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Universal Orlando
Orlando, FL
NBC Universal / Blackstone Group
Buy Universal Orlando Tickets
 Resort News - (3/10/10) You can get a good look at the new Fat Tuesdays over at Orlando Rocks this week.
(3/2/10) I’m told that the new Fat Tuesday location at Universal CityWalk is now open. We’ve also heard that guests scheduled to appear on Ellen’s shows being taped in CityWalk include Sharon Osbourne and Usher.
(2/27/10) Could Universal Orlando be getting ready for a Summer Concert Series? PollStar is reporting that a combo concert of REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar is scheduled for the resort on July 3rd. Of course this could just be part of an extended July 4th weekend celebration as well, so stay tuned.
(2/26/10) Universal Orlando has confirmed on their website that Ellen will be coming to the resort to tape two episodes of her show at CityWalk on Sunday, March 28th. Click here to find out how you can be in the audience.
(2/3/10) Several sites out there are showing off what they claim is a preview of the new Harry Potter themed Superbowl ad for Universal Orlando. I’ve embedded the video being shown below.
(1/31/10) It seems Universal Orlando is going to put themselves front and center once again with a new Superbowl ad. I’m not sure if it is going to focus entirely on the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter or if it will be a mixed message, showcasing the entire resort as well. Stay tuned!
(1/29/10) Someone may want to check on this, but I’ve been told that all 1-day passes currently being sold at Universal Orlando have an expiration date on them of March 19, 2010. Could this be a sign of when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens? Anyone buy a ticket lately and still have it handy?
(1/26/10) A couple of early construction photos of the new Fat Tuesdays going into CityWalk can be found at Orlando United.
(1/12/10) Universal Orlando launched an all-new ticket pricing scheme today, modeled after Walt Disney World’s ticket matrix where you have to buy multi-day tickets to really get the big discount prices. Unfortunately the popular 2-Day / 2-Park pass that was one $99 has skyrocketed up to $135. New Orders from the Comcast overlords? Maybe… but that deal to take control is still under review by the FTC and more right now. If anything, Universal is just prepping things in advance of the opening of Harry Potter I suppose. Now how about releasing some details about this new cutting edge thrill ride through the Potter-verse to justify these new ticket prices?
(1/8/10) Universal Orlando has confirmed the complete list of concerts for the 2010 Mardi Gras event on their Facebook page. Not too shabby a list… I actually recognize all but four of them. (Akon? Flo Rida? Dierks? Dunno who Miranda is either, but she does photograph well.)
(1/6/10) The new Fusion Sushi eatery in CityWalk is now open according to a few readers. I’ve been told that while the selection isn’t the biggest, the quality of the food was quite good. Check out pictures of it at Orlando United.
(12/22/09) Universal Orlando announced to employees this week that the new Fusion Bistro Sushi walk-up sushi bar in CityWalk is currently slated to open in January 2010, and will be open for Lunch, Dinner and late-night dining, located on the top floor next to the movie theater. On the other site of CityWalk, on the upper deck between Pat O’Brien’s and The Groove, will be the new Fat Tuesday location, known for their frozen daiquiris, which will open in February 2010 and usually be open between the hours of 5pm - 2am.
(12/18/09) I’ve added a few more Mardi Gras performance updates to the list (see sidebar below), including Bryan Lee, Rockin’ Jake, Daddy Mack Blues Band and a confirmation that Chicago will be the closing act on April 17th.
(12/11/09) Universal Orlando has put out a new survey to get your opinions and feedback on new possible kid friendly attractions for 2011. It asks kids about various cartoon characters to see which they know and like the best, including Popeye, Scooby Doo, Spongebob, Diego, Shrek, Kung-Fu Panga, Madagascar, Ice Age, etc. Later on it asked some questions about building a new themed land themed to either Ice Age, Madagascar or the Nintendo Wii game system. They then ask some detailed questions about several specific characters, though in my case they didn’t seem to indicate anything too specific. Before you get too excited, it sounds like most of the questions were aiming at gathering info and opinions on some kind of new kids show more than a new ride.
(12/9/09) It’s with a deep sense of despair and loss that I must report the rumors that Universal Orlando’s popular Overlord of Halloween Horror Nights, J. Michael Roddy, has parted ways with Universal this past week. To be fair, Roddy has not made any kind of statement about it, but there is enough evidence and word-of-mouth being spread from others within the company that we believe it to be true right now. So sad… I believe even Jack the Clown would shed a tear over this. Somehow, I don’t think this is the last we will hear from Roddy, one way or another.
