|
|
 |
|
 |
Great OFT Deals at Universal Orlando Resort
 The Universal Orlando Resort is going to be a powerhouse in 2010. For anyone that has been to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure in the recent months you probably saw a castle on the horizon. If you aren’t already “in the know” about what is going on in the world of Islands of Adventure, that castle is none other than Hogwart’s Castle from the Harry Potter book and movie franchise. In the spring of 2010, Universal Islands of Adventure will open the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We can only imagine the insanity on opening day and for the months to come after it as Harry Potter fans from around the world come to Universal to get a chance to experience Harry’s world. You can expect the parks to be packed, but that doesn’t mean you have to pass up on getting great ticket deals! OrlandoFunTickets.com is offering two great Universal Orlando ticket deals that will help families and guests of all kinds enjoy the parks and save some cash, whether you decide to go now, in the spring, or whenever! With OrlandoFunTickets.com’s 1 Day 1 Park Eat & Play ticket combo, you have your pick of either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. If you choose Islands of Adventure you can enjoy great rides like Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Hulk roller coaster, Dueling Dragons and soon enough the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you choose to go to Universal Studios, you can enjoy the thrills of Revenge of the Mummy, take a journey into the world of The Simpsons, fight aliens on Men in Black, or visit classic attractions like Jaws. With the 1 Day 2 Park pass, you can park hop between Islands of Adventure and Universal. Ride the movies at Universal Studios or explore different worlds at Islands of Adventure throughout that one day. But the best part about the Eat & Play ticket combo is that you get to enjoy unlimited food and drink at participating locations in both parks. You get a souvenir cup that you get to refill whenever you want and a great deal on the food in the restaurants that accept the meal pass. So, Universal fans, it’s up to you! Spend 1 day at 1 park or spend 1 day at 2 parks and enjoy unlimited food and drink at their participating locations. It’s a great deal! Labels: Discount Universal Tickets
Wizarding World Preview on Half-Blood Prince DVD
 2009 is almost over and 2010 is just weeks away. For Harry Potter fans that have been counting down the days to the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we know you can’t wait for the spring time! There have been plenty of rumors regarding what the newest addition to Islands of Adventure will feature, and now if you’re planning a trip to the Orlando theme parks all you need to do is pick up the latest Harry Potter DVD for a sneak peek at what’s to come! When you buy Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince you will get the chance to watch an 11 minute featurette regarding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While local Orlando newspapers broke details about the park on paper, this special DVD feature will give you plenty of visuals including interviews with the actors, artwork and video of the artist’s renderings of the park. Like you might have read before, the main attraction of the newest addition to the Universal Studios Orlando Resort family will be Hogwart’s Castle. You can already see the castle being constructed if you visit the Universal Studios parks, but the DVD feature lets you know what you will see once the park is complete. Food wise you’ll be able to enjoy Butterbeer, which Universal executive chef Steven Jayson says “is great, real comforting and nice and smooth going down and you get a (foam) mustache". Over at Honeydukes you can enjoy chocolate frogs, cauldron cake and other candy. If you want your own wand like Harry and his friends, you can stop by Ollivanders where a wand will magically select guests as a wand selects Harry in the movies. As for the rides. Dueling Dragons is now the Dragon Challenge and will feature props from Goblet of Fire. The Flying Unicorn will now be Flight of the Hippogriffs and feature aspects of the “magical creatures cast.” The trademark dark ride of the island will be located in Hogwart’s Castle and is titled “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” The Potter crew (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint) have all filmed scenes for this ride, which we’re guessing will be similar to Spiderman over at Marvel Superhero Island. Pick up your copy of the DVD today and follow our blog for the latest on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, Universal Orlando
Celebs Come to Universal for Horror Night's "Cirque du Freak"
 October is here and Halloween is right around the corner. The Orlando theme parks are ready for Halloween and so are we. Over at Halloween Horror Nights the scare zones and haunted houses are up and scaring the thousands of visitors that come their way. Universal Studios Orlando won a Golden Ticket for their Halloween Horror Nights event. That basically means it considered the best Halloween event in the theme park world. This year Universal is paying tribute to horror icons from the silver screen like Chucky, Saw, Wolfman, Dracula and Frankenstein. Along with the houses there are great scare zones featuring cannibals, World War II zombie soldiers and mutated humans. They also have a scare zone called Cirque du Freak. The Scare Zone looks just like the name implies. It’s a sideshow-themed zone where bearded ladies and deformed humans roam around hunting for frightened victims. But this scare zone is also representing Universal Studios’ latest movie Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant. Yes, even Universal is getting in on the vampire madness that has swept America. But Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant is about a teenage boy that accidentally breaks a 200 year old truce between two vampire factions. He then has to help Mr. Crepsley, played by actor John C. Reilly, restore the peace between the factions. This isn’t the first time Universal dedicates a section of Halloween Horror Nights to their movies. After all, we have a Saw house this year and the Wolfman house is about Benicio Del Toro’s movie, which comes out next year. But recently, John C. Reilly and other actors from Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant stopped by Halloween Horror Nights to talk to fans and promote the movie, which will be out in theatres October 23. You might recognize Reilly from some of the other movies he’s done like Step Brothers and Talladega Nights with Will Ferrell. The fans were excited to see Reilly and other actors from the movie before they headed into the park for some horror nights fun. Don’t forget the event runs all throughout October, so get your tickets now! Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, halloween events, halloween horror nights, movies, Universal Events
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Coming This Spring!
