Sept. 30-Oct. 3 Starship starring Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)
Oct. 4-6 En Vogue (“Free Your Mind”)
Oct. 7-8 Better Than Ezra (”Good”)
Oct. 9-11 Sister Hazel (“All for You”)
Oct. 12-13 Kool & The Gang (“Celebration”)
Oct. 14-16 Spyro Gyra (“Morning Dance”)
Oct. 17-18 Jon Secada (“Just Another Day”)
Oct. 19-20 Sister Sledge (”We Are Family”)
Oct. 21-22 Vanessa Carlton (”A Thousand Miles”)
Oct. 23-25 Taylor Dayne (”Tell It to My Heart”)
Oct. 26-28 Boyz II Men (“Motownphilly”)
Oct. 29-31 John Waite (”Missing You”)
Nov. 1-2 Taylor Hicks (“Do I Make You Proud”)
Nov. 3-5 Billy Ocean (”Caribbean Queen”)
Nov. 6-8 Los Lobos (“La Bamba”)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Epcot International Food and Wine festival
Imagine setting a table that stretches for than more than a mile - 1.2 miles to be exact. Epcot executive chef Jens Dahlmann knew that preparing for the 14th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, which starts next Friday, was a daunting challenge.
But guest and cast feedback from past festivals made his objective clear.
"My goal became authenticity and fresh looks at these cuisines," says Dahlmann. "We are showcasing the world, so we need true tastes of the world. And the fact is, we have that essential knowledge within our immense and diverse culinary team."
Dahlmann held internal cook-offs to fine-tune dishes he knew he wanted on the 2009 menu. "It gave everyone on the culinary team a chance at taking ownership of this event."
From the cook-offs he selected staff-refined dosas (crepe-like street food with veggie fillings) for the Indian kiosk and an arroz con pollo (a chicken and rice dish) for the Puerto Rican kiosk.
He also rethought how the food was presented. At some kiosks in the past, desserts weren't fast sellers.
"Sometimes guests are more interested in savory not sweet. Moet & Chandon's champagne kiosk, located at the entrance to the World Showcase promenade, was a perfect place to add classic European confections," he said. "Individual kiosks will still offer a sweet treat. But this year, as guests pass by the sparkling wine, they now have an appropriate food pairing."
They also have added an $8 price tag to the 45-minute culinary demos and wine seminars at the Festival Welcome Center, which were free in previous years. Dahlmann said the idea to charge for those events actually came from guest feedback.
"A ticket guarantees a seat," he said.
In the welcome center, a state-of-the-art kitchen demonstration stage is replacing the trade-show feel of past culinary demos. Among the celebrity guests and authors scheduled to take that stage are Jamie Deen and Bobby Deen (check out my conversation with Paula's sons in Wednesday's Cooking & Eating section), Patti LaBelle, Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Suvir Saran and Andrea Immer Robinson.
At the pricey but always fab Party for the Senses, held every Saturday night throughout the festival, guests who like VIP attention can tack on $75 to the $135 cost for admission to the Wine View Lounge. The exclusive seating area has private tables, a premium bar and an artisanal cheese station.
"And they will be greeted with a signature wild-hibiscus sparkling wine," says Dahlmann. The petals of the ruby flowers unfurl as they are tickled by the bubbles of the Italian prosecco. It's an ultra-elegant presentation.
While wine is center stage, beer is getting a bump in prominence this year with a "Beer Hop" between the France and Morocco pavilions. For $12, guests can sample four brews from a selection of ales, lagers and craft beers from around the world.
And tequila will undoubtedly get its due this year as well. Open now but likely new to festivalgoers, La Cava del Tequila is a 30-seat bar inside the Mexico pavilion. With more than 70 tequilas ($8-$50) and lots of tapas-style eats, it's another opportunity to toast the culinary celebration.
Dahlmann, who oversees a team of 350 culinary professionals, promises fan favorites for the wine festival menu as well.
"The food and formats that work year after year are important to the overall success of the festival," he said. "We think our new twists will be just as successful."
Beer awaits festivalgoers
The Boston Beer Co., the folks who make Samuel Adams, are hosting the "History of Beer in America" with daily demonstrations at Epcot's American Adventure Pavilion.
• EAT TO THE BEAT: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy opens the wine festival concert series at the American Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. Orlando.metromix.com
• READ OUR REVIEWS OF FESTIVAL FARE: Our Theme Park Rangers will guide you to the best of global eats. OrlandoSentinel.com/ThemeParkRangers
Heather McPherson can be reached at 407-420-5498 or hmcpherson@orlandosentinel.com.
Heather McPherson
Cast contributes to fest's menu
Iris Ojeda's family and friends know that she's a great cook. Now the world can taste her award-winning arroz con pollo.
Epcot executive chef Jens Dahlmann looked within Disney's culinary ranks for wine festival menu inspirations by holding internal competitions. Chef Ojeda, 49, entered the chicken and rice competition at the last moment — and won.
"I am very proud. I still don't believe that my dish is one of the foods featured at the festival," said the Puerto Rico native. "My family is talking about it all the way up in Philadelphia."
She says the key to her recipe is respecting the sofrito, a flavoring sauce made by sauteing diced vegetables with garlic.
Chef Dahlmann says Ojeda's recipe stood out because the flavors of the rice, cilantro, capers and green olives were clearly defined. "This is a classic Puerto Rican dish. Too often arroz con pollo can veer toward Spanish paella. And her recipe was perfect for the servings we need for a festival of this magnitude."
Guests can meet Ojeda, as she and many of the other cast contributors will be serving up their food at this year's festival.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
i am not spaming
just a heads up i do not spam i am helping people save money in Orlando just a heads up
why the water fountains in Universal and Disney are warm and Parking Info
the water fountains are warm because they want you to pay for a cold drink. Thats right they think if the fountains are warm people will buy water or soft drinks in the park.
That is food for thought just a heads up
price for a drink in the park is 2.75 for water
hard rock cafe 3.15 for a soda
Parking at universal
The enclosed parking garage utilizes moving sidewalks, escalators and elevators, on-site wheelchair rental, and an on-site kennel. Vehicles can leave the garage and return the same day by stopping at the toll plaza upon re-entry and presenting their parking ticket.
Daily parking fees per vehicle:
- Cars, Vans, & Motorcycles: $12.00
- Buses, RVs, & Cars with Trailers: $15.00
- Preferred Parking: Available for automobiles for just a few extra dollars.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009
Parking from 6pm - 10pm will be $3.00.
____________________________________________________________________
That is food for thought just a heads up
price for a drink in the park is 2.75 for water
hard rock cafe 3.15 for a soda
Parking at universal
The enclosed parking garage utilizes moving sidewalks, escalators and elevators, on-site wheelchair rental, and an on-site kennel. Vehicles can leave the garage and return the same day by stopping at the toll plaza upon re-entry and presenting their parking ticket.
Daily parking fees per vehicle:
- Cars, Vans, & Motorcycles: $12.00
- Buses, RVs, & Cars with Trailers: $15.00
- Preferred Parking: Available for automobiles for just a few extra dollars.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009
Parking from 6pm - 10pm will be $3.00.
____________________________________________________________________
My Halloween Horror Nights 19 Review
ok first off sound guys that feedback my god i am telling you what the heck cant you run a soundboard. OK the mazes
here are my list of mazes i like i went in all of them so here they are
1 The Wolfman. good maze good set great fun
2 Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned. OK this maze big guys my god lol love this maze good job guys love it.
3Dracula: Legacy in Blood. great set where the heck is Dracula he was no where to be found where was he
4Chucky: Friends til the End. Its ok nothing big if the line is 40 or longer don't go in.
5 Pinned: Silver Screams. hmmmmmmmmmmm where the hell is the popcorn smell good house but nothing jumps out just blahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
6 Leave it to Cleaver great house actors need help maybe as the weeks go by they will fine tune their role's thanks
7 SAW need a sound stage for this one my god this was ok but my god
8 The Spawning the worst house i have ever seen i am not recommending this house to no one sorry but this house was bad
SCARE ZONES
1 Lights Camera Hacktion. This zone was so cool i would just love to hang out in this one good job guys i know you look at my site and thanks. By the way that tall guy with that hat don't know your name love your joke "I'm Not The Man I Used To Be"
2 Containment It was ok but not the best fun to walk into but that's it
3 War of the Living Dead. good zone guys love the Flamethrower
4 Apocalypse: City of Cannibals. OK but needs to be bigger you have the whole NY street you only used a small part of it
5 Horrorwood Die-In. This one my god i did not like this one
6 Cirque du Freak. This one is a waste of time sorry
did not see the shows but i have a pass i can use for 13 days so i will try to see a show but not a big fan of them.
here are my list of mazes i like i went in all of them so here they are
1 The Wolfman. good maze good set great fun
2 Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned. OK this maze big guys my god lol love this maze good job guys love it.
3Dracula: Legacy in Blood. great set where the heck is Dracula he was no where to be found where was he
4Chucky: Friends til the End. Its ok nothing big if the line is 40 or longer don't go in.
5 Pinned: Silver Screams. hmmmmmmmmmmm where the hell is the popcorn smell good house but nothing jumps out just blahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
6 Leave it to Cleaver great house actors need help maybe as the weeks go by they will fine tune their role's thanks
7 SAW need a sound stage for this one my god this was ok but my god
8 The Spawning the worst house i have ever seen i am not recommending this house to no one sorry but this house was bad
SCARE ZONES
1 Lights Camera Hacktion. This zone was so cool i would just love to hang out in this one good job guys i know you look at my site and thanks. By the way that tall guy with that hat don't know your name love your joke "I'm Not The Man I Used To Be"
2 Containment It was ok but not the best fun to walk into but that's it
3 War of the Living Dead. good zone guys love the Flamethrower
4 Apocalypse: City of Cannibals. OK but needs to be bigger you have the whole NY street you only used a small part of it
5 Horrorwood Die-In. This one my god i did not like this one
6 Cirque du Freak. This one is a waste of time sorry
did not see the shows but i have a pass i can use for 13 days so i will try to see a show but not a big fan of them.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
hhn info
amiliar, frightful faces fill this year's edition of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios — but a few longtime fiends come with twists.
The silver-screen theme that runs throughout the event, from haunted houses to scare zones to shows, provides opportunity to interact with bigger-than-life scary characters dating from the 1930s to today, plus it teases to upcoming Universal productions.
"I think Saw is the most popular of our brands this year," says Michael Roddy, show producer at Universal Orlando. "I think it will be one of the major draws. It's prevalent, it's contemporary, people know what that is."
Saw, a series of torture-driven mind-game movies, debuts its sixth installment Oct. 23. Horror fans know the stories and expect realistic simulations. Roddy says the Saw haunted house will be "greatest hits" package of the Saw films.
"You're actually going to walk into Jigsaw's lair," he says. "As you walk in, it's an industrial building, almost nondescript. And as you enter, you're immediately in his workshop. You'll see all of the TVs and the cameras, and you'll come face-to-monitor with [puppet] Billy, who'll give you your task, which is to make it through this maze."
Tobin Bell, who plays the diabolical scientist Jigsaw, recorded new lines for the house.
"For us, it's a big, big challenge that we replicate this 100 percent," says T.J. Mannarino, director of art and design for Universal Orlando. "Saw will have to match that intensity, that excitement."
For old-school, classic characters Dracula and Frankenstein's monster, Universal will present a modern take on the original movies. Don't look for Herman Munster or Count Chocula.
"In 1931, people fled the theater [during Frankenstein]. In Dracula, people fainted," Roddy notes. "Now, so many years later, you go back to 'Well, what is Frankenstein's monster?' It's a reanimated corpse that has been burned, and it was stitched together."
The pieced-together theme runs throughout the Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned house, which is set in time after the Bride of Frankenstein movie. The castle — and other creatures — are being reassembled haphazardly with available materials.
The monster looks like a work in progress — thin, skull showing through in spots, and gray, not green. The costuming has a steampunk look: sort of a science-fiction feel using Victorian era materials such as polished wood, brass and iron.
"It's taking the beginning of electric and the beginning of that kind of life and bringing it into a period costume," says Susan Moore, design manager of art and design.
For the Dracula: Legacy of Blood house (very gothic with tapestry and statuary), designers shunned the widow's-peak look for a Vlad the Impaler style: belted tunic, high boots, cape and a key bit of protection.
"He's going to get one piece of armor that protects his heart," Moore says.
There will be a few different incarnations of the Count.
"We have the bat-faced look for him, and we have more of where he's changing from one to another, but always coming back to our classic look for him," Moore says.
The house will be populated with Dracula's wives. Some are pale and beautiful, but some aren't taking to this marriage. Universal calls them the "feral brides."
They're "really decrepit, disgusting, almost beastlike," Mannarino says.
The Wolfman house essentially serves as a preview of the Universal Pictures' upcoming The Wolfman starring Benicio Del Toro.
"We were basically given access to all their designs, and this is a big-budget version. A lot of amazing production value has gone into it." Roddy says. Although the house is built inside a soundstage, it has an outdoors feel with a gypsy camp, a forest and the sensation of being chased by a lycanthrope.
After Tuesday night's employee preview, I've officially been inside every haunted house at this year's Halloween Horror Night event at Universal Studios. (We didn't make it into Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned, but I was in there as construction finished -- and with the lights on and without scare actors -- last week.
I am firmly anti-spoiler. But here's a brief rundown of what to expect in each of the eight houses. Horror Nights begins Friday and runs 23 select nights through Oct. 31.
+ SAW -- Like the movie series, many torture scenes. Effective disembodied voice. The exit, clearly visible to passers-by, is filled with squeals.
+ The Wolfman -- Very woodsy, very English. Tight quarters. Near the end, look up.
+ Chucky: Friends to the End -- Colorful, dark in tone but not in lighting. Fun costuming, some of which made me laugh -- and not that nervous giggle laugh. Freaky opening tunnel messes with your equilibrium.
+ Dracula: Legacy of Blood -- Full of great architectural touches and hissing brides.
+ Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned -- There's a running stitched-together theme here, from the rebuilt castle to the rebuilt monsters. I'm eager to see the steampunk-style costuming.
+ The Spawning -- Plenty of lurking creatures and sewer features. Seems like there were more dangling things to interfere with your vision and comfort levels.
+ Leave It to Cleaver -- Nasty, gross and creative. It's a 1950s butcher setting, thoroughly themed in a borderline cartoon way. End room is simultaneously disturbing and delightful. (Oh second thought, EWWWW).
+ Silver Screams -- I liked the format of the house, which spotlights films selected by the Usher character. It's well organized, not as mishmash as I imagined, but it's loud. From cranked-up old-timey theater organ music to the cacophany of the Shaun of the Dead room, I started turning into an old man. Turn down that radio, whippersnappers! Now that's scary.
After our tour of houses, we watched a performance of Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure. It was a strong outing -- still in rehearsals, remember -- but I felt old again. Some of the characters were strangers to me, I think, because I've been slack in my moviegoing lately. But any show that manages to skewer Shia LaBouef, Tyra Banks and the economy before it even begins is OK in my book.
Had a conference call this afternoon with Michael Roddy, show director at Universal Orlando. There was lots of Halloween Horror Night tidbits, which we'll get to, but for now, here's the locations of the scare zones and haunted houses for the event, which kicks off Sept. 25. It's a clip-and-save. Use something sharp and scary.
SCARE ZONES
After passing through the turnstiles, you should be able to see "Containment," the zone about bio-nerve gas, in the valley between Jimmy Neutron and Shrek. Cue the green mist. Your alternative is to bear right down Hollywood Boulevard, home of "Lights, Camera, Hacktion!!!" That's the imagined filming of The Chainsaw Drill Team Massacre in 3-D. "It's going to be chainsaw alley," Roddy says.
"As you enter the park you can look down toward Shrek/Jimmy Neutron and there will be this wall of green, glowing fog," he says. "You can look down Hollywood Boulevard and there’s a film crew being hacked to pieces by a chainsaw maniac. So it’s like 'Which way do you go?' ... Well, have fun with that."
Others: "War of the Living Dead" will be in the Shrek/Monsters Cafe alley, "Apocalypse: City of Cannibals" on New York street, "Cirque Du Freak" at the entrance to KidZone and "Horrorwood Die-in" at Mel's Drive-In.
