Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Page 2 – Orlando Attraction Tickets blog

January 23, 2017

Top Secrets at Universal Studios

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Most of the parks have their own little secrets which lots of people may know about. If you don’t know about them, I’ll fill you in, but remember…it’s a secret!!

Let’s start off with Universal Studios:

To enter into either of the Universal parks you have to go through CityWalk anyway, once you’re in, head over to Blue Man Group and you will see a little single entrance with barely any queue with staff members there to scan your ticket to head straight into Universal Studios.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem has real banana trees grown outside..why? Because minions love bananas of course!

Hollywood Rip Ride Rock It allows you to choose your own song from the list each time you ride, but did you know you can play a secret song?! Simply hold down the logo for 10 seconds and enter in any 3 digit code for your secret song to begin!

Over at the Revenge of the Mummy, there is a hidden statue of King Kong just inside, paying tribute to the original attraction. So he never actually left, he was just hiding!

Let’s shoot down some of the parade path over to Men In Black: Alien Attack. If you get there on a busy day and end up queuing, try jiggling some of the handles on the laboratories…

If it’s a quiet day, ask a team member for a tour of the ground floor of the immigration room. They may or may not be kind enough to do this with you! 😉

It’s time for the bit you’ve all been looking forward to, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Here at Universal Studios you’re in Diagon Alley representing London. If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to spot Kreacher the house elf peeping out over Diagon Alley.

Traditional red telephone boxes through Diagon Alley have their own little magic trick. You can go in and dial 62442 (MAGIC) and be transferred through to the Ministry of Magic!

If you look closely you might also notice there’s a few references to Jaws throughout Diagon Alley such as the the record shop has a record in the window titled ‘Here’s to swimming with bow legged women’. There’s also telescopes made of jaws and a set of jaws inside the window of the apothecary shop.

If you’re looking to experience Harry Potter and the Escape to Gringott’s then you will get to see all of the goblins hard at work. If you get the chance, talk to Griphook the head goblin and ask him questions. Maybe even ask him about the dragon! 😉

Now that you’ve escaped the safest place on Earth, why not take a trip on the Hogwarts Express over to Hogsmeade?!

There’s lots to look out as you walk through the queue area but don’t miss platform 9 3/4 because you can actually walk through the wall!!

So there’s some of the secrets that I know of! Do you have any that haven’t been mentioned?

Smiles Included…

Louise

January 19, 2017

More Details About Universal’s A Celebration of Harry Potter Are Out

Hey Thrill Seekers,

A celebration of Harry Potter is becoming a big deal for Universal now in its fourth year the event is going from strength to strength. This years event will take place from the 27th Jan until the 29th.

Below is this year schedule;

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Harry Potter™ Expo
9am – 5pm | Soundstage 33 and 21
Movie in the Park
10am – 12:30pm | Music Plaza Stage
Movie in the Park
1:30pm – 4pm | Music Plaza Stage
Opening Night Event
7:15pm – 8:15pm | Music Plaza Stage

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017

Harry Potter™ Expo
9am – 3:30pm | Soundstage 33 and 21
Kids’ Dance Like a Beauxbatons, Battle Like a Durmstrang
10am – 10:30am | Music Plaza Stage
WB Studio Tour London – Discover the secrets behind Creature Effects with Nick
Dudman & Warwick Davis
10am – 10:30am | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheatre
Harry Potter™ Trivia
11am -11:30am | Music Plaza Stage
Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris (Kids)
11:30am – 12pm | Music Plaza Stage
MinaLima: Graphic Design for the Harry Potter™ Films with MinaLima
11:30am – 12pm | Music Plaza Stage
Harry Potter™ Trivia
1:30pm – 2pm | Music Plaza Stage
Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris (All Levels)
2pm – 2:30pm | Music Plaza Stage
Stories From The Exhibition: Taking the Audio-Tour Experience to the World
3pm – 3:30pm | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheatre
Harry Potter™ Film Talent Q&A
4pm – 4:45pm | Music Plaza Stage
An Interview with Mary GrandPré
4:15pm – 4:45pm | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheatre
House Rally Meet-Up (Costume Contest)
5:30pm – 6pm | Music Plaza Stage
Evening Tribute
6:45pm – 7:45pm | Music Plaza Stage

