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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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Universal announce new Lagoon Show ‘Halloween Marathon of Mayhem’

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So just when we though we had ALLLLLL the Halloween Horror Nights news that we needed, Universal hit us with a brand new event that is heading to HHN this year!

A brand spanking new lagoon show is debuting at Studios just for HHN (6th September – 2nd November )…

HALLOWEEN MARATHON OF MAYHEM

New “Halloween Marathon of Mayhem” Lagoon Show Coming to Halloween Horror Nights

Watch as the lagoon transforms with a spectacle of neon and synth, featuring iconic scenes from top horror films, cult classics and TV shows in “Halloween Marathon of Mayhem”.

The Lagoon is going to light up with iconic scenes from the following:
Stranger Things
Ghostbusters
Universal Monsters
Killer Klowns from Outer Space

The show will feature a blend of fountain based media, state of the art tech and special effects in a ‘new way’.

This is one 80’s nightmare you won’t want to miss.

Show times each event night are 10PM, 11PM and 12AM.

This is a verrrryyyy cool addition to Halloween Horror Nights in my opinion!

What do you guys think of this?

Stay tuned for more information on Halloween Marathon of Mayhem!

Screams Included,

Abby

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Universal Announce Graveyard Games Haunted House Awakens For Halloween Horror Nights 29

Hey Thrill Seekers,

You wait around all month for a HHN29 and then two come along. Hot of the release of Us Universal have today announced Graveyard Games Haunted House Awakens.

Here’s what you can expect;

In the Ascension Parish Cemetery, it’s normal to find teens playing amongst the tombstones. You’ll find yourself witnessing the repercussions of the disrespectful antics of two teens who have awakened the spirits of the dead. As you roam through the cemetery, you’ll wind through dark mausoleums and decaying piles of coffins.

Ghosts of every shape and form will rise from the tombstones to exact their revenge as you try to escape the maze of crumbling tombstones and mausoleums. Skeletal beings, ghastly apparitions and vengeful spirits will try to drag you to the grave. And in the end, you’ll find out what happened to those who set out to deface the cemetery.

Before you enter the haunted house, take the opportunity to chat with a few of the local teens and storytellers of the town. All you need is your phone and open Facebook Messenger to the Halloween Horror Nights page. Here you’ll learn the history and spooky legends the cemetery keeps. Better to be prepared for what awaits than finding yourself coming to a “dead” end.

The interactive element sounds amazing and I can’t wait to visit. You can buy Halloween Horror Night Tickets from Orlando Attraction Tickets where you’ll be able to visit haunted houses such as Stranger Things, Us, Ghostbusters and Killer Klowns from Outta Space.

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Interview With Patrick Braillard About Halloween Horror Nights 29

Hey Thrill Seekers,

On Monday Abby and Gavin were invited to a secret event in London to discuss all things Halloween Horror Nights with Patrick Braillard, Creative Development Show Director and Writer at Universal Orlando.

Here’s what happened;

We’d like to thank Patrick for the opportunity to interview him and the energy he brought even though he was horribly jet lagged.

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Universal Confirm Killer Klowns From Outer Space House For HHN29

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Well Gavin guessed one right last week with Universal confirming Ghostbusters for Halloween Horror Nights and this time its Abby who correct guessed that Universal would be taking a popular scare zone from HHN28 and turning it into a house.

That’s right, Universal have confirmed that Killer Klowns from Outer Space will be part of HHN29.

Patrick Braillard, Creative Development Show Director for Universal stated at a secret media event on Monday that Killer Klowns from Outer Space was the most photographed IP at HHN28 and this led to the creative team dedicating a house this year.

The maze will be based around a circus style tent and will feature 3 new Klowns that were not part of last years event and will include KLOWNZILLA a 18 foot Klown that guarantees scares.

Here’s what Universal had to say;

Go beyond the mayhem and madness of last year’s wildly popular scare zone and step right up for an entire haunted house experience based on the cult classic film, Killer Klowns from Outer Space. This new experience will feature a gaggle of new characters including the baby Klowns, Boco, and Klownzilla, as well as new scenery like the Klowns’ circus-tent spaceship, and the cotton candy cocoon storage room where they keep their victims.

