Category: Attraction Tickets News

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How did Orlando Theme Parks fare in the Golden Ticket Awards

Hey Thrill Seekers,

The winners of the annual Golden Ticket Awards were announced over the weekend so lets take a look at how our beloved Orlando parks done..

The Golden Ticket Awards are presented annually to honor the “Best of the Best” in the amusement industry and are calculated from an international poll conducted by Amusement Today. The prestigious survey asks experienced amusement park voters around the country and world to rate the “bests” in 23 categories.

WINNERS!

Best Marine Life Park –  SeaWorld Orlando

YES! It’s great to see SeaWorld win this award as it does some amazing stuff for marine life (and of course has some of the best coasters in Orlando)

Best Halloween Event – Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando

Now that one is an absolute no brainer! Wan’t to go to the most amazing Halloween Event ever? You know where to go

Best Dark Ride – Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Fun & Intense, what more do you want from a dark ride? Oh yeah.. Ghosts

Best Indoor Roller Coaster –  Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Orlando

YES YES YES! This ride sometimes doesn’t get the credit it deserves so we’re very happy that it has won this award!

Best New Ride of 2018 – Water Park – Ray Rush, Aquatica, Orlando

Should have also won ‘best name of an attraction’ in Gavin’s opinion but unfortunately that is never going to be a category ‍♂️‍♀️

5 out of 23 awards is not bad at all for the theme park capital of the world

Smiles Included

Abby

 

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The Great LEGO Race opening Spring 2018

Hey Thrill Seekers!

There are many things to look forward to in the coming year at the parks in Orlando, one park in particular which is sometimes overlooked has a preeeeeetty cool new coaster coming in Spring 2018.

At LEGOLAND Florida, under the supervision of their parent company – Merlin Magic Making – Project X roller coaster is being transformed in to ‘The Great LEGO Race’ which is going to be a supercharged virtual reality adventure that puts you in the drivers seat. “Prepare to take on the wildest LEGO race ever imagined when cutting-edge VR technology combines with roller coaster thrills in an exhilarating new attraction!” 

The experience is the first VR roller coaster designed for kids and will feature a line up from the popular LEGO minifigure mystery assortments and will pit riders in a ‘rollicking race’ against wild, brick built contraptions driven by Trendsetter, Pharaoh, Surfer Girl, Wizard and Pirate Captain. Guests will steer LEGO-built vehicles like a rocket-powered windsurfing rig, a stylish scooter fuelled by espresso and an ornately canopied bed (called a “litter”) carried by mummy servants.

 “Are you brave enough to face, race and beat the best of the best in all of LEGO world?”

Guests will wear (optional) VR headsets to be able to fully immerse themselves in a world built entirely from LEGO bricks that has been inspired by the way kids play with LEGO toys at home.

The adventure begins as guests approach the ride’s bold new entry portal as the sounds of roaring engines fill the air. Nearby, the coaster’s queue will resemble a pre-race space where pit crews for each of the five LEGO racers are preparing for the competition, plus interactive, hands-on elements to entertain waiting riders.

Check out the first look at The Great LEGO Race:

Guests must be at least 42 inches tall (1.2m) to ride, or be accompanied by a responsible adult at least 48 inches tall. The VR headsets are designed to fit both adults and children, and can be adjusted for comfort. The VR experience is intended for children 6 and up, and guests can choose to ride without wearing the headset.

What do you think of a VR coaster combined with LEGO characters? LEGOLAND are the third park to feature a VR coaster (after Fun Spot and SeaWorld) so could it be a way forward for coasters?

Smiles Included,

Abby

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SeaWorld’s 2018 Calendar of Events

Hey Thrill Seekers!

Today, SeaWorld have released their Event Calendar for 2018 and it includes lots of experiences, festivals and concerts to create more year-round fun

NEW Three Kings Day:  Daily            1 – 6 January

During the all-new Three Kings Day celebration, families are invited to help commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. The new event brings SeaWorld’s holiday season to an incredible close with festive cuisine and celebratory experiences that honour the cherished traditions of Latin cultures.

Praise Wave: Saturdays            20 Jan – 10 Feb

With the return of Praise Wave, guests can celebrate Christian fellowship and fun at SeaWorld Orlando. Uplifting, live concerts from the hottest names in Christian music will light up the stage at Nautilus Theatre.

Seven Seas Food Festival: Weekends             17 Feb – 15 April

After a delicious debut last year, the Seven Seas Food Festival is returning to SeaWorld this spring for a second course. As guests sip and sample their way through the park, they will discover globally-inspired flavours while enjoying local craft beers and culinary marketplaces. The fun goes beyond the food with live performances from top country, rock and Latin music artists each weekend.