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2017

Harry Potter™ Expo
9am – 5pm | Soundstage 33 and 21
Kids’ Dance Like a Beauxbatons, Battle Like a Durmstrang
10am – 10:30am | Music Plaza Stage
MinaLima: Graphic Design for the Harry Potter™ Films with MinaLima
10am – 10:30am | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheatre
Harry Potter™ Trivia
11am -11:30am | Music Plaza Stage
Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris (Kids)
11:30am – 12pm | Music Plaza Stage
Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris (All Levels)
2pm – 2:30pm | Music Plaza Stage
Stories From The Exhibition: Taking the Audio-Tour Experience to the World
2:30pm – 3pm | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheatre
Harry Potter™ Trivia
3pm – 3:30pm | Music Plaza Stage
WB Studio Tour London – Discover the secrets behind Creature Effects with Nick Dudman & Warwick Davis
4pm – 4:30pm | Toon Lagoon™ Amphitheatre
Harry Potter™ Film Talent Q&A
5:30pm – 6:15pm | Music Plaza Stage

Soundstage 21
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter™
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Pottermore

Soundstage 33
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter™
MinaLima
Stories from Harry Potter™: The Exhibition
Scholastic
Universal Parks and Resorts™

Where will you head?

Smiles included…

Jamie

January 14, 2017

What’s Next For The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

To say Universal’s partnership with JK Rowling has been successful would be a massive understatement! Many people put the rise of Universal solely in the Wizards robes and the evidence is pretty hard to ignore with attendances rising since its introduction. So it only makes sense that Universal will look to expand this area.

Back in 2015 Jamie wrote a piece about what he’d like to see introduced to the Wizarding World and the majority of this article still stands. So I’ll try to steer away from the same answers apart from the Ministry of Magic, this rumour doesn’t seem to want to go away…

Ministry of Magic

As some of you may already know, if you head inside one of the famous red telephone boxes and dial MAGIC (62442) you’ll be answered with a message stating ‘the ministry of magic is not open’ on that day which to me, is a little clue that maybe one day it will be…

There has been loads and loads of rumours surrounding “phase 3” and the Ministry of Magic – the largest rumour being that Fear Factor Live is going to be demolished to make way for London.. and the centre of the British magical community’s government. To place it here would mean it would be an expansion of Diagon Alley and not a third Wizarding World attraction. Universal don’t do things by halves though and I would still expect new rides, shops and food places if this were to happen.

I’ve had a little think about what sort of attraction could appear along with the Ministry of Magic and I think it would be something along the lines of battles within the Ministry of Magic, fighting off dementors , watching a duel between Professor Dumbledore and Lord Voldermort or as Jamie mentioned in his previous blog – more interactive wand opportunities and maybe even classes for young Wizard and Witches.

All of the talk and hype about this potentially happening will hopefully give Universal a push to maybe confirming the rumours to be true? 😉

New Universal Park?

Now, I bet if we ran a poll to ask what you would want a new Universal park to be based on, I would be very confident in saying a Harry Potter themed park would be top of that list.

As you probably already know, Universal have purchased a whole load of land – around 450 acres which is approx 25 minutes away from the current Universal parks. If a new Harry Potter land was placed here I reckon the majority of Universal guests wouldn’t mind making the journey down I-Drive to the new park if it’s as good as the others!!

The question on everyone’s lips is if it’s going to be a Harry Potter park then what would it be based on? I think Ministry of Magic is out the picture and Hogwarts Castle and Diagon Alley have already been done. Maybe, just maybe they might not stay in the ‘United Kingdom’…

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them… The film is set in 1920’s New York where wizards are being hunted by descendants of the Salem Witch Trial perpetrators and a range of magical and rare exotic beasts have been let loose. The Fantastic Beasts concept is definitely a great one and a rumoured two additional films could lead to tons of content and ideas for a new park. I – Drive could act as the Atlantic Ocean from U.K to U.S.A and maybe wont make the journey from park to park feel as boring. :-p

It doesn’t look as though anything will be open until the 2020’s though so I guess it’s another waiting game.