After the jump: haunted house/maze locations.
HAUNTED HOUSES
Three houses will be built in the Universal soundstages: "The Wolfman," "Dracula: Legacy of Blood" and "Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned."
"Saw" -- the Jaws extended queue.
"Leave It to Cleaver" -- the Disaster! extended queue.
"Chucky: Friends to the End" and "The Spawning" -- The tents behind the Simpsons Ride.
"Silver Screams" behind the Barnie attraction.
The silver-screen theme that runs throughout the event, from haunted houses to scare zones to shows, provides opportunity to interact with bigger-than-life scary characters dating from the 1930s to today, plus it teases to upcoming Universal productions.
"I think Saw is the most popular of our brands this year," says Michael Roddy, show producer at Universal Orlando. "I think it will be one of the major draws. It's prevalent, it's contemporary, people know what that is."
Saw, a series of torture-driven mind-game movies, debuts its sixth installment Oct. 23. Horror fans know the stories and expect realistic simulations. Roddy says the Saw haunted house will be "greatest hits" package of the Saw films.
"You're actually going to walk into Jigsaw's lair," he says. "As you walk in, it's an industrial building, almost nondescript. And as you enter, you're immediately in his workshop. You'll see all of the TVs and the cameras, and you'll come face-to-monitor with [puppet] Billy, who'll give you your task, which is to make it through this maze."
Tobin Bell, who plays the diabolical scientist Jigsaw, recorded new lines for the house.
"For us, it's a big, big challenge that we replicate this 100 percent," says T.J. Mannarino, director of art and design for Universal Orlando. "Saw will have to match that intensity, that excitement."
For old-school, classic characters Dracula and Frankenstein's monster, Universal will present a modern take on the original movies. Don't look for Herman Munster or Count Chocula.
"In 1931, people fled the theater [during Frankenstein]. In Dracula, people fainted," Roddy notes. "Now, so many years later, you go back to 'Well, what is Frankenstein's monster?' It's a reanimated corpse that has been burned, and it was stitched together."
The pieced-together theme runs throughout the Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned house, which is set in time after the Bride of Frankenstein movie. The castle — and other creatures — are being reassembled haphazardly with available materials.
The monster looks like a work in progress — thin, skull showing through in spots, and gray, not green. The costuming has a steampunk look: sort of a science-fiction feel using Victorian era materials such as polished wood, brass and iron.
"It's taking the beginning of electric and the beginning of that kind of life and bringing it into a period costume," says Susan Moore, design manager of art and design.
For the Dracula: Legacy of Blood house (very gothic with tapestry and statuary), designers shunned the widow's-peak look for a Vlad the Impaler style: belted tunic, high boots, cape and a key bit of protection.
"He's going to get one piece of armor that protects his heart," Moore says.
There will be a few different incarnations of the Count.
"We have the bat-faced look for him, and we have more of where he's changing from one to another, but always coming back to our classic look for him," Moore says.
The house will be populated with Dracula's wives. Some are pale and beautiful, but some aren't taking to this marriage. Universal calls them the "feral brides."
They're "really decrepit, disgusting, almost beastlike," Mannarino says.
The Wolfman house essentially serves as a preview of the Universal Pictures' upcoming The Wolfman starring Benicio Del Toro.
"We were basically given access to all their designs, and this is a big-budget version. A lot of amazing production value has gone into it." Roddy says. Although the house is built inside a soundstage, it has an outdoors feel with a gypsy camp, a forest and the sensation of being chased by a lycanthrope.
After Tuesday night's employee preview, I've officially been inside every haunted house at this year's Halloween Horror Night event at Universal Studios. (We didn't make it into Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned, but I was in there as construction finished -- and with the lights on and without scare actors -- last week.
I am firmly anti-spoiler. But here's a brief rundown of what to expect in each of the eight houses. Horror Nights begins Friday and runs 23 select nights through Oct. 31.
+ SAW -- Like the movie series, many torture scenes. Effective disembodied voice. The exit, clearly visible to passers-by, is filled with squeals.
+ The Wolfman -- Very woodsy, very English. Tight quarters. Near the end, look up.
+ Chucky: Friends to the End -- Colorful, dark in tone but not in lighting. Fun costuming, some of which made me laugh -- and not that nervous giggle laugh. Freaky opening tunnel messes with your equilibrium.
+ Dracula: Legacy of Blood -- Full of great architectural touches and hissing brides.
+ Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned -- There's a running stitched-together theme here, from the rebuilt castle to the rebuilt monsters. I'm eager to see the steampunk-style costuming.
+ The Spawning -- Plenty of lurking creatures and sewer features. Seems like there were more dangling things to interfere with your vision and comfort levels.
+ Leave It to Cleaver -- Nasty, gross and creative. It's a 1950s butcher setting, thoroughly themed in a borderline cartoon way. End room is simultaneously disturbing and delightful. (Oh second thought, EWWWW).
+ Silver Screams -- I liked the format of the house, which spotlights films selected by the Usher character. It's well organized, not as mishmash as I imagined, but it's loud. From cranked-up old-timey theater organ music to the cacophany of the Shaun of the Dead room, I started turning into an old man. Turn down that radio, whippersnappers! Now that's scary.
After our tour of houses, we watched a performance of Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure. It was a strong outing -- still in rehearsals, remember -- but I felt old again. Some of the characters were strangers to me, I think, because I've been slack in my moviegoing lately. But any show that manages to skewer Shia LaBouef, Tyra Banks and the economy before it even begins is OK in my book.
Had a conference call this afternoon with Michael Roddy, show director at Universal Orlando. There was lots of Halloween Horror Night tidbits, which we'll get to, but for now, here's the locations of the scare zones and haunted houses for the event, which kicks off Sept. 25. It's a clip-and-save. Use something sharp and scary.
SCARE ZONES
After passing through the turnstiles, you should be able to see "Containment," the zone about bio-nerve gas, in the valley between Jimmy Neutron and Shrek. Cue the green mist. Your alternative is to bear right down Hollywood Boulevard, home of "Lights, Camera, Hacktion!!!" That's the imagined filming of The Chainsaw Drill Team Massacre in 3-D. "It's going to be chainsaw alley," Roddy says.
"As you enter the park you can look down toward Shrek/Jimmy Neutron and there will be this wall of green, glowing fog," he says. "You can look down Hollywood Boulevard and there’s a film crew being hacked to pieces by a chainsaw maniac. So it’s like 'Which way do you go?' ... Well, have fun with that."
Others: "War of the Living Dead" will be in the Shrek/Monsters Cafe alley, "Apocalypse: City of Cannibals" on New York street, "Cirque Du Freak" at the entrance to KidZone and "Horrorwood Die-in" at Mel's Drive-In.
After the jump: haunted house/maze locations.
HAUNTED HOUSES
Three houses will be built in the Universal soundstages: "The Wolfman," "Dracula: Legacy of Blood" and "Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned."
"Saw" -- the Jaws extended queue.
"Leave It to Cleaver" -- the Disaster! extended queue.
"Chucky: Friends to the End" and "The Spawning" -- The tents behind the Simpsons Ride.
"Silver Screams" behind the Barnie attraction.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
SeaWorld Orlando and Universal may soon be owned by the same company
ORANGE COUNTY -- In a move that will be a major shake up to the tourism industry nationwide, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal may soon be owned by the same company.
Inside sources said SeaWorld officials will announce to employees Wednesday the popular park, and several other formerly owned by Busch Entertainment, including Busch Gardens in Tampa, have been sold.
"That would be another huge deal. They've been up for sale for a while," said Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider.
Insiders and experts said the most likely buyer is The Blackstone Group, a private equity firm that already owns half of Universal Studios.
Rumors about a possible sale have circulated for months, but recently sources said high-ranking Blackstone officials have been spotted touring SeaWorld Orlando.
About this story
* This story is from our Bright House Networks partner, Central Florida News 13.
Industry experts are excited about what a sale could mean.
"That would put some money in the pockets of the folks that run Busch and SeaWorld and potentially help them to step up," Niles said.
Others are less convinced about big possible changes.
Blackstone has owned a portion of Universal Studios for years, and experts said they are an investment group that basically just wants their money.
"Blackstone is pretty much been a hands off type of investor," said Dr. Duncan Dickson from the University of Central Florida. "They are ruthless when it comes to their bottom line. They just want their bottom line."
Any possible sale sets up interesting twists and turns. Since they would be owned by the same company, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios would no longer be competing with each other, but teaming up against Disney.
"But it doesn't necessarily have to be a zero sum gain here. The more attractions you have in Central Florida, the more likely you are going to get people to visit," Niles said.
Inside sources said SeaWorld officials will announce to employees Wednesday the popular park, and several other formerly owned by Busch Entertainment, including Busch Gardens in Tampa, have been sold.
"That would be another huge deal. They've been up for sale for a while," said Robert Niles from Theme Park Insider.
Insiders and experts said the most likely buyer is The Blackstone Group, a private equity firm that already owns half of Universal Studios.
Rumors about a possible sale have circulated for months, but recently sources said high-ranking Blackstone officials have been spotted touring SeaWorld Orlando.
About this story
* This story is from our Bright House Networks partner, Central Florida News 13.
Industry experts are excited about what a sale could mean.
"That would put some money in the pockets of the folks that run Busch and SeaWorld and potentially help them to step up," Niles said.
Others are less convinced about big possible changes.
Blackstone has owned a portion of Universal Studios for years, and experts said they are an investment group that basically just wants their money.
"Blackstone is pretty much been a hands off type of investor," said Dr. Duncan Dickson from the University of Central Florida. "They are ruthless when it comes to their bottom line. They just want their bottom line."
Any possible sale sets up interesting twists and turns. Since they would be owned by the same company, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios would no longer be competing with each other, but teaming up against Disney.
"But it doesn't necessarily have to be a zero sum gain here. The more attractions you have in Central Florida, the more likely you are going to get people to visit," Niles said.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Big Bang' to start off Orlando Shakes season with, well, a bang
Big Bang' to start off Orlando Shakes season with, well, a bang
Here's a story that's running in this Sunday's Sentinel:
PX00191_9[1] By Elizabeth Maupin
Sentinel Theater Critic
For a long time, Philip Nolen and Robby Pigott have wanted to do a play together.
Something deep. Something meaningful. Something as far as possible from the “life-affirming, happy, corporate stuff,” as Nolen puts it, that, as contract actors for Disney World, each of them performs every day.
They thought about K2, the dark drama about two doomed climbers trapped on a ledge of the world’s second tallest mountain. But what they came up with was The Big Bang, a musical comedy in which two guys re-enact the history of the world from the beginning — the big bang — until now.
Meaningful? Deep? Well, Nolen says so.
“The laughs will be deep,” he insists. “They’ll be belly laughs.”
In The Big Bang, members of the audience stand in for rich New Yorkers who have been invited to a swanky Upper East Side apartment for a backers’ audition of the biggest, most expensive musical ever produced. The two men who wrote it — director Jim Helsinger calls them “innocent wannabes” — are trying to raise $83.5 million to do the show. They can’t perform all 12 hours of it. So the two of them do excerpts, playing all the characters and tearing apart the apartment’s furnishings to make all the costumes and props.
Think of it as The Producers crossed with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), all performed by two guys in lampshades and drapes.
Written by Boyd Graham and Jed Feuer (son of longtime Broadway producer Cy Feuer, who produced the original Guys and Dolls and many other hits), The Big Bang got its start in 2000, when Graham and Feuer themselves performed it for about six weeks off-Broadway. The New York Times gave it a less-than-favorable review. But theaters around the country have been quick to pick up on a show that’s inexpensive to produce and pulls audiences in in droves. In Florida, the little show has turned up at theaters in Fort Myers, Coral Gables, Jupiter, Sarasota and St. Petersburg — and in some of those theaters twice.
At Orlando Shakespeare Theater, the musical comedy starts off a season that, as Helsinger explains, will have plenty of meat later on. Helsinger, the theater’s artistic director, originally wanted to open the season with a stage adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. But in rough economic times, the money wasn’t there.
He compares the cost of doing a two-man musical to that of producing last year’s season opener, Kiss Me, Kate, which had 20 actors and an orchestra.
“This show, which I think will kick the season off with just as much fun, you’re paying 26 fewer people,” Helsinger says. “If I have 20 actors in a musical, each one has three to five costumes. Instead of 60-70 costumes, here I’m building two.”
Rough times, he says, also make audiences seek out lighter fare
“When times get fiscally tough, you can see theaters reach for what’s really funny and has a small cast. Audiences want to be uplifted and push away their cares in the theater.”
Anyway, he says, the same season also includes Hamlet and two new plays based on contemporary cataclysms: Shotgun, about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and Yankee Tavern, set in New York after 9/11.
“We’ve got plenty of serious,” Helsinger says, “so let’s start it off with a fun bang.”
It’s up to Nolen and Pigott to provide that fun, with their impersonations of two fellows playing Adam and Eve, Pocahontas and Minnehaha, Columbus and Isabella, Napoleon and Josephine, the Virgin Mary and Mahatma Gandhi’s mother, Tokyo Rose and Shanghai Lil. And more.
Nolen calls the two would-be producers “more enthusiastic than talented,” and he and Pigott says they have to be careful not to lock eyes onstage because they’re likely to collapse into giggles.
“We think, ‘What are we doing?’” Nolen says. “’We are adults! I am a full-grown man!’”
Which leads us back to depth, and to Pigott, who insists they’ll find it — somewhere.
“Really, these guys are so sincere,” he says. “These guys are serious about what they’re doing — and that’s funny.”
Elizabeth Maupin can be reached at emaupin@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5426.
Here's a story that's running in this Sunday's Sentinel:
PX00191_9[1] By Elizabeth Maupin
Sentinel Theater Critic
For a long time, Philip Nolen and Robby Pigott have wanted to do a play together.
Something deep. Something meaningful. Something as far as possible from the “life-affirming, happy, corporate stuff,” as Nolen puts it, that, as contract actors for Disney World, each of them performs every day.
They thought about K2, the dark drama about two doomed climbers trapped on a ledge of the world’s second tallest mountain. But what they came up with was The Big Bang, a musical comedy in which two guys re-enact the history of the world from the beginning — the big bang — until now.
Meaningful? Deep? Well, Nolen says so.
“The laughs will be deep,” he insists. “They’ll be belly laughs.”
In The Big Bang, members of the audience stand in for rich New Yorkers who have been invited to a swanky Upper East Side apartment for a backers’ audition of the biggest, most expensive musical ever produced. The two men who wrote it — director Jim Helsinger calls them “innocent wannabes” — are trying to raise $83.5 million to do the show. They can’t perform all 12 hours of it. So the two of them do excerpts, playing all the characters and tearing apart the apartment’s furnishings to make all the costumes and props.
Think of it as The Producers crossed with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), all performed by two guys in lampshades and drapes.
Written by Boyd Graham and Jed Feuer (son of longtime Broadway producer Cy Feuer, who produced the original Guys and Dolls and many other hits), The Big Bang got its start in 2000, when Graham and Feuer themselves performed it for about six weeks off-Broadway. The New York Times gave it a less-than-favorable review. But theaters around the country have been quick to pick up on a show that’s inexpensive to produce and pulls audiences in in droves. In Florida, the little show has turned up at theaters in Fort Myers, Coral Gables, Jupiter, Sarasota and St. Petersburg — and in some of those theaters twice.
At Orlando Shakespeare Theater, the musical comedy starts off a season that, as Helsinger explains, will have plenty of meat later on. Helsinger, the theater’s artistic director, originally wanted to open the season with a stage adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. But in rough economic times, the money wasn’t there.
He compares the cost of doing a two-man musical to that of producing last year’s season opener, Kiss Me, Kate, which had 20 actors and an orchestra.
“This show, which I think will kick the season off with just as much fun, you’re paying 26 fewer people,” Helsinger says. “If I have 20 actors in a musical, each one has three to five costumes. Instead of 60-70 costumes, here I’m building two.”
Rough times, he says, also make audiences seek out lighter fare
“When times get fiscally tough, you can see theaters reach for what’s really funny and has a small cast. Audiences want to be uplifted and push away their cares in the theater.”
