Never been to Discovery Cove before? Then if I were you i’d definitely take this opportunity to snap up a great deal and visit the most relaxing park in Orlando!
Discovery Cove, an exquisite tropical island paradise. Restricted to a capacity of about 1300 guests a day, it’s a rare opportunity to set your own pace and relax away from the hustle and bustle of traditional attractions. Swim with a dolphin (Swim option only, non swim tickets will not include Dolphin encounter), snorkel amongst tropical fish, glide with rays and relax on white sand beaches. Hand feed exotic birds in the colourful aviary, paddle along the crystal clear tropical river and soak up every moment of this blissful day. Put away your watch, kick off your shoes, and enjoy an indulgent experience to the full. Life is good! It’s all about a day of wonderful discovery and a lifetime of memories.
Here are some recent reviews from our customers about Discovery Cove:
Mr Daniel Hughes: Amazing! Great day at Discovery Cove and didn”t want it to end! Loved the all inclusive alcohol!
Mr Stephen West: Amazing day – my favourite place to visit in Orlando. Very peaceful, with loads to do and now includes free food and drink all day. Ticket so includes entry to sea world, which has probably got the best roller coasters in Orlando.
Miss Georgia Cunnington: Most incredible day, took my friend as a surprise for her 21st birthday and it was such a magical day!!!
OAT’s Abby getting dolphin kisses
OAT’s Teresa giving dolphin cuddles
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive experience includes unlimited access to:
Grand Reef
Ray Lagoon
Free-Flight Aviary
Freshwater Oasis
Along with use of a mask, snorkel, wetsuit/vest, towels, lockers, beach umbrellas, sun loungers and hammocks, all day self parking, a continental breakfast, sumptuos buffet lunch and all drinks and snacks are included throughout the day. You’ll also receive a pass to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens.(Busch Gardens only included with the Ultimate package) which is valid for 14 consecutive days admission before or after your visit to Discovery Cove. The Ultimate Package will also include free parking!!
As Discovery Cove only allow 1300 guests per day this deal is likely to sell out quickly!! Book your tickets here.
Back in September 2018 I came across some leaked documents that led me to look into how Similar Universal Beijing Resort (UBR) is going to be to Universal Orlando Resort (UOR). However, now that Universal have released tonnes of information on UBR it leads us to believe that there are lot of hints to be explored that could link to Orlando’s Universal Epic Universe.
Here’s the video Universal have released for the Beijing resort – how much can you see that reminds you of Universal Orlando Resort and what new things do you think could be coming to Epic Universe?
By having a quick glance at what is coming to UBR it is clear to see that China is going to get a lot of the same attractions / areas but what i’m most interested in is the new stuff.. why? Because this new stuff could also be coming to Universals Epic Universe which, if you didn’t already know, is going to be Universals 4th park in Orlando. UBR is going to feature a whopping 7 themed lands that will immerse guests in extraordinary and thrilling adventures. Lets take a look at these lands:
Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness Universal are bringing Po to life in a whole land dedicated to Kung Fu Panda. It is going to be a completely indoor experience set in ‘legendary China’. Visitors will get to see the Jade Palace, the Panda Village and the Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom. Now with Universal Hollywood getting a Kung Fu Panda attraction last year and UBR getting a whole land in 2021 I think it’s fair to say that we might possible get a land or at least an attraction in Epic Universe, don’t you?
Transformers: Metrobase This land is going to be the first theme park land in the world dedicated to Transformers. An expanded story was developed for the character Metrobase who is a robot the size of a city! In conjunction with top Chinese scientists, Metrobase selected this Energon rich site just outside the city of Beijing to serve as the N.E.S.T. Beijing headquarters – a top-secret, technologically-advanced zone where an alliance between humans and Autobots developed to protect the Earth. Now this is a tricky one to picture at Epic Universe for me. Firstly because we already have the attraction in Studios and secondly because the story that has been developed for UBR is based in China. If we have got a Transformers land coming to Epic Universe then maybe another new story will be developed?!