Dragon Challenge

There has been some speculation regarding the Dragon Challenge ride being replaced so I have taken it upon myself to do a bit of thinking (I know!) as to what it could be replaced with.

My favourite idea is Azkaban being incorporated into an attraction.. A prison that’s supposed to be impossible to escape from on a solitary island in the North Sea and guarded by dementors – How cool would being able to breach Azkaban’s walls be, especially for Halloween events! – Maybe a 3D ride where you can drive around the prison, maybe even use the interactive wand concept. Although this could lead to a pretty scary ride for the younger ones and as Dragon Challenge was a thrilling roller-coaster maybe it could be making way for a all new, improved coaster.

Another idea is that it could be replaced with a Triwizard Tournamant ride.. Dragon Challenge was said to ‘honour the first task of the Triwizard Tournament so if they’re wanting to stay within that theme then any type of ride could become of the Triwizard theme – the possibilities are pretty much endless. Here are some ideas; a race through the maze (from the third task), a ride through the forest to look at the dragons, a black lake based ride or maybe even something based on the other schools arriving to the tournament in their own magical ways.. Beaxbatons – in a carriage pulled by Abraxan horses and Durmstrang on a magical ship.

There’s just a few ideas, it really could be anything but who doesn’t love a bit of hearsay. What would you want a new ride to be?

Now none of these have been confirmed just yet, it’s just some things that we would like to see come to Universal, the interest in Harry Potter doesn’t seem to be diminishing at all and while the interest is high, Universal will do its best to give the public what they want.

Smiles Included,

Jess

January 3, 2017January 3, 2017

New Night-time Show Coming To The Wizarding World?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Happy New Year.. and what better way to start the year but with a good old rumour! On Christmas Eve the excellent Screamscape dropped a Potter bomb in the shape of a predicted new night-time show which they believe will take place at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

The idea being very similar to the opening ceremony that took place in 2016 for Universal Hollywood’s own Wizarding World of Harry Potter, that a look here.

You’ll note the amazing music and fireworks but the standout for me is the huge improvement in adding computer graphics that are imprinted on to the Hogwarts Castle, the brilliants lions of Gryffindor that come to life and the way they allow you to take a sneak peak into the castle itself is simply breath-taking.

As an amateur photographer the idea of capturing some of that imagery is mouth watering and I hope this is truly something Universal are looking into. A quick look at Universal’s jobs website gives me hope 🙂

Obviously this doesn’t confirm anything and Universal are keeping schtum but I am considering ironing my Hufflepuff robes!

There is one thing that concerns me slightly, have you ever been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Its small, its designed that way on purpose to give it the real feel that JK Rowling insisted on and although it works perfectly in creating the correct ambiance it wont be so good for large crowds of people waiting to watch the show.

But hey, these kind of conundrums are why the brains at Universal get paid the big bucks! Is a night time Wizarding World of Harry Potter show something you guys would be interested in?

Smiles included…

Jamie

August 9, 2016August 9, 2016

NBCUniversal Acquires Rights to J. K. Rowling’s Wizarding World Franchise

Hey Thrill Seekers,

For those of you that like to keep up on the latest developments in the theme park world there was a very interesting development yesterday that could have an impact on content within the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks.

NBCUniversal announced an exclusive deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution for broadcast and cable network television rights in the United States to all of the films in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World franchise. Beginning July 1, 2018, all eight HARRY POTTER films can be seen on NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment’s USA Network and Syfy in a deal that also gives rights to air the films across all NBCUniversal television networks. The agreement includes exclusive basic cable rights to the new FANTASTIC BEASTS films – the first of which releases early November 2016. In addition, the partnership incorporates exclusive content and events for the Universal theme parks.

I’m sure you’re fascinated by this but what exactly does this have to do with Theme Parks I hear you cry?…

Well, In addition to the digital and broadcast tie up this deal will allow Universal Orlando to explore a range of new opportunities including fan events, movie screenings and promotional activities tied to the “Harry Potter” franchise and the upcoming “Fantastic Beasts” film series.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, along with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort, have become global entertainment phenomena. They offer guests immersive, expansive environments complete with innovative attractions, shops and restaurants. The lands bring the films to life in an entirely new way and immerse guests in the adventures of Harry Potter. Universal worked closely with J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. to create the areas to ensure they are as authentic as possible.