NEW Just For Kids: Weekends              21 April – 13 May

Families will enjoy dancing to the beat and learning together along with everybody’s favourite furry, finned and flippered friends during these special weekends crafted with young guests in mind.

Electric Ocean: Select nights            26 May – 3 September

As the sun goes down, the park comes alive with the glow of Electric Ocean at SeaWorld, returning next year for another summer of fun. With exciting night time shows and electrifying music, guests are immersed in a sea of wonder that ends in “ignite,” a spectacular fireworks finale.

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular:     29 September – 28 October

During Orlando’s premier daytime Halloween event, guests of all ages can join everyone’s favourite furry friends from Sesame Street as The Count, Elmo, Abby and others take the stage in Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween. Families will also enjoy a Halloween Dance Party, trick-or-treating around the park, and the opportunity to meet whimsical characters inspired by the sea.

  • SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration: Select Dates           23 November – 31 December

At SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, guests experience the joys of the holiday season complete with Rudolph’s Christmas Town and returning favourites sure to inspire traditions for years to come. During SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration guests of all ages can delight over scrumptious food, stunning live shows, joyful entertainment inspired by the natural world and much more.

Pop all of these in your calendar now or even print it out to help plan your 2018 Orlando holiday!

Smiles included

Jess

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Disney Release First Look at Woodys Lunchbox in Toy Story Land

Hey Thrill Seekers!

We are all understandably, super excited about the opening of Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios in the summer of 2018 and Disney have just released a look in to a new area planned for Toy Story Land called Woody’s Lunchbox.

We’ve already seen some cool imagery and videos for 2 of the attractions coming to Toy Story Land – Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers and now we’re getting a closer look at one of the food stops. Toy Story Land will see visitors shrink to the size of a toy to explore the land that has been made by Andy in his backyard. Within the backyard you will find Woody’s Lunchbox where Andy has used his own lunch box and flask to build a walk-up quick service window to serve yummy food and drink.

From the picture above you’ll be able to spot lots of Andy’s favourite toys and items from his lunch. If you look close enough you will be able to see a green army man keeping a look out for Andy’s return. I love how from the images that they have been releasing that you can really see how immersive it is going to be and how guests are going to feel like little toys within the land.

Disney have hinted that a menu of the items Woody’s Lunchbox will be serving is going to be released in the next few months so stay tuned.

Smiles Included..

Abby

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Top 5 Orlando Holiday Reveals

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Now i’m definitely not a blubber but holiday reveal videos make me do that thing where  your eyes get wet when you’re happy? Weird I know..

Holidays to Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, are nothing less than a huge deal and seeing your kids faces when you tell them that this year they’re lucky enough to be  going to Orlando must be second to none. Recently, keeping the holiday a secret for as long as possible and then filming the reaction of your littleun’s when you tell them is becoming more and more popular and I love it (although it does make me pretty jealous 🙁 )

The creativity of some families is amazing so i’ve been scouring the internet to put together my top 5 Orlando holiday reveal videos. Personally, my favourite type of reveal videos are treasure hunt ones.

1.

As i’ve previously mentioned, my favourite reveal idea is to do a treasure hunt around the house and this one is Disney themed.. even better 😀

 

2.

This one is soooo cute and I love the idea of the t-shirts, how grateful the kids are is very sweet.

 

3.

‘BUT WE HAVEN’T PACKED!!!’

 

4.

The suitcase races at the beginning of this one made me laugh, also love the Universal props for a brill Universal reveal.

 

5.

The little girls reaction at the end of this one is just brilliant.

I couldn’t think of a better surprise to receive than being told that i’m going on holiday to Orlando (Gavin should have done a video of when I was told I would be going on the Super FAM trip this year 😉 )

If you’ve got any funny, adorable or emotional reveal videos or ideas send them in to us i’d love to see!!

Smiles Included

Abby

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Abby’s Pre-Orlando Adventure

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Its nearly time…….

If you watch our bi-weekly Facebook Lives you’re bound to know that i’m due to go on a ‘Super Fam’ trip and in particular, how excited I am about it! Well it’s time and i’m finally leaving tomorrow to embark on what is sure to be the best trip EVER.

If you follow our Facebook or Instagram accounts you’ll be seeing loads of videos and photos from yours truly over the next week including all things Disney, Universal and SeaWorld. Before I start packing (yes I know I’ve left it very last minute) I thought I would give you guys a run-down of what my trip is going to involve.