Minion Land Minion Land is going to be an exciting, fun-filled world that is alive with characters and scenes from the films. It is a place where children and adults can see exciting new shows, meet their favourite characters, and enjoy interaction with the mischievous Minions everywhere they go! Scenes from the films come to life, inviting visitors to play along in an immersive land that is fun for the whole family. A Minion Land has been rumoured quite a few times for Universal Orlando but nothing ever really came to light, could this mean that Epic Universe is getting a Minion Land to match Beijing?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter With the opening of Universal Beijing Resort, Chinese fans will have the opportunity to celebrate the magic of the Wizarding World when they step inside “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade,” an award-winning experience that features multiple groundbreaking attractions, shops, restaurants, entertainment and more. From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to all the special touches that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will transport guests of all ages to the very places they read about in the stories or watched on the silver screen. Now I think it’s fair to say that Epic Universe is definitely NOT getting a Hogsmeade but we are hoping for a Fantastic Beasts themed area.. 😉
Jurassic World Isla Nublar Guests can explore Isla Nublar, an island of wonder and thrills where Dinosaurs roam the Earth again. Universal Beijing Resort has taken the essence of this legendary film franchise and created a larger-than-life destination for audiences to experience attractions and adventures never seen before. Feel the power of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptors, Ankylosaurs, and the fearsome Indominus Rex at Jurassic World: Isla Nublar. Now to me, if UBR are getting new rides (like Hollywood) and attractions it could work as a great expansion to Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure where I think a coaster would be a fab addition. 😉
Hollywood Universal Studios Beijing will also get Hollywood Boulevard. In the video you can see a complete replica of Mel’s Drive-in and Universal have said that you can encounter celebs at any minute. Hollywood will feature the “Lights, Camera, Action!” attraction, featuring world-renowned directors, Zhang Yimou and Steven Spielberg. The experience will merge both Western and Eastern popular culture, and will lead visitors into the behind-the-scenes glitz and glamour of Hollywood special effects. Now I think another certainty is that Hollywood is not coming to Epic Universe as it already exists at Studios.
WaterWorld Universal Studios Beijing will also offer WaterWorld, Universal theme parks’ popular stunt show that allows visitors to experience a one-of-a-kind “battle on water.” The adventure surges to life with thrilling performances and daring stunts, giving visitors an experience beyond their wildest imaginations. Only in Beijing, the experience will expand into a land including dining and other entertainment offerings. Japan, Hollywood, Singapore and now Beijing all have WaterWorld shows so maybe Orlando is going to get its WaterWorld fix with the addition of Epic Universe?
Now when we got the artists rendering of Epic Universe, none of the above were predicted. Instead we had predicted Nintendo, Universal Classic Monsters, How to Train Your Dragon, Star Trek, Fantastic Beasts and so on as lands for Epic Universe but seeing as Beijing are getting a few lands that we already have in Orlando could it mean that Epic Universe will be getting some of the new lands that Beijing are getting..
Universal Beijing Resort
Epic Universe
The above are artist renderings for Universal Beijing and Orlando’s Universal Epic Universe. Do you think there is going to be a lot of similarities between the two parks? Here’s a closer look at the two renderings..
So today, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment have announced the names of their 2 latest roller coasters…
Meet Busch Gardens 10th Coaster… Iron Gwazi and SeaWorld Orlando’s 6th Coaster… Ice Breaker.
Lets start with the Gwazi ‘re-vamp’ now named Iron Gwazi. Iron Gwazi is “going to be the best roller coaster in Florida,” says Jonathan Smith – director of rides and engineering. “We’re building what could be one of the best coasters in the entire world.”
Iron Gwazi will have a tallest point of 206 feet, a 91 degree drop and a top speed of a whopping 76 mph!! Which is faster than Mako may i add! It will be the tallest and fastest coaster in the Sunshine State.
Iron Gwazi is being converted from an old twin-track to a single-track design – by Rocky Mountain Construction who also made Steel Vengeance (which Iron Gwazi will now overtake, by 1 foot, to be the tallest hybrid) are a hugely popular and many fan favourite lists include many Rocky Mountain coasters.
birds eye view of Gwazi
Second up is SeaWorld’s newest coaster.. Ice Breaker which will be a family thrill coaster.
