Universal Orlando is brimming with exciting news and additions! Find out what’s new at Universal Orlando Resort this week as we’ve got a look at the amazing new entertainment offerings coming to Diagon Alley, sneak peeks from the Weasleys and Halloween Horror Nights info!
New! Halloween Horror Nights Schedule and Tickets Available Now: Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Orlando on select nights Sep. 19Nov. 1, 2014. Watch your worst nightmare take shape as Universal Studios Florida theme park is transformed into the awardwinning Halloween Horror Nights 24. See if you can survive all-new haunted houses, spine-chilling street experiences, outrageous live shows, and more! Here are the dates for this year’s spooktacular event! Scheduled dates are:
▪ September: 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28
▪ October: 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31
▪ November: 1
▪ Event tickets can be purchased either on their own or as part of a Universal Orlando package.
New! AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead’ to Return to Halloween Horror Nights: After rave reviews from fans on both coasts,Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are bringing back AMC’s “The Walking Dead” to Halloween Horror Nights for an unprecedented third consecutive year. Horror hungry fans will experience all-new terrifying mazes inspired by Season 4.
New! Entertainment Details Announced for Diagon Alley: Imagine wandering up the cobbled street of Diagon Alley, turning into nearby Carkitt Market, and enjoying a live performance by one of the wizarding world’s most popular singing sensations or seeing stories from The Tales of Beedle the Bard come to life right before your eyes. Universal Orlando Resort revealed the exciting details behind the unique entertainment and interactive experiences that will debut as part of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, the allnew, magnificently themed land opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida.
While exploring the streets of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, guests will be able to enjoy the following shows:
- The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a new stage show taking place within Carkitt Market, a covered, outdoor shopping area inspired by London’s famous markets. The show will feature a troupe of four from the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts who have set up to perform a trunk show using stylized scenic pieces, props and puppetry fabricated by Emmyawardwinning designer Michael Curry. Curry is best known as the production designer on projects including the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and the 2012 Super Bowl halftime show. The performers will retell two of the famed tales of Beedle the Bard, a 15thcentury author of wizarding fairytales. The show will feature “The Fountain of Fair Fortune”, in which three witches and a knight meet in their attempt to reach the Fountain in an enchanted garden, and “The Tale of the Three Brothers” – featured in the seventh film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1” – in which three wizard brothers come face to face with Death.
- The Singing Sorceress: Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, a musical performance featuring the everpopular singing sensation of the wizarding world, known from the books as Molly Weasley’s favorite singer, who she listens to on the WizardingWireless Network. The swinging show will feature neverbefore heard songs including, “A Cauldron Full Of Hot, Strong Love,” “You Stole My Cauldron But You Can’t Have My Heart” and “You Charmed The Heart Right Out Of Me”. These titles were all created by J.K. Rowling and the lyrics also include never-before-revealed information on Celestina’s wand from Pottermore.
There will also be various interactive opportunities for guests to enjoy while visiting London and Diagon Alley.
- The Knight Bus, which provides emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard in the Harry Potter books and films, is located in the London area of the new land. Guests will be able to meet and chat with the Knight Bus Conductor, and witness his rapport with the shrunken head hanging from the rearview mirror. The iconic threestory, purple Knight Bus was inspired by its first appearance in the third film, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”
- Gringotts Money Exchange, a place where guests will be able to interact with a Gringotts bank goblin and exchange their Muggle currency for Wizarding Bank Notes. These bank notes can be used within both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade (and throughout the rest of Universal’s two theme parks) to purchase snacks and items from the shops.
- Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops. Visitors to Ollivanders will step into the small, dusty shop and experience “a wand choosing a wizard” firsthand, reminiscent of one of the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter books and films. This interactive experience is also available at Ollivanders in Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
New! The “Weasley Family” Gets a Sneak Peek of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley: On June 5, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps and Bonnie Wright from the popular Harry Potter film series enjoyed a sneak peek of the highly anticipated, spectacularly themed environment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. The actors – who portrayed siblings Fred, George and Ginny Weasley in the films – toured the new land with Thierry Coup, Senior Vice President of Universal Creative, and Alan Gilmore, Art Director of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Harry Potter films.
During their visit, they:
- Took the journey between Hogsmeade Station and King’s Cross Station aboard the Hogwarts Express
- Stepped inside memorable shops within Diagon Alley, including the Weasley twins’ very own shop – Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes
- Encountered goblins at work in the ornate marble hall of Gringotts bank
- Sampled the world’s only Butterbeer icecream at Florean Fortescue’s IceCream Parlour
- Dined on traditional British fare at Leaky Cauldron
- And more
New! Construction Walls Down at London Embankment of Diagon Alley: On Monday, June 9th, constructions walls came down around Hogsmeade Station and the London Embankment. Both areas looks spectacular, but neither are open to the public as of this writing. A grand opening date has not yet been announced for Diagon Alley.
New! Universal Orlando Official App Announced: Universal Orlando Resort launched a new mobile application today that gives guests full control of their adventure by providing immediate attraction waittimes, interactive park maps, customizable favorites lists and more – all with the swipe of a finger. The app is available as a free download for Apple and Android mobile devices. Android – http://bit.ly/1nwUznz Apple http://bit.ly/1hIfKUb
New! Parkwide Free WiFi Access: Universal announced the debut of free parkwide mobile Internet access from Xfinity WiFi. When you’re in the parks or Universal CityWalk, just look for “xfinitywifi” on your mobile device and follow the steps to get started.
New! DJ Sandman Spinning Live at the groove? Jun 14: Electrifying South Florida’s most high-profile celebrity events, Mr. Sandman has become one of the most soughtafter DJs in the local entertainment scene. Alist celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Shaquille O’Neal, Common and numerous others continue to call upon Mr. Sandman to bring his trademark sound and style to their starstudded events. Sat • June 14, Doors Open @ 9pm, 21+ only | $7 Cover. VIP Bottle Service Available. FREE Parking for Florida Residents (after 6pm)
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