Soooo.. I arrive in Orlando at 5pm -ish on Sunday and by 9.30pm i’ll be at Universals Halloween Horror Nights!! Nothing like throwing us in at the deep end aye?! I’m absolutely terrified but also mega, mega excited for this (I do feel sorry for the people who are going to have to keep picking me up off the floor in the houses though) The house i’m most excited for is SAW: The Games of Jigsaw, SAW hasn’t featured at HHN for 8 years now and i’m pretty eager to see what’s going to be involved this time around.

For the first few days i’m going to be staying at Universals Cabana Bay Beach Resort which I’ve heard is very nice indeed. 😛 On my first full day i’ll be visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley, Hogsmede Village and Universal Studios. I’m absolutely buzzing to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – I’ve heard so many amazing things about it and I just can’t wait to see it all for myself and i’m especially excited for  Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™.

On to the next day.. On this day I will be visiting Volcano Bay in the morning and Universals Islands of Adventure in the afternoon, woooo!!! I can’t wait to ride Krakatau™ Aqua Coaster and teeny bit scared to do Ko’okiri Body Plunge™ I feel like this is going to be a fantastic morning and I can’t wait to get loads of snaps of the Volcano! For Islands of Adventure I’ve been warned not to wear white tops or any denim and this is because i’m bound to get ABSOLUTELY SOAKED on the water rides.. Hopefully it’s a warm day (oh I forgot to mention, the weather forecast for next week is BEAUTIFUL.) Oh i’m also very eager to ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster We have a surprise evening with Universal on this day and i’m super excited to see what this is going to be, of course, i’ll keep you updated!

Day 4 is the day i’m most excited about… anyone who knows me will understand why. Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to swim with a dolphin and now i’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to do it YAY!!! If you haven’t guessed already, i’ll be visiting Discovery Cove in the morning. I’m not going to lie there will probably be some tears buy hey, who cares it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity! After Discovery Cove i’ll be travelling over to Busch Gardens where I cannot wait to ride all the big coasters and ALL of the pressure is on me to ride Falcons Fury.. i’ve got this!

On day 5 i’ll be visiting SeaWorld in the Morning , Aquatica in the afternoon and back to SeaWorld for the evening! 😉 Very excited to ride Manta and Mako at SeaWorld as everyone in the offices always raves about how good they are. Especially excited to be lucky enough to ride them in the dark also! Psyching myself up for Ihu’s breakaway falls at Aquatica!

I’ll be staying over night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, ready for day 6.. On day 6 i’ll be visiting EPCOT in the morning and Animal Kingdom in the afternoon. Can’t wait to visit all of the different countries at EPCOT and i’m so buzzing for Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, the reviews i’ve read about Avatar – Flight of Passage have all been great so I cannot wait to experience it for myself too.

On the 7th Day i’ll be off to Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, I am really looking forward to seeing Cinderella’s Castle, meeting all of the characters and getting to experience the iconic rides and attractions such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. I also hope I get to watch Happily Ever After, could possibly shed a tear or two here as well!

On my last day I get to go SHOPPING at the Orlando International Premium Outlets and the Florida Mall, I’ve got all my pennies saved up for this I’m just hoping i’ll have enough room in my suitcase!! After that it’s home time 🙁 🙁

Only 1 more sleep to go and i’ll finally be off!! If you would like to follow my action packed week make sure you keep checking our Facebook and Instagram as i’ll be trying to post as much and as often as possible.

See you all soon!!

Smiles Included,

Abby

 

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Grand Avenue – The Third New Land Coming to Hollywood Studios this Autumn!

Hey Thrill Seekers!

There is so much going on in regards to new Disney attractions and lands that I can’t keep up! Today i’m focused on Hollywood Studios. Two of the main additions heading to Hollywood Studios are going to be Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land but today Disney have announced some information on another part of the park which is going to be transformed.

Muppets Courtyard and part of the former Streets of America, is being re-imagined by the Walt Disney Imagineers to become a new area called Grand Avenue.

Grand Avenue will be inspired by the unique culture of downtown Los Angeles,  where vintage office buildings and warehouses are being converted to exciting new uses. Guests will get to see “merchants” appear in the area, such as music shops, loft apartments, a tailor and more. Disney say that each window on the street will feature ‘charming displays’. It seems as though these will be fake storefronts that guests won’t be able to enter but will add loads of atmosphere and ‘feels’ to the area.

