Tag Archives: Universal Studios

Will your visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter be cursed?

Posted on by alanwhitt

I’m wondering how “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” theme park at Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure is going over with parents who refuse to allow their kids to read the books for religious reasons.

Alan Whitt

I know some of those folks. In fact, I love some of those people.

They argue that the demonic tone of witches and wizards is not a good fit – spiritually – for their children.

I can respect that, but I have never understood that philosophy. It’s a movie … it’s not real. If you’re not disturbed by the undead in movies, then how can you worry about the unreal? There are worse movies than the Harry Potter series being absorbed by kids every day.

And if you truly believe Harry Potter movies will harm your children then the “The Wizard of Oz” should be banned as well.

Islands of Adventure and the original Universal Studios in Orlando are amazing parks … and in my opinion more exciting than Disney World. But can you take little Johnny to Islands of Adventure and simply walk by the Harry Potter “island?” Is the entire park now cursed by association?

Hmmm. You’ll have to judge for yourself.

However, if you’re not worried about such things, the Universal Orlando Resort is not only a fantastic vacation, but – no offense to Disney World – a pretty good bargain.

For those who live in the Southeast, its not a bad drive either – under 12 hours from Nashville – which translates into a great family vacation without the wallet-busting airfare.

Besides the two theme parks, you’ll find non-stop nightlife and three AAA Four Diamond Award hotels, all in one convenient location.

You’ll experience the pulse-pounding thrills of Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Take a starring role in some of the biggest movies and TV shows ever created at Universal Studios.

Enjoy the best in restaurants, nightclubs, shopping, movies and more at Universal CityWalk, and stay steps away in one of three uniquely themed on-site hotels. It’s all at Universal Orlando Resort, where vacation becomes adventure.

And you can get all this in a three-night, two park getaway package starting at $509 per adult!

You don’t need a magic wand to get this deal. All you have to do is call Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 or 615-336-8580. Or email us at alan@allurequest.com.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos and the latest travel news.

‘Transformers: The Ride 3D’ set to debut at Universal Studios

Posted on by alanwhitt

My grandson was always a Disney fan. Heck, he’s been to Disney World s many times I’ve lost count.

Alan Whitt

But after showing him a YouTube sneak peak video on Transformers: The Ride 3D, Universal Studios has surpassed Walt Disney World in his mind. He sees Universal Studio’s rides as way cooler.

That wasn’t always the case. Yes, Universal has a string product. But until Islands of Adventure debuted in Orlando, along with CityWalk, it was always kinda like the redhead stepchild people always joke about.

With a series of exciting roller coasters and water rides based on comic book characters and movies at Islands of Adventure, Universal became a serious player on the Orlando amusement park landscape.

With the success, more action-oriented rides began showing up at Universal Studios Hollywood, transforming the bland into the extraordinary.

Basically, Universal has found a way to place you inside a movie or comic book … escapism at its finest.

Now comes Transformers: The Ride 3D, another motion simulator ride akin to the re-engineered Amazing Spiderman Ride 3D at Islands of Adventure.

However, Transformers is a next generation thrill ride that blends fiction and reality, along with HD 3D affects and flight simulation technology.

When it debuts May 25 it will put passengers in the middle of the adventure with Optimus Prime and Decepticons.

My grandson knows a good thing when he sees one.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

What’s new at Orlando’s Universal theme parks in 2012?

Posted on by alanwhitt

Orlando isn’t just about Walt Disney World and Mickey Mouse.

Alan Whitt

You can actually head to Central Florida, never set foot in the Disney kingdom and still have a memorable, fantastic time.

There’s Church Street Station in downtown Orlando, an abundance of shows and shopping along International Drive, as well as Sea World and the Kennedy Space Center nearby.

But probably the second-most popular destination behind Disney is the Universal Studio complex, with Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk.

Here’s an update on what new at the Universal properties in 2012:

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

  • Join Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes—and the mischievous minions—on a 3-D ride experience! When Gru recruits you for his latest scheme, you’ll become a minion! It’s a mix of chaos and family fun. Begin the adventure in Gru’s super-villain home where you’ll undergo “minion training.” In typical Gru fashion things take a twist, with you and your family landing in a adventure that ends with an interactive dance party where you can show off your best moves. Opens Summer 2012

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories

  • Relive Universal Pictures’ most beloved films during this multi-media nighttime show that projects legendary movie clips onto cutting-edge waterfall screens. Narrated by award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, the experience will take you on a journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good, evil and triumph. Opening Spring 2012

Universal’s Superstar Parade

  • Sing, dance, and clap along with some of your favorite characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from Hop and Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants in this live, interactive parade! Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meet and greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day. Opening Spring 2012

ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®

  • Get set to soar with Spidey like never before! The top-rated ride is getting a radical reboot, complete with all-new high-definition animation, new high-tech 3-D glasses, and upgrades to the audio and lighting making it feel like an all-new experience! The reanimation of the ride film will include an entirely new level of detail for guests to discover, including a cameo by legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee. Re-opening March 2012

CITYWALK 

Blue Man Group 

  • This February, they’re back with a new show. Experience the evolution of genius with incredible new performances, astounding new music, and a new stage. Forget what you know—that was then…this is wow! Re-opening February 2012

Hollywood Drive-In Golf

  • It’s mini golf as you’ve NEVER played it before! Enjoy 36 holes across two courses elaborately themed to remind you of classic 1950s drive-in movies. Choose your adventure: The Haunting of Ghostly Greens, or Invaders From Planet Putt! Opening February 2012