Universal Orlando Resort (USF, IOA, Epic) Discussion Thread

[chargersmichael]

I saw Jimmy Fallon last night and am even more excited for the new Diagon Alley at Universal. There is a new youtube video that shows the magic windows and casting spells! I will be at the park tomorrow. I'm sure they will announce the opening day later this week but do you think there will be any passholder previews like they did for Transformers?? The detail in this new land is incredible and can't wait any longer for it to open!

 

Here is the video with the magic windows and cast spelling!

 

 

Here is information about the new interactive wands!

 

http://blog.universalorlando.com/whats-new/interactive-wands-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter/?social_id=social_20140617_26141036

 

Wands at the ready!

 

As a self-proclaimed Potter super-fan (I’m a Ravenclaw, if you were curious), there’s nothing I wanted to do more than cast a spell after watching the Harry Potter films. And now, I finally can!

 

With the correct incantations and motions, you’ll be able to cast spells throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with new Interactive Wands that you can purchase from Ollivanders wand shops in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. You’ll also get a map that marks all the locations throughout The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can put your new wand to use.

 

Pick up an Interactive Wand at a store in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, then look for bronze medallions embedded in the street that mark the various shop windows where you can cast spells. Once you’re there, just perform the correct spell and watch the magic come to life.

 

With a simple swish and flick, you can levitate a feather quill at Scribbulus…

 

Use a Silencing Charm to quiet the maddening song of the Fwooper bird at Magical Menagerie…

 

And light all the lamps and chandeliers in Flimflam’s Lanterns window…

 

We couldn’t think of anyone better to show us these incredible new Interactive Wands than cast members from the Harry Potter films – check out this video to see James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) try out the Interactive Wands for the first time in Diagon Alley.

[nickbuol]

I wonder how much the wands cost...

 

We were there last year as well as the year that they opened the Harry Potter stuff at IOA, my youngest bought a couple of wands then, and I can only imagine that these things will be pricey. The logical side of me says that we already have a couple of wands, and we don't need another, but my youngest (who is now 15) may think otherwise.

[Woodie Warrior]

The paths in Diagon Alley look twice as cramped as Hogsmeade. How are people supposed to stand in the middle of a crowd of people and cast a spell?

[EricGarbo]

I just had this weird thought in my head comparing this addition to Expedition Everest. I hope we don't end up with a failing animatronic dragon and have to refer to it as 'Disco Dragon.'

[ScreaminNewEngland]

I feel like this is going to disastrous with all these people in such a compact area.

[coasterbill]

I feel like this is going to disastrous with all these people in such a compact area.

 

It's set up so they'll be able to limit the amount of people who will be allowed into the area. They'll have a maximum occupancy and they'll abide by it by limiting access.

[jedimaster1227]

So I'm here for the Universal Orlando Media/VIP Week going on to highlight The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, along with the grand opening of Universal and Loew's newest hotel, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The event will be covering many aspects of the resort's recent (and possibly future) developments, but will definitely have a focus on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's latest expansion, that will double the size of the Harry Potter presence at the resort, in addition to linking the two parks together via an immersive transportation/attraction experience.

 

Along with getting to experience all of this, Theme Park Review was invited to stay at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort in order to experience firsthand all that the newest hotel property on-site has to offer!

The lobby has a very retro feel to it and I love it!

This is gorgeous!

The Swizzle Lounge will likely be a stop for me later this week...

Even the Universal Gift Shop got the retro treatment!

Retro branded candies! My head's about to explode!!!

So snazzy!

That's right folks. You can get your Starbucks cravings satisfied without leaving the hotel. I just wish they had a Teavana to go with it for us non-coffee drinkers.

The Starbucks pays tribute to Florida history with its unique mermaid murals, inspired by the original Weeki Wachee mermaids from back in the day...

Dude!

Galaxy Bowl is actually modeled after the bowling alley from the Big Lebowski, if you'd believe it.

Come check it out!

I'm a staircase fanatic... This one is quite nice.

The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is also home to the world's first Jake LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio.

A tribute to the man, the myth, the legend...

You can even see him from back in his heyday while working out in the studio!

Arcade fans will surely love the Game-O-Rama arcade's selection!

The Bayliner Diner is a huge quick service dining venue open for lunch and dinner at the resort!

They even have ICEE service here!

Like an old-style drive in, there are movies on the lawn in the evenings at Cabana Bay Beach.

So nifty!

A sand play area for the family.

Looking back towards the lobby building...

There's a fire pit for cold nights and warm smores.

Cabanas are available for rent near the Cabana Bay Beach Resort's main pool... Go figure.

I love the inclusion of real sand surrounding the pool area!

There's a water play area for the young'uns.

What could this be?

The pool's waterslide dumps into the pool beneath the faux diving board.

Kudos for the attention to detail!

Very retro. Very awesome!

I'll definitely be visiting this during the week!

Could you guess my reaction when I saw this?

It was something like this.

We were fortunate enough to be hosted in one of the resort's family suites. Here is the living room with the convertible sofa.

