Park To Open In 2017

Volcano Bay to Become Universal Orlando's Third Theme Park, A One-of-A-Kind Paradise

 Filled with Adventure-Drenched Thrills, Relaxing Indulgence and Rejuvenation

International Tickets On Sale Soon for Travel Dates Beginning June 1, 2017

 A lush, tropical oasis unfolds before you, instantly transporting you to a little-known Pacific isle.

 In the distance, a colossal volcano rises above a sparkling beach, boasting majestic waterfalls by 

day and blazing lava by night.

Welcome to Universal's Volcano Bay – a radically-innovative water theme park opening next

 year at Universal Orlando Resort. Spanning 28 fully immersive acres, Universal Orlando's third

 theme park will be an entirely new kind of water theme park experience, giving guests even more

 to enjoy on their vacation.

At Volcano Bay, guests will discover a place like no other, filled with incredible thrills and relaxing

 indulgences. This one-of-a-kind park will combine exhilarating experiences with hassle-free

 convenience so families can get the most out of their vacation together. They won't have to stand in

 long lines or wrestle with tubes before diving into the unique attractions found throughout the park.

 They can enjoy a variety of experiences, ranging from winding rivers and private, two-story cabanas

 to family raft rides and twisting body slides that launch guests above the water.

Here's what you need to know about Volcano Bay:

• An Innovative Water Theme Park Experience: 
  Volcano Bay will redefine the queue experience so guests can focus entirely on having fun
•  and spending time together. Guests won't even have to carry their own rafts up the slides.
• 18 Unique Attractions in Four Imaginatively-Themed Areas: 
  Volcano Bay will offer 18 unique attractions ranging from daring to serene. They'll be divided
•  across four primary park areas where there's something for everyone, including a
•  multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, peaceful winding river, twisting multi-rider
•  raft rides, speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below – 
• and a state-of-the-art marquee attraction that will be revealed at a later date. Additional details
•  on the park's attractions can be found on the last page.
• 
  
• An Award-Winning Team of Creators: A place like this could only be brought to life by Universal Creative – the same team behind
•  ground-breaking theme park experiences like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The
•  Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. The team
• 
  
•  researched water parks and tropical resorts around the world to help redefine the water park
•  experience and shape their vision for Volcano Bay.

• Easy-to-Access, Resort-Like Amenities Throughout the Park: 
  Each area of the park will offer its own easy-to-access, resort-like amenities, such as concierge
•  locations and lockers, so guests won't have to stroll out of their way to get what they need. There
•  will also be highly-themed restaurants and bars located throughout the park offering signature food
•  and beverage options and impressive volcano views. Even more unique features of the park will be
•  announced later.
• Convenient Location On-Site at Universal Orlando: 
  Volcano Bay will be located within Universal Orlando, adjacent to Universal's Cabana Bay Beach
•  Resort. The water theme park is just a short walk or ride away from Universal Orlando's two
•  additional theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure,
•  on-site hotels and Universal CityWalk.
• 
  
• International Tickets On Sale Soon: 
  Universal Orlando will soon introduce a brand-new, 3-Park Explorer ticket for guests where
•  they can plan to experience the highly-anticipated Volcano Bay for travel dates beginning
•  June 1, 2017. Tickets will soon be available through international web sites and travel
•  professionals, and additional ticket options will be announced later.

This is just the beginning, and more exciting details about Volcano Bay will be released over time.

 Stay tuned for additional information by visiting www.UniversalOrlando.com and following

 Universal Orlando's blog. 

About Universal Orlando Resort For more than 25 years, Universal Orlando Resort has been creating epic vacations for the

 entire family – incredible experiences that place guests in the heart of powerful stories and 

adventures. 

Universal Orlando's two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure,

 are home to some of the world's most exciting and innovative attractions. Its on-site resort hotels,

 Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Universal's

 Cabana Bay Beach Resort are destinations unto themselves.  Its entertainment complex,

 Universal CityWalk, offers dining and entertainment for every member of the family.

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled 20 new guest experiences since 2010 – powerful attractions,

 incredible dining opportunities and a dramatically themed hotels.  And more is on the way.  Coming 

this year is Universal Orlando's fifth on-site hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort; Skull Island: Reign

 of Kong, a groundbreaking attraction in Islands of Adventure; and CityWalk's newest, unique dining

 experience The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.  And in 2017 will come

 Universal's Volcano Bay, an entirely new water theme park experience. 

Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company.  Follow us on their blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram andYouTube.

Volcano Bay's Four Primary Areas:Guests will have the opportunity to explore four imaginatively-themed areas at

 Volcano Bay,

 filled with experiences ranging from daring to serene.

1.  Krakatau:
The 200-foot volcano, Krakatau, will lie at the heart of the park, inviting guests to venture through its

 hidden caverns and cascading waterfalls.

• A state-of-the-art marquee attraction found only at Volcano Bay. More details will be announced later.
• Three distinctive body slides found at the rear of the volcano, which start off with surprise doors that
•  drop out from beneath guests:
  • Ko'okiri Body Plunge: A racing, 70-degree drop that will plummet 125-feet through the
  •  center of Krakatau. It will be the world's first slide to travel through a pool filled with guests.
  • Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Two intertwining slides where guests will fall
  •  freely along 124 twisting feet.
• Punga Racers : A high-speed race through four different enclosed slides featuring manta-shaped mats.

2.  Wave Village:Located at the base of Krakatau, Wave Village will be home to:

• Waturi Beach : A sparkling, multi-directional wave pool where guests can swim, relax on the
•  sand or indulge in private, one- or two-story cabanas.
• The Reef : An adjacent leisure pool will provide guests with calmer waters and exciting views
•  of riders speeding through the Ko'okiri Body Plunge.

3.  River Village:Named for the peaceful river that snakes through it, River Village will feature unique attractions for

 the entire family, including:

• Kopiko Wai Winding River : A gentle, winding river that will pass through the volcano's hidden
•  caves, featuring spontaneous water effects and special nighttime lighting.
• Tot Tiki Reef : A whimsical toddler play area with spraying Maori fountains, slides and a kid-size 
• volcano.
• Runamukka Reef : A three-story water playground inspired by the coral reef overflowing with
•  twisting slides, sprinklers and more.
• Honu : An adventurous, multi-passenger raft ride that will soar across two giant, sloped walls
• Ika Moana : A twisting, multi-passenger raft ride that will glide across bubbling geysers.

4.  Rainforest Village:Exhilarating thrills await guests in Rainforest Village, including:

• Maku : North America's first "saucer ride" – sending multi-passenger rafts speeding around
•  three saucer-shaped curves.
• Puihi : A breath-taking multi-passenger raft ride that will plunge guests into darkness before
•  bursting into a funnel and launching into a zero-gravity drop.
• Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides : Two twisting, adrenaline-pumping slides that launch guests
•  four- and six-feet above the water at the end.
• TeAwa The Fearless River : An action-packed, racing torrent river where guests hang tight in 
• their inner tubes amidst roaring, whitewater rapids.
• Taniwha Tubes : Four unique Easter Island-inspired slides with rafts for single or double riders.
• Puka Uli Lagoon : A tranquil pool where guests can swim and relax.

Universal Orlando Raises Ticket Prices For Single Day, Park-To-Park Tickets

Photo courtesy Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort confirmed reports Thursday that the amusement park would be raising its single-day ticket prices.

According to WFTV.com, officials from the theme park acknowledged that the cost of single-day passes jumped from $102 to $105 on Wednesday. As for the park-to-park ticket prices, they also increased, climbing from $147 to $155.

Annual passes will remain at $215.

Officials from Universal released a statement to FoxNews.com, saying, “We set our prices to reflect the value of the experience we provide our guests. And we provide the greatest value where our guests tell us it matters most – with our popular multi-day tickets and vacation packages. Guests who use multi-day tickets or packages can save as much as $40 off our single day ticket price.”

Universal Studios raised its single-day ticket prices to $102 in early 2015, around the same time Walt Disney World also increased the cost of its passes, according to FoxNews.com. Tickets for Disney's Magic Kingdom are currently $105.

Source: www.travelpulse.com, DONALD WOOD 

Harry Potter Celebration Coming To Universal Orlando In 2016

Photo by Barry Kaufman

In January 2016, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Consumer Products will host "A Celebration of Harry Potter" that will include Q&A Sessions, interactive panels, demonstrations and more.

The three-day event will begin on Jan. 29 and run through Jan. 31 at Universal Orlando, and the event is scheduled to give fans the opportunity to interact with the cast and crew of the beloved film and book franchise.

At the event will be stars from the movie “Harry Potter” like Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Katie Leung. The actors will be participating in Q&A sessions, special panels and demonstrations.