(12/2/09) A sign has gone up on the Universal Cineplex at Universal Orlando announcing that the first movie to be shown in their “new” IMAX theater will be Avatar in a few weeks. Unfortunately this is a bit of a lie… as IMAX does not mean what most people think it does anymore. Now fans of the movie theater at Universal Citywalk in Hollywood do actually have a true IMAX screen in their theater, but the new Orlando “screen” is really only IMAX in name only. How so? Well, this article sums things up nicely, but in short about a year ago IMAX’s CEO made a statement that the “IMAX” name no longer referred to the size of the screen and projection media used in the theater, but now simply was going to be used as a new brand name to be associated with theaters that offer “the best immersive experience on the planet.”
It seems IMAX decided that they wont make a new brand name for their “digital projection system” they are installing in various multiplex theaters around the world, and want people to confuse this new system with their 1970’s era IMAX large format film projection system. On top of this, the theaters are charging a premium ticket fee to see these films in these new IMAX branded digital theaters, and most moviegoers are clueless until they walk into the theater and discover that instead of a 76 x 97 foot wide screen, they just paid $15 to see a movie on a 28 x 58 foot wide screen, only a smidgeon bigger than all the rest of the screens in the same theater.
It’s kind of sad to see IMAX whoring out their brand name like this in an attempt to become the next big theater acronym system following in the footsteps of THX, DTS, DLP and REALD.
(12/1/09) The official website for Heart has confirmed a performance date at Universal Orlando on Feb. 13th, 2010.
(11/24/09) The Orlando Sentinel reports that Universal was fined over the Dueling Dragon’s incident from earlier this year when an employee was apparently struck by the ride during testing before the park opened for the day. Universal will also have to install extra fencing below the coaster in any area where the trains come within seven feet of the ground.
(11/20/09) Pollstar has leaked yet another Mardi Gras act… The Beach Boys to hit Universal on April 3rd.
(11/19/09) Rumor has it that Chicago is now set to play on April 17th for Mardi Gras.
(11/4/09) A few readers have been poking around the official websites for some of the usual performers and have also confirmed dates for KC & The Sunshine Band on Feb 6th. Flo Rida has concert dates for April 17, 23, 24 and 30th, with the 23rd and 24th thought to be for Grad Bash.
(10/29/09) You can read more about Universal Orlando’s Q3 results here. In short however, both attendance and revene has fallen from the same time period a year ago. Attendance was down 11% with per-cap spending down 2%. That one-two punch dropped the resorts profits by nearly 21%.
(10/19/09) Universal will be going into their standard Holiday mode this winter, with the Macy’s Parade over at the Studios and the return of the ever popular Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure. In other news, Universal has reported that their theme parks have been struggling with attendance figures for Q3, but they have been able to off-set some of the decline with other cost cutting measures. Operating profits are down 14% for the quarter. From April through June attendance at Universal Orlando dropped 14% from the same quarter the previous year. Despite this, UO was able to boost their profits by 29% ($27.1 million) by cost cutting.
(10/12/09) Universal Orlando has now raised the price of parking to $14 to price match Disney’s latest increase. It’s also fun to note that Google’s Street View has now uploaded the view from inside both of the Universal Orlando theme parks.
(10/9/09) Orlando United has posted pictures showing off the site of the new Fusion Bistro - Sushi & Sake Bar, going in not too bar from the Whopper Bar.
(10/7/09) I've got to admit, Universal’s latest online survey I got in the mail is a little weird. After asking you questions about certain movies you may have seen, they then ask you how you feel about some of these titles being picked for use as a possible future theme park show. Not too unusual, until you hear the movies they asked about: Revenge of the Nerds, Groudhog Day and Animal House... not the kinds of films I could ever seen being turned into a future theme park show. If that wasn't enough... at the end of the survey you get RickRolled... automatically linked to a YouTube clip playing Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up." Oh... the horror... talk about being kicked to the curb.
Halloween Horror Nights 20 - (3/4/10) HHNRumors has posted some new information that suggests that the dreaded Festival of the Damned parade may return for HHN 20. God, I hope they are wrong on that one as getting rid of the parade was the single best move in all of HHN history.