 Potter fans the wait is over. Thanks to an official webcast by the Universal Studios Orlando execs we now know the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will officially open in the spring of 2010. Universal recently held a webcast that featured the art directors and designers of the newest part of Islands of Adventure revealing exclusive information and never before seen images regarding the Harry Potter island. This is definitely going to bring Universal head to head with Walt Disney World as both Disney and Harry Potter have millions of fans across the globe. But the important thing to remember is that this incredible park will be an experience everyone will be able to enjoy—even those that haven’t read the books.  If you’ve seen the movies, be prepared to be blown away by the incredible attention to detail. Actor Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy in the movies, was on hand for the webcast and couldn’t contain his excitement regarding the project. The actor was truly impressed and surprised at how closely the parts of the new island he had seen resembled the movie set he grew up on. OrlandoFunTickets.com has the scoop on what to expect when the new attraction opens next year. You will enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter through Hogsmeade Train Station, right where Harry starts off his journey in the movies. A number of shops will surround you including Zonko’s where you can buy jokes and gags as well as Honeydukes were you can buy chocolate frogs and other sweets. You will then continue on to one of the coolest and most unique parts of the Wizarding World: the Owlery. Tons of beautiful owls will be nesting overhead in this relaxing pavilion that lets you take a break from the sometimes chaotic theme park surroundings. Next to the Owlery will lie the Owl Post. You can send letters to fellow Potter fans marked with the Hogsmeade emblem just like they do in the movie. Of course, you can’t have magic spells without the wands, so you will be able to check out Olivanders, where a magic wand will choose you like Harry’s chose him in the film. Dervish and Banges will sell Quidditch equipment and Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods will contain Ministry of Magic merchandise. As for the rides, this island will have three. The main ride is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which will be contained in the centerpiece of the island: Hogwart’s Castle. This dark ride will be similar to Spiderman in build but unlike any other ride you’ve been on. Dueling Dragons has been re-themed as Dragon Challenge and the Flying Unicorn is now Flight of the Hippogriff. The Three Broomsticks, a restaurant serving British fare, will also be part of this fantastic addition to Islands of Adventure. Are you ready, Potter fans? Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, harry potter, Islands of Adventure, new restaurants, new rides
Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Details Revealed
 After months of speculation Halloween Horror Nights fans can now stop guessing and start getting ready for the 19th year of this popular Orlando theme park attraction. With its Ripped from the Silver Screen theme, Universal Orlando plans to bring the scariest horror icons to life as you enter the world of the Universal Palace Theatre. The entrance to Universal Studios will be converted to the façade of a 1920’s movie theatre where the main character or “host” of this year’s event, The Usher, will allow you into the parks. Universal has taken plenty of footage of The Usher and will be projecting him throughout the park to make sure you are on your best behavior and don’t break the rules of the Universal Palace Theatre. While many fans thought The Director would return for another show, Universal execs wanted to make it clear that this year’s theme wasn’t about making movies, it was about being trapped in them. As for the haunted houses, there will be 8 great sites for you to get your scares. Silver Screams will be The Usher’s lair, so make sure you’re on your best behavior. Saw will take you through the twisted, demented world of the villain Jigsaw from the popular SAW movie franchise. The Wolfman will take you through a dangerous forest where werewolves lurk around every corner. Chucky: Friends ‘Till the End will put you face to face against the twisted toys of the Good Guys toy company and eventually Chucky himself. Dracula: Legacy of Blood will lure you into Castle Dracula on the night of “The Calling.” Dracula awaits a mortal woman to become his bride, but he will take male victims to feed on as well. In Frankenstein: Creation of the Damned, Dr. Frankenstein’s experiments have gone horribly wrong and now the creature he created returns to make the good doctor pay for the torture he underwent. The Spawning pays tribute to movies like Swamp Thing and The Creature from the Black Lagoon with strange creatures emerging from the waters of Wyandot, Ohio. Last but not least, Leave it to Cleaver puts a gory twist on a 1950’s butcher shop where they serve all kinds of meat, none of it animal related. With all of these great haunted houses and scare zones featuring cannibals, WWII zombie soldiers and a dangerous abandoned drive-in, you’ll be cowering in fear at every turn. So make sure you get your discount Halloween Horror Nights tickets from OrlandoFunTickets.com to make this Halloween Horror Nights unforgettable. Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, halloween events, halloween horror nights, Universal Events, Universal Studios Orlando
Red, White, and Universal!