Using linear synchronous motors, the unique coaster will feature a quadruple launch. After leaving the station, the trains will enter a track switch that will move them laterally into the launch section. They will first magnetically launch backwards, then forward, then backward, and finally forward with enough momentum to hit the ride’s top speed of 52 mph and make it out of the launch area. – USA Today
“Passengers will experience airtime (both forward and backward) while they are launching” on SeaWorld Orlando’s new Ice Breaker roller coaster, ride director Jonathan Smith says. “Airtime going backwards is unique.” -SeaWorld Parks
“What’s really cool about the launch experience is that there are camelbacks (airtime-generating hump-shaped hills) integrated into the track,” says SeaWorld’s Smith. “Passengers will experience airtime while they are launching. Airtime going backwards is very unique.”
Ice Breaker’s riders will navigate a 93-foot spike at 100 degrees, a full 10 degrees beyond vertical. They will also encounter an 80-foot top hat-shaped element that Smith says will be loaded with airtime. The coaster will be an “unusual, crazy, fun and thrilling experience,” he adds.
On top of both of those rides coming to the parks in 2020 SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment have announced a new attraction ‘Riptide Race’ is coming to Aquatica Orlando next year too!
Its going to be an exciting year for Roller Coasters isn’t it!! which one are you looking forward to the most? Me? Iron Gwazi!!
With Halloween Horror Nights just around the corner the announcements are coming thick and fast! This year HHN29 is looking stacked with 10 houses, 5 scare zone and 2 shows all kicking off from 6th September until the 2nd November.
Today Universal confirm House of 1000 corpses, come face-to-face with the psychotic Firefly family and their collection of blood and gore. Watch “The Legend of Doctor Satan” come to life right before your eyes. Keep a lookout for the latest addition to Captain Spaulding’s Museum of Monsters and Madmen, Fish Boy! And if you’re lucky, you’ll escape the house as fast as a rabbit, minus the fluffy bunny costume and tragic ending.
Halloween Horror Nights this year looks like it’s going to be an absolute cracker. Houses already confirmed are Stranger Things, Nightingales, Universal Monsters, Depths of Fear, Yeti Terror of the Yukon, Ghostbusters, Us and Graveyard games but what about scare zones I hear you call… Well Universal confirmed them today.
Zombieland Double Tap
It’s time to brush up on those rules of survival. Based on the hit film and its upcoming sequel, this scare zone puts you in the middle of the United States of Zombieland. The infection has spread and bloodthirsty zombies are everywhere. The most important rule to remember: Always double tap.
Rob Zombie Hellbilly Deluxe
You know his music, now it’s time to live it. Step into the heavy metal horror of Rob Zombie’s music and imagery in this pulse-pounding scare zone. From otherworldly beings to brutal maniacs, you’ll come face-to-face with his twisted creations as the music cranks to a frenzy.
Anarch-cade
An 80s-inspired arcade has taken over Avenue of the Stars. At first glance, you may think it’s a party. However, you quickly learn that “Game Over” means a permanent end for you. A gang of neon slashers are out to play and this is one game you won’t want to lose.
Vanity Ball
Beauty is pain. Literally. In the streets of Hollywood, your flesh becomes the canvas as blade-wielding artists slice up willing participants into horrific living works of art. Here, going under the knife takes on a whole other meaning.
Vikings Undead
We’re all familiar with the brutal Viking warriors. It’s terrifying enough thinking about facing them alive. Now picture facing them as the undead. They have risen and laid siege to Central Park with an onslaught of gore. Bloodlust never dies.
Universal also confirmed that Academy of Villains will be returning this year – Academy of Villains returns in an epic experiment of mind and body. Man’s true nature is dragged out into the dark, gothic streets of anarchy. This wickedly talented group of artists is back for an all-new performance featuring a killer mix of visionary dance and extraordinary theatrics.