Anyway, he says, the same season also includes Hamlet and two new plays based on contemporary cataclysms: Shotgun, about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and Yankee Tavern, set in New York after 9/11.
“We’ve got plenty of serious,” Helsinger says, “so let’s start it off with a fun bang.”
It’s up to Nolen and Pigott to provide that fun, with their impersonations of two fellows playing Adam and Eve, Pocahontas and Minnehaha, Columbus and Isabella, Napoleon and Josephine, the Virgin Mary and Mahatma Gandhi’s mother, Tokyo Rose and Shanghai Lil. And more.
Nolen calls the two would-be producers “more enthusiastic than talented,” and he and Pigott says they have to be careful not to lock eyes onstage because they’re likely to collapse into giggles.
“We think, ‘What are we doing?’” Nolen says. “’We are adults! I am a full-grown man!’”
Which leads us back to depth, and to Pigott, who insists they’ll find it — somewhere.
“Really, these guys are so sincere,” he says. “These guys are serious about what they’re doing — and that’s funny.”
Elizabeth Maupin can be reached at emaupin@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5426.
A pirate's life for you: Finding the "arrrrgh" in the Sunshine State
A pirate's life for you: Finding the "arrrrgh" in the Sunshine State
When it comes to pirate awareness, the timeline is clearly divided:
Pre-PC, or post-PC.
Pirates of the Caribbean, that is.
"The explosion of popularity was exponential after that," says Donna Demko, handing out beads in her pirate garb on a recent afternoon on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. "And it was not just with the kids, it was with the adults, too."
Demko was a pirate when pirates weren't so cool. She's a public relations officer for the Fernandina Beach Pirates Club, a public service and social club that has been around for 35 years. She will tell you that these are fine times for pirates, thanks to Johnny Depp.
In Florida, however, the pirate connection isn't linked to a pop-culture fad. The state is steeped in buccaneer history that stretches from Key West to Tampa Bay, St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, almost at the Georgia line.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Fernandina Beach was literally a safe harbor for pirates. Its port is among the deepest on the southeast coast, once allowing pirate galleons to enter even at low tide.
French pirate Louis-Michel Aury, Captain Kidd, Jean LaFitte and Jose Gaspar have all inspired tales tied to the town. In one of the most popular legends, a buried treasure is guarded by ghosts.
Other ghost tales are based in the elegant Victorian homes built in the "Silk Stocking District" just off Centre Street. Many of the homes, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are still owned by descendants of the original families.
Ghost tales and pirate lore are a big attraction on an hour-long excursion by the Olde Town Carriage Company. For owner and tour guide Rita Jackson, the charm of Fernandina Beach is that it's still a small town as much as a tourist stop.
"People really live here, really work here and they are still part of the same families that once lived here," she says. "They are so proud of the history."
In Florida, pirate history abounds. At the state's southernmost tip, the Pirate Soul Museum in Key West (524 Front St.) showcases cutlasses, flintlocks and a pirate treasure chest, pirate dinnerware and other trinkets salvaged from the wreck of Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge.
In St. Augustine, English pirate Sir Francis Drake led 2,000 of his men in a raid that leveled the city in the late 16th Century.
In 1668, Jamaican-based pirate Robert Searle„© captured a Spanish ship and sailed into St. Augustine for a raid that inspired the Spanish to build the massive Castillo de San Marcos. The fort is still a tourist attraction.
Such adventures aren't easily confined to museums. Just as often, it's a springboard for celebration. In Key West, for instance, there's the Pirates in Paradise Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a 9-day event that starts Nov. 28.
St. Augustine hosts annual commemorations of Searles' and Drake's raids in March and June, respectively.
In Tampa, the legacy of Spanish swashbuckler Jose Gaspar is celebrated at the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, the granddaddy of all pirate parties. A Tampa tradition for 100 years, the event revolves around the arrival in Hillsborough Bay of the Jose Gaspirilla, the largest fully functioning pirate ship in the world. The invasion culminates in the surrender of the key to the city to the pirate horde.
That evening, the celebration continues with street parties downtown and in neighboring Ybor City.
And, in Fernandina Beach, there's the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in May, where pirates roam the streets.
Of course, the pirates roam the streets most every weekend anyway.
"You're liable to see pirates wandering on Centre Street anytime," says Donna Demko, the pirate club member. "We are the goodwill ambassadors to the world."
Jim Abbott can be reached at jabbott@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-6213.
When it comes to pirate awareness, the timeline is clearly divided:
Pre-PC, or post-PC.
Pirates of the Caribbean, that is.
"The explosion of popularity was exponential after that," says Donna Demko, handing out beads in her pirate garb on a recent afternoon on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. "And it was not just with the kids, it was with the adults, too."
Demko was a pirate when pirates weren't so cool. She's a public relations officer for the Fernandina Beach Pirates Club, a public service and social club that has been around for 35 years. She will tell you that these are fine times for pirates, thanks to Johnny Depp.
In Florida, however, the pirate connection isn't linked to a pop-culture fad. The state is steeped in buccaneer history that stretches from Key West to Tampa Bay, St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, almost at the Georgia line.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Fernandina Beach was literally a safe harbor for pirates. Its port is among the deepest on the southeast coast, once allowing pirate galleons to enter even at low tide.
French pirate Louis-Michel Aury, Captain Kidd, Jean LaFitte and Jose Gaspar have all inspired tales tied to the town. In one of the most popular legends, a buried treasure is guarded by ghosts.
Other ghost tales are based in the elegant Victorian homes built in the "Silk Stocking District" just off Centre Street. Many of the homes, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are still owned by descendants of the original families.
Ghost tales and pirate lore are a big attraction on an hour-long excursion by the Olde Town Carriage Company. For owner and tour guide Rita Jackson, the charm of Fernandina Beach is that it's still a small town as much as a tourist stop.
"People really live here, really work here and they are still part of the same families that once lived here," she says. "They are so proud of the history."
In Florida, pirate history abounds. At the state's southernmost tip, the Pirate Soul Museum in Key West (524 Front St.) showcases cutlasses, flintlocks and a pirate treasure chest, pirate dinnerware and other trinkets salvaged from the wreck of Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge.
In St. Augustine, English pirate Sir Francis Drake led 2,000 of his men in a raid that leveled the city in the late 16th Century.
In 1668, Jamaican-based pirate Robert Searle„© captured a Spanish ship and sailed into St. Augustine for a raid that inspired the Spanish to build the massive Castillo de San Marcos. The fort is still a tourist attraction.
Such adventures aren't easily confined to museums. Just as often, it's a springboard for celebration. In Key West, for instance, there's the Pirates in Paradise Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with a 9-day event that starts Nov. 28.
St. Augustine hosts annual commemorations of Searles' and Drake's raids in March and June, respectively.
In Tampa, the legacy of Spanish swashbuckler Jose Gaspar is celebrated at the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, the granddaddy of all pirate parties. A Tampa tradition for 100 years, the event revolves around the arrival in Hillsborough Bay of the Jose Gaspirilla, the largest fully functioning pirate ship in the world. The invasion culminates in the surrender of the key to the city to the pirate horde.
That evening, the celebration continues with street parties downtown and in neighboring Ybor City.
And, in Fernandina Beach, there's the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in May, where pirates roam the streets.
Of course, the pirates roam the streets most every weekend anyway.
"You're liable to see pirates wandering on Centre Street anytime," says Donna Demko, the pirate club member. "We are the goodwill ambassadors to the world."
Jim Abbott can be reached at jabbott@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-6213.
More quotes about Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Here's a few leftover quotes from yesterday's Wizarding World of Harry Potter announcements. Of course, the big news was the newly narrowed opening day. Universal now says it will open its gates in "Spring 2010" at Islands of Adventure.
+ I asked Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative, more about the major attraction known as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. (They've not said much about it, yet managed to be enthused). "This is something totally new, totally different, and an experience unlike anything anyone's ever done, including ourselves," Woodbury says.
ME: Would you call it a thrill ride?
HE: I would call it a full-immersion, visceral, compelling experience.
ME: Would you call Spider-Man a thrill ride?
HE: Yes, I would call Spider-Man a thrill ride. But I would also call it a full-immersion, visceral, compelling experience.
(Art director Alan Gilmore on Forbidden Journey: "It's going to be absolutely mind-blowing. The fans won't know what to say after they come off that.")
+ I also asked Woodbury about the taste of butterbeer. Is it sweet? Is it fruity or what? "It's a little sweet. It's a great drink." (And note: non-alcoholic.)
+ Woodbury on the J.K. Rowling body of work: "The literature is so rich, we didn't really have to invent storyline. We had to come up with a way, technologically, to make it real."
+ Of course, the "Spring" opening date reminds us of a similar target for Universal Studios' Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit opening, which ended up being more like summer.
Robert Niles, editor of ThemeParkInsider.com, noted this: "It’s a little more important to them to hit this opening date than it was to hit Rip Ride Rockit. Maybe they’ll throw a few more resources at it." (Niles also said that it appeared Wizarding World's structures would be ready by spring, but wondered aloud about the readiness of the big ride, which could be a technological challenge.)
+ I asked Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative, more about the major attraction known as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. (They've not said much about it, yet managed to be enthused). "This is something totally new, totally different, and an experience unlike anything anyone's ever done, including ourselves," Woodbury says.
ME: Would you call it a thrill ride?
HE: I would call it a full-immersion, visceral, compelling experience.
ME: Would you call Spider-Man a thrill ride?
HE: Yes, I would call Spider-Man a thrill ride. But I would also call it a full-immersion, visceral, compelling experience.
(Art director Alan Gilmore on Forbidden Journey: "It's going to be absolutely mind-blowing. The fans won't know what to say after they come off that.")
+ I also asked Woodbury about the taste of butterbeer. Is it sweet? Is it fruity or what? "It's a little sweet. It's a great drink." (And note: non-alcoholic.)
+ Woodbury on the J.K. Rowling body of work: "The literature is so rich, we didn't really have to invent storyline. We had to come up with a way, technologically, to make it real."
+ Of course, the "Spring" opening date reminds us of a similar target for Universal Studios' Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit opening, which ended up being more like summer.
Robert Niles, editor of ThemeParkInsider.com, noted this: "It’s a little more important to them to hit this opening date than it was to hit Rip Ride Rockit. Maybe they’ll throw a few more resources at it." (Niles also said that it appeared Wizarding World's structures would be ready by spring, but wondered aloud about the readiness of the big ride, which could be a technological challenge.)
Wii version of Toy Story Mania delivers theme-park-level fun
Wii's version of Toy Story Mania, the ride-through, oversized video-game attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios, came out this week, and my friend Bj invited me over to experience it last night. (Immediate disclaimer: I am no gamer and seriously lack in that whole eye-hand coordination that I've heard so much about).
Bottom line: the Wii version is fun -- an awesome representation of the theme park ride and then some.
The look is straight from the attraction, which opened last year at DHS and Disney's California Adventure. In fact, it's a little more crisp because it's not totally 3-D. Many of the basic scenes are the same. Players still pop balloons, smash plates, shoot at various targets. The ring-toss game continues to vex me, just like "real life" at the park. There's lots of character interaction, usually with their voices urging you on or warning that time is almost up for that screen.
Alt_wii_skee_tsm_gpwii_gold-rush In the basic set-up, there's a couple of games not in the park attraction, and they're midway-related. One is like the Strongman/Test of Strength hammer (with the Toy Story aliens rising to hit the bell), while another is Skeeballish. (See photograph.)
Each competition comes with a stated set of objectives: hit all four bunnies, smash every target on this rail, etc. At the end of each game, your score is revealed and how many objectives you accomplished. (Maddenly, it doesn't repeat what the missed objective specifically was). I'm sure there are more Easter eggs, but I'm too novice to even know if I've activated them.
Once you've unlocked the basic game, more become available. They continue to be in the Toy Story family, though some are more intense -- the plates fly faster, there are more ships in your crosshairs. There's a fun one where you launch cherries into drinks passing by on conveyor belts. Another one is an odd pinball thing that I couldn't get the hang of.
The Wii set comes with two sets of 3-D paper glasses (like you might use for Creature from the Black Lagoon, not the sturdy plastic polarized ones from the park). There are some 3-D features, but truly we ditched the glasses early. Not that exciting, and my Wii moves are BIG and not glasses-friendly.
And the game uses the regular Wii remotes -- not a pull-string cannon as seen at DHS. My arms are sore from all the maneuvering anyway. That's just one more way that it's just like being there.
Bottom line: the Wii version is fun -- an awesome representation of the theme park ride and then some.
The look is straight from the attraction, which opened last year at DHS and Disney's California Adventure. In fact, it's a little more crisp because it's not totally 3-D. Many of the basic scenes are the same. Players still pop balloons, smash plates, shoot at various targets. The ring-toss game continues to vex me, just like "real life" at the park. There's lots of character interaction, usually with their voices urging you on or warning that time is almost up for that screen.
Alt_wii_skee_tsm_gpwii_gold-rush In the basic set-up, there's a couple of games not in the park attraction, and they're midway-related. One is like the Strongman/Test of Strength hammer (with the Toy Story aliens rising to hit the bell), while another is Skeeballish. (See photograph.)
Each competition comes with a stated set of objectives: hit all four bunnies, smash every target on this rail, etc. At the end of each game, your score is revealed and how many objectives you accomplished. (Maddenly, it doesn't repeat what the missed objective specifically was). I'm sure there are more Easter eggs, but I'm too novice to even know if I've activated them.
Once you've unlocked the basic game, more become available. They continue to be in the Toy Story family, though some are more intense -- the plates fly faster, there are more ships in your crosshairs. There's a fun one where you launch cherries into drinks passing by on conveyor belts. Another one is an odd pinball thing that I couldn't get the hang of.
The Wii set comes with two sets of 3-D paper glasses (like you might use for Creature from the Black Lagoon, not the sturdy plastic polarized ones from the park). There are some 3-D features, but truly we ditched the glasses early. Not that exciting, and my Wii moves are BIG and not glasses-friendly.
And the game uses the regular Wii remotes -- not a pull-string cannon as seen at DHS. My arms are sore from all the maneuvering anyway. That's just one more way that it's just like being there.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Five Guys Burgers Going out of orlando
OK i had the best burger in the world at Five Guys Burgers. In st Augustine their is a place name Five Guys burgers and its the best the burgers are high dollar burgers but you get what you pay for. out of 5 stars i will give it a 5 so go down to five guys burgers in st Augustine or your local five guys burgers here is the web site www.fiveguys.com tell them Tom from cityorlando.info sent you
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Halloween Horror Nights 19
Halloween Horror Nights 19 - (9/17/09) A new construction update for Halloween Horror Nights can be seen over at Orlando United.
(9/16/09) A new video showing off the latest HHN construction in the park can be seen here.
(9/15/09) Universal Orlando sent in an incredible photo today showing off the outside of Dracula’s home. Looks like old Vlad the Impaler
2009_Dracula_LR
2009_0901_SAWBilly
2009_0901_SAWJigsawLair
has been up to his old tricks.
(9/11/09) Universal Orlando will be holding a few fan Q&A sessions on the official Halloween Horror Nights 19 Facebook page. On Friday, 9/11 from 4:30 to 5:00pm you can talk to T.J. Mannarino, Dir. Of Art & Design, about the Universal Palace theater. On 9/18 from 3:30 – 4pm you can ask questions of Michael Roddy about Overall theme development and on 9./23 from 4 to 4:30pm you can ask Mike Aiello about now they revamped classics like Frankenstein and Dracula.
(9/11/09) New construction updates from Halloween Horror Nights has been posted to Orlando United and VinylNation.
(9/9/09) A fun new HHN video showing off Bill & Ted sneaking into the Frankenstein maze can be seen here. You can also listen in to the latest conference call with HHN guru J. Michael Roddy about all the mazes over at Behind The Thrills.
(9/8/09) Universal Orlando is currently running a new survey about Halloween Horror Nights. Jump on in! Speaking of HHN… it was pointed out that the description of War of the Living Dead was changed a bit to no longer mention the German’s involvement. I guess someone pointed out that we fought the Japanese in the Pacific in WWII, not the Germans. (Though I wouldn’t be surprised if a U-Boat or two wasn’t snooping around as well at the time…) You can also watch a fun video online taken from Central Florida’s On-Demand service all about this year’s HHN. Finally, we also have a copy of the official commercial for HHN uploaded to YouTube.
