Universal Orlando Resort (USO, IOA) Discussion Thread

[thrillerman1]

Ah I misunderstood that when I read it thinking that the candy shop was expanding over to Diagon Alley. Thanks for clearing that up.

[CPSFMMCW]

Wow! Gorgeous! Stunning! Can't wait till its done! If it looks that good now, then it'll look phenomenal later!

[Mrlittle]

I just love seeing Universal building like crazy for my future visits. I think a cool photo would be if someone got all special drinks now available at the whole resort but it be a very expensive photo. Thanks for the update.

[jedimaster1227]

Yesterday the Universal Orlando Resort invited us back out to experience this year's Mardi Gras Grand Celebration! Host to incredible food, fun and music, this annual event keeps getting better and better! But rather than just tell, I figured we could show you!

Mardi Gras Grand Celebration runs this year from February 8th to May 31st!

And we're back!

Sadly tonight's show with Robin Thicke was cancelled, but Robin has agreed to perform at Universal at a future engagement.

There's never a shortage of awesome streetmosphere when it comes to Mardi Gras at Universal!

One of my favorite parts of Mardi Gras is the French Courtyard, home to some authentic cuisine and music!

King Cake for the win!

It wouldn't be a Universal special event without Twisted Taters!

And an authentic New Orleans band to boot!

We were given the chance to go backstage to see the new and upgraded parade floats, fresh from their production at Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World in New Orleans.

Blaine Kern has been producing Mardi Gras floats for New Orleans since 1947, and Universal has partnered with them for this parade since Mardi Gras first began at Universal Studios Florida many years ago.

The Jester float was considered one of the classics for Universal Mardi Gras, but Patrick Braillard, show producer for this year's parade felt that it was time to update the float, retaining much of its charm from before, but emphasizing a brighter color palate and a more vibrant design.

You can definitely tell how passionate Patrick is about this year's parade!

Needless to say, there is never a shortage of beads during the Mardi Gras parade!

Let's go fly a kite!

How sweet of Universal to name the boat the TH ELISSA! They must be fans!

Scariest dolphin EVER!

Time for my favorite part... The food!

Authentic Mardi Gras andouille sausage!

GUMBO!!!

King Cake and Praline Cheesecake for the win!

Steven Jaysen, Executive Corporate Chef for Universal Studios (worldwide) once again shared with us the stories and inspiration behind this year's cuisine.

This year's floats look incredibly cool at night!

Keep your hand at the level of your eyes so as to best catch beads (and to not get pelted in the face by them)!

One of this year's new floats, inspired by the new theme for this year's parade: Around the World in 80 Days. The Zeppelin actually features programmed strip lights that dance in unique patterns.

This float looked so incredible with all of the smoke!

It's the TH ELISSA!

Another classic float for Mardi Gras at Universal is the riverboat!

The Bourbon Street float debuted last year and remains as one of my favorites of the entire parade!

And closing out the parade is the classic, huge King Gator float.

Mel's and Transformers even got in the spirit for Mardi Gras.

Since there was no Robin Thicke concert this evening, a showing of Universal's Cinematic Spectacular was added to the evening's lineup, and it never fails to impress!

Thanks again to the Universal Orlando Resort for hosting us for an incredibly fun night at the Mardi Gras Grand Celebration!

 

Seriously folks, if you haven't been, or haven't been in a while, Mardi Gras is just one more reason to come out and visit! Whether for the food, the music or the great lineup of rides and shows, this extra event is just the icing on the delicious King Cake that the Universal Orlando Resort continues to serve up!

[SharkTums]

Yay! I have a boat!!!

[Hilltopper39]

The facades for London look AMAZING.

I've never been to Mardi Gras an Universal but it always looks like a lot of fun.

How is every Starbucks in the world always crowded all of the time? It's insane.

[rosscoe]

 

How is every Starbucks in the world always crowded all of the time? It's insane.

 

 

Free WiFi, its as simple as that.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

So, some people paid to rent a helicopter and fly over Universal and IOA and they posted all their pics today! Follow the link to the 2 part report!

 

 

There's a lot more at the link.

 

Enjoy: Pixelsattheparks.com

[coasterbill]

Those are some great pictures. I can't wait to check this expansion out.

[CPSFMMCW]

wow! looks great!

[SharkTums]

So did anyone else see the scandalous news that Robin Thicke went to Disneyland on Saturday instead of performing at Universal!?!?

[crazydaveh]

It all looks great. I am not a Potter fan but Springfield and Duff is where you'll find me! Bummed Adam skipped a Duff Beer...

[cfc]

^Universal's Duff Beer, while not a "top of the line" brew, is better that than the usual Busch mass-market swill.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

So did anyone else see the scandalous news that Robin Thicke went to Disneyland on Saturday instead of performing at Universal!?!?

 

No, what happened?

[SharkTums]

He cancelled his performance at Universal Mardi Gras the day before the event and then was photographed at Disneyland with his family. Now today it's being reported that he's divorcing his wife. I'm calling shenanigans on the 'too sick to perform' excuse and I think it's kind of a slap in the face to Universal.

 

Anyways, I feel like his 15 minutes is fast approaching the end.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Well, I know someone who was helping him at the main Entrance yesterday at Disneyland, and he wasn't sick at all, lol. So I agree Elissa.

[Philrad71]

Seriously folks, if you haven't been, or haven't been in a while, Mardi Gras is just one more reason to come out and visit! Whether for the food, the music or the great lineup of rides and shows, this extra event is just the icing on the delicious King Cake that the Universal Orlando Resort continues to serve up!

 

Thanks for posting this report with the awesome floats, food and festivities, Adam!

 

I decided that I am going to take Friday the 7th off of work so we can guarantee that we will be there on the 8th to witness this event. Being that we had originally tried to swap our time share for a place in New Orleans for Mardi Gras (nothing available and we had our request in for two years!), it is awesome to know that we will be at the next best place.

 

Actually now that I think about it, I believe that it WILL be the best place to be because of all the other great attractions coasters and attractions we will be checking out instead of just being stuck around a crowded bunch of unruly college drunks for several days!

[Meteornotes]

Yay! I have a boat!!!

 

Your boat better come equipped with shark cannons, or I will be sad.

 

The Potter stuff looks nice, but I still feel like I have to study a bunch of books to really enjoy it. Which is why I have zero enthusiasm for it. I'll be in Springfield.

 

dt

[ernierocker]

 

The Potter stuff looks nice, but I still feel like I have to study a bunch of books to really enjoy it.

 

 

Only 7 books and 8 movies.

[Stu K]

<>

 

maybe its his sweet revenge for the beetle juice gag in the bill and ted show!

 

Potter detail is amazing. anyone know how new hotel is coming along?

 

Stu K

[Diamondbacker27]

Why don't they rebuild the Jaws ride? Or something having to do with Jaws, or even just making a section of the park a memorial for old rides and universal films? I think it's a good idea.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Uh.....I guessing this is a joke, lol.

 

There is a lot of information leaking about this new expansion, though I cant confirm any of it AT ALL. But apparently the coaster will be 4 Minutes long! That's a pretty hefty ride time for a coaster if true, so I'm guessing there will be some long show scenes in the ride.

[Diamondbacker27]

The Jaws ride was cheesy, very cheesy. But I miss Jaws..

[robbalvey]

The Jaws ride was cheesy, very cheesy. But I miss Jaws..

Here... enjoy...

 

[Diamondbacker27]

The Jaws ride was cheesy, very cheesy. But I miss Jaws..

Here... enjoy...