Throughout the house your sense of fear will be triggered by your sense of smell as you encounter strong whiffs of familiar fairground fare like sweet cotton candy, stale buttery popcorn and ice cream. Don’t be fooled though, these otherwise pleasant aromas are a sign of the murderous gang of klowns that awaits you as you move from scene to scene.

Try to evade them or you’re likely to end up captured in one of their cotton candy cocoons and doomed to a terrible fate. There will be no escaping the big teeth of the Big Top.

Killer Klowns joins Stranger Things, Ghostbusters, Yeti – Terror of the Yukon, Depths of Fear, Universal Monsters and Nightingales: Blood Pit

Halloween Horror Nights will include 10 houses, 5 scare zones and 2 houses.

Screams included…

Jamie

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Universal Confirm Ghostbusters For HHN29

Hey Thrill Seekers,

You know that one bloke in your office who’s proper smug cos he happened to guess 1 Halloween Horror Nights house correct in 10 years… well that guy today is Gavin who on OAT Live 44 correctly stated that Universal would have a Ghostbusters House this year and today its confirmed.

Ghostbusters for those of a certain age is iconic and fits perfectly into this years theme which is the 1980’s.

Here’s what Universal had to say;

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, you’ll jump through the movie screen of the original 1984 film and walk through some of your favorite scenes like the New York Public Library, the Temple of Gozer and more.

In this haunted house, you’ll be transported to the streets of New York as the rift between worlds opens, releasing ghoulish spirits, hideous specters and ectoplasm-dripping phantasms in every shape and size. Come face-to-face with the voracious Slimer, the all-power Gozer the Gozerian, Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man and more.

Peter, Ray, Egon and Winston will have to save the day as these paranormal creatures materialize in unexpected places – but will their proton packs be enough?

Ghostbusters joins Stranger Things, Universal Monsters, Yeti: Terror of the Yukon, Nightingales: Blood Pit and Depths of Fear

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Universal Confirm Mardi Gras Line up

Hey Thrill Seekers,

As has become the norm as soon as we either start or finish an episode of OAT Live one of the parks inevitably releases some new information and yesterdays episode was no different.

Universal have confirmed the 2019 Mardi Gras line up and its a good one. Running from Feb. 9th until April 4th at Universal Studios Florida you can expect nightly parades, live concerts, Cajun cuisine and beads, soooo many beads!

Although Universal are rightly proud of the food and parades its the live music that guest generally go mad for, this year the line up currently includes;

Concert Lineup

  • February 9 – BUSH
  • February 16 – Gavin DeGraw
  • February 17 – Dan + Shay
  • February 23 – Macklemore
  • March 2 – To be announced
  • March 9 – Becky G
  • March 10 – Sean Paul
  • March 16 – Steve Miller Band
  • March 17 – Ziggy Marley
  • March 23 – NF
  • March 24 – Pitbull
  • March 30 – To be announced
  • March 31 – To be announced

I mean who doesn’t love a bit of Sean Paul.

New Nighttime Parade Theme

During Mardi Gras you can expect to see a parade like no other including 12 floats, colourful dancers, stilt performers, oh and de we mention beads!!! Soooo many beads! This year’s new theme is right up OAT’s street as its called Party Animals! You’ll see floats and performers dressed as their spirit animals from all over the world like the arctic, jungle, ocean, swamp and more. I think my spiritual animal is probably a Sloth… totally built for parties…

French Quarter Food and Drinks

Universal have also confirmed that The French Quarter Courtyard is getting a new culinary twist this year. All food and drinks will be served in tasting sizes. You’ll now be able to enjoy a variety of the New Orleans dishes during your visit.

To add to the excitement, the culinary team has whipped up new and returning fan-favorite food and drink options. We’re talking beignets, frog legs, crab etouffee, and crawfish! Plus, we’re going to have a signature Mardi Gras cocktail, craft beer flights and more.

French Quarter Entertainment Lineup

You can’t have the French Quarter Courtyard without the beats of the Big Easy. Catch these authentic New Orleans bands performing daily in the French Quarter.

  • February 9 – 17: Dirty Bourbon River Show
  • February 18 – 27: Naughty Professor Brass Band
  • February 28 – March 18: Free Agents Brass Band featuring Honey Bannister
  • March 19 – April 4: New Breed Brass Band

The best bit, if you’ve purchased a Universal 3 park explorer ticket from Orlando Attraction Tickets you’ll have access to this event for FREE….