We were beginning to think Universal had completely forgotten about HHN29 with all of their new park news! But luckily they haven’t and today they have announced a new house to add to the already terrifying line up..
JORDAN PEELE’S BLOCKBUSTER HIT ‘US’ COMES TO LIFE IN TERRIFYING NEW HAUNTED HOUSE AT HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS
Here’s what Universal had to say about the house..
‘Are you ready to enter the shocking reality of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jordan Peele and Universal Pictures’ global horror hit Us?
In this new haunted house, you will walk through the Wilson family beach house and Santa Cruz Pier, where you might spot a familiar character outside of the Fun House. You’ll also venture through the unnerving tunnels that stretch for miles deep below America and come face-to-face with “The Tethered” – a group of terrifying doppelgängers of every living man, woman and child in the country. You’ll quickly discover that you are your own worst enemy.
Doesn’t sound like much of a ‘fun house’ to me.. :/
Follow in the footsteps of Adelaide Wilson as she experiences a horrifying and traumatic encounter with her tethered double, Red. Watch her face off with her menacing mirror image in a deadly dance with a fatal ending.
As you venture deeper through the haunted house, you will be transported to modern-day, and witness “The Tethered” rise-up from their underground labyrinth, ready to take on their privileged upperworld counterparts – determined to enact their plan of murder and revenge.
Prepare to run for your life, as there is no escaping yourself.’
This sounds, in a few words.. Utterly bloody terrifying!!! :O Saying that, this sounds like the type of house that will have me screaming, jumping, laughing and crying all in one!
check out the video.. beware it’s not for the faint hearted!
Don’t forget this year is bigger than ever with 10 houses, 5 scare zones and 2 live shows!
If you’ve forgotten all of the houses that have been announced so far, here is a re-cap:
Great news at OAT Towers today we finally completed that pesky crossword we’ve been working on!! Oh and we’ve been nominated for a Travolution Award… Yey!!!
Yep we’ve been nominated under the best for experiences category which covers tours and attractions. This latest nomination represents our 7th nomination in the these awards but we’re yet to hit the giddy heights of actually winning. 7th time lucky? Hey its the taking part that counts.
About Travolution Awards
The Travolution Awards recognise most innovative and exciting work in digital travel. Unique in focusing on the brands in online, digital and tech, the Awards present an accolade and an evening like no other in the industry.
Fingers crossed we’ll be lifting the trophy in November.
We love a good patent here at OAT towers and blooloop.com have found a really good one.
So both these patents appear to be tower rides, one an interactive ride and one with a rotating lift system. Lets take a look…
Interactive Tower Ride
The interactive tower appears to be made up of 4 towers each with one ride vehicle, according to the images it looks like they would seat up to 16 people at a time.
From the details it looks like it will also have interactive features with passengers having some control over the vehicles motion and what they see. The patent mentions AR, VR, projection and SFX, the patent goes on to state it will be an “immersive environment with which the riders may interact”.
There is also the suggestion that the ride will have gaming elements, the pic above seems to show targets above each ride vehicle. Will the ride move based on if the target is struck?
Rotating lift and stacked room
The second patent discovered by blooloop.com shows a “a plurality of rooms stacked atop one another”. The ride vehicle are able to enter these rooms, rotate, twist and ascend/descend the tower.
Interactive elements are all the rage at the moment and this patent seems to suggest that the ride vehicle can take different courses that could make every ride and experience unique.
What IP could this be for?
Well it could just be Universal collecting patents, but with a new park just announced every patent will obviously come under a bit of scrutiny. So with that in mind I’ll take a wild guess at what they could be for
Interactive Tower – Could this be Nintendo based? The gaming element definitely points towards that but I’m finding it hard to match a specific IP. Could this be the Mario cart ride? With the tower giving the impression of big jumps and drops while driving on multiple levels?
Rotating lift and stacked rooms – This feels like a ride that will tell a story, for years there have been rumours that Universal want to include their Monsters IP in a land. Could this be the main attraction for it? Moving into multiple rooms that each has its own Universal Monster, maybe a Dracula room, or a Wolfman room…