In addition to the actors, fans will be able to interact with head prop maker for the Harry Potter film franchise Pierre Bohanna, Wand Combat choreographer Paul Harris and designers Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina.

Guests will also be granted access to the Harry Potter Expo where they will be able to enjoy the Sorting Hat experience, an interactive mini tour from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and more.

For fans of the movies and the books, they can also visit "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade" at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley" at Universal Studios Florida.

Access to "A Celebration of Harry Potter" will be included in the purchase of a regular ticket or an annual pass, and the event will be first-come, first-served, so arrive early. The events will take place at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida theme parks.

For travel agents who book the exclusive event vacation package, their clients will have access to special benefits and reserved sections for the panels and demonstrations. For more information, check out Universal’s official travel agent website.

By DONALD WOOD , 

Hello Kitty Is Coming To Universal Theme Parks

Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for beloved pop icon Hello Kitty, and Universal Parks & Resorts have announced their partnership to develop Hello Kitty interactive retail experience shops scheduled to open later this year at Universal Orlando Resort and in the future at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The shops will mark Hello Kitty's official retail debut at theme parks in North America and offer specialty merchandise including stationery, home goods, apparel, accessories and collectibles. The majority of merchandise will be devoted to Hello Kitty; Sanrio properties Chococat®, My Melody®, Badtz-Maru®, Purin™ and Keroppi® will also have a presence. Hello Kitty confectionery and specialty co-branded Hello Kitty Universal park-exclusive products will also be available.

The Hello Kitty stores at Universal Studios will also offer enhanced interactive retail experiences. Customers can shop for custom designed merchandise, enjoy photo opportunities with Sanrio properties, create souvenir versions of Hello Kitty's signature bow, and even meet Hello Kitty herself.

"Our partnership with Universal brings Sanrio's experiential entertainment presence to a new level," said Janet Hsu, President and COO of Sanrio, Inc. "We look forward to this introduction into Universal theme parks to offer new connection points to Sanrio fans of all ages."

Sanrio's partnership with Universal Parks & Resorts highlights the brand's continued expansion into lifestyle entertainment. Recent projects include the successfully unprecedented 'Hello Kitty Con' fan convention and 'Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty', a record-breaking museum exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Hello Kitty's Supercute Friendship Festival, a live entertainment show and interactive fan festival that has reinvented the concept of a live character show, is currently touring select cities in the U.S. and Canada. Sanrio's unique approach to lifestyle entertainment has proven to be a highly effective way of connecting with their legions of fans of all ages across the country.

Volcano Bay To Become Third Park At Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort has announced a project of remarkable vision: to bring to life an entirely new water theme park experience. Called Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort, it will join Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure and become the resort's third incredibly immersive park.

Universal's Volcano Bay will be a place for the entire family. It will be a whole new generation of experience that re-imagines what it means to be a water park.

Imagine a place that offers radically innovative, thrilling attractions, peaceful moments of relaxation and an inspired guest experience that will forever change the perception of water theme parks. It will be set in a highly themed, completely immersive environment inspired by postcard-perfect tropical islands. And it will be the kind of special place that only the Universal team – the same team that has changed the face of Universal Orlando Resort in recent years - can envision and create.

Universal's Volcano Bay will be located within Universal Orlando Resort, just south of the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Work is already underway and more details will be released in the future.

Universal's Volcano Bay is the next in a series of boldly creative experiences that have opened and will continue to open at Universal Orlando. It began with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade in 2010 and quickly moved to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Springfield, hometown to America's favorite animated family, The Simpsons, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, eight new venues at Universal CityWalk, the breathtaking Cabana Bay Beach Resort and more. It will include Skull Island: Reign of Kong and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in 2016.

And then – in 2017 – will come Universal's Volcano Bay.

King Kong Roars To Life At Universal Orlando Resort

King Kong will rule at Universal Orlando Resort next year in the groundbreaking attraction, "Skull Island: Reign of Kong."

The new attraction will open in the summer of 2016 at Universal's Islands of Adventure – and will be an intense, all-new adventure brought to life in a dramatically themed environment. Skull Island: Reign of Kong will pull guests into a powerfully told story where they become part of the next generation of the Kong legend.

It begins as guests are transported deep into a wild and mysterious world, where their mission is to discover creatures of unknown origin – but where they are soon fighting for their own survival. Their journey will take them through an ancient temple inhabited by hostile natives, a perilous jungle ruled by prehistoric creatures, a foreboding underworld of caves concealing unspeakable terrors – and face-to-face with the colossal Kong himself.