Oooh! Goodies!!!

Thank you Universal! Looking forward to all that is in store for the week!

A look at the main bedroom.

And looking back. Notice that the divider can be used to split off the living room from this one.

Kudos for attention to detail and history!

I can't wait to see what Universal has in store for us over the next few days!

[necoastergp]

I like how the gift basket at the end had something for each of the new attractions opened over the last few years, nice touch. Can't wait to see Diagon Alley in person looking forward to the media coverage. Hoping to swing a weekend trip late September for HHN and to see Diagon Alley.

[ernierocker]

Love the shout out to The Big Lebowski!

[cfc]

Love the shout out to The Big Lebowski!

 

"You're Mr. Lebowski. I'm the Dude!"

 

Gawd, I haven't see bottles of Alberto VO 5 or bars of Zest soap since I was a kid.

[jedimaster1227]

The Universal Orlando Media Week continued today with a sampling of items from three of CityWalk's newest dining venues, along with a look ahead at The Cowfish. The day concluded with a viewing of Blue Man Group, a show I hadn't seen since 2009, which had since been updated with new bits, new music and a very different finale.

Nothing says welcome like three men on stilts!

Eric and I were ready to party it up!

Eric was ready to indulge in some "World Famous Hot Dogs."

I know I'm not the only fan of Fat Tuesdays here... My advice? Go for the Rum Runner/Cat. 5 Hurricane mix!

The VP of CityWalk came up to introduce some special guests...

The owners of The Cowfish came up to express their excitement over sharing the concept of "Burgushi" with Orlando very soon!

Steve Schussler, the man behind Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex and Aquarium, came up to speak about his latest concept, Hot Dog Hall of Fame. He also took the time to announce a new product that the quick service window will be selling when it opens: "Paint Your Own Weiner!"

 

No, I'm not making this up. This is a real thing.

The Cowfish had unique touch screens out for play testing that will be featured in the restaurant when it opens. The tables include interactive games, news updates and the ability to interact with the restaurant dining team if needed. The game available to experience today was a "Create a Fish" experience that would allow you to design your own sea creature and drop it into a virtual fish tank above when complete.

Of course I would choose to make a dastardly shark with an iPhone. Because, well... Who wouldn't?

Despite the fact that The Cowfish is not near completion upstairs, Vivo has opened downstairs for the public to enjoy.

The inside is reminiscent of the same approach taken with the design of Antojitos. Unique bar spaces integrated with lots of theming around the booths, ceiling and floor.

You can actually see the chef working on making fresh pasta along with preparing fresh cheeses.

The mirror is such a brilliant design feature!

Hi Elissa!

These were bliss. But I'll get back to them momentarily.

We each got a souvenir apron to take home!

Vivo makes some incredible clams! I'll definitely be ordering these during my next visit!

This gnocchi was heavenly!

The Fiochetti with gorgonzola and pear, walnuts, brown butter and salt were INCREDIBLE!

This is the start of a beautiful friendship...

Those Fontina-stuffed Risotto Croquettes? Sheer bliss!

I love the continuous theme of spaghetti strands flowing throughout the restaurant!

Who here is ready for some hot dogs from the Hot Dog Hall of Fame?

There will be nine initial hot dog types available but Steve Schussler expects that new menu items will be tested and added in the coming years.

I just can't get over this!

Looks fantastic!

The Hot Dog Hall of Fame options will be very reasonably priced!

Time to head into one of my favorite places in Orlando...

It wouldn't be a visit to Antojitos without tequila!

Esquites Asados on a spoon? YES PLEASE!

This looks incredible even when raw...

It tasted incredible once it was cooked!

The BBQ Shrimp Tacos are among the restaurant's more unique menu items.

Time for something near and dear to my heart...

Can you guess?

That's right! Universal treated us to a showing of Blue Man Group! I was thrilled to see the show and its new additions after over three years of not having seen it!

Blue Man Group was an incredible cap off for a fantastic first day! With tomorrow's schedule filled to the brim we'll certainly have more updates for you in the coming hours!

[necoastergp]

The food at Vivo looks amazing! Can't wait to see how the Cowfish turns out, there are going to be so many things to try on my next visit I cannot wait. Everything they're doing looks so good.

[Saldek]

Jimmy Fallon and Kevin Hart ride HRRR. Kevin is hilarious! I'd love to ride a coaster with him.

 

[rcjp]

^Yeah it's always funny to ride with people who are afraid of coasters.

[Hilltopper39]

Buffet played live from the Amphitheater stage in front of Rockit last night on the show as well.

 

Does anyone know if they filmed that during park hours, or did they close the park down and just film the musical spot with a live audience? I've got Fallon on DVR all week, should be a lot of fun!

[chargersmichael]

Just announced from Today Show...opening is July 8th!!

 

FB Page:

BREAKING NEWS! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will officially open on July 8.

 

Edited June 18, 2014 by chargersmichael

[crazydaveh]

Buffet played live from the Amphitheater stage in front of Rockit last night on the show as well.