(9/3/09) A few new pictures of HHN construction can be found at VinylNation here and here.
(9/2/09) Universal Orlando has released a couple of new pictures showing off the inside of the new Jigsaw’s Lair haunt.
(8/31/09) Fun way to get pumped about this year’s HHN… check out this great video showing off last year’s event.
(8/28/09) A new press release from Universal Orlando confirms that this year’s entire event will be inspired by Hollywood’s biggest mega horror hit films and contains the complete list of attractions with three based on films that have yet to rip into the silver screen itself. There are 8 confirmed haunts this year:
SAW – F2009_0708_HHN_Artwork_600or years you have come to celebrate Halloween and to witness the weakness of others. The only way to gain redemption for this voyeuristic obsession is to truly know what it means to bleed, to feel weak; to experience pain. Jigsaw will give you this experience. Happy Halloween. Let the games begin.
The Wolfman – Pure. Animalistic. Rage. Take a journey through England’s countryside and come face to fangs with one of the most terrifying creatures to ever explode from the silver screen. Forget everything you thought you knew, and prepare yourself for the sights and sounds of the newest addition to Universal Pictures’ legacy of horror.
Chucky: Friends to the End – Ever wonder what happens when good toys go bad? Chucky has been hard at work, tinkering with your favorite childhood playthings. Nothing is what it seems as you step inside and experience what its like to live in Chucky’s world. This is no Child’s Play.
Dracula: Legacy of Blood – Welcome to Castle Dracula on the night of “The Calling.” Vlad Dracul bids you welcome – be you one of the chosen women who has been called or merely a mortal man. Those who have been chosen must decide whether to join the Dark Prince in everlasting life as his brides, or reject his offer and suffer for all eternity. The blood must be renewed. The fate of the legacy hangs in the balance – Dracula’s legacy of blood.
Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned – It has been a fortnight since his creation caused the castle to be engulfed in flames. Doctor Frankenstein now continues his work to perfect the art of resurrection and regeneration, surrounded by his creations. The Creature has also returned, to make the Doctor pay for the pain and suffering he has had to endure. The Creature will destroy everything in his path to gain redemption, and you are now caught in the middle of this epic battle.
The Spawning – Something “different” has moved in among the sewers of Wyandot County, Ohio. The locals claim that these creatures, these “Sculders,” are two feet tall, with the body of a snake. As a volunteer member of the local water district, it is your civic duty to venture into these pipes and restore the flow. But beware, the locals are wrong about the “Sculders” and the only thing that will be flowing is your blood as it leaves your lifeless body.
Leave it to Cleaver – Samuel Meetz works for the people of Carey, Ohio as a butcher, bringing them the freshest meat possible. With a steady livestock of transients and town lawbreakers with which to serve, and a staff of volunteers who will preserve their towns deadly secret by any means necessary, there is truly no end in sight for Samuel or his family business. As Sam always says: Meet Me at Meetz…The Z stands for cannibal.
Silver Screams – Julian Browning has been the usher in the Universal Palace since it opened in 1922, of course, he’s been dead since 1940, but he still commands respect for his most beloved films from every patron. Buy a ticket to the Universal Palace, and let Julian usher you into a realm where the horror on the screen is ripped away to reveal a world that is truly terrifying. Features “Shaun of the Dead,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “My Bloody Valentine 3D” and other popular horror films.
In addition to the two hit shows, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure and The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute there will be six awesome Scare Zones this year:
Lights, Camera, Hacktion!!! – Hollywood Boulevard is being used as a location for the filming of the next big horror movie to be released in October 2010: The CHAINSAW DRILL TEAM MASSACRE in 3-D. Lights, Camera, Hacktion! Our director, Mas Imair, noted horror film aficionado, is bringing the massacre to life in blood-red terrorcolor. But the actors seem to be taking their direction literally and are “hacking” through the cast and crew. It’s a close encounter of the worst kind as the backlot becomes a hacklot and the streets run red with blood. Are you ready for your close-up?
Cirque Du Freak – Inspired by Universal Pictures’ upcoming film “Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant,” which tells the fantasy-adventure tale of a boy who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires. Pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night, one teen will vanish from the safety of a boring existence and fulfill his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares.
Horrorwood Die-In – The Hollywood Drive-in has been closed for years, and some say the abandoned grounds are haunted, where late at night the dim flickering images of carnage and chaos, monsters and madmen leave the screen and enter the real world looking for fresh victims to star in their latest horrors.
Apocalypse: City of Cannibals – A whole civilization of war-like carnivorous humanoids emerges from the sewers and underground tunnels of New York, looking for fresh food. Half-humanoid, half-beast and ravenous, these tribal cannibals invade the streets of Manhattan. No one is safe!
Containment – When an experimental bio-nerve gas is accidentally released into the atmosphere, the streets are filled with a toxic green mist that turns anyone that comes in contact with it into an infected, melting glob of flesh and blood.
War of the Living Dead – On a remote island in the Pacific during the last days of World War II, German military attempted to create the unthinkable – a new breed of super-soldier made from the reanimated corpses of the dead. American forces quickly seized the island compound, but not before the reanimate agent was released. The island was quarantined and has remained a secret until now. Fifty years later, the two opposing dead forces are still locked in immortal combat with you caught in the crosshairs.
Still want more? Behind The Thrills managed to record and post today’s conference call with the producers of the SAW film series and Michael Roddy. And by the way… the all new HHN Website is now live, featuring that creepy movie usher character I’ve been telling you about for months now as this year’s host / icon character. Want to see something extra interesting? Check out the downloadable wallpaper at the Concessions Counter and look closely at the bottom of the Leave It To Cleaver and Spawning movie posters which include a Fangoria logo. A future announcement to come or did they back out of the deal and someone forgot to remove this extra from the wallpaper graphics? A good video about the making of the haunts has also been posted to YouTube and embedded below.
(8/25/09) The newest update to the HHN website wasn’t the big update I was expecting, perhaps revealing our host icon, instead it just added the next chapter, Electrocuted. Given the theme of lightning blasts, electrocution and organ harvesting, I can only guess that they are hinting at the Frankenstein haunt with this one. They have also dropped hints that new updates could start appearing very frequently from now on, and you may want to check out the official HHN page on Facebook, as they will be hosting an official Q&A session there on Thursday between 3-3:30pm EST with Michael Roddy.
(8/21/09) For anyone curious, a new trailer for the new Wolfman film can be found at
AintItCool, which actually gives a plug for Halloween Horror Nights at the end.
(8/19/09) Like most people, I’m afraid I’ve become a little disappointed with the rather slow progress of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights website. Compared to years past where we were treated to huge story building events online, this year’s attempt is moving at a snail’s pace and has yet to really draw me in. Of course, this has led some to wonder, just what happened to the whole Legendary Truth storyline from last year? After the Bloody Mary story evolved into the big investigation story during HHN itself from The Collective, many expected to see that story bridge the gap into this year’s event. So far... we’ve got nothing... or do we?
According to a post over at Behind The Thrills, they have made a great and possible connection between the old Legendary Truth site and this year’s site. It all has to do with the color coding of those little buttons at the bottom of this year’s screen and how they match up with what we’ve seen before.
(8/6/09) Screamscape sources have come forward with the names and basic themed of the unknown haunts. The Parade Building maze (codename: Flashlight) will indeed be themed as the haunted Universal Palace Theater and possibly use the name Silver Screams. Meanwhile the Disaster queue area (codename: Plea Sant Vielle) will indeed be given a quiet small neighborhood theme with various storefronts, and I’m betting a butcher shop may also be a big part of this. I’ve also heard that Fangoria is involved here in some fashion, possibly with the design, and the rumored name for this haunt is: Fangoria Presents: Leave It To Cleaver. Fangoria isn’t done there though, as they are also rumored to be involved with our last unknown maze in Sprung Two entitled, Fangoria Presents: The Spawning. I’ve still got no idea what the theme of that one may be yet however.
(8/3/09) I’m going to recap a bit on what we think we know about this year’s Halloween Horror Nights event. First off... lets talk about the mazes, rumored themes and locations. Over in Soundstage 23 I believe we have two mazes fully built right now for Dracula and Frankenstein. The nearby Soundstage 22 is also thought to be home to the Wolfman maze. The Jaws Queue area has been pretty much confirmed as the location of the SAW maze this year, though the Disaster queue area still isn’t entirely known. It was one thought that this may be the Universal Theater themed concept, codenamed Flashlight, but now that maze is thought to be the one going into the Parade building instead. So what is going into Disaster? A series of weird building facades... which we’ve heard was codenamed “Plea Sant Vielle”. I’ve also heard something about a possible butcher shop and pet stores being part of the scenery used here. Anyone have an idea? Finally this brings us to the two mazes in the “Sprung One” and “Sprung Two” structures betwee MIB and Simpsons. We know one of these has been confirmed as the Chucky themed maze but the other is still not known. The only clue was a codename... Civic Duty. Again... these are all still rumors for the most part, so anything is subject to change or not being entirely correct.
(6/29/09) While we still don’t know much more about this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, an early rumor we received a few weeks ago does now hold more water. At the time they claimed that this year’s event would be more ‘movie’ themed once again, and that this year’s icon character may actually be some kind of twisted old-fashioned movie theater Usher character with a flashlight. Time will tell if this rumor also holds water.
icon_STOPResort News - (9/4/09) A new version of the Universal Orlando website is currently up as a beta test which you can see here.
(9/1/09) Universal Orlando is apparently preparing a winter holiday concert series. A concert for Chris Isaak is already listed for December 12th, 2009 on Pollstar and insiders tell us that employee comp tickets now list “2009 Holiday Concert Event Dates” as being blacked out.
(7/28/09) Good news today for those of you with with cheaper $99 “Season Passes” to Universal Orlando. According to the Orlando Sentinel Universal has lifted the blackout dates from those passes. The blackout dates however remain in effect for the Power Passes. By the way... check out the Halloween Horror Nights website again for a few new updates to the Theater site.
(7/2/09) Good news for Universal Orlando this week as a lengthy lawsuit between them and the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office has reached a settlement that will give the resort a $1.4 million tax refund. Read more here.
(4/21/09) Bad news for Universal Orlando, as the Orlando Sentinel reports that attendance at the resort is down 20% so far for the year (Q1) compared to the same period the year before. This has been caused by a combination of the downturn in the economy as well as the moving of Spring Break out of Q1 and into Q2 this year.
(3/26/09) Universal Orlando has reported a $9.3 million decline in profits for Q4 (55%), dropping from $16.8 million in 2007 to just $7.5 million this past year. While the parks are only responsible for a 4% attendance loss, the company lost out the rest due to investment losses, and troublesome interest-rate swaps.
Future Resorts, Parks & other Expansions - (12/4/07) Screamscape sources
ART_NewHotelConcept1_web
2007_MasterPlan_Update_web
2007_MasterPlan_apartment_art_web
have sent a piece of concept artwork discovered showing off what the proposed new 16-story tall 1,800 room hotel project may look like. As described in the master plan amendment, this hotel would go right across Hollywood Way behind the Jurassic Park building, between Turkey Lake Road and Adventure Way. We also have map over the overall new master plan, a small piece of artwork showing off what the proposed employee apartment building would look like. There is also a photo of the billboard showing off The Promenade (mixed use office/retail/restaurant) going in across from the Hess station as well as a construction photo of the site posted to OrlandoRocks.
(8/2/07) Today we have to discuss the fate of Wet ‘n Wild. It’s been a few years since anyone talked about this, but the latest rumors claim that the end of the road for Wet ‘n Wild may be in sight. For those who need a little history lesson, I confirmed a few years back that the property under Wet ‘n Wild is actually not owned by the park or Universal, but was part of a land lease deal signed by the creators of Wet ‘n Wild back before it opened in 1977.
Even today no one really knows for sure just how long the term of the lease was for, but shortly after I uncovered that fact one of the local Orlando papers did their own research to contact the property owners who confirmed that there was little chance of them signing a deal to renew the lease due to the increased value of the property and it’s key location on I-Drive that could be put to better (and more profitable) uses. An older article in the Orlando Sentinel about Aquatica once mentions that the terms of their lease start to change in 2007 and the price is expected to rise through the roof by 2012.
The bottom line… Wet ‘n Wild is living on borrowed time. This has led many to speculate about when and if Universal Orlando may take the next step to build their own new water park on their own resort property. It’s also been noted that all of the “new attractions” added to the waterpark over the last few years have either been rehabs of older attractions (The lazy river, The Blast) or larger above ground attractions (Storm, Disco H2O, Brain Wash) that would be fairly simple to move to a new location when the time comes.
These days the rumor mill has picked up once again claiming that 2009 could very well be the last summer for Wet ‘n Wild. If this is true, then my best guess may be that Wet ‘n Wild signed a 35 year lease possibly as early as 1975 which could come to an end in 2010. Remember that the park will need time to remove their property from the site, so you can see where the 2009 closure idea may be coming from.
Keep in mind that other than the fact that there is a ticking clock… everything else is just speculation right now. For all we know the park may have another 10 years left on their lease… or they could already be in some kind of overtime extension where the fees grow higher and higher each additional year. If the end is near, I’m sure we’ll hear more about this very soon and Universal is likely to promote this fact to drive up attendance in the final season when they find themselves up against the new waterpark on the block, Aquatica.
(5/15/07) According to a post at UrbanPlanet.org, Universal Orlando is asking for an amendment to their master plan to add Timeshare Units and Multi Family Residential units to their 800 acre property. Currently only 104 acres are undeveloped and this plan pretty much fills up almost all the rest of the holes. The Residential section of the plan will add up to 316 units along Vineland that are intended to be used as Workforce Housing, most likely in much the same manor that Disney offers housing for their International and College Workforce programs. A new four story tall office building will be added not far from the current office building(s) along Turkey Lake Road. Meanwhile it looks the plot of land next to the Royal Pacific will become home to an 800 room 8-story tall hotel property and the land between Adventure Way and Turkey Lake Road will become home to a 1,800 room 16-story tall hotel project. From the look of the new Masterplan Map, the river system will be expanded to allow for transportation to these two new hotel projects. Looks like those rumors last week about the new Premium and Moderate sized resort projects were right on the money. Meanwhile the only big holes left open for future development include what’s left of the property from the new 1,800 room resort down the South end of Universal’s property on Turkey Lake (enough room to build a new waterpark still) and the large plot of land between the Men In Black ride building and Universal Blvd where they set up a few mazes at last year’s Halloween Horror Nights. Here’s another look at the Sat Map showing off the various site plans.
(9/16/09) A new video showing off the latest HHN construction in the park can be seen here.
(9/15/09) Universal Orlando sent in an incredible photo today showing off the outside of Dracula’s home. Looks like old Vlad the Impaler
2009_Dracula_LR
2009_0901_SAWBilly
2009_0901_SAWJigsawLair
has been up to his old tricks.
(9/11/09) Universal Orlando will be holding a few fan Q&A sessions on the official Halloween Horror Nights 19 Facebook page. On Friday, 9/11 from 4:30 to 5:00pm you can talk to T.J. Mannarino, Dir. Of Art & Design, about the Universal Palace theater. On 9/18 from 3:30 – 4pm you can ask questions of Michael Roddy about Overall theme development and on 9./23 from 4 to 4:30pm you can ask Mike Aiello about now they revamped classics like Frankenstein and Dracula.
(9/11/09) New construction updates from Halloween Horror Nights has been posted to Orlando United and VinylNation.
(9/9/09) A fun new HHN video showing off Bill & Ted sneaking into the Frankenstein maze can be seen here. You can also listen in to the latest conference call with HHN guru J. Michael Roddy about all the mazes over at Behind The Thrills.
(9/8/09) Universal Orlando is currently running a new survey about Halloween Horror Nights. Jump on in! Speaking of HHN… it was pointed out that the description of War of the Living Dead was changed a bit to no longer mention the German’s involvement. I guess someone pointed out that we fought the Japanese in the Pacific in WWII, not the Germans. (Though I wouldn’t be surprised if a U-Boat or two wasn’t snooping around as well at the time…) You can also watch a fun video online taken from Central Florida’s On-Demand service all about this year’s HHN. Finally, we also have a copy of the official commercial for HHN uploaded to YouTube.