Universal Creative is working closely with Peter Jackson, famed director of 2005's blockbuster movie, "King Kong," to immerse guests in this incredible adventure.

"King Kong is a Hollywood movie legend and a huge part of both our history and our future," said Mike West, Executive Producer, Universal Creative. "He gives us the opportunity to tap into everything that makes our film history so special and everything that makes our theme park attractions so spectacular. We can't wait to bring him to life in such an epic way."

Known as "the eighth wonder of the world," Kong has been called "the experience for which movies were invented." Since first appearing on screen in 1933, "King Kong" has been re-made twice - each time on a tremendous scale – earning seven Oscar and three Golden Globe nominations.

And now – in even grander and more realistic form – the Kong story continues to grow. "Skull Island: Reign of Kong" will open in the summer of 2016.

10 Fun Facts About The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter's New Diagon Alley

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is about to get a little bigger. And whileDiagon Alley, the park's new addition, won't open until July 8, perhaps some fun facts will tide you over until then.

First, some basics. Harry's world spans two parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Hogsmeade and the Hogwarts castle, which opened in 2010, are located in Islands of Adventure. Diagon Alley and London will be located inUniversal Studios Florida. Here's a little preview:

1. You can now RIDE the Hogwarts Express. 

If you visited the Hogsmeade section of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you probably stopped for a photograph with the Hogwarts Express and its conductor. However, when the new park opens, you will be able to actually ride the iconic train from King's Cross Station in "London" to Hogsmeade.

2. The theme park is basically a carbon copy of film sets.

Universal consulted J.K. Rowling and the film's production designers during the design process, so each and every detail is picture perfect, as Robert Niles, editor ofthemeparkinsider.com, told CNN.

3. You'll get to hang with animatronic goblins at Gringotts.

The bank is part of the Park's headliner ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Be advised, goblins are not the friendliest of creatures.

4. Apparently, if you ring their bells, they look right at you. Creepy!

5. Want to buy some Pygmy Puffs? How about Skiving Snackboxes? Or some U-No-Poo? Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes sells them all!

Unfortunately, George, Fred and Ginny won't be there to sell you their favorite gag gifts. The three-story shop is said to look identical to the one in "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince."

6. If hunger strikes you while wandering Diagon Alley, don't fret. The Leaky Cauldron awaits you.

The pub serves up British fare and Butterbeer, of course.

7. And if the, ahem, "darker arts" are more your thing, head over to Knockturn Alley and check out Borgin and Burkes.

And yes, that creepy "Hand of Glory" from "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is allegedly on display.

8. There are now two Ollivanders Wand Shops -- one in Hogsmeade and one at Diagon Alley. So you can double up on all your wand-related needs.

Get your hands on an interactive wand and make some magic.

9. There is a fire-breathing dragon atop Gringotts.

According to Buzzfeed, the dragon breathes its fiery breath approximately every 15 minutes.

10. It's totally and completely magical. What else would you expect?

(Your favorite film stars agree!)

Contributed by Lisa_Miller, The Huffington Post 

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

New Harry Potter Park: 5 First Impressions

This June 2014 photo released by Universal Orlando Resort shows "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley," from the Harry Potter-themed area of Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Fla. The attraction, featuring shops, dining experiences and the next generation thrill ride, will officially open on July 8. (AP Photo/Universal Orlando Resort, Sheri Lowen)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Universal Orlando Resort opened its new, richly detailed Harry Potter-themed area to media and other travel industry insiders on Wednesday night.

The new park zone, called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley, will delight fans of the hit book and movie series with a marquee ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.

But Diagon Alley is also heavy on experiential retail, with stores so entertaining and visually stimulating that you almost forget you're shopping.

The attraction doubles the size of the Harry Potter footprint on Universal's property. Diagon Alley opens to the public July 8 at Universal Studios. A train called the Hogwarts Express connects the new area to the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, called Hogsmeade, which opened in 2010 on the other side of the theme park at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

If fans want to see both Harry Potter areas, a two-park ticket is required. For adults, a two-park ticket for one day costs $136; for children, it's $130.

Helena Bonham Carter, Matthew Lewis and Domhnall Gleeson were among the actors from Potter films walking a red carpet at Universal Wednesday night.