We will keep an eye on this as it develops – we’d love to see some Fantastic Beasts content…hint, hint 🙂

Smiles Included…

Karl

February 23, 2016

Sugarplums Sweetshop Now Open At Universal’s Diagon Alley

Hey Thrill Seekers,

I kept meaning to post about this but Star Wars kind of got in the way and then our good friend Geoff but for those of you who love a bit of Harry Potter I’m pleased to be able to share a little bit of information regarding Universal’s new addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley.

From today visitors can get there sugar hit by visiting Sugarplums Sweetshop, its sells everything from Chocolate Frogs to Butterbeer Fudge, there’s something every wizard can enjoy!

Sugarplum’s has many of your favorite sweets from the wizarding world including some new treats like Butterbeer Fudge and Pumpkin Cakes.

And you’ll definitely want to pick up some Fizzing Whizzbees, Exploding Bonbons and Pepper Imps.

Sugarplum’s Sweetshop is located where Shutterbutton’s used to be in Carkitt Market behind Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes and Quality Quidditch Supplies. You can now find Shutterbutton’s next to Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions.

I’m practically salivating already!!! Which sweets are you going to try first?

Smiles included…

Jamie

January 4, 2016

10 Things You Have To Do When You Visit The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Hey Thrill Seekers,

When you head to Orlando there are some bits you have to do… You have to visit Disney and get a picture in front of the castle. You have to visit SeaWorld and visit the Penguins and you have to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is seriously incredible, the attention to detail at both parks is simply breath taking. Here are my top 10 things you have to do when you visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

The original Harry Potter ride is not for the faint stomached, situated in Hogsmeade this ride continually scores highly with our customers.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

A mixture of coaster and 3D, this ride has proven extremely popular and is a must for any muggle.

The Hogwarts Express

Linking the 2 Potter lands via the Hogwarts Express was a stroke of genius. Telling two separate stories depending on which way you travel simply sit back and be amazed at how awesome it is.

Ollivanders

You’ll need a wand and where is the best place to purchase a wand? Well Ollivanders obviously. This experience is so well done, its aimed a children but is equalling entertaining for adults as well. The premise is Ollivander helping a lucky Wizard to pick the wand that suits them best.. .Remember its the wand that picks the Wizard!

The Dragon

When the Dragon breathes fire everybody stops! Perched atop of Gringotts Bank this fire breathing behemoth is a selfie must!

Interactive Wands

You’ve been to Ollivanders you’ve got your Wand, well now its time to use it! One of the best things you’ll see at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is children using their wands. At certain places shown on a map, provided with the wand you can cast spells! A flick and a swish and you’re a Wizard Harry.

Butterbeer

You’re not a Wizard unless you’ve tasted Butterbeer, its definitely not to everyone’s taste but you’ve got to try it in one of its forms be it hot, cold or the original.

Borgin and Burkes

A favourite of any Slytherin Wizard, Borgin and Burkes offers Wizards everything their dark hearts could desire. Definitely worth a walk around Knockturn Alley.

Tales of Beedle the Bard

Its not just rides at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this brilliant put together marionette show is well worth watching. The show tells the story of 3 brothers who cheat death as per the Potter books.

The Knight Bus

One of the more iconic images from the books and films is the flexible Knight Bus. You’ll find the conductor and the Shrunken head in the London part of Diagon Alley, here you can have a chat with both! Its worth experiencing and seeing what the head says to you!

Universal have truly set the bar high when it comes to immersing yourself into a land. I love both Wizarding parks and could easily spend the day exploring both.

What’s your hightlight?

Smiles included…

Jamie

October 29, 2015

Why Universal Will Continue To Expand The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Hey Thrill Seekers,

On June 18th 2010 when Universal officially opened the gates to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter no one could have predicted just how successful the new land would be.