(3/2/10) The new HHNRumors website claims that official Construction Tours of select HHN Haunts are likely to take place this year. They also have a great bit of into about HHN 20, claiming that the park may add heavily themed queue areas to the mix this year as well.
(3/1/10 - Updated) While we had initially been sent a report about two very expensive roof repair projects (Click here to find the listings) coming up, it turns out nether of these are expected to have any impact on HHN 20. Details of the locations have been placed on the USF page.
(2/27/10) Some early rumors about what we may be able to expect from HHN 20 are already starting to roll in… and the good news is that it doesn’t look like this will be another all movie themed maze year. If the rumors are true HHN 20 could actually be a big celebration of all things HHN from years past. We’re talking bringing back the top attractions, scare zones and shows from the previous 19 years. Even better… they may up the ante this year and offer a record setting 10 mazes. More when we find out.
(11/16/09) A video showing off the special scare zone added at the end of the event can be seen here.
(10/29/09) The new Scare Zone opened to guests last night and was called Tales From The Past. As you can see in the photo sent in, Jack the clown was indeed back in action in the alley. According to another report over at Behind the Thrills, the alley also featured the return of many other major characters from past years. Not just icons like Caretaker, but other characters like Darkness, a Body Collector and “Cindy” and more. They also post some interesting ideas for  HHN 20 next year, including the idea of holding a Midnight Syndicate concert. Very interesting... but which park gets the honor of hosting HHN 20?
(10/19/09) While one reader tells us they watched the drive in for 20 minutes and never saw the Easter Egg... another reader sent in a link to a YouTube video they posted showing off the clip itself. Seems it really is there.
(10/16/09) This is a bit too detailed I think to be true, but the rumor going around some insider circles is that HHN 20 may be themed around the the wedding of Jack and Chance. Of course the impending nuptials will bring about a massive gathering of Icons from the past once again, each set to deliver a horrific gift to set the mood. Hmmm... I do kind of like it, but I still think it’s a bit too soon to bring back Jack again.
(10/15/09) In response to my thoughts about possibly holding HHN at Islands of Adventure once again once Potter opens, an e-mail came in claiming that Universal may actually be toying with the idea of holding a family friendly / non-scary event at IOA next year. Similar to Disney’s “Not So Scary” event, kids may be allowed to dress up and trick or treat at Candy stands set up around the park. Apparently this may take avanage of the more kid-friendly themes at IOA that would involve Harry Potter, the Seuss characters, and even the Marvel superheros.
(10/14/09) With the Wizarding World of Harry Potter finally set to open next summer, some have begun to wonder if Universal might see fit to move Halloween Horror Nights back over for another run at Islands of Adventure next year. Anyone else heard anything on this?
(10/13/09) A reader visiting Halloween Horror Nights tells us that they came across what sounds like a little Easter egg possibly for next year’s haunt. While standing outside Mel’s Diner and watching the drive-in movie screen for a bit of time, they noticed something odd at the end of the reel. A movie ticket stub comes on the screen and says “Coming Soon”, followed by footage of a “clown”, and then Flashlight (The Usher) holding a finger to his mouth as if to say “Shhhh!” The footage jumped back and forth between the clown and Flashlight for a few more seconds before coming to an end. It kind of makes one wonder if this may be a hint that Jack may be coming back again. Anyone else seen this? Meanwhile, while we’re talking about HHN, check out this interview with Michael Roddy (aka: Dick Johnson) over at the Orlando Sentinel. It’s worth noting that he says that work on HHN has gotten to the point where they are already working the next year’s HHN over a year out now, which is a change from about 3-4 years ago when they used to take a month or two off to go over the data, review what people likes and didn’t like, before beginning the process of planning the next year’s event. According to Roddy, they began work planning HHN 2010 back in July 2009!
Future Resorts, Parks & other Expansions - (2/24/10) Those who have drove by Universal’s backside may have noticed that a section of the employee parking lot has now become a construction site as work seems to have begun on that long in development apartment complex set up in the area behind Jaws and Men In Black. (No need for photos… it’s all just dirt and tractors right now)
(1/4/10) Remember that apartment complex idea Universal Orlando pitched a few years ago? Well it looks like there is still life left in the concept and according to the Orlando Sentinel Universal is ready to partner with a local developer to build the 330-unit complex that will be aimed at securing tenants from their own workforce. They plan to open the first units in 2011.
(12/4/07) Screamscape sources 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.
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