Here are five first impressions of Universal's new Diagon Alley, which was inspired by the fictional London location famous for wizarding supplies in the Harry Potter series:

WINDOW SHOPPING

The level of detail in Diagon Alley is amazing, and nowhere are the features more fun and true to the novels and movies than in shop windows. There are lots of things for sale, but others are simply great decorations. Books play a central role in the decor; window-shoppers will see animatronic versions of "The Monster Book of Monsters," a tome with teeth, along with self-knitting needles and Harry Potter's snowy owl, Hedwig.

UNIQUE GIFTS

With seven shops in Diagon Alley, there's plenty to buy. (There are five shops in Hogsmeade, Universal's original Harry Potter attraction.) Among the offerings: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes (chattering teeth, expandable ears), Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions ($250 for a wizard's robe), Quality Quidditch Supplies (everything for playing the real-life sport based on the game in the series) and Scribbulus (implements for paper, pen and ink lovers). Magical Menagerie sells cute stuffed animals (pygmy puffs are popular), while Borgin and Burkes - located off Diagon Alley in the book, on Knockturn Alley - is a "dark arts" shop that sells skulls, black T-shirts and Death Eater masks. Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment sells telescopes and binoculars.

INTERACTIVE WANDS

For $35, guests can buy interactive wands at Ollivanders Wand Shop, located in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. When wand-wielding guests see a medallion symbol in either area, they can wave the wand and cast spells. The wands make trolls dance, light lamps and chandeliers, and silence some shrunken heads, among other things. Maps of the medallion areas are available, but Universal says there are also some hidden spell areas for guests to discover.

WIZARD WARDROBES

In addition to robes, fans can buy capes and preppy button-down cardigans inspired by the four houses where Harry and his fellow students live at Hogwarts school. Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions also has on display a wedding dress and two costumes that aren't for sale: an intimidating black-beaded cape ensemble worn in a promo for the new attraction, and a costume worn by Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart in the "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" movie. The wedding dress is white with white feathers at the hem and softly twinkling lights within the skirt.

PHOTO OPS

As you enter Diagon Alley, look toward Gringotts Bank - which is the entrance to the centerpiece thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. A dragon is perched atop the bank, and it breathes fire -an instant Facebook photo or Instagram shot. Once you enter the bank, while in queue for the ride, don't miss the three enormous glass chandeliers. Finally, find 12 Grimmauld Place where Kreacher the House Elf peers eerily from a window.

___

Contributed by Tamara Lush, Twitter at http://twitter.com/tamaralush

Follow us on Twitter:@TraveloreReport

Just Revealed Food & Beverage Options Coming To The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley At The Universal Orlando Resort

There are so many things I’m looking forward to experiencing when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opens this summer. But one of the things at the top of my list is trying all the amazing food and beverage options that I’ll be able to enjoy throughout the land. I’m a big Harry Potter fan and an even bigger foodie…so the thought of combining food and drink with one of my favorite series is absolutely amazing!

We’ll all have the opportunity to actually step inside places you've only seen in the films and read about in the books and actually taste some of the foods and drinks your favorite characters have enjoyed!

First up is the Leaky Cauldron – where I got to take a sneak peek earlier this week.  It looks just like it does in the films…all the way down to the huge cauldron that sits in the middle of the restaurant.  Here, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious British fare like…

• Bangers and Mash (traditional roasted sausages with creamy mashed potatoes)
• Toad in the Hole (traditional sausage baked into a Yorkshire pudding and served with onion gravy)
• Cottage Pie (a savory combination of meat and vegetables in a potato crust)
• Fisherman’s Pie (salmon, shrimp and cod baked together under a potato crust)
• Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew (served in a bread bowl)
• Ploughman’s (a feast of English cheeses, crusty bread, cornichon pickles, apple beet salad, Branston pickle and a Scotch egg)
• Split Pea Soup
• Banger Pub Style Sandwich
• Fish and Chips
• And more!

And you can finish off your meal with scrumptious desserts like Chocolate Potted Cream, Cranachan and Sticky Toffee Pudding.  There will also be breakfast served at the Leaky Cauldron with two new breakfast items, only available at Diagon Alley: an Apple Oatmeal Flan with Yogurt and Fruit and an Egg, Leek and Mushroom Pasty.

There will also be new beverages for you to enjoy in Diagon Alley like:

• Fishy Green Ale (it’s Fishy Green Ale, use your imagination!)
• Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice
• Tongue Tying Lemon Squash
• Peachtree Fizzing Tea
• Wizard’s Brew (draught beer)
• Dragon Scale (draught beer)
• Gillywater
• Pumpkin Juice
• Butterbeer (of course!)

