Orlando is also home to one of the most amazing theme parks in the United States-Universal Orlando Resort. And for any great movie fan, Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure are a “must do”! Especially if you have a Harry Potter fan in your family! Here at Chip and Co, we like to keep you up to date on all the Orlando attractions and events. Did you know that even avid Disney fans will add a two or three night stay at the Universal Orlando Resort? Today I’m sharing with you some of the exciting happenings at Universal Orlando Resort!
There are exciting new things happening every day at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida! Join us every week to read about what’s new “Around the Universe.” This week’s update features: Diagon Alley grand opening, new CityWalk eateries and more!
New! Diagon Alley is OPEN! July 8th marked the official grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Universal Orlando welcomed thousands of excited guests into the spectacularly themed land for the very first time with confetti, fireworks and a red carpet lined with dozens of cheering Diagon Alley team members. Here’s a video recap of Diagon Alley Grand Opening.
Fire-Breathing Dragon Wows Crowds: A 60-foot, fire-breathing Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon sits atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank and periodically thrills the crowds below with a burst of fire. Each time, the people in Diagon Alley jump from fright and then cheer in amazement. It’s something you just have to see! Here’s a slow motion video of the dragon breathing fire.
Follow #DiagonAlley News on Social Media: Whether you use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine or something else, keep an eye out for popular hashtags used by the many Muggles now exploring Diagon Alley. Some to watch are #MuggleMoments (this is an official hashtag announced by Universal Orlando), #DiagonAlley, #Potterwatch and #Gingotts. Also watch the official @UniversalOrlando accounts too.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
New! Velvet Sessions with Lou Gramm July 31, 2014: Velvet Bar hosts the city’s only rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party on the last Thursday of the month. Admission is $29 on-line or $35 at the door and includes FREE specialty drinks & finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30-8:30pm, plus FREE valet parking. Cash bars and live band from 8:00pm onward. Each “session” combines creative cocktails with live music from some of the hottest rock bands.
Reminder! Wantilan Luau – Saturday Nights Year-Round: Sit back and experience an evening of authentic Polynesian food and entertainment at the enchanting Wantilan Luau, a weekly Hawaiian dinner show featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet of Polynesian specialties, live Hawaiian music and traditional hula dancing. Hula and fire dancers delight the audience and entice a few to even learn the hula! Adults: $70 for Priority Seating or $63 for Regular Seating. Children (ages 3 – 9): $40 for Priority Seating or $35 for Regular Seating. Ages under 3 are complimentary. Price includes gratuity, non-alcoholic beverages, wine, beer, and Mai Tais!
New! Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches Now Open: With a Bread Box sandwich, you’ll be transported back to your childhood kitchen or your favorite street corner deli. Here you’ll find that the combination of quality meats and vegetables, fresh bread, and simple preparation can transform a sandwich into something more.
Reminder! Hot Dog Hall of Fame Now Open: Hot Dog Hall of Fame officially opened July 3, 2014 at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, becoming the latest venue to debut as part of this year’s historic expansion to the entertainment complex. Hot Dog Hall of Fame, located across from Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, features stadium-style seating and iconic hot dog creations from across the nation, including the loaded Chicago dog and Milwaukee brat. Universal partnered with Steven Schussler, the global culinary concept creator behind the popular Rain Forest Cafe, to bring his Hot Dog Hall of Fame concept to CityWalk.
Carrie is a vacation specialist with Destinations in Florida. She loves planning every aspect of a total Orlando vacation! Are you ready to plan a Universal Orlando getaway? Or add a few nights at Universal Orlando Resort onto your Walt Disney World vacation? Contact Carrie at carrie@destinationsinflorida.com to get your planning started!
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