Re-done Spider Man ride at Universal Studios running again!

Re-done spiderman ride now running!

For all you Spiderman ride fans, I’m happy to say they have finished re-doing the ride at Universal Studios and it’s now running again! They closed it down for a complete overhaul not long ago.

Basically they have updated the projection screen to high definition, so everything looks better with more detail. The basic plot remains the same, but with new scenes and a little bit different layout.

It also has a new sound system and a 3D projection. So combined it really makes it quite a bit different than the old ride and so it will be like going on it for the first time.
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Universal Studio’s Grad Bash party 2012!

Universal Studio's grad bash party for 2012!

With high school graduation just around the corner, many seniors around the country are already thinking of ways to get their “grad groove” on.

Orlando theme parks are a favorite destination for grad nights, and this year, Universal is offering an amazing event for soon-to-be-graduates. It’s called Universal’s Grad Bash ’12, and it promises to be an amazing party!

Guests at Grad Bash will have access to not just one great park, but two: Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. You’ll have five different dates from which to choose for your grad night festivities, including April 20, 21, 27, and 28, along with May 4.
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Universal Studios new daily parade, events and shows

Universal Studios new daily parade and shows

Universal Studios will be coming out with a lot of new things this spring. Most of them will be in the Universal Studios park, not Islands of Adventure. They have enough new things in that park and need to add more to the other park.

One thing that will be very cool is the first daily parade at Universal Studios. Called “Universal’s Superstar Parade” it will feature very large floats and characters from the Universal movies and shows.

Like characters from the Despicable Me movie, “Hop,” “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Dora the Explorer”. Plus lots of other street performers and dancers. The parade will stop several times to interact with the crowd.
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Mardi Gras parade and concerts at Universal Studios 2012

Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2012

If you’ve always wanted to attend the world-famous Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, but haven’t been able to do so, head to Orlando, instead. From February 11 through April 14, Universal Studios in Orlando will be throwing a Mardi Gras party that will rival the one in the Crescent City.

In fact, parents will much prefer the Orlando version, as it’s much more kid-friendly. During the celebration, an extravagant parade will amaze guests every Saturday night, with beautiful floats, street performers, lots of beads, dancers in fantastic costumes, and music. And here’s something the Big Easy doesn’t have – a special parade just for little revelers!

Universal is going all out for Mardi Gras in 2012. Visit the French Quarter and enjoy some real Cajun food prepared by real Cajun chefs. As you dive into some jambalaya, red beans and rice, or beignets, you can hear some music provided by bands and artists straight from New Orleans.
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion plans latest news!

New plans for the Harry Potter land expansion

Oh boy have I got big news for all you Harry Potter fans! A few days ago I made an article about how Universal Studios announced that they would be expanding the current Wizarding world of Harry Potter.

BUT, they gave out no details of what would be in it or where the expansion would be. Well,,,,, it seems that Robert Niles, an author over at theme park insider, got to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion plans for the new expansion by a source. A link to his article is at the end of mine.

Now, he makes it very clear that the plans are labeled “Concept,” and dated November 2011. He says the plans are very detailed but far from final. So they may very well change, both the area of what he saw and the layout.
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Macy’s holiday parade at Universal Studios Youtube video

I’m running behind on lots of things these days due to the holidays. Right now over at Universal Studios they are having their Macy’s holiday parade going on each night until Jan. 1st.

I have not been over there yet to take a video of it, but I will soon. Once I do I will upload it to my youtube channel and share it here. In the meantime I thought you might want to see the one I made from last year.

Here’s a tip. At the end of the parade they have the Christmas tree lighting display. The girls from the Rockettes do a dance right in front of the tree, then at the end the lights come on and confetti comes down.

So if you can get a spot near the tree to watch the parade. The tree will be in the lower part of the park near “The Mummy” ride. This is at the Universal Orlando park, NOT at Islands of Adventure. Enjoy my video! :)

Universal Studios to expand Harry Potter land at theme parks

Universal Studios to expand Harry Potter land!

More news from Universal Studios folks! They have just announced their plans to expand Harry Potter land, otherwise known as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Actually their contract demanded that they expand it at a later time when they began building it.

However the big buzz is if they will make another part of Harry Potter in the “old” park, Universal Orlando, and not just expand the current land at Islands of Adventure. It’s interesting to note that they just announced plans to close down the Jaws ride Jan 2nd.

It’s all just speculation at this time, and park officials are not saying anything at all as to what the new plans will be. However it makes sense to convert the Jaws ride space into another Harry Potter land.
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Universal Studios Orlando Jaws ride to close Jan. 2nd 2012

Universal will close their Jaws ride in Jan. 2012

It is with some sadness that I tell you Universal Studios Orlando Jaws ride will be closing forever on Jan. 2nd, 2012. I guess it’s another one of those rides that is so old that the current young people just can’t relate to it.

When the Jaws ride first opened years ago it was one of the most high tech rides around. However pushing a giant robotic shark through the water was very demanding and it had frequent break downs at first.

But over time they got it right and the ride was glitch free most of the time. Jaws told the story of a giant great white shark terrorizing a small New England seaside town. It was a hit movie that had several sequels.
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Buffet stations at CityWalk New Years Eve party

The CityWalk new years party food stations picture

Click here for full size image

For those of you thinking of going to Universal Studios CityWalk New Years Eve party, they have come out with all their plans and information. For a full list of what’s going on that night see my CityWalk New Years Eve party article with updated information.

One of the highlights of the party is the free buffet food you will get that is included with the price of the event ticket. Universal has just come out with a detailed map of the stations where they will be.

There are actually several different types of buffet stations. They have entree`, seafood, desert and champagne stations. If you click the text link below the picture above you can see a full size image that shows where they all will be.
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Universal Studios CityWalk New Years Eve events, party for 2011, 2012

Universal Studios New Years Eve party

Note: the new and full information about this years Universal Studios New Years Eve party for 2011-2012 has finally been posted! So I have an update below, just scroll down to where it says updated info!

It’s time to find out what’s going on at Universal Studios and CityWalk for New Years Eve 2011, 2012! At this time they have not come out with a complete list of events, like who will be the lead band playing there and so on.

So I will have to update this article once I know more. However there are some things I can tell you that you will want to know. The biggest thing is, there will be NO fireworks at Universal Studios parks or at CityWalk, their nightclub entertainment center.

Over at Islands of Adventure everything will be normal with no special new years events planned. That park will be open until 1:00 AM, a bit later than normal.
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Universal Studios Grinchmas show, breakfast with the Grinch 2011

The Grinchmas holiday show

While Disney has Mickey Mouse, Universal Studios has the Grinch! During the Christmas holiday season don’t miss Grinchmas, staring the Grinch himself and the folks from Whoville.

Who doesn’t love the holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”? If your kids are fans, head to Orlando this December to see the story performed live at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

The performance includes a wonderfully whimsical version of Whoville, all your favorite Whoville residents, amazing costumes, and of course, the Grinch himself. The action is accompanied by the music of Mannheim Steamroller.
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Macys Christmas holiday parade at Universal Studios 2011

Universal Studios is getting ready for the holiday season, and one of the best events there is the Macy’s Christmas holiday parade at Universal Studios 2011!

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is an American icon, a beloved harbinger for the holiday season in the United States. Have you ever wondered where the floats go for Christmas?

They go to Universal Studios theme park in Florida! You can see the excitement and magic of Macy’s Holiday Parade without having to make a trip to New York City. The parade is held in the Universal Orlando park, NOT Islands of Adventure.
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