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New Information on Super Nintendo World – Japan

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So Universal Studios Japan have released information on Super Nintendo World. It is set to open in summer before the Olympics in Tokyo, there is no official opening date as of yet.
Super Nintendo World will be the first area based on Nintendo characters. Universal have said that the lands interactive environments will connect using ‘state of the art’ tech to create an immersive experience and to allow guests and fans alike to discover the excitement of their favourite games.

Universal have released this music video for Super Nintendo World which shows a bit more of what we can expect from this new world.

Power Up Bands

Before we talk about the two attractions I wanted to talk about the ‘Power Up Bands’ according to a reporter Kurumi Mori who attended a press event the Power Up bands will sync with a smartphone app and track digital activities. According to Mori, the Power Up bands will allow guests to collect digital coins and compete against other attendees of the park. She also posted a few photos on twitter from the event which show what the bands and app will look like.
The mobile app looks as though it will feature a map for finding where the interactive points are plus where the attractions etc are. You’ll be able to create a profile and unlock achievements.

We see during the music video the main lady who is wearing a band reaches her hand up to a ‘?’ box, just like the third image below. This is an example of how the bands will be able to be used around the area. The easiest thing to compare it to is Tapu Tapu’s at Volcano Bay… you know, where you tap it to drench unsuspecting people floating down the lazy river with water. 😉
The Power Up bands will need to be purchased, like the interactive wands in the Wizarding World.

Mario Kart ride

We now know that the Mario Kart ride will be the Flagship ride in all of the Nintendo Worlds – Japan (2020) Hollywood (2021) Orlando (2023) and Singapore (2025)
Since it first came about in August 1992, a staggering 27 years ago it has continued to be a game that is loved and still played worldwide. Bringing it to life in its own world is a great move in my opinion. Finally, fans will be able to immerse themselves into the world of Mario Kart and race just like Mario and his friends do!
In the video we see a little clip of what looks like will be the Mario Kart ride:

I know it’s bad quality but it looks as though each kart will consist of 4 passengers – two at the front and two at the back.
From a video released by Theme Park Stop i’ve been able to see that there will be 2 tracks that will run side by side so it really feels like you’re racing the kart next to you. It will be a dark ride that uses a busbar system meaning that vehicles will get power from the track itself.
Riders will pass through scenes from famous tracks like Rainbow Road and Nintendo characters will ride up alongside you.. It has also been said that there will be less 3d screens than expected and more real size characters and props. – These are still just rumours as they have not yet been confirmed by Universal.
The details on this ride are still pretty shady but we’ll keep you updated when we find out any more information.

Yoshi’s Adventure

The Yoshi ride has been described as a family-friendly attraction where you get to ‘ride on the back’ (technically in) of the most beloved dinosaur in the world. The section I have circled below is where the Yoshi ride is rumoured to be. Guests will enter the ride through the Gold pipe at the bottom of the circle by the looks of things and it has also been said that the carts will come outside where riders will get spectacular views of Super Nintendo World!

It looks as though guests will enter Super Nintendo World through Peaches Castle which can be seen in the bottom left corner of the above image,
We’ve also spotted Bowsers Castle which looks like it will be another statement building in this world.

Now from all the information i’ve been able to gather, Super Nintendo World looks a bit more like ‘Super Mario World’ with only Mario and his friends making appearances.
Although we agree that Mario is Nintendo’s most famous franchise we are hoping to see the likes of Pokemon, Donkey Kong and Zelda in Orlando’s version.

What do you think of the power up bands and attractions set to be at Super Nintendo World?

Smiles Included

Abby

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Universal Orlando Reveal 2020 Mardi Gras Line Up

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Universal’s annual bead give away extravaganza is back! Whoop to the Whoop! Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 will run daily from Feb. 1 through to April 2. and will be the 25th consecutive year this awesome event has run.

Guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music, including world-renowned, chart-topping DJ and producer, Marshmello, the multi-platinum international star behind global smash-hits “Despacito” and “Échame La Culpa,” Luis Fonsi, and best-selling Americangirl group of all time, TLC, known for mega hits such as “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” “Creep” and “Unpretty.” For the complete line-up and performance schedule, see below.