 

Does anyone know if they filmed that during park hours, or did they close the park down and just film the musical spot with a live audience? I've got Fallon on DVR all week, should be a lot of fun!

 

They do the music part at 9PM. If you've got a ticket/AP you're allowed to watch the music. I've heard from people who've been to the tapings that they were allowed in the Studios side after taping the show.

[EastCoastKid]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for some useful advice/information for my upcoming trip.

 

My father and I will be visiting Universal and Islands of Adventure this upcoming week on Monday 6/23 and then Saturday 6/28. We know absolutely nothing about these parks and could really use some information!

 

Are crowds insane? My dad doesn't do roller coasters but will probably be riding everything else.

What is the best way to get two-park, two-day tickets?

Which park should we do Monday, and which Saturday?

 

Since we will be going on a Monday and a Saturday, should we opt for Unlimited Express both days, or should we be okay on Monday?

 

Thank you in advance for anything and everything you guys can provide! We want to make the most of our visits!

[Saldek]

Buffet played live from the Amphitheater stage in front of Rockit last night on the show as well.

 

Does anyone know if they filmed that during park hours, or did they close the park down and just film the musical spot with a live audience? I've got Fallon on DVR all week, should be a lot of fun!

 

 

The performance and filming happened after park closing at 9 p.m. However he did a rehearsal at 7 p.m.

[cfc]

I opened this thread expecting to see plenty of pictures of food. Adam, you did not disappoint me. I need to try some of these joints on City Walk.

[jedimaster1227]

Today the Universal Orlando Media Preview Week continued with the "State of Our Universe" presentation, followed by a VIP tour of both parks with some special experiences along the way! Most notably, the Universal Orlando Resort officially announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley will officially open on July 8th, 2014!

 

Today, Universal Orlando Resort announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will officially open on July 8 – allowing guests to experience even more of Harry Potter’s adventures in an all-new, magnificently-themed environment.

 

Located in the Universal Studios Florida theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley will feature shops, dining experiences and the next generation thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The new immersive area will double the size of the sweeping land already found at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, expanding the spectacularly themed environment across both Universal theme parks.

 

Guests will enjoy new experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films. They will see the Knight Bus as they stroll through London, walk the streets of Diagon Alley and explore iconic shops like Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, dine in the Leaky Cauldron, embark on a thrilling adventure through the Gringotts bank vaults – and much more.

 

Guests will also be able to board the Hogwarts Express and enjoy a unique journey as they travel between London and Hogsmeade.

 

Vacation packages to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and Universal Orlando Resort are available now. For additional information, visit http://www.UniversalOrlando.com/WizardingWorld.

 

Photo courtesy of the Universal Orlando Resort.

Photo courtesy of the Universal Orlando Resort.

Our morning started out with the "State of Our Universe" presentation...

There were some technical issues with the podium's microphone...

So the Blue Man Group came out to help fix the issue!

Bill Davis, President and COO of the Universal Orlando Resort spoke to media, promising some exciting announcements for the Universal Orlando Resort to be released in the coming months.

Thierry Coup, Senior Vice President of Universal Creative came to stage to talk about the history behind the development of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley.

Then the stars of the film came out to share the exciting news that Diagon Alley will officially open to the public on July 8th, 2014!

Evanna Lynch shared some thoughts on her experiences with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in contrast to her experiences working on the films.

Where could we be now?

Time to meet the stars!

So this happened!

Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood from the films) took the time to share her thoughts on Diagon Alley with us!

I'll admit it... I love The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

A sneak peek at what's to come later this evening...

The walls surrounding the Hogsmeade station for the Hogwarts Express are now down!

But the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade still has beauty and charm.

And they know how to treat us with Butterbeer!

The infamous Butterbeer mustache.

Seriously stunning even four years later!

I'll never get tired of this view...

This is in an odd location...

Nothing to see here! Move along!

Because I could.

Thierry Coup stopped by during our VIP tour to share some history on the development of Transformers: The Ride.

Look who joined the party!

Once again Universal continues to treat us very well for this special week! Time for me to head off to Diagon Alley to experience the newest part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I'll be back with photos later tonight!

Edited June 18, 2014 by jedimaster1227

[RoCo]

The Cabana Bay hotel, sorry RESORT, could turn out to be my favorite place to stay in all of Florida, looks completely fantastic. And Daigon Alley is looking just as amazing as they led us to believe it would. Damn.

[Woodie Warrior]

Despite the fact that it is going to be extremely cramped, Diagon Alley does look freakin' awesome. Is there any update on who the manufacturer of the Gringotts coaster is?

[camevans93]

Hey, loving this forum!! getting me excited for my trip next year will be spending a few weeks in Orlando wanting to do WDW and Universal can't wait!! Keep up the awesome post's

[Aaronupsidasium]

Fairly certain Dynamic Attractions is the main group behind the ride since they work on a lot of Universal major attractions. I would bet that Vekoma did whatever coaster track is on the ride (which probably won't be a lot) since they've been reliable with Disney and Universal (forget BSG exists).