Smiles included…

Jamie

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Stranger Things Day at Universal Studios!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Universal have just announced one of the coolest things EVER.

Tuesday November the 6th was the day that Will Byers disappeared and on the same day this year you are invited to join the search party for Will by taking on the HHN Stranger Things house during the day! From 11am – 7pm anyone in Universal Studios will have the chance to walk through the house for one last time!

There will also be speciality food and beverage options at Benny’s Burger Tent, San Fran Pastry and Boulangerie.

Step into the shoes of Mike, Dustin, and Lucas as you venture into The Upside Down with the help of Eleven to rescue Will from the clutches of the Demogorgon.

This is such a cool idea!! Who’s going?!

Smiles Included,

Abby

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What to expect from Super Nintendo World

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Due to the recent news that Super Nintendo Worlds at Universal Japan and Hollywood are now under construction, an image recently posted by Ladbible has intrigued us here at OAT. Even though the below image looks like a Disney map with stuff added on and the fact it doesn’t have the right logo or name that Universal have released for the Japan version we’ve taken some inspiration from it..

We’re pretty certain that there will be a Mario Kart and Donkey Kong attraction and a little bit confident that there will be a Pac-Man attraction. We have also thought about what other IP would be available such as Animal Crossing, Pokemon and Zelda but the image has nodded toward a Mii Plaza and a lot more attractions based on Super Mario such as a Mushroom Kingdom, Luigi Mansion and a Toad ride – all of which are cool ideas but not yet confirmed.

Universals own words about the 3 worlds coming to Japan, Hollywood and Orlando show that this is a huge project.

  • These will be expansive, immersive and interactive. They’ll be highly themed and authentic environments filled with multiple attractions, shops and restaurants.
  • You’ll feel as if you’re playing inside your favourite games – in real life.
  • There will be something for everyone—regardless of their age or gaming experience level.
  • Planning and creative work on these areas is well underway; they will open separately over the next several years.

The goal of everyone on this project is clear: to bring the characters, action and adventure of Nintendo video games to life within Universal theme parks. And to do so in new and innovative ways that capture what makes them so special. All of the adventure, fun and whimsy you experience through a screen will now be all around you – in breathtakingly authentic ways.

Dan Kilne, when speaking with The Motley Fool raised the same point that has been going around for a few months now about where the Orlando Nintendo world will go.

Right now, at the Universal Studios location in Japan, they’re actually already under construction on what’s called Nintendo Land. It’s a handful of rides. They’ve been very secretive. We know there’ll be a Mario Kart ride. Think of it like the Star Wars expansion at Disney, a very immersive land, a big deal. In Orlando, they’ve said, “We are going to build out Nintendo properties.” But they’ve been very cagey about where. The rumors had always been at the original Universal Studios. There’s a kids’ area that’s a little bit lifeless, it would make sense. But then, about a month ago, it became public that Universal Studios is building a fourth gate, another theme park, and they’ve amassed a big chunk of land to do that. So, it’s very logical to think that Nintendo is going to be the cornerstone, the Harry Potter, of this new theme park. And maybe there’ll be something tying it to one of the other theme parks, like the train ties the two Harry Potter Worlds together to help sell multi-day tickets. This is a risk for Universal and a huge win for Nintendo, because they’re getting the licensing fee whether it’s an instant success or not.

I like the idea of another Hogwarts Express type ride to connect the new park too!

As always, we will keep you updated if Universal release any concrete info 🙂

Smiles Included,

Abby

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First look at the Stranger Things house

Hey Thrill Seekers!

Today is a good day! Universal have given us a sneak peak into the Stranger Things house…

From the moment you step inside, you’re going to feel as if you have become a part of the show. The team has recreated all the fan-favorite, iconic scenes from Season 1 in sets that rival the show. The detail is incredible from the Upside Down to the creation of the Demogorgon (which we’re going to leave for you to discover when you come to the event). There are even intricate details that only a hardcore Stranger Things fan would recognize (again, going to let you find those for yourself!)

So Universal have given us an insight…. but not too much has been given away to spoil it. Perfect. Check out the cool images and video that they’ve released..

Eeeeeeekk!

Screams Included,

Jess