The current Muppets Courtyard is set to become Grand Park ‘an urban square off Grand Avenue surrounded by shops and restaurants like PizzeRizzo and Mana Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano.’  If you are visiting Hollywood Studios in the near future you will already be able to see some changes such as the Muppets Theatre being renamed to the ‘Grand Arts Theatre.’  Don’t worry though – All the favourites such as Kermit and Miss Piggy continue to be stars in the Muppet*Vision 3D show!

More Details On Grand Avenue, Coming Soon To Disney’s Hollywood Studios More Details On Grand Avenue, Coming Soon To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

“California craft ales, lagers and cider are the stars of the drink menu. California wines on tap along with specialty cocktails are not to be missed either. A gourmet non-alcoholic lemonade and soda on tap round out the drink selection. If you’re feeling peckish, try one of the small bites, including a Bavarian pretzel with mustard and beer-cheese fondue, spiced almonds or a charcuterie board featuring California cheeses.”

BaseLine Tap House is something me and Teresa spoke about a few weeks ago on our all girl Facebook Live. The new corner pub will feature Californian beers and wines along with a selection of small bites (and lots of cheese!!) The pictures above are making me seriously hungry!

Grand Avenue will be opening to guests this Autumn, not too far away at all! I for one cannot wait as it sounds right up my street (or avenue should I say 😉 )

Smiles Included,

Abby

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Universals Fast & Furious – Supercharged will Debut in Spring 2018!

Hey Thrill Seekers!

Universal have recently released some exciting news – especially exciting for me as Fast & Furious is my favourite film franchise EVER!!

The attraction is going to be called Fast & Furious – Supercharged and will open in spring next year.

You’ve seen the cars. You’ve seen the ction. And soon, you’ll be able to live it.

Back in 2015 Universal announced that a Fast & Furious attraction will be coming to Universal Studios in the future and we now have a exact-ish release time! Fast & Furious is one of the most successful film franchises of all time and this ride is  going to be one of Universals most action packed experiences!

 You’ll feel like part of the “Fast family” as you embark on a thrilling new Fast & Furious adventure that will put you right in the middle of the action.


The ride is set to fuse everything people love about the films with an original storyline and incredible ride technology. Universal have said that you will be able to check out some of the high-speed, supercharged cars you’ve seen in the films and that you’ll be immersed in the underground racing world made famous in the films. You will even get to explore the headquarters of Toretto and his team. “Then, you’ll board specially-designed vehicles for an adrenaline-pumping ride with your favourite stars from the films.”

This action-packed ride will take guests on a high-octane journey that fuses an original storyline, incredible ride technology, popular characters, exhilarating environments, nonstop action and, of course, high-speed cars. You’ll feel like part of the Fast & Furious family as they join Dom Toretto, Hobbs, Letty and Roman on a thrilling new Fast & Furious journey.

Fast & Furious – Supercharged will also feature the Virtual Line experience. If you haven’t heard of this before it allows you to select a time to ride in advance so you can wait in line, virtually, (not standing getting achy legs)  and allows you to enjoy other experiences throughout the park while the app queues for you.

I, for one, am absolutely bursting with excitement for this one! What do you think?

Smiles Included,

Abby

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Food, Glorious Food.. New Disney and Universal Menus!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So, Universal have released – intentionally or not – some big announcements regarding plans for a new hotel on the land that used to be home to Wet ‘n Wild, patents that point towards a new Harry Potter ride and now.. the menu for Volcano Bay!

Now we all know that Disney aren’t one to sit back and let anyone steal their thunder and are opening Pandora: World of Avatar on the 27th May – 2 days after Volcano Bays debut and they have recently released the extremely intriguing menu.

A couple of weeks ago we got an insight into the weird and wonderful foods that are going to be on offer in the Satu’li Canteen which is Pandora’s sole restaurant and even more interestingly the way in which you can customise and order your meals. There’s some pretty cool things in there such as Na’vi Blueberry Cheesecake – sounds lovely and looks even better! There are some cool takes on traditional dishes as well such as one from the childrens menu – ‘hot dog wrapped in dough’ this isn’t too different to a normal dish so it shouldn’t scare the kids away too much. 😉 You will also find a vast list of alcoholic beverages on the menu such as Avatar Sangria and Banshee Pinot Noir – Fancy :-p.

Take a look at the menu here:

In my previous blog I also took a look into the new system of how you can pre-order and pay for your meals via the app which I think will really help with the  queues. Thankfully, Disney have released the full menu with pricing so you can even start budgeting and deciding on what you want before you leave the country!

Guests to Disney have been able to begin making FastPass+ reservations for Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage from the 24th March.. These are expected to book up very quickly!