Feb. 1The Roots
Feb. 8Karol G
Feb. 15Bell Biv DeVoe
Feb. 16+Live+
Feb. 22Kool & the Gang
Feb. 29TLC
March 7REO Speedwagon
March 8Dustin Lynch
March 13Luis Fonsi
March 14The All-American Rejects
March 15Diana Ross
March 20Chris Young
March 21Earth, Wind & Fire
March 22Marshmello
March 28Why Don’t We
March 29Gavin DeGraw

2020 Mardi Gras New Orleans Bands Lineup

Feb. 1 – Feb. 13Dirty Bourbon River Show
Feb. 14 – March 5Free Agents Brass Band
March 6 – March 21New Breed Brass Band
March 22 – April 2Naughty Professor Brass Band

Along with amazing bands, there’s also a party-themed Mardi Gras parade each night with floats, dancers and countless amounts of beads. 

Enjoy the sights, sounds and excitement of the parade every night of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras.

Parade starts at 6:00 pm on the following dates:
Feb 2 – Feb 7

Parade starts at 6:15 pm on the following dates:
Feb 9 – Feb 14
Feb 17 – Feb 21
Feb 23 – Feb 28
Mar 1 – Mar 6

Parade starts at 7:30 pm on the following dates:
Mar 9 – Mar 12
Mar 16 – Mar 19
Mar 23 – Mar 27
Mar 30 – Apr 2

Parade starts at 7:45 pm on the following dates:
Feb 1, 8, 15, 16, 22, 29
Mar 7, 8, 13-15, 20-22, 28-29

The best bit? If you have a 3 park explorer ticket purchased from our good selves then all the concerts with your 14 day period are free of charge!!

You can buy your 3 Park Universal Explorer tickets by clicking on the link.

Smiles included…

Jamie

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What does Universal Beijing tell us about Epic Universe?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

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..

  • Beijing
Epic Universe Orlando

Smiles Included,

Abby

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Food & Drinks at Halloween Horror Nights 2019

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Halloween Horror Nights – 6 Sep – 2 Nov, 2019

Now I don’t know if you know but Halloween Horror Nights isn’t all about being scared out your mind… Well it is but there’s also a lot of new food to talk about during HHN. So much so that I think it deserves its own blog!

You can find new and returning fan favourites including food and drink inspired by Ghostbusters, Stranger Things and more.

Stranger Things Food and Drink

Starcourt Mall – Located in tents outside Monster Cafe and Finnegan’s.

Get a taste of the Starcourt Mall with a variety of dishes inspired by iconic mall dining. Enjoy Grilled Street Corn and Nachos Queso Fundidio from Ole Amigo. Grab a bento box with an Orange Chicken Bao Bun, Szechuan Beef Pot Stickers and fried Wonton Chips, complete with ginger soy dipping sauce from the Imperial Panda. Or head over to Hawkins Heroes for a Turkey or Veggie Hero.


You can also grab dessert with chocolate dipped bacon on a stick and Pumpkin Patch Mini Donuts.

Halloween Horror Nights Chocolate Covered Bacon

Merrill’s Mini Pumpkin Doughnuts

Located in the tents outside Finnegan’s

Halloween Horror Nights Pumpkin Patch Donuts

Here you’ll get 11 mini doughnuts on a bed of cookie crumbles with a colourful frosting drizzle.

Triple Decker Extravaganza

Located in the San Francisco Bakery

This one is a fan favourite from last years Stranger Things food that has returned to tickle your tastebuds once more..

Halloween Horror Nights Triple Decker Extravaganza

A stack of delicious waffles, whipped cream and candy .

Sony Pictures Ghostbusters Ghost Trap Popcorn

Located at many popcorn carts

The perfect snack to fuel you on the go – a popcorn bucket inspired by the containment unit for ghosts for the proton pack from Sony Pictures Ghostbusters.

Halloween Horror Nights Ghost Trap Popcorn

Syrups and Waffles

Located at Gramercy Popcorn and Production Central Veranda

Image result for syrups and waffles universal
Photo: insideuniversal.net

This is a drink that has returned for its second year, complete with maple flavours and teeny tiny waffles on top.