(9/3/09) A few new pictures of HHN construction can be found at VinylNation here and here.
(9/2/09) Universal Orlando has released a couple of new pictures showing off the inside of the new Jigsaw’s Lair haunt.
(8/31/09) Fun way to get pumped about this year’s HHN… check out this great video showing off last year’s event.
(8/28/09) A new press release from Universal Orlando confirms that this year’s entire event will be inspired by Hollywood’s biggest mega horror hit films and contains the complete list of attractions with three based on films that have yet to rip into the silver screen itself. There are 8 confirmed haunts this year:
SAW – F2009_0708_HHN_Artwork_600or years you have come to celebrate Halloween and to witness the weakness of others. The only way to gain redemption for this voyeuristic obsession is to truly know what it means to bleed, to feel weak; to experience pain. Jigsaw will give you this experience. Happy Halloween. Let the games begin.
The Wolfman – Pure. Animalistic. Rage. Take a journey through England’s countryside and come face to fangs with one of the most terrifying creatures to ever explode from the silver screen. Forget everything you thought you knew, and prepare yourself for the sights and sounds of the newest addition to Universal Pictures’ legacy of horror.
Chucky: Friends to the End – Ever wonder what happens when good toys go bad? Chucky has been hard at work, tinkering with your favorite childhood playthings. Nothing is what it seems as you step inside and experience what its like to live in Chucky’s world. This is no Child’s Play.
Dracula: Legacy of Blood – Welcome to Castle Dracula on the night of “The Calling.” Vlad Dracul bids you welcome – be you one of the chosen women who has been called or merely a mortal man. Those who have been chosen must decide whether to join the Dark Prince in everlasting life as his brides, or reject his offer and suffer for all eternity. The blood must be renewed. The fate of the legacy hangs in the balance – Dracula’s legacy of blood.
Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned – It has been a fortnight since his creation caused the castle to be engulfed in flames. Doctor Frankenstein now continues his work to perfect the art of resurrection and regeneration, surrounded by his creations. The Creature has also returned, to make the Doctor pay for the pain and suffering he has had to endure. The Creature will destroy everything in his path to gain redemption, and you are now caught in the middle of this epic battle.
The Spawning – Something “different” has moved in among the sewers of Wyandot County, Ohio. The locals claim that these creatures, these “Sculders,” are two feet tall, with the body of a snake. As a volunteer member of the local water district, it is your civic duty to venture into these pipes and restore the flow. But beware, the locals are wrong about the “Sculders” and the only thing that will be flowing is your blood as it leaves your lifeless body.
Leave it to Cleaver – Samuel Meetz works for the people of Carey, Ohio as a butcher, bringing them the freshest meat possible. With a steady livestock of transients and town lawbreakers with which to serve, and a staff of volunteers who will preserve their towns deadly secret by any means necessary, there is truly no end in sight for Samuel or his family business. As Sam always says: Meet Me at Meetz…The Z stands for cannibal.
Silver Screams – Julian Browning has been the usher in the Universal Palace since it opened in 1922, of course, he’s been dead since 1940, but he still commands respect for his most beloved films from every patron. Buy a ticket to the Universal Palace, and let Julian usher you into a realm where the horror on the screen is ripped away to reveal a world that is truly terrifying. Features “Shaun of the Dead,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “My Bloody Valentine 3D” and other popular horror films.
In addition to the two hit shows, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure and The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute there will be six awesome Scare Zones this year:
Lights, Camera, Hacktion!!! – Hollywood Boulevard is being used as a location for the filming of the next big horror movie to be released in October 2010: The CHAINSAW DRILL TEAM MASSACRE in 3-D. Lights, Camera, Hacktion! Our director, Mas Imair, noted horror film aficionado, is bringing the massacre to life in blood-red terrorcolor. But the actors seem to be taking their direction literally and are “hacking” through the cast and crew. It’s a close encounter of the worst kind as the backlot becomes a hacklot and the streets run red with blood. Are you ready for your close-up?
Cirque Du Freak – Inspired by Universal Pictures’ upcoming film “Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant,” which tells the fantasy-adventure tale of a boy who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires. Pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night, one teen will vanish from the safety of a boring existence and fulfill his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares.
Horrorwood Die-In – The Hollywood Drive-in has been closed for years, and some say the abandoned grounds are haunted, where late at night the dim flickering images of carnage and chaos, monsters and madmen leave the screen and enter the real world looking for fresh victims to star in their latest horrors.
Apocalypse: City of Cannibals – A whole civilization of war-like carnivorous humanoids emerges from the sewers and underground tunnels of New York, looking for fresh food. Half-humanoid, half-beast and ravenous, these tribal cannibals invade the streets of Manhattan. No one is safe!
Containment – When an experimental bio-nerve gas is accidentally released into the atmosphere, the streets are filled with a toxic green mist that turns anyone that comes in contact with it into an infected, melting glob of flesh and blood.
War of the Living Dead – On a remote island in the Pacific during the last days of World War II, German military attempted to create the unthinkable – a new breed of super-soldier made from the reanimated corpses of the dead. American forces quickly seized the island compound, but not before the reanimate agent was released. The island was quarantined and has remained a secret until now. Fifty years later, the two opposing dead forces are still locked in immortal combat with you caught in the crosshairs.
Still want more? Behind The Thrills managed to record and post today’s conference call with the producers of the SAW film series and Michael Roddy. And by the way… the all new HHN Website is now live, featuring that creepy movie usher character I’ve been telling you about for months now as this year’s host / icon character. Want to see something extra interesting? Check out the downloadable wallpaper at the Concessions Counter and look closely at the bottom of the Leave It To Cleaver and Spawning movie posters which include a Fangoria logo. A future announcement to come or did they back out of the deal and someone forgot to remove this extra from the wallpaper graphics? A good video about the making of the haunts has also been posted to YouTube and embedded below.
(8/25/09) The newest update to the HHN website wasn’t the big update I was expecting, perhaps revealing our host icon, instead it just added the next chapter, Electrocuted. Given the theme of lightning blasts, electrocution and organ harvesting, I can only guess that they are hinting at the Frankenstein haunt with this one. They have also dropped hints that new updates could start appearing very frequently from now on, and you may want to check out the official HHN page on Facebook, as they will be hosting an official Q&A session there on Thursday between 3-3:30pm EST with Michael Roddy.
(8/21/09) For anyone curious, a new trailer for the new Wolfman film can be found at
AintItCool, which actually gives a plug for Halloween Horror Nights at the end.
(8/19/09) Like most people, I’m afraid I’ve become a little disappointed with the rather slow progress of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights website. Compared to years past where we were treated to huge story building events online, this year’s attempt is moving at a snail’s pace and has yet to really draw me in. Of course, this has led some to wonder, just what happened to the whole Legendary Truth storyline from last year? After the Bloody Mary story evolved into the big investigation story during HHN itself from The Collective, many expected to see that story bridge the gap into this year’s event. So far... we’ve got nothing... or do we?
According to a post over at Behind The Thrills, they have made a great and possible connection between the old Legendary Truth site and this year’s site. It all has to do with the color coding of those little buttons at the bottom of this year’s screen and how they match up with what we’ve seen before.
(8/6/09) Screamscape sources have come forward with the names and basic themed of the unknown haunts. The Parade Building maze (codename: Flashlight) will indeed be themed as the haunted Universal Palace Theater and possibly use the name Silver Screams. Meanwhile the Disaster queue area (codename: Plea Sant Vielle) will indeed be given a quiet small neighborhood theme with various storefronts, and I’m betting a butcher shop may also be a big part of this. I’ve also heard that Fangoria is involved here in some fashion, possibly with the design, and the rumored name for this haunt is: Fangoria Presents: Leave It To Cleaver. Fangoria isn’t done there though, as they are also rumored to be involved with our last unknown maze in Sprung Two entitled, Fangoria Presents: The Spawning. I’ve still got no idea what the theme of that one may be yet however.
(8/3/09) I’m going to recap a bit on what we think we know about this year’s Halloween Horror Nights event. First off... lets talk about the mazes, rumored themes and locations. Over in Soundstage 23 I believe we have two mazes fully built right now for Dracula and Frankenstein. The nearby Soundstage 22 is also thought to be home to the Wolfman maze. The Jaws Queue area has been pretty much confirmed as the location of the SAW maze this year, though the Disaster queue area still isn’t entirely known. It was one thought that this may be the Universal Theater themed concept, codenamed Flashlight, but now that maze is thought to be the one going into the Parade building instead. So what is going into Disaster? A series of weird building facades... which we’ve heard was codenamed “Plea Sant Vielle”. I’ve also heard something about a possible butcher shop and pet stores being part of the scenery used here. Anyone have an idea? Finally this brings us to the two mazes in the “Sprung One” and “Sprung Two” structures betwee MIB and Simpsons. We know one of these has been confirmed as the Chucky themed maze but the other is still not known. The only clue was a codename... Civic Duty. Again... these are all still rumors for the most part, so anything is subject to change or not being entirely correct.
(6/29/09) While we still don’t know much more about this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, an early rumor we received a few weeks ago does now hold more water. At the time they claimed that this year’s event would be more ‘movie’ themed once again, and that this year’s icon character may actually be some kind of twisted old-fashioned movie theater Usher character with a flashlight. Time will tell if this rumor also holds water.
icon_STOPResort News - (9/4/09) A new version of the Universal Orlando website is currently up as a beta test which you can see here.
(9/1/09) Universal Orlando is apparently preparing a winter holiday concert series. A concert for Chris Isaak is already listed for December 12th, 2009 on Pollstar and insiders tell us that employee comp tickets now list “2009 Holiday Concert Event Dates” as being blacked out.
(7/28/09) Good news today for those of you with with cheaper $99 “Season Passes” to Universal Orlando. According to the Orlando Sentinel Universal has lifted the blackout dates from those passes. The blackout dates however remain in effect for the Power Passes. By the way... check out the Halloween Horror Nights website again for a few new updates to the Theater site.
(7/2/09) Good news for Universal Orlando this week as a lengthy lawsuit between them and the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office has reached a settlement that will give the resort a $1.4 million tax refund. Read more here.
(4/21/09) Bad news for Universal Orlando, as the Orlando Sentinel reports that attendance at the resort is down 20% so far for the year (Q1) compared to the same period the year before. This has been caused by a combination of the downturn in the economy as well as the moving of Spring Break out of Q1 and into Q2 this year.
(3/26/09) Universal Orlando has reported a $9.3 million decline in profits for Q4 (55%), dropping from $16.8 million in 2007 to just $7.5 million this past year. While the parks are only responsible for a 4% attendance loss, the company lost out the rest due to investment losses, and troublesome interest-rate swaps.
Future Resorts, Parks & other Expansions - (12/4/07) Screamscape sources
ART_NewHotelConcept1_web
2007_MasterPlan_Update_web
2007_MasterPlan_apartment_art_web
have sent a piece of concept artwork discovered showing off what the proposed new 16-story tall 1,800 room hotel project may look like. As described in the master plan amendment, this hotel would go right across Hollywood Way behind the Jurassic Park building, between Turkey Lake Road and Adventure Way. We also have map over the overall new master plan, a small piece of artwork showing off what the proposed employee apartment building would look like. There is also a photo of the billboard showing off The Promenade (mixed use office/retail/restaurant) going in across from the Hess station as well as a construction photo of the site posted to OrlandoRocks.
(8/2/07) Today we have to discuss the fate of Wet ‘n Wild. It’s been a few years since anyone talked about this, but the latest rumors claim that the end of the road for Wet ‘n Wild may be in sight. For those who need a little history lesson, I confirmed a few years back that the property under Wet ‘n Wild is actually not owned by the park or Universal, but was part of a land lease deal signed by the creators of Wet ‘n Wild back before it opened in 1977.
Even today no one really knows for sure just how long the term of the lease was for, but shortly after I uncovered that fact one of the local Orlando papers did their own research to contact the property owners who confirmed that there was little chance of them signing a deal to renew the lease due to the increased value of the property and it’s key location on I-Drive that could be put to better (and more profitable) uses. An older article in the Orlando Sentinel about Aquatica once mentions that the terms of their lease start to change in 2007 and the price is expected to rise through the roof by 2012.
The bottom line… Wet ‘n Wild is living on borrowed time. This has led many to speculate about when and if Universal Orlando may take the next step to build their own new water park on their own resort property. It’s also been noted that all of the “new attractions” added to the waterpark over the last few years have either been rehabs of older attractions (The lazy river, The Blast) or larger above ground attractions (Storm, Disco H2O, Brain Wash) that would be fairly simple to move to a new location when the time comes.
These days the rumor mill has picked up once again claiming that 2009 could very well be the last summer for Wet ‘n Wild. If this is true, then my best guess may be that Wet ‘n Wild signed a 35 year lease possibly as early as 1975 which could come to an end in 2010. Remember that the park will need time to remove their property from the site, so you can see where the 2009 closure idea may be coming from.
Keep in mind that other than the fact that there is a ticking clock… everything else is just speculation right now. For all we know the park may have another 10 years left on their lease… or they could already be in some kind of overtime extension where the fees grow higher and higher each additional year. If the end is near, I’m sure we’ll hear more about this very soon and Universal is likely to promote this fact to drive up attendance in the final season when they find themselves up against the new waterpark on the block, Aquatica.
(5/15/07) According to a post at UrbanPlanet.org, Universal Orlando is asking for an amendment to their master plan to add Timeshare Units and Multi Family Residential units to their 800 acre property. Currently only 104 acres are undeveloped and this plan pretty much fills up almost all the rest of the holes. The Residential section of the plan will add up to 316 units along Vineland that are intended to be used as Workforce Housing, most likely in much the same manor that Disney offers housing for their International and College Workforce programs. A new four story tall office building will be added not far from the current office building(s) along Turkey Lake Road. Meanwhile it looks the plot of land next to the Royal Pacific will become home to an 800 room 8-story tall hotel property and the land between Adventure Way and Turkey Lake Road will become home to a 1,800 room 16-story tall hotel project. From the look of the new Masterplan Map, the river system will be expanded to allow for transportation to these two new hotel projects. Looks like those rumors last week about the new Premium and Moderate sized resort projects were right on the money. Meanwhile the only big holes left open for future development include what’s left of the property from the new 1,800 room resort down the South end of Universal’s property on Turkey Lake (enough room to build a new waterpark still) and the large plot of land between the Men In Black ride building and Universal Blvd where they set up a few mazes at last year’s Halloween Horror Nights. Here’s another look at the Sat Map showing off the various site plans.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/first_look_uo2.html check it out new stuff about harry potter
Monday, September 14, 2009
Another look: Dracula's 'house' for Halloween Horror Nights
This just in from the Halloween Horror Nights camp: An "exterior" of the Dracula house, more properly known as "Dracula: Legacy of Blood." It has been constructed inside a Universal soundstage. Halloween Horror Nights kicks off Sept. 25.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Top 5 Central Florida theme park rides that draw lawsuits
Here are the top 5 Central Florida theme-park rides among those that have generated the most personal-injury lawsuits during the past 5 years. Eleven others — from Disney World's peaceful boat ride, It's a Small World, to SeaWorld's high-speed roller coaster, Kraken — have each attracted 2.
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, Universal Orlando. Lawsuits: 7.
Mission: Space, Epcot, simulator. Lawsuits: 5. Claims: Heart attack; cervical damage; unspecified other injuries involving ride movements.
The Black Hole, Wet 'n' Wild, water slide. Lawsuits: 3. Claims: Unspecified injuries (2 falls from tubes, 1 collision with another patron).
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, Islands of Adventure, river raft. Lawsuits: 3. Claims: Unspecified injuries (1 slip and fall, 2 involving restraint system).
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Hollywood Studios. Lawsuits: 3. Claims: Aneurysm; stroke; unspecified injuries involving ride movements
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, Universal Orlando. Lawsuits: 7.
Mission: Space, Epcot, simulator. Lawsuits: 5. Claims: Heart attack; cervical damage; unspecified other injuries involving ride movements.
The Black Hole, Wet 'n' Wild, water slide. Lawsuits: 3. Claims: Unspecified injuries (2 falls from tubes, 1 collision with another patron).