Another must-stop during your trip to Diagon Alley will be Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment, a cart located in Horizont Alley, where you can enjoy unique elixirs. Here’s how it works:  you select from a variety of elixirs like Draught of Peace, Babbling Beverage, Elixir to Induce Euphoria and Fire Protection Potion, and then add the elixir to Gillywater.  By mixing them, you’ll see your drink transform before your eyes and experience a delightful flavor surprise. Too cool!

And of course, to top it all off, you have Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. You may remember Florean Fortescue’s from the first book and film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” when Hagrid bought Harry a chocolate and raspberry ice-cream with chopped nuts. You’ll be able to do the same with unique flavors of ice-cream like…

• Granny Smith (pictured)
• Early Grey and Lavender
• Chocolate Chili
• Clotted Cream
• Apple Crumble
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Salted Caramel Blondie
• Chocolate and Raspberry
• Strawberry and Peanut-Butter
• Orange Marmalade
• Butterbeer (that’s right, Butterbeer-flavored ice cream!)

During my time learning about the new food and beverage options in Diagon Alley, I had the opportunity to sit with Ric Florell, the Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations at Universal Orlando Resort, and Executive Chef Steve Jayson to learn all the details. Here’s what they had to say:

Deni: How did you approach developing food or beverage that has only existed in the Harry Potter books and films and people’s imaginations?

Ric: The first thing we did was research. We took a look at the Harry Potter books and the films and determined which foods and beverages we wanted to concoct for our guests. Of course, we had to have the Leaky Cauldron. The tricky part was creating a menu when there was no mention of any of the food items in the books and only one mention in the films to Split Pea Soup. So, we devised a menu with delicious dishes you would find in a British pub. 

We also took into consideration what our guests wanted. For example, we received a lot of interest in having a larger beer selection in the Hog’s Head pub in Hogsmeade. We took that feedback and decided to offer more options in the Leaky Cauldron. 

Our goal is to give our guests a culinary experience that immerses them in the fun, excitement and wonder of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Deni: Did you work with J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. for the development and creation? 

Ric: Yes, we definitely worked closely with our partners to put together the menus and beverages that will be found in Diagon Alley. After we developed our recipes and dishes, we had multiple tastings with Warner Bros.

Deni: Speaking of Butterbeer, it has been so well received along with the rest of the Three Broomsticks menu at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. How have you continued the culinary progression from Hogsmeade into Diagon Alley?

Chef Jayson: We wanted to expand the dining from Hogsmeade into Diagon Alley by re-creating another beloved restaurant found in the Harry Potter books and films that delivers a completely different experience than the Three Broomsticks – yet, has the same magical feel. In the Leaky Cauldron, you actually feel as if you’re walking into a pub with dishes that are true to the British culture.  We even imported certain ingredients like English cheeses to add to our dishes. 

With Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, you can order flavors of ice-cream that were inspired by flavors associated with England, like Clotted Cream and Earl Grey and Lavender. You will also encounter fun flavors you would expect to only find in the wizarding world like Butterbeer.

Plus, there are a few surprises we’re leaving for our guests to discover. We challenged ourselves to bring the food and drink of Harry Potter’s world to life, and I feel our guests will leave here saying we were successful. 

Deni: How does the food and beverage in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley fit into the overall picture of Universal Orlando’s culinary experience?

Ric: When our guests dine with us in our restaurants, we want them to be fully immersed in the theme, so they feel as if they’re in that world. With The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we want our guests to feel as if they’re a part of the adventures that their favorite characters experienced. As they dine in the Leaky Cauldron, we want them to feel the authenticity of British cuisine as well as the magic of being in Diagon Alley. 

We’re bringing to life our guests’ favorite stories and giving them a chance to experience them firsthand – and we want our food and beverages to enhance that experience.

Deni: And now for the best question: what are your favorite dishes or drinks coming to Diagon Alley?

Ric: I really love the Bangers and Mash that will be served in the Leaky Cauldron. And I’ll have to say the Ploughman’s, because it’s a plate the whole table can enjoy. 

Chef Jayson: For me, I’m especially proud to be a part of the team that created Butterbeer, so that’s definitely a favorite. As for new dishes, I really enjoy our pies. Our classic Shepherd’s Pie is always delicious, and our new Fisherman’s Pie is especially tasty. 

 What are you looking forward to trying in Diagon Alley this summer? Tell us by commenting below.

 

Contributed by Deni Cox

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