I’ve also been taking a look into Volcano Bays menu – we all know swimming makes you hungry so good food inside a water park is essential!

Looking at Universals blog, creating the menu has been a pretty large project in itself.

As a Research & Development Chef at Universal Orlando Resort, I’ve gotten to create some unique food dishes. But it was a whole other experience to help design an entire menu for our third park, Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Said Corporate Executive Chef Steven Jayson, who was very excited to elevate the food and beverage experience at Volcano Bay. ‘From the minute you arrive in the morning until well into the night, you’ll have more than 60 delicious options to choose from, from snacks to entrees to desserts.’

The dishes are all inspired by the islands of the South Pacific and there will be dishes such as Poke Poke Bowl, Mango BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Island Chicken Salad, Glazed Hawaiian Ribs, Coconut Curry Chicken as well as refreshing cocktails and beers.. Yummaaay!

The dishes will be available to grab a taste of at the following dining locations around Volcano Bay:

  • Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club
  • Whakawaiwai Eats
  • Bambu
  • The Feasting Frog

If you’re a fussy eater or a little less adventurous with your food (a bit like Kelly here at OAT) then don’t panic!! All of your favourites such as chicken fingers, hamburgers and pizza will also be available.

Both menu’s are weird and wonderful – which would do you prefer?

Smiles included,

Jess

 

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Pandora: World of Avatar Ride Requirements

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So on our last Facebook Live we had a couple of questions about Pandora: The World of Avatar and in particular, will the rides be included in Fastpass+ and what d’ya know Disney released this exact information yesterday!

Lets start with Avatar Flight of Passage, Disney’s description of Avatar Flight of Passage is making me so impatient.

“Get a banshee’s-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of Pandora on a rite of passage you won’t soon forget! Deep in the heart of the Valley of Mo’ara, discover Avatar Flight of Passage—an all-new expedition that lets interstellar explorers like you climb atop a mountain banshee for a breathtaking, first-person flight over the moon’s incredible landscape. Bonding with a mountain banshee is a crucial step in the life of a Na’vi hunter—and flying on the back of one of these powerful winged creatures represents an important rite of passage.Now, as a visitor to Pandora, you’ll finally have the chance to test yourself in a similar way! “

The height requirement for this ride is 44 inches which is approximately 3.6 feet. The age interest is kids, tweens, teens and adults. Most importantly, can you use FastPass+ for Avatar Flight of Passage? The answer is yes. Wooo!

Next up is Navi River Journey, Disney’s description on their website gives me goosebumps..

 “Glide down a gentle, mysterious river and feel a sense of wonder as the full beauty of Pandora reveals itself. Located within the Valley of Mo’ara, Na’vi River Journey offers explorers an experience that has to be seen—and heard—to be believed! As your expedition begins, climb aboard a reed boat and drift downstream. After coasting through a series of caves, and passing by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures of the rainforest, you’ll soon find yourself face-to-face with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. The adventure comes to a conclusion as the Shaman demonstrates her deep connection to the life force of Pandora—and sends positive energy out into the forest through the power of her music!”

Sounds beautiful doesn’t it? What’s better is that there is no height requirement for this ride as well as the age interest being for everyone meaning the whole family can enjoy it together. You can also book your Fastpass+ on the Navi River Journey. 🙂

 

Next is Valley of Mo’ara, this isn’t something that I knew a lot about so looking on the Disney website has really got me excited to have a wander around the valley..

 “Walk about through the Valley of Mo’ara and get ready to discover a world like no other! There’s more to Pandora than expeditions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey… much more! All around its enormous floating mountains, you’ll quickly uncover the valley’s one-of-a-kind dining and shopping experiences—along with sights, sounds and experiences that include: Exotic plants that come to life with beautiful bioluminescence each night, A Na’vi-built drum circle containing instruments playable by all, Na’vi totems and other cultural items found throughout the land, Brand-new Wilderness Explorers challenges and badges to collect. You may even come across tour guides from Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), scientists from the Pandora Conservation Initiative (PCI), or even an eclectic expat or two!”

There is no height requirement and the age interest is for everyone. There is no Fastpass+ available for the Valley of Mo’ara as there will be no queue lines.

With the opening of Pandora: World of Avatar on the 27th May getting closer and closer we are loving any information that Disney are releasing about it.

Welcome to Pandora—a world similar to Earth… but distinctly unique in so many ways!

I don’t know about you but I really can’t wait and i’ll definitely be booking my fast passes for the Navi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage!!

Smiles Included…

Jess