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, Islands of Adventure, river raft. Lawsuits: 3. Claims: Unspecified injuries (1 slip and fall, 2 involving restraint system).
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Hollywood Studios. Lawsuits: 3. Claims: Aneurysm; stroke; unspecified injuries involving ride movements
Walt Disney World makeover: Magic Kingdom getting new Fantasyland with Little Mermaid ride
Walt Disney World is about to embark on a sweeping facelift for the Fantasyland section of the Magic Kingdom, in what the resort calls the biggest overhaul in the theme park's 38-year history.
Plans revealed Saturday call for adding a lavish ride based on The Little Mermaid, expanding a popular Dumbo children's attraction, new interactive areas featuring some of Disney's best-known princesses, and more.
In addition, Disney said it plans to update Star Tours, the Star Wars-themed simulator ride in Disney's Hollywood Studios, with new 3-D effects.
The refurbished Star Tours will debut in 2011. The Fantasyland overhaul will be complete by 2013. Disney declined to say how much it will spend on the projects.
The twin announcements are a Disney World response to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the hugely anticipated project being built by rival Universal Orlando in its Islands of Adventure theme park. Industry experts expect Wizarding World, a collection of attractions, shops and restaurants based on the novels by British author J.K. Rowling, to prove a huge draw when it opens in 2010; one that threatens to siphon attendance away from Disney.
But perhaps more importantly, said Robert Niles, publisher of themeparkinsider.com, Disney's Fantasyland expansion could team with Universal's Wizarding World in helping reignite overall travel to Orlando, which has slumped badly amid the global recession.
"There might be some Harry Potter fans who are waffling on the expense of trips to Orlando. But if you can throw in something new at Disney, maybe they'll make the trip," Niles said. "At this point, travel isn't a zero sum game. They've got to get people on planes traveling again."
To drive the expansion, Disney is turning to one of its most enduring and lucrative franchises: princesses. The vast majority of the Fantasyland overhaul will focus on Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and others in the company's stable of animated heroines.
The biggest-ticket addition will be the Little Mermaid attraction, an enclosed ride that will carry guests through Ariel's underwater realm. It will use an Omnimover ride system similar to that of the Haunted Mansion, and will move through scenes featuring characters and songs from the 1989 movie.
The ride, which has a working title of Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid, will be the same as one being built as part of the $1 billion overhaul of Disney's California Adventure theme park in Anaheim, Calif., though the twin attractions will have different exteriors.
But what's more, Disney World will construct individual areas -- be it a castle, cottage or chateau -- where guests can interact with some of the company's best-known princesses and other characters from their movies. Children will be able to dance with Cinderella, celebrate Aurora's birthday with the Good Fairies, or play a role with Belle in a performance in the library of the Beast's castle.
The Beast's castle, taken from the 1991 film Beauty and the Beast, will also include a three-room themed restaurant.
"Princesses are certainly one of Disney's strengths. Obviously, there's some limited appeal in terms of gender and age," Niles, of themeparkinsider.com, said. "But anyone who's had a young daughter knows they can be extremely persuasive."
Chris Beatty, a senior concept designer with Walt Disney Imagineering, said a goal is to make the company's iconic princesses appealing to a wider demographic. For example, some villains from the princesses' movies will also be incorporated to help the area appeal to boys.
"We're tailoring our experiences to kind of have that broad appeal," Beatty said. "There're just some great, classic stories, and we know for any guests that travel to the Magic Kingdom, that's always one of the highlights."
Beyond princesses, the plans call for doubling the size of and relocating Dumbo the Flying Elephant to a new "circus grounds" that will include an interactive queue under a big-top tent to entertain children waiting in line. Disney will add a new Pixie Hollow character-greeting area, home to Tinker Bell and other fairies.
To accommodate the expansion, Disney will raze most of Mickey's Toontown Fair, the smallest of the Magic Kingdom's "lands." Gone will be both of the walk-through country houses where guests were guaranteed to meet Disney's most famous characters: Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Disney says Mickey and Minnie will get new homes near the front entrance of the park. The children's roller coaster, the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm, will remain, though it will be re-themed, likely with a circus overlay linking it to Dumbo.
The first phase of the Fantasyland expansion, including the Mermaid ride and the princess areas, is scheduled to open in 2012. Pixie Hollow will follow in 2013.
For Star Tours, which debuted in Hollywood Studios in 1989, Disney plans to add new video and dialogue sequences recorded by George Lucas' Lucasfilm studio. The updated 3-D effects will incorporate characters from the three Star Wars prequel films released between 1999 and 2005.
An identical Star Tours at Disneyland will also be upgraded.
Online Disney fan forums have been abuzz about a potential Fantasyland expansion for much of the summer, after blueprints were mysteriously leaked. Disney refused to comment on the plans for weeks, instead waiting to make the announcement at a fan convention this weekend in Anaheim.
Plans revealed Saturday call for adding a lavish ride based on The Little Mermaid, expanding a popular Dumbo children's attraction, new interactive areas featuring some of Disney's best-known princesses, and more.
In addition, Disney said it plans to update Star Tours, the Star Wars-themed simulator ride in Disney's Hollywood Studios, with new 3-D effects.
The refurbished Star Tours will debut in 2011. The Fantasyland overhaul will be complete by 2013. Disney declined to say how much it will spend on the projects.
The twin announcements are a Disney World response to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the hugely anticipated project being built by rival Universal Orlando in its Islands of Adventure theme park. Industry experts expect Wizarding World, a collection of attractions, shops and restaurants based on the novels by British author J.K. Rowling, to prove a huge draw when it opens in 2010; one that threatens to siphon attendance away from Disney.
But perhaps more importantly, said Robert Niles, publisher of themeparkinsider.com, Disney's Fantasyland expansion could team with Universal's Wizarding World in helping reignite overall travel to Orlando, which has slumped badly amid the global recession.
"There might be some Harry Potter fans who are waffling on the expense of trips to Orlando. But if you can throw in something new at Disney, maybe they'll make the trip," Niles said. "At this point, travel isn't a zero sum game. They've got to get people on planes traveling again."
To drive the expansion, Disney is turning to one of its most enduring and lucrative franchises: princesses. The vast majority of the Fantasyland overhaul will focus on Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and others in the company's stable of animated heroines.
The biggest-ticket addition will be the Little Mermaid attraction, an enclosed ride that will carry guests through Ariel's underwater realm. It will use an Omnimover ride system similar to that of the Haunted Mansion, and will move through scenes featuring characters and songs from the 1989 movie.
The ride, which has a working title of Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid, will be the same as one being built as part of the $1 billion overhaul of Disney's California Adventure theme park in Anaheim, Calif., though the twin attractions will have different exteriors.
But what's more, Disney World will construct individual areas -- be it a castle, cottage or chateau -- where guests can interact with some of the company's best-known princesses and other characters from their movies. Children will be able to dance with Cinderella, celebrate Aurora's birthday with the Good Fairies, or play a role with Belle in a performance in the library of the Beast's castle.
The Beast's castle, taken from the 1991 film Beauty and the Beast, will also include a three-room themed restaurant.
"Princesses are certainly one of Disney's strengths. Obviously, there's some limited appeal in terms of gender and age," Niles, of themeparkinsider.com, said. "But anyone who's had a young daughter knows they can be extremely persuasive."
Chris Beatty, a senior concept designer with Walt Disney Imagineering, said a goal is to make the company's iconic princesses appealing to a wider demographic. For example, some villains from the princesses' movies will also be incorporated to help the area appeal to boys.
"We're tailoring our experiences to kind of have that broad appeal," Beatty said. "There're just some great, classic stories, and we know for any guests that travel to the Magic Kingdom, that's always one of the highlights."
Beyond princesses, the plans call for doubling the size of and relocating Dumbo the Flying Elephant to a new "circus grounds" that will include an interactive queue under a big-top tent to entertain children waiting in line. Disney will add a new Pixie Hollow character-greeting area, home to Tinker Bell and other fairies.
To accommodate the expansion, Disney will raze most of Mickey's Toontown Fair, the smallest of the Magic Kingdom's "lands." Gone will be both of the walk-through country houses where guests were guaranteed to meet Disney's most famous characters: Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Disney says Mickey and Minnie will get new homes near the front entrance of the park. The children's roller coaster, the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm, will remain, though it will be re-themed, likely with a circus overlay linking it to Dumbo.
The first phase of the Fantasyland expansion, including the Mermaid ride and the princess areas, is scheduled to open in 2012. Pixie Hollow will follow in 2013.
For Star Tours, which debuted in Hollywood Studios in 1989, Disney plans to add new video and dialogue sequences recorded by George Lucas' Lucasfilm studio. The updated 3-D effects will incorporate characters from the three Star Wars prequel films released between 1999 and 2005.
An identical Star Tours at Disneyland will also be upgraded.
Online Disney fan forums have been abuzz about a potential Fantasyland expansion for much of the summer, after blueprints were mysteriously leaked. Disney refused to comment on the plans for weeks, instead waiting to make the announcement at a fan convention this weekend in Anaheim.
Friday, September 11, 2009
modified version the old Wild West show
Park News - (8/21/09) We’ve heard one minor rumor claiming that Universal may be looking into a cost evaluation to see what it would take to bring back a modified version of the old Wild West show. Apparently they are just looking at all the options, so nothing to get excited or upset about yet…
(8/18/09) Fear Factor Live has closed down once again, this time to make way for the new Bill & Ted show for Halloween Horror Nights. However, we’ve heard that Fear Factor is likely gone for good this time around. So far the rumored replacement shows sound too crazy to be true, but it got me thinking… why haven’t NBC/Universal attempted to take advantage of the popular Heroes TV show yet? A small live action show based on Heroes could be quite popular and fun in the old Wild West Arena.
(8/11/09) While nothing has been said by Universal one way or the other, I’ve heard several stories and rumors about the various problems and complications taking place with the Hollywood Rockit. At this point in time, I’m not going to explain everything that I’ve heard, especially since there is no way of knowing what is true and what isn’t, but when I take a look at the big picture from it all, I’ve got to think that we may not see the Rockit fully open until Halloween Horror Nights at this point. In the meantime, enjoy some new pictures of the Rockit posted to Orlando Rocks.
(8/8/09) It was quickly pointed out that there is no Transformers project in the works for Universal Orlando, due to the fact that Transformers will re-use the basic Spiderman ride system so there no point. It seems Michael Bay was simply visiting the park to learn and check out the amazing Spiderman ride system first hand to get a better idea of how it will be used to create the Transformer rides for USS and USH. So in short... “No Transformers For You!” (and somewhere... a fanboy begins to cry tears of sadness...)
(8/7/09) While it’s hard to verify this kind of rumor, we’ve heard it said that Michael Bay, the director of the Transformers films, had a meeting with the Orlando Universal Creative staff the other day. While they could be talking about a Transformers project, Bay has also been a producer for the remakes of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday The 13th and an upcoming Nightmare of Elm Street project out in 2010. Still… I just can’t see Universal Orlando sitting still without some kind of Transformers ride of their own while Singapore and Hollywood versions are already confirmed.
(8/18/09) Fear Factor Live has closed down once again, this time to make way for the new Bill & Ted show for Halloween Horror Nights. However, we’ve heard that Fear Factor is likely gone for good this time around. So far the rumored replacement shows sound too crazy to be true, but it got me thinking… why haven’t NBC/Universal attempted to take advantage of the popular Heroes TV show yet? A small live action show based on Heroes could be quite popular and fun in the old Wild West Arena.
(8/11/09) While nothing has been said by Universal one way or the other, I’ve heard several stories and rumors about the various problems and complications taking place with the Hollywood Rockit. At this point in time, I’m not going to explain everything that I’ve heard, especially since there is no way of knowing what is true and what isn’t, but when I take a look at the big picture from it all, I’ve got to think that we may not see the Rockit fully open until Halloween Horror Nights at this point. In the meantime, enjoy some new pictures of the Rockit posted to Orlando Rocks.
(8/8/09) It was quickly pointed out that there is no Transformers project in the works for Universal Orlando, due to the fact that Transformers will re-use the basic Spiderman ride system so there no point. It seems Michael Bay was simply visiting the park to learn and check out the amazing Spiderman ride system first hand to get a better idea of how it will be used to create the Transformer rides for USS and USH. So in short... “No Transformers For You!” (and somewhere... a fanboy begins to cry tears of sadness...)
(8/7/09) While it’s hard to verify this kind of rumor, we’ve heard it said that Michael Bay, the director of the Transformers films, had a meeting with the Orlando Universal Creative staff the other day. While they could be talking about a Transformers project, Bay has also been a producer for the remakes of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday The 13th and an upcoming Nightmare of Elm Street project out in 2010. Still… I just can’t see Universal Orlando sitting still without some kind of Transformers ride of their own while Singapore and Hollywood versions are already confirmed.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Step inside Halloween Horror Nights houses
Michael Roddy, Universal Orlando show producer, gave us a sneak peak of some Halloween Horror Nights elements. (The event starts Sept. 25.)
First, a rundown on the three houses built within Universal Studios' soundstages -- The Wolfman, Dracula: legacy of Blood and Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned..
"Without a doubt, from a design standpoint, these are three of the most immersive mazes we've ever designed," Roddy says.
+ "Our Frankenstein story takes place after "Bride of Frankenstein," so the laboratory and the castle have been destroyed, and Victor Frankenstein has been rebuilding it. So as you walk into this, it’s a crumbling facade of a castle, but you also see the he’s been putting the building back together using the same type of haphazard materials that is suggestive of the creature itself.”
+ “When you go over to Dracula, it’s actually Castle Dracula. It’s this big, gothic, beautiful, castle turret. As you walk through you’re actually in rooms filled with these beautiful, ornate tapestries and gothic arches and statuary. And of course you have all of Dracula’s brides, who are these feral creatures that are bloodthirsty.”
+ “In Wolfman, we were able to visit the [Universal] Pictures Group. We saw the movie. We were basically given access to all their designs, and this is a big-budget version. They have spent a lot of money, a lot of amazing production value has gone into it. It’s been taken completely serious. So then you ‘re going to walk through the actual forest with wolfman, past gypsy camp, into all these environments while being chased by this lycanthrope.”
The SAW house will include a bathroom scene, Roddy says, along with the reverse-bear trap, the hair pull and a hand in a jar of acid. (This might be a good time to note that Universal considers Horror Nights to be a PG-13 event.)
"You're actually going to walk into Jigsaw's lair," Roddy explains. "As you walk in, it's an industrial building, almost nondescripte. As you enter, you're immediately in his workshop. You'll see all of the TVs and the cameras, and you'll come 'face-to-monitor' with Billy, who'll give you your task, which is to make it through this maze."
Here's another warning, this one from Roddy: "If you are terrified by those [Saw] films, then the maze will shut you down."
"We'll never touch you, we' never hurt you, but when you leae, you're going to feel like you've been put through the wringer, mentally," he says. Feel better?
Meanwhile, over at the Silver Screams house, Roddy explains that the its mishmash theme reflects the backstory of the Usher character.
"You'll see how he became this vengeful ghostly spirit. You'll see his favorite movies like Phantom of the Opera, you'll walk through envinorment of Shaun of the Dead, you'll walk through My Bloody Valentine, and a host of others that are, again, Universal brands but we didn't think justify an entire maze," Roddy says.
We'll be seeing more of the Usher. Although advertising for the event banks of the Ripped from the Silver Screen campaign, the Usher will be on the Facebook page and Horror Nights Web site.
"You'll definitely feel his presence throughout the entire event," Roddy says. He is your gateway to the event when you get here. ... We're considering him an icon that will stand toe-to-toe with all of the others that you have known."
The scare zone called Horrorwood Die-In will also have a variety of film characters. The usual Mel's Drive-In area will be transformed into a drive-in, complete with cars and big screen showing movies and those "Let's all go to the lobby" sort of shorts.
"Then all of a sudden, you'll come face-to-face with these characters that have literally come off the screen," Roddy says.
Expect Norman Bates, the character from The Thing and assorted zombies. "It's going to be a blast," he says.
Tradition HHN favorites are back, including the Chainsaw Drill Team, the Bill & Ted show and others. "Rat Lady is our good-luck charm."
First, a rundown on the three houses built within Universal Studios' soundstages -- The Wolfman, Dracula: legacy of Blood and Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned..