More ‘eats and treats’

S’mores Fries
Located at KidZone Pizza Company

Sweet potato fries, marshmallow, chocolate chips and cracker crumbs.. personally i’m unsure on this one!

Halloween Horror Nights S'mores Fries

Pizza Fries
Located at KidZone Pizza Company

These are more up my street and a huge hit with HHN fans and i don’t really think it needs any more explaining than it’s pizza… on some fries!

Halloween Horror Nights Pizza Fries

Twisted Taters

Those mouth-watering potato swirls with your choice of sour cream & chive, garlic parmesan, seasoned salt, or salt & vinegar.

Image result for twisted taters universal

Candy Corn
Located at Gramercy Popcorn and Production Central Veranda

A Classic Halloween Candy in a sweet slushie!

Halloween Horror Nights Candy Corn

There are also four signature drinks this year inspired by classic 80s beverages, plus four souvenir cups to collect. (The souvenir cups will be a staggered release with a new one becoming available on a weekly basis)

  • Blood Pit – Vodka, blood orange sour, peach schnapps and orange juice.
  • Twilight Gateway – Tequila, watermelon schnapps, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine.
  • Vampires Curse – Spiced rum, fruit punch and sour mix.
  • Saturn – Gin, Falernum liqueur, passion fruit puree and sour mix.
Halloween Horror Nights Signature Drinks

So that’s a round up of some of the food and drink you can indulge on at HHN29.
Need more info about the houses, scare zones and shows at this years HHN? Then check this out.

Smiles included,

Abby

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Universal confirm additional date for HHN29!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Today Universal Orlando have confirmed that they are adding an extra event night to this years HHN29. Monday the 21st October at Universal Studios is now going to be full of zombies, vikings, monsters, ghosts, killer klowns and more and what’s even better is that if you already have a 2 night HHN ticket or a Frequent Fear pass the date it automatically included!

I think it’s fair to say that HHN29 is now in full swing with 7 event nights now under the belt and tonnes of reviews stating that this is the best HHN ever. If you’re a little late to the party then keep ready as i’m going to re-cap on everything we know..

Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling, people standing, people walking and outdoor

Oh and I nearly forgot to mention that our very own Gavin visited HHN the other week so I asked him to give us his favourite Scare Zone and House..

Gavin’s Favourite House: US – “This was the scariest house i’ve ever been in at any Halloween Horror Night event, and i’ve been to a few!”

Gavin’s Favourite Scare Zone: Zombieland – “My favourite Scare Zone because it gets your heart racing and you can laugh at all the unsuspecting passer by’s.”

Now I just want to add that it takes a lot for Gavin to be scared (or so he says) so for him to say that US is that scary must mean something!!
Me and Teresa couldn’t even watch the promo video for US without being terrified!! :O

Houses

Stranger Things
US
Universal Monsters
Ghostbusters
Killer Klowns From Outer Space
House of 1000 Corpses
Depths of Fear
Graveyard Games
Nightingales: Blood Pit
Yeti: Terror of the Yukon

Scare Zones

Zombieland Double Tap
Rob Zombie Hellbilly Deluxe
Anarch-cade
Vanity Ball
Vikings Undead

Image may contain: 1 person, standing and outdoor
Zombieland Double Tap

Shows

Halloween Marathon of Mayhem
Academy of Villains – Altered State

Rides

Don’t forget that some rides and attractions are still open during HHN!!

Transformers The Ride – 3d
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
Revenge of the Mummy
Men in Black Alien Attack
The Simpsons Ride
Fast and Furious Supercharged
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Image may contain: night
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

Have you been to HHN yet or are you visiting this year?? We’d love to know your favourite houses!!

Halloween Horror Nights 2019 – 6 Sep – 2 Nov, 2019

Screams included,

Abby

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Check Out These Universal Patents

Hey Thrill Seekers,

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…

What do you think these could be?

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Universal’s Epic Universe park Confirmed!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

The worst kept secret in the theme park industry is finally out!

