Blog Posts Tagged Studios

Universal Orlando’s Virtual Queue & The Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon

2/23/2018 • Tips, Universal Studios • Last April, Universal Orlando opened a new virtual ride that takes you from the audience of the Tonight Show, through the streets of New York, and even to the moon and back.  The Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon is hilariously entertaining and truly immersive in the Tonight Show theme.  From the Tonight Show memorabilia in the lobby to the Ragtime Gals live performance, the meet and greet with Hashtag the Panda and throughout the ride, guests truly feel like they are personal guests of Jimmy Fallon.  For that reason, Race Through New York is a very popular attraction for guests, however, Universal jumped ahead of a potentially long wait and set up the Virtual Line Queue. Who really goes to theme parks to wait in line? Disney and Universal have both made great strides in making a queue enjoyable and part of the attraction and the Race Through New York does […]

Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

11/7/2017 • Holidays & Events, Walt Disney World • Christmas is always a special time of year. When you add in being at Walt Disney World in Florida during this time of year, you get something extra special and magical. This winter, Hollywood Studios is transforming into an enchanted winter wonderland. It’s going to be filled with new Disney twists and characters. Taking place from November 9th through December 31 st , guests will get wrapped up in the season as snow falls and the lights twinkle on Sunset Boulevard. Not only will all of the billboards change to tell a tale of iconic characters sharing their love for the season, but the ominous Hollywood Tower Hotel, a.k.a. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, magically transforms bringing to life the characters’ stories. Some of these stories include Mickey and Minnie reminiscing about a hometown Christmas, Toy Story characters guessing which new toys are coming this Christmas, Olaf pining over […]

NEW Harry Potter Ride – Coming Soon!

7/25/2017 • Universal Studios • We are so excited with the latest Universal announcement! A brand new, thrilling Harry Potter inspired ride will be making its way to Universal's Islands of Adventure in 2019. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade has already been a place of fun and excitement, but now this fan-favorite spot will offer more to guests! We don't know everything about this new thrill ride, but we have been informed on some special information. Take a look below at some of the latest details! This is a brand-new, thrill ride that will take you deeper into J.K. Rowling's famous Wizarding World. You will become more engrossed in the Wizarding World as you journey along this ride. You will encounter some of your favorite characters and creatures. This new ride will be unlike anything Universal has ever created, and they are sure it will sure to be a favorite for the […]

Meeting a Disney Legend at the Grand Floridian!

6/29/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • What makes Disney so magical? The Cast Members! While Disney would still be an amazing place to visit, it’s the cast members who spread the magic to all the millions of guests who visit the parks every year. For our family, we enjoy meeting cast members and getting to know a little about them and where they come from. These special encounters happen spontaneously throughout the parks and at the resorts and often start with a simple “hello.” My most favorite cast member of all is Mr. Richard who greets guests at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. I’d seen lots of posts on Facebook of photos with guests, so when I pulled up to the Grand Floridian and saw him standing there, I had to meet him. He is quite literally a Disney celebrity or legend! We had a wonderful conversation about his life and where he’s been. Here […]

Dining in the Wizarding World

5/18/2017 • Universal Studios • If you are like most Universal Orlando guests, you start your morning by running to the back of Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure to beat the crowds to see all of the Harry Potter attractions.  After some playing, you are bound to feel hungry.  Good news!  You can continue to feel the magic of the Wizarding World with meals and snacks inspired by the series. On the Universal Studios side, immerse yourself in London, get all of your Wizarding supplies and grab a meal at the Leaky Cauldron.  This restaurant serves breakfast,  lunch and dinner in the setting of the famous pub right out of the movies.   I prefer to grab breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron just after my ride on the Escape From Gringotts and before heading over to Hogsmeade on the Hogwarts Express.  On the Islands of Adventure side, head over to Three Broomsticks from some traditional […]

Star Wars Galactic Nights

5/12/2017 • Holidays & Events, Reviews, Walt Disney World • An Out-of-This Galaxy Experience! From the red carpet entrance by Captain Phasma and her Storm Troopers, to meeting BB-8 (yes, he made his debut!), to watching the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks show, this was one of our best family nights. Disney’s Hollywood Studios was the perfect backdrop for the average Star Wars fan. We walked in and were immediately greeted by members of the Rebel Alliance that supplied us with our special event lanyard. The lanyard had the SW Galactic Nights image on one side and sticker pieces that we would collect at each photo backdrop on the other. The stickers would display an array of images from all the movies when complete. It also would display a secret message that would appear at the end of the night. We headed towards the SW Launch Bay and were surrounded by many different R2 units. It included the regular […]

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen

4/13/2017 • Reviews, Universal Studios • Experience this Deliciousness at Universal’s CityWalk Looking for a unique experience while visiting Orlando?  So was I - on Valentine’s Day while visiting my daughter. What comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day?  Perhaps flowers and candy?  Perhaps chocolate?  Yes, indeed. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal’s CityWalk is perfect for a Valentine’s Day celebration.  Let’s be honest - this place is perfect to visit any day of the year!  If I lived closer – I would be sure to visit frequently so I could try practically everything on the menu. The Chocolate Emporium is a full service restaurant, bar and confectionary with a steam punk theme.  It is two stories with seating on both levels.  The menu offering is tremendous making it hard to choose just one item.  Their brunch menu is served all day featuring unique crepes, waffles, French toast and quiches.  […]

Baby Care Stations

3/30/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • {& Why These Cast Members Will Be Some of Your Favorite Faces!}   I have done what so many other moms like me have done and what so many others have thought me crazy for.  I have taken my very young children to enjoy the Disney parks. My kids were both under 1 year when we started taking them to the Disney parks regularly. I understand how we want to share our love of Disney and all the magic that that entails with our children, and I also understand how tiring that can be. Disney has created a place even for the smallest guests (and for those caring for them). It is called (*the sounds of angels descending* and cue the spotlight) the Baby Care Station. With one Baby Care Station located centrally in each of the Disney theme parks (both at Walt Disney World and at the Disneyland Resort), […]

Rider Switch Pass

3/27/2017 • Tips, Walt Disney World • Ever wonder if you’ll miss out on riding an attraction at Disney World because you’re traveling with someone either not tall enough or who does not want to ride? No worries! Disney offers a Rider Switch pass for guests in this situation.   What is Rider Switch? Rider Switch (aka child swap/rider swap) allows an adult who has waited off the attraction with a child or guest unable to ride, the ability to enjoy the ride after the remainder of his/her party returns from the line.   Reasons for not riding Height restrictions Guests with disabilities Child chooses not to ride    How does it work? The entire party goes to the front of the line of the attraction they wish to ride (either the stand-by line or FastPass line, if they have one). Let the Cast Member at the front of the line know you need a Rider Switch […]

Touring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2/23/2017 • Reviews, Tips, Universal Studios • Are you ready for some Muggle Magic? Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the most immersive and impressive themed lands ever created. It is no wonder that this area is very popular and always crowded. In order to get the most out of the Wizarding World with the least amount of hassle, you must go in with a plan. By following the steps below, you are sure to experience all that your Muggle heart desires without the aggravation of lines, crowds and excessive waiting. Step 1 – Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Park Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into Hogwarts so now you must pick up all of your supplies. Stepping into Diagon Alley is like stepping into the movie. Never have I experienced such a feeling of being a part of the story. You will want to spend some time here experiencing all of its beauty. […]