"Without a doubt, from a design standpoint, these are three of the most immersive mazes we've ever designed," Roddy says.
+ "Our Frankenstein story takes place after "Bride of Frankenstein," so the laboratory and the castle have been destroyed, and Victor Frankenstein has been rebuilding it. So as you walk into this, it’s a crumbling facade of a castle, but you also see the he’s been putting the building back together using the same type of haphazard materials that is suggestive of the creature itself.”
+ “When you go over to Dracula, it’s actually Castle Dracula. It’s this big, gothic, beautiful, castle turret. As you walk through you’re actually in rooms filled with these beautiful, ornate tapestries and gothic arches and statuary. And of course you have all of Dracula’s brides, who are these feral creatures that are bloodthirsty.”
+ “In Wolfman, we were able to visit the [Universal] Pictures Group. We saw the movie. We were basically given access to all their designs, and this is a big-budget version. They have spent a lot of money, a lot of amazing production value has gone into it. It’s been taken completely serious. So then you ‘re going to walk through the actual forest with wolfman, past gypsy camp, into all these environments while being chased by this lycanthrope.”
The SAW house will include a bathroom scene, Roddy says, along with the reverse-bear trap, the hair pull and a hand in a jar of acid. (This might be a good time to note that Universal considers Horror Nights to be a PG-13 event.)
"You're actually going to walk into Jigsaw's lair," Roddy explains. "As you walk in, it's an industrial building, almost nondescripte. As you enter, you're immediately in his workshop. You'll see all of the TVs and the cameras, and you'll come 'face-to-monitor' with Billy, who'll give you your task, which is to make it through this maze."
Here's another warning, this one from Roddy: "If you are terrified by those [Saw] films, then the maze will shut you down."
"We'll never touch you, we' never hurt you, but when you leae, you're going to feel like you've been put through the wringer, mentally," he says. Feel better?
Meanwhile, over at the Silver Screams house, Roddy explains that the its mishmash theme reflects the backstory of the Usher character.
"You'll see how he became this vengeful ghostly spirit. You'll see his favorite movies like Phantom of the Opera, you'll walk through envinorment of Shaun of the Dead, you'll walk through My Bloody Valentine, and a host of others that are, again, Universal brands but we didn't think justify an entire maze," Roddy says.
We'll be seeing more of the Usher. Although advertising for the event banks of the Ripped from the Silver Screen campaign, the Usher will be on the Facebook page and Horror Nights Web site.
"You'll definitely feel his presence throughout the entire event," Roddy says. He is your gateway to the event when you get here. ... We're considering him an icon that will stand toe-to-toe with all of the others that you have known."
The scare zone called Horrorwood Die-In will also have a variety of film characters. The usual Mel's Drive-In area will be transformed into a drive-in, complete with cars and big screen showing movies and those "Let's all go to the lobby" sort of shorts.
"Then all of a sudden, you'll come face-to-face with these characters that have literally come off the screen," Roddy says.
Expect Norman Bates, the character from The Thing and assorted zombies. "It's going to be a blast," he says.
Tradition HHN favorites are back, including the Chainsaw Drill Team, the Bill & Ted show and others. "Rat Lady is our good-luck charm."
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
hhn orlando link good info check it out
www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando just a heads up if you don't know
www.hhnvault.com hhn vault has a forum that ever one will love
www.hhnvault.com hhn vault has a forum that ever one will love
Top notches: Where new attractions rank
Now that both of Orlando's new roller coasters are open for business, it's time to update our Top 50 Orlando theme park attractions list.
It hasn't been a year since the list's debut, but 2009 has seen more than a handful of worthy attractions join the fray. Now is a good time to refresh because every announced park project has been completed — with the dramatic exception of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.
There's method to this madness, though I wouldn't call it scientific. I start with listing every attraction within our seven major theme parks. As I skim through, I mark the ones I'm sure are going to be top 50 material. Then I go back and pick up secondary choices to fill out the list.
Here's how the newbies finished. You can read the entire list at orlandosentinel.com/themeparks. You'll probably disagree, but with summer winding down, now's your chance to test for yourself.
Booty call
Paging Guilty Pleasure, Mr. Guilty Pleasure. The Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party at Magic Kingdom knows how to push my buttons: character choreography, stilt walkers, streamers and pop music — including "Shake Your Booty." That's! Unexpectedly! Un-Disney! It promenades up Main Street, parks in the shadow of Cinderella Castle and proceeds to party. Hard to argue with its popularity: Guests literally dance in the street. Ranking: 47.
The world's a stage
Count me among the initial doubters of American Idol Experience. I mean, who's going to Disney's Hollywood Studios for a karoake contest? But they've pulled off a transformative experience, starting with the impressive as-seen-on-TV stage. Disney keeps the pace going, so you don't blow a day in there if you don't want, and there have been a few Idols drop by for surprise appearances. Ranking: 34.
Unsung heroine
Why is there not more buzz about the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure? Are folks too macho at Epcot to admit they like the animated character's attraction? It gives you the power to push a button and change the landscape of the park. And it proves that I would be a rotten contestant on The Amazing Race. Ranking: 31.
Launch time
If you've managed to get on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, you've found it to be an entertaining if not harrowing roller coaster. Sure, the straight-up climb and following descent are dramatic, but after that comes a series of downright fun hills and airtime on a thin wedge at Universal Studios. Somehow it feels longer than its 95-second round trip, and the customizable soundtrack makes folks really re-ride ready. Plus, it's fun to say HRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Ranking: 10.
Fetal and in flight
Our highest-ranking rookie is Manta roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. Flying head first, parallel to the ground and sort of curled up isn't natural, but it can be exhilarating. The experience from the back row is about as intense as it gets in Orlando — not for the easily queasy. The uniqueness of position and creative queue give Manta a slight edge over its sistacoaster, Kraken. Ranking: 3.
Postscript
•It's not new in town, but has new life. I added the refurbished Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom to the Top 50. It's spruced up nicely, reorganized in a good way and has found a way to be distinguished from similarly patriotic American Adventure at Epcot.
•Last time, I accidentally left off Magic Kingdom's Pirates of the Caribbean. That's the fact, Jack Sparrow. Everyone took it well — I was neither drawn nor quartered. In fact, I might not have known without some jolly folks from Jungle Cruise telling me. Those two Adventureland attractions are reunited on the list.
Frightful first
For its 19th editions, Universal's Halloween Horror Nights will be completely devoted to scary movies. Read the rundown of haunted houses and scare zones before the Sept. 25 debut at OrlandoSentinel.com/tpr
• FLYING HIGH: Speculate about what Disney's acquisition of Marvel Entertainment will mean to us. Comment at OrlandoSentinel.com/tpr
• WE'RE ADVENTURERS?: The upcoming expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland includes mining town, mischievous monkey.
It hasn't been a year since the list's debut, but 2009 has seen more than a handful of worthy attractions join the fray. Now is a good time to refresh because every announced park project has been completed — with the dramatic exception of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.
There's method to this madness, though I wouldn't call it scientific. I start with listing every attraction within our seven major theme parks. As I skim through, I mark the ones I'm sure are going to be top 50 material. Then I go back and pick up secondary choices to fill out the list.
Here's how the newbies finished. You can read the entire list at orlandosentinel.com/themeparks. You'll probably disagree, but with summer winding down, now's your chance to test for yourself.
Booty call
Paging Guilty Pleasure, Mr. Guilty Pleasure. The Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party at Magic Kingdom knows how to push my buttons: character choreography, stilt walkers, streamers and pop music — including "Shake Your Booty." That's! Unexpectedly! Un-Disney! It promenades up Main Street, parks in the shadow of Cinderella Castle and proceeds to party. Hard to argue with its popularity: Guests literally dance in the street. Ranking: 47.
The world's a stage
Count me among the initial doubters of American Idol Experience. I mean, who's going to Disney's Hollywood Studios for a karoake contest? But they've pulled off a transformative experience, starting with the impressive as-seen-on-TV stage. Disney keeps the pace going, so you don't blow a day in there if you don't want, and there have been a few Idols drop by for surprise appearances. Ranking: 34.
Unsung heroine
Why is there not more buzz about the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure? Are folks too macho at Epcot to admit they like the animated character's attraction? It gives you the power to push a button and change the landscape of the park. And it proves that I would be a rotten contestant on The Amazing Race. Ranking: 31.
Launch time
If you've managed to get on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, you've found it to be an entertaining if not harrowing roller coaster. Sure, the straight-up climb and following descent are dramatic, but after that comes a series of downright fun hills and airtime on a thin wedge at Universal Studios. Somehow it feels longer than its 95-second round trip, and the customizable soundtrack makes folks really re-ride ready. Plus, it's fun to say HRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Ranking: 10.
Fetal and in flight
Our highest-ranking rookie is Manta roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. Flying head first, parallel to the ground and sort of curled up isn't natural, but it can be exhilarating. The experience from the back row is about as intense as it gets in Orlando — not for the easily queasy. The uniqueness of position and creative queue give Manta a slight edge over its sistacoaster, Kraken. Ranking: 3.
Postscript
•It's not new in town, but has new life. I added the refurbished Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom to the Top 50. It's spruced up nicely, reorganized in a good way and has found a way to be distinguished from similarly patriotic American Adventure at Epcot.
•Last time, I accidentally left off Magic Kingdom's Pirates of the Caribbean. That's the fact, Jack Sparrow. Everyone took it well — I was neither drawn nor quartered. In fact, I might not have known without some jolly folks from Jungle Cruise telling me. Those two Adventureland attractions are reunited on the list.
Frightful first
For its 19th editions, Universal's Halloween Horror Nights will be completely devoted to scary movies. Read the rundown of haunted houses and scare zones before the Sept. 25 debut at OrlandoSentinel.com/tpr
• FLYING HIGH: Speculate about what Disney's acquisition of Marvel Entertainment will mean to us. Comment at OrlandoSentinel.com/tpr
• WE'RE ADVENTURERS?: The upcoming expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland includes mining town, mischievous monkey.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Details may emerge soon for Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal Orlando is preparing to pull back the curtain a bit on its hugely anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The resort on Thursday began e-mailing invitations to some reporters and bloggers for a Sept. 15 Webcast about the $200 million-plus project, which is based on British author J.K. Rowling's seven-book series and the movies they have inspired.
A spokesman for Universal declined to discuss details of the event. Invitations promise a "first-ever glimpse" of the Wizarding World.
Universal's Potter event is scheduled to occur two days after the Walt Disney Co. concludes a fan convention in Anaheim, Calif. Disney is widely expected to announce new projects at the gathering for several of its theme parks, including Disney World.
Although Universal has said little about Wizarding World since announcing it in May 2007, some details have leaked out.
The 20-acre "theme park within a theme park" in Islands of Adventure is to be anchored by the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy. The 15-story castle will house the themed area's signature attraction -- which, according to people familiar with the project, will feature a "robocoaster" ride system in which guests sit in seats suspended from a robotic arm that swivels in multiple directions as it advances along a track.
The name of the ride is thought to be "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey," based on U.S. trademark applications filed earlier this year.
The Wizarding World will also include Hogsmeade Village, with shops and taverns from the novels selling items such as magic wands and serving treats such as chocolate frogs and butterbeer.
The project is scheduled to open during the first half of 2010.
Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5414.
The resort on Thursday began e-mailing invitations to some reporters and bloggers for a Sept. 15 Webcast about the $200 million-plus project, which is based on British author J.K. Rowling's seven-book series and the movies they have inspired.
A spokesman for Universal declined to discuss details of the event. Invitations promise a "first-ever glimpse" of the Wizarding World.
Universal's Potter event is scheduled to occur two days after the Walt Disney Co. concludes a fan convention in Anaheim, Calif. Disney is widely expected to announce new projects at the gathering for several of its theme parks, including Disney World.
Although Universal has said little about Wizarding World since announcing it in May 2007, some details have leaked out.
The 20-acre "theme park within a theme park" in Islands of Adventure is to be anchored by the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy. The 15-story castle will house the themed area's signature attraction -- which, according to people familiar with the project, will feature a "robocoaster" ride system in which guests sit in seats suspended from a robotic arm that swivels in multiple directions as it advances along a track.
The name of the ride is thought to be "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey," based on U.S. trademark applications filed earlier this year.
The Wizarding World will also include Hogsmeade Village, with shops and taverns from the novels selling items such as magic wands and serving treats such as chocolate frogs and butterbeer.
The project is scheduled to open during the first half of 2010.
Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5414.
Universal Studios : Revenge Of The Mummy! and jaws ride
Universal Studios : Revenge Of The Mummy!
and Jaws the ride with cool music lol
and Jaws the ride with cool music lol
Kongfrontation we will miss you
Kongfrontation was a ride at the Universal Studios Florida theme park, in Orlando, Florida, the main attraction in the park's New York section. It opened as one of the original attractions at the park in 1990 and was closed in 2002. Revenge of the Mummy opened in its place in 2004. It was based on a scene from the long running Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. A King Kong themed roller coaster will open at Universal Studios Dubailand in 2010.
Contents
[hide]
Ride
Queue
Guests entered a recreation of Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan, New York City. The queue line was themed to a New York City Subway station and city block on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, intricately detailed right down to the graffiti covering the walls and the stocked storefronts. Television monitors overhead covered a special news report: "Kong On The Loose". The giant ape King Kong had escaped and was wreaking havoc on the streets of New York City. Kong had destroyed two elevated trains and was rapidly approaching the East River with authorities seemingly powerless to stop him. Guests then walked up a ramp to the Manhattan station of the Roosevelt Island Tramway.
[edit] Ride
The ride consisted of a cable car ride under the pretense of an evacuation of the city during Kong's attack. Traveling through elaborate street sets, the tram had repeated encounters with Kong, first at the Queensboro Bridge, where debris and overturned squad cars were seen, and once more as the beast cut the tram off upon arrival at Roosevelt Island. Choppers fired on Kong as he lifted the tram up and subsequently dropped it. Narrowly escaping the enraged beast, the tram's passengers would then see themselves on a breaking news report as they arrived safely at Roosevelt Island station. Kong was never defeated. The ride was based on the 1976 remake of King Kong.
[edit] Photograph
Guests exited the attraction into a King Kong themed gift shop called Safari Outfitters Ltd. There was a Kodak photo opportunity where guests could pose with King Kong appearing to grip them in front of a New York City bridge backdrop.
[edit] Construction and design
Two King Kong animatronic figures were built for this ride and were scaled to be 39 feet (12 m) tall with an arm span of 54 feet (16 m). The one used for the "street sequence" weighed approximately 13,000 pounds, while a lighter figure, that weighed approximately 8,000 pounds, was used for the "bridge sequence" of the ride.
The Kongs were built to be both analog and digital, giving them the ability to perform sixty two separate functions. A smeltzer device was constructed to give the Kong figures "Banana Breath," which was emitted during roars at the riders.
The show building was built to be 35,000 square feet (3,300 m2) wide, and the slabs used to build the exterior walls are the largest of its kind ever used for construction. To make the city setting appear as realistic as possible, fifty facades were modeled after Manhattan's Lower East Side circa 1976. News reports from the TV station WWOR-TV were integrated into the ride because MCA/Universal owned the station at the time the ride was built. The helicopters that were used in the ride were molded from actual helicopters and were true to size, which is why they looked as realistic as they did.
[edit] History
Originally a scene for the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tram Tour, Kongfrontation has been credited as being the catalyst for the Universal Studios Florida project (which has since evolved into the Universal Orlando Resort).[1] Universal originally envisioned the attraction as the crown jewel of the Florida park. While the attraction drew substantial crowds, it had an unreliable track record due to the complex special effects involved.[2] Universal engineers attempted several times to improve reliability, which ultimately required removing functionality of Kong by limiting his movements and some of the background effects.
Kongfrontation was a signature piece of Universal Studios Florida, more than any of the attractions that remain there today, and the idea to close such an attraction struck many visitors as being 'unreal'. Despite many protests and complaints from fans, Kongfrontation officially closed on September 8th 2002. There has never been a solid reason given by Universal for closure, although it is speculated that maintenance issues and the costs of repairs are the main reasons. The attraction joined a list of original and popular Universal Studios Florida attractions that have since been retired and replaced, including Ghostbusters Spooktacular, The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera, Back to the Future: The Ride and Earthquake: The Big One.