Universal's Epic Universe Logo

Ever since Universal snapped up roughly 600 acres of land near Sand Lake Road the internet has been rife about what exactly they’d be doing with all this land.

Today Universal have confirmed that they are opening a 4th Gate.. ‘Universal’s Epic Universe’ and is Universal Orlando Resorts biggest investment to date. Word on the street is that Universal are claiming this to be more than ‘just another park’ and will promise a whole new resort with the layout concept being ‘all different’

Epic Universe will include hotels and shops and will be located on a large plot of land near the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Here is a sneaky image of the concept art..

First Look at Universal’s Epic Universe – Universal Orlando Resort’s Fourth Theme Park

‘Universal’s Epic Universe will be the biggest and best ever’ – Tom Williams, CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts.

Here’s what Universal had to say..

Epic. It’s a word that gets tossed around a lot in today’s day and age, though not one we use loosely. When we label something as epic, we want that experience to live up to the promise that the word makes. Which is why today we are elated to announce the addition of our fourth theme park, Universal’s Epic Universe, an experience genuinely worthy of its bold moniker.

Universal’s Epic Universe will offer an entirely new level of experiences that will forever redefine theme park entertainment. Guests will venture beyond their wildest imagination, traveling into beloved stories and through vibrant lands on adventures where the journey is as astounding as the destination. The new location will feature a theme park, an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants and more. Ultimately, this expansion will create more space and freedom to let loose and create lasting memories with the people you love.

Here is a proximity map that Universal have also released:

Universal's Epic Universe Map

Stay tuned for more updates as they come in!

Smiles included…

Abby

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Is This The Name Of Universal’s New Jurassic Coaster?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Although Universal haven’t confirmed anything the internet has been rife with rumours of a new coaster making its way to Islands of Adventure. These rumours have been boosted with the fact that Universal have boarded off large sections of the Jurassic area and construction companies have started work.

Today though the rumours have hit full blown hysteria as a trademark application has made its way mostly on to twitter showing that Universal have registered the name VELOCICOASTER

Yep not the most original choice for a dino ride but I guess it paints a pretty good picture of what you can expect.

What do you think of the proposed name?

Smiles included…

Jamie

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How Will Universal Manage The Crowds For Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure officially opens next week and we CANNOT wait!!!!! The hype for this new attraction is off the charts with the park expected to reach capacity, so how will Universal deal with the popularity?

942 Hagrids Magical Creatures and Motorbike Adventure 051019 Line Ride Vehicle Interiors Exteriors Scope Shots

Well they’ve actually put quite a bit of thought into this and today have confirmed that they will be using a virtual queue system. Here’s the deets;

Virtual Line: Beginning June 14, there may be times when Universal’s team members ask guests to join the Virtual Line on The Official Universal Orlando Resort App to experience Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. This will allow you to enjoy other attractions in the park until it’s your time to join the queue.

Step 1: Prior to your arrival, download The Official Universal Orlando Resort App

Step 2: Once you’re in Islands of Adventure, open the app and tap the icon for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. From there, select how many people are in your party, and then select a return time to join the queue. Please note that you have to be in the park in order to secure a return time.

Step 3: Enjoy the other amazing experiences across Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios until your return time arrives.

Step 4: Upon your return time, head to the designated attraction entrance, where you will wait for your ride. The remainder of your wait time will be posted at the entrance when you arrive. All you have to do is scan your Virtual Line pass on your mobile device, and then you’re ready to join the queue.

Simple hey! For those of you who have been to Volcano Bay you’ll recognise how this virtual queue works. Its a great idea to manage what will be a very busy day!

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Universal Orlando Confirm Holiday Dates

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Yep now Easter is over it means Christmas is just around the corner… kind of… so with that in mind Universal have confirmed their seasonal dates.

Visit from November 16, 2019, to January 5, 2020, to experience a one–of–a–kind holiday.

Don’t just get merry. Add a dash of mischief as you enjoy this resort-wide celebration. Enjoy the views, shows, and food during Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Experience Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. 

 Watch the live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale starring The Grinch in The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.  

Check out this video for allllll the info (that we have so far) 😉

Smiles Included,

Abby