Yesterday Comcast (the owners of Universal) released their quarter 3 results. For the third quarter of 2015, revenue from their Theme Park offering increased 14.1% to $896 million compared to $786 million in the third quarter of 2014, reflecting higher guest attendance and per capita spending. Third quarter operating cash flow increased 14.1% to $458 million compared to $402 million in the same period last year, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support new attractions and $18 million of transaction-related costs associated with the development of a theme park in China.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 22.9% to $2.3 billion compared to $1.9 billion in 2014. Operating cash flow increased 31.8% to $1.1 billion compared to $816 million in the first nine months of 2014.

There are few factors that have contributed to the increase and Comcast mentioned Fast and Furious: Supercharged at their Hollywood park as an example which will also be making its way to Florida in 2017.

However the major factor has been the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. The increase in guest spending has a lot to do with Harry Potter merchandise from Wizarding Robes and Interactive Wands to Butterbeer and Chocolate Frogs. The Harry Potter IP has been an absolute cash cow for Universal and this is why I believe Universal will continue to expand the Wizarding World… Money talks.

If you’re interested in what Universal might do next read this.

Smiles included…

Jamie

August 6, 2015August 6, 2015

Universal Confirm “A Celebration Of Harry Potter” Will Happen In 2016

Hey Thrill Seekers,

It’s no secret that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has done wonders for Universal Orlando. Historically deemed as a one day visit Harry Potter is one significant reason that the resort now requires a multi day visit. So its no surprise that Universal have a dedicated weekend for all things Potter.

The annual event called “A Celebration of Harry Potter” takes place generally at the end of January and boasts many stars from the original films. Take a look at this video detailing some of the higlights from earlier this year.

As you can see the event is extremely popular and packed full of Harry Potter fanatics. So its great that we’re able to confirm that “A Celebration of Harry Potter” will take place in 2016.

Yesterday Universal Orlando confirmed that the event will start on Friday January 29th and finish on Sunday 31st. Details of what or who will attend are yet to be announced but you can be assured Universal will try their utmost to better this years effort. Here’s what they had to say;

Be a part of A Celebration of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando^® Resort. Take part in all-new experiences as well as returning fan favorites such as film talent Q&A sessions, special panels and demonstrations, A Celebration of Harry Potter™ Expo, and more

We’ll keep you updated when we hear more.

Smiles included…

Jamie

June 24, 2015June 24, 2015

Happy 5th Birthday The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter! What’s Next?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Hard to believe, but last week The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade celebrated its 5th birthday! Located in Universal’s Orlando Resort at Islands of Adventure there is no denying that this Harry Potter themed land really raised the bar!

J.K. Rowling herself had final approval on all aspects of the land even down to the taste of the Butterbeer and this attention to detail plus Harry Potter’s popularity made it a massive success.

The obvious step was to extend the Wizarding World and hence last year we were treated to stage 2, Diagon Alley. Diagon Alley followed on from where Hogsmeade left off. Again the attention to detail was amazing but the introduction of interactive wands and the Hogwarts Express took it to a whole new level!

But what’s next? I asked members of the Orlando Attraction Tickets team what they’d like to see next at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Rachel

I love the Hogwarts Express its such a clever way of linking the two parks together but I’m a thrill seeker… what I’d love to see is a second option to get from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade. In the books (and films) Ron and Harry make their own way to Hogwarts by using Arthur Weasley’s Flying Ford Anglia! Its a crazy ride with lots of twists and turns perfect for a roller coaster!…

Frank

I’d like to see them add a Wizard Duelling stage show. A mixture of live action and special effects. Similar to what they do at The Blue Man show. I love all the attractions and rides but some live entertainment wouldn’t go amiss.

Jamie

With Wet N’ Wild closing at the end of 2016 and conjecture suggesting it will make way for a hotel I’d love to see the new hotel themed as Hogwarts Castle. All the rooms could be themed as per the house you book i.e Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Ravenclaw! The main restaurant could be like the main Hall featured in the films.

Imagine the look on childrens faces when they entered a real life Hogwarts Castle!

Kelly

I really like the Knight Bus, I think it could be a pretty simple but cool ride. I was thinking along the lines of the Simpson’s Ride, a 3d experience where you zig zag in and out of London.

Louise

I’d like them to be able to provide us with brooms that actually fly!!!

There’s always one!!!!

Who knows what the future of the Wizarding World holds in store for us Muggles but one things for sure… it will be exciting

Smiles included…

Jamie