[edit] Other uses
During Halloween Horror Nights II at the park, the attraction was turned into a "horrified attraction" titled Tramway of Doom where it was themed that Darkman was on the loose in New York, and after riding Kongfrontation, guests had to exit the tram and walk on the ground of the ride, where a haunted maze awaited. Guests were also permitted to walk on the ground during Halloween Horror Nights XI, in a show titled The Oozone Fright Club, where guests entered an employees only area of the queue line for the show, and then had to exit to the ground where another haunted maze awaited.
[edit] Universal Studios Hollywood version
Main article: King Kong Encounter
The Kongfrontation attraction at Universal Studios Florida had originated from the King Kong Encounter at Universal Studios Hollywood. The scene, formerly part of the Studio Tour in the Upper Lot area of the theme park, was destroyed by a massive fire in 2008, and will be replaced by a future King Kong attraction.
The attraction featured a brief encounter with an animatronic King Kong, who would shake the tram and attempt to destroy a chopper which was supposed to rescue tour guests. A TV monitor in a New York building facade displayed fake breaking news updates. Eventually, Kong is defeated and the tour guests survive.
[edit] Employee mythology
Many employees who have worked on Kongfrontation reported that the ride was haunted by the spirit of a maintenance worker named Whitaker who supposedly fell to his death near the part of the ride where the video was filmed. While these rumors are unsubstantiated, several ride operators have claimed to have refused to take empty trams through the ride, as the "ghost" would appear on the video when no guests were on the ride. During construction on Revenge of the Mummy, an electrical fire was mysteriously ignited delaying the opening of the ride. Some have speculated that this is related to the ghost. Subsequently; Several Revenge of the Mummy Ride and Show attendants working at the ride between its opening in 2004 and 2006 claim to have seen the ghost riding in their ride vehicles near the ride's unload station and in various locations of the queue. They also attributed a random recurrence of Kong's banana smell to the same ghost.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Am I tall enough yet?' Orlando-area theme park ride height restrictions
OK before you go to any park make sure your kids are tall enough for the ride
i have seen over 1000 times they pay for a ticket and the kids cant ride any of the rides it breaks my hart to see kids all happy than levee with a sad face here is a url that will help you http://tiny.cc/heightonrides sorry about my spelling my mined is not working 100% today
i have seen over 1000 times they pay for a ticket and the kids cant ride any of the rides it breaks my hart to see kids all happy than levee with a sad face here is a url that will help you http://tiny.cc/heightonrides sorry about my spelling my mined is not working 100% today
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
fast pass is it worth it if your handicapped this is for you
OK i have Been in the theme park biz for over 6 years and now people are saying fast pass is the way to go. Well i will tell you what i think if you have a handicappe and cant walk or you are handicapped don't pay for a fast pass go to guest survives and they will give you one for free.
that is just a tid bit of info don't fraud the parks and make sure you have time to have fun thank you
that is just a tid bit of info don't fraud the parks and make sure you have time to have fun thank you
new rides opening in orlando or has opend just a heads up
Jun 8 2009
The economy may be tanking, but that doesn't mean Florida theme parks will be keeping their wallets closed in 2009. Hoping to attract new and repeat visitors, even during difficult times, Florida parks are investing in their properties and will be debuting some impressive new features this season. The highlights include a couple of wild coasters and an attraction based on "American Idol." Amid the tanking economy, you'll probably appreciate the free theme park tickets you could score on your birthday.
Universal Orlando
Orlando, FL
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit - A thrilling coaster that will also be an interactive, multimedia experience.
Universal Studios Florida takes ride interactivity to new heights (167 feet, to be exact) with Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The 65-mph thrill machine will give passengers the ability to control the attraction's soundtrack, and will allow them to "rip" a take-home memento of their wild coaster experience.
* Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Preview POV Video.
* See some of the coaster's unique features in an animated Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Maneuvers Preview
* April 2009 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Update
In early 2010 (and possibly soft opening in late 2009 for previews), Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando will be introducing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a lavish new land based on the wildly popular Potter books and films. Read more about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.
* Wizarding World of Harry Potter Preview Photo Gallery
SeaWorld Orlando
Orlando, FL
Manta flying coaster at SeaWorld Orlando
In summer 2009, SeaWorld will up the thrill quotient with Manta, a themed flying coaster. What's a flying coaster, you ask? Passengers will be harnessed in a prone position under the coaster train as they soar through the air and skim along the water.
* Manta Preview Mini Photo Gallery
* Manta Point-of-View Video
Walt Disney World
Lake Buena Vista, FL
What will you celebrate?
The yearlong event will encourage guests to plan celebrations, including birthdays, true love, triumphs, reunions, and first visits, at Walt Disney World. To sweeten the deal, Disney is offering a one-day, one-park free admission to guests on their birthday.
* What You Need to Know about Disney's Free Admission on Your Birthday Offer
* Disney's What will You Celebrate? Video
The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios (used to be known as Disney-MGM Studios)
Two cultural juggernauts will join forces when Walt Disney World introduces a new attraction based on the hit show, "American Idol." To be housed in the now-vacant ABC Theater (which is ironic, considering Disney owns ABC, and "Idol" is on the rival FOX network) at Disney's Hollywood Studios, park guests will have the opportunity to audition for the chance to strut their stuff before a live audience on a mockup of the "Idol" set. Judges will winnow the contestants, and the park will stage a finale at the end of each day to crown a winner. The park's daily winners who want to pursue the real "American Idol" will receive a guaranteed reservation to bypass the lines at a regional competition.
* The American Idol Experience Review
* The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios Photos
Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Epcot
Using cell phones tricked out as "Kimmunicators," guests will receive video, text messaging, and audio clues to help them solve mysteries. Following the leads, participants will encounter actors, shopkeepers, and specially designed set pieces to uncover evidence hidden throughout the park.
Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration, Hall of Presidents, and Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! at Magic Kingdom
A new Stitch-themed show comes to Tomorrowland, President Obama joins the Hall of Presidents, and a new parade/street party will tie into the "What will you celebrate?" theme.
Walt Disney World's 2009 Ticket Prices: Get the lowdown on the Magic Your Way ticket program and discover how to get the most value for your vacation dollars.
Cypress Gardens
Winter Haven, FL
In a stunning development, the new owner of Cypress Gardens closed the park in November 2008 and will reopen it March 2009 without its coasters, other rides, or animals. The botanical gardens, which are the heart and soul of the park, will continue, as will the famous water ski show. Cypress Gardens plans to expand its water park as well.
Find Busch Gardens Africa and more Florida theme parks.
The economy may be tanking, but that doesn't mean Florida theme parks will be keeping their wallets closed in 2009. Hoping to attract new and repeat visitors, even during difficult times, Florida parks are investing in their properties and will be debuting some impressive new features this season. The highlights include a couple of wild coasters and an attraction based on "American Idol." Amid the tanking economy, you'll probably appreciate the free theme park tickets you could score on your birthday.
Universal Orlando
Orlando, FL
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit - A thrilling coaster that will also be an interactive, multimedia experience.
Universal Studios Florida takes ride interactivity to new heights (167 feet, to be exact) with Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The 65-mph thrill machine will give passengers the ability to control the attraction's soundtrack, and will allow them to "rip" a take-home memento of their wild coaster experience.
* Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Preview POV Video.
* See some of the coaster's unique features in an animated Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Maneuvers Preview
* April 2009 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Update
In early 2010 (and possibly soft opening in late 2009 for previews), Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando will be introducing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a lavish new land based on the wildly popular Potter books and films. Read more about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure.
* Wizarding World of Harry Potter Preview Photo Gallery
SeaWorld Orlando
Orlando, FL
Manta flying coaster at SeaWorld Orlando
In summer 2009, SeaWorld will up the thrill quotient with Manta, a themed flying coaster. What's a flying coaster, you ask? Passengers will be harnessed in a prone position under the coaster train as they soar through the air and skim along the water.
* Manta Preview Mini Photo Gallery
* Manta Point-of-View Video
Walt Disney World
Lake Buena Vista, FL
What will you celebrate?
The yearlong event will encourage guests to plan celebrations, including birthdays, true love, triumphs, reunions, and first visits, at Walt Disney World. To sweeten the deal, Disney is offering a one-day, one-park free admission to guests on their birthday.
* What You Need to Know about Disney's Free Admission on Your Birthday Offer
* Disney's What will You Celebrate? Video
The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios (used to be known as Disney-MGM Studios)
Two cultural juggernauts will join forces when Walt Disney World introduces a new attraction based on the hit show, "American Idol." To be housed in the now-vacant ABC Theater (which is ironic, considering Disney owns ABC, and "Idol" is on the rival FOX network) at Disney's Hollywood Studios, park guests will have the opportunity to audition for the chance to strut their stuff before a live audience on a mockup of the "Idol" set. Judges will winnow the contestants, and the park will stage a finale at the end of each day to crown a winner. The park's daily winners who want to pursue the real "American Idol" will receive a guaranteed reservation to bypass the lines at a regional competition.
* The American Idol Experience Review
* The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios Photos
Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Epcot
Using cell phones tricked out as "Kimmunicators," guests will receive video, text messaging, and audio clues to help them solve mysteries. Following the leads, participants will encounter actors, shopkeepers, and specially designed set pieces to uncover evidence hidden throughout the park.
Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration, Hall of Presidents, and Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! at Magic Kingdom
A new Stitch-themed show comes to Tomorrowland, President Obama joins the Hall of Presidents, and a new parade/street party will tie into the "What will you celebrate?" theme.
Walt Disney World's 2009 Ticket Prices: Get the lowdown on the Magic Your Way ticket program and discover how to get the most value for your vacation dollars.
Cypress Gardens
Winter Haven, FL
In a stunning development, the new owner of Cypress Gardens closed the park in November 2008 and will reopen it March 2009 without its coasters, other rides, or animals. The botanical gardens, which are the heart and soul of the park, will continue, as will the famous water ski show. Cypress Gardens plans to expand its water park as well.
Find Busch Gardens Africa and more Florida theme parks.
Universal can keep its Marvel attractions but may soon have Disney looking over its shoulder
While the Walt Disney Co.'s $4 billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment Inc. does not pose a near-term threat to the future of Universal Orlando's popular Marvel-themed attractions, it could still create headaches for the resort.
In taking over Marvel, Disney will inherit the theme-park licensing contract Marvel has with Universal — along with all of the rights contained within it. As a result, Disney is poised to gain veto power over some of Universal's marketing materials, audit rights over some of its finances, and more.
That's on top of the annual licensing fees and merchandise royalties that Universal pays to Marvel — but, soon, to Disney.
"It's an unusual situation. Awkward is a good word for it," said Harold Vogel, a stock analyst and author of Entertainment Industry Economics. "They're obviously competitors, and there's an interest in keeping aspects of these deals private. And now Disney will have some access to it."
Universal declined to discuss fallout from the Disney-Marvel pact Tuesday, beyond reiterating comments made Monday that both Marvel Super Hero Island at Islands of Adventure and Marvel characters such as Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk will remain "an important part" of the resort.
But a person familiar with Universal's licensing agreements said executives at the resort think they will be able to "work through the business issues involved" with Disney and Marvel, given Universal's experience with licensing contracts. Universal has multiple licensing deals involving its theme parks, for characters ranging from The Cat in the Hat and Popeye to Homer Simpson and Harry Potter.
Disney also declined to discuss the issue. A spokesman instead deferred to comments Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger made Monday on CNBC that Disney intends to honor Marvel's existing theme-park contracts.
From a guest perspective, the Disney-Marvel deal will have little, if any, near-term effect on Universal's Marvel-based attractions, which include The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man dark ride, The Incredible Hulk roller coaster, Dr. Doom's Fearfall, and Storm Force Accelatron.
The contract allows Universal to continue using the Marvel trademarks for as long as the attractions are in operation. It also ensures that no other theme park east of the Mississippi River — including Walt Disney World — can develop attractions based on the same characters.
But the deal stands to give Disney some control over Universal through the Marvel licensing pact.
For example, under the contract, Marvel has the right to approve marketing materials featuring any of its trademarks. Marvel can also approve or reject the use of any non-Marvel characters within Marvel Super Hero Island.
The terms also prevent Universal from scaling back promotion of Marvel characters, even after they become part of the Disney empire. One provision requires Universal to devote a certain percentage of its annual advertising spending to promoting Marvel characters; another states that Universal must maintain at least 10,000 square feet of retail space for selling Marvel merchandise.
Marvel — and, soon, its new owner, Disney — even has "reasonable audit and review rights" to assure that Universal is paying the proper amount in annual merchandise royalties.
Still, as awkward as the situation may be, several analysts said Universal is unlikely to face any significant intrusion from Disney.
"There's no reason why both sides can't live with it at least for the foreseeable future," Vogel said.
Disney, meanwhile, could face some tricky issues of its own. For instance, while Disney could opt to incorporate Marvel characters used at Universal Orlando into attractions at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., it would have to ensure that any national advertising did not imply that those characters existed at all Disney parks.
That's because Universal's licensing pact requires any theme-park company that uses similar Marvel characters beyond the East Coast but has parks on both coasts — such as Disney — to "make abundantly clear that the character only appears in the parks west of the Mississippi."
In taking over Marvel, Disney will inherit the theme-park licensing contract Marvel has with Universal — along with all of the rights contained within it. As a result, Disney is poised to gain veto power over some of Universal's marketing materials, audit rights over some of its finances, and more.
That's on top of the annual licensing fees and merchandise royalties that Universal pays to Marvel — but, soon, to Disney.
"It's an unusual situation. Awkward is a good word for it," said Harold Vogel, a stock analyst and author of Entertainment Industry Economics. "They're obviously competitors, and there's an interest in keeping aspects of these deals private. And now Disney will have some access to it."
Universal declined to discuss fallout from the Disney-Marvel pact Tuesday, beyond reiterating comments made Monday that both Marvel Super Hero Island at Islands of Adventure and Marvel characters such as Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk will remain "an important part" of the resort.
But a person familiar with Universal's licensing agreements said executives at the resort think they will be able to "work through the business issues involved" with Disney and Marvel, given Universal's experience with licensing contracts. Universal has multiple licensing deals involving its theme parks, for characters ranging from The Cat in the Hat and Popeye to Homer Simpson and Harry Potter.
Disney also declined to discuss the issue. A spokesman instead deferred to comments Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger made Monday on CNBC that Disney intends to honor Marvel's existing theme-park contracts.
From a guest perspective, the Disney-Marvel deal will have little, if any, near-term effect on Universal's Marvel-based attractions, which include The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man dark ride, The Incredible Hulk roller coaster, Dr. Doom's Fearfall, and Storm Force Accelatron.
The contract allows Universal to continue using the Marvel trademarks for as long as the attractions are in operation. It also ensures that no other theme park east of the Mississippi River — including Walt Disney World — can develop attractions based on the same characters.
But the deal stands to give Disney some control over Universal through the Marvel licensing pact.
For example, under the contract, Marvel has the right to approve marketing materials featuring any of its trademarks. Marvel can also approve or reject the use of any non-Marvel characters within Marvel Super Hero Island.
The terms also prevent Universal from scaling back promotion of Marvel characters, even after they become part of the Disney empire. One provision requires Universal to devote a certain percentage of its annual advertising spending to promoting Marvel characters; another states that Universal must maintain at least 10,000 square feet of retail space for selling Marvel merchandise.
Marvel — and, soon, its new owner, Disney — even has "reasonable audit and review rights" to assure that Universal is paying the proper amount in annual merchandise royalties.
Still, as awkward as the situation may be, several analysts said Universal is unlikely to face any significant intrusion from Disney.
"There's no reason why both sides can't live with it at least for the foreseeable future," Vogel said.
Disney, meanwhile, could face some tricky issues of its own. For instance, while Disney could opt to incorporate Marvel characters used at Universal Orlando into attractions at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., it would have to ensure that any national advertising did not imply that those characters existed at all Disney parks.
That's because Universal's licensing pact requires any theme-park company that uses similar Marvel characters beyond the East Coast but has parks on both coasts — such as Disney — to "make abundantly clear that the character only appears in the parks west of the Mississippi."
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