 There is no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than the Orlando theme parks! The parks are offering a bevy of Fourth of July celebrations, but one that stands out from the rest is that of Universal Orlando! Spend the day at Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure with tons of Universal fun! First, head to Islands of Adventure and experience the different islands that make up the park. Soar along with Spiderman, venture into Jurassic Park, live-out your favorite childhood story books, and more! Then, bounce over to Universal Studios, as the perfect ending to your day. Spend the rest of daylight enjoying riding-out your favorite movies, television shows, and more. Ride along on the Mummy, vacation with the Simpsons on an amazing simulator ride, face the jaws of, well, JAWS, and more! And, if you are lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the soon-to-be-open Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit running test runs. This ride is going to be intense! We’re talking a full vertical lift, 90 degree drop, a double take loop, and the first-ever Treble Clef loop (to go along with the music theme, of course). Plus, as another first for coasters, the Rip Ride Rockit will feature video cameras, which can document your entire experience while on the ride. The ride was originally supposed to have its opening over Fourth of July weekend, but due to this ride being the world’s most technologically-advanced coaster they need to perfect it to a “T” before opening the ride to eager roller coaster enthusiasts! Patience is a virtue. This ride is going to be awesome! As the sun sets and the rides come to a close, stay in Universal Studios theme park as the music heats up the night! With your admission ticket to Universal Studios, you can stay in the park for a free concert with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singers the O’Jays! As the singers to hit songs such as “Love Train” and the theme song to Donald Trump’s The Apprentice “For the Love of Money,” you can rock into the night. As the concert comes to an end, head to the Universal Studios Lagoon where you will see the most spectacular Fourth of July display in Orlando! Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular will feature illuminated floating 360 degree orbs, displaying more than 100 clips of your favorite Universal films. The movie displays will be set to original music and laser & pyrotechnic effects. As the show begins to wrap up, it will switch gears over to a patriotic tribute to the good ole’ red, white, and blue with patriotic displays on the cinespheres and a dazzling firework display from three different areas within the park! The party doesn’t stop there! If you are looking to continue in your Fourth of July celebration festivities, head to Universal CityWalk, for free admission with your Universal Studios ticket. For a rockin’ red, white, and blue time, there is no better place to be than Universal Studios Orlando on the Fourth of July. And, to get rockin’ discount prices on your Universal Studios tickets and Islands of Adventure tickets, make sure you hop over to OrlandoFunTickets.com! Labels: 4th of july, concerts at universal, Discount Universal Tickets, Universal 360, Universal Events
New Details on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
 It is tough to wait for the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit to debut at Universal Studios, except when it seems like the progress on the ride is actually going backwards and not forwards - they recently dismantled part of the track to install some new systems, for example. However, we’ve got some new details on the HRRR, as we like to call it, to tide you over until July 4, which is when the ride is expected to debut. For the first time ever, pictures of the coaster’s vehicle have been released, in addition to information about how the ride’s technological elements come together. To refresh your memory, the Rockit will be a high-tech, high-speed combination of first-ever maneuvers, hit music, and specially created take-home videos starring each rider. “This is where high-speed coaster meets outdoor mega-concert meets user-generated content – all shot on production-quality video,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “No one has ever created such a sophisticated ride experience. And no one has ever used technology the way we have to pull it all together.” Most of that technology is evident on the Rockit’s vehicle, which features a revolutionary new restraint system, industrial-grade touchpads, all-weather speakers, and a network of cameras designed to capture every second of the HRRR’s high-speed ride. The fun begins when guests slide into the bucket seat of the Rockit’s X-Car, which features stadium-style seating so that everyone has an unobstructed view of the drops and turns ahead. Unlike many other coasters, there’s no over-head/pull-down restraint system. Rather, riders pull across a lap bar allowing for unprecedented freedom of movement and thrills. Once guests are snug and secure, they’ll proceed to pick out their ride soundtrack on the car’s personal touchpad, which is mounted on the lap bar. Military-grade durable, waterproof, and connected to wireless servers, the touchpads allow guests to pick from songs representing five genres of music. And thanks to Polk Audio marine-grade stereo speakers, guests will be able to hear their musical choice at 90 decibels while never hearing the songs playing for other riders. While coaster junkies rock out and scream to the tune of their favorite musical styles, their entire journey will be captured by 14 cameras – six on board each car and eight along the track. Smile real big, because these cameras are designed to provide production-quality footage under intense conditions. After the ride, each guest video is transmitted from the ride vehicle to a viewing kiosk, where guests can purchase a specially edited take-home version to share with family and friends. From the ground, the HRRR is also ultra-cool; 36 different LED color-changing lights make it an ever-changing show for onlookers. And boarding the coaster is a snap, too; the Rockit is the only coaster in the country that keeps guests moving through the queue on a conveyer belt, ensuring that the lines keep flowing and the wait is never longer than it needs to be. With all these intricate details and fun, high-tech elements, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit just might give SeaWorld’s Manta a run for its money! Find out for yourself whether or not it stands up to all the hype when the ride opens this summer; get your Universal Studios tickets on OrlandoFunTickets.com to be ready for your first ride on the Rockit. Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, New attractions, Orlando Roller Coasters, Universal Events
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit to Open in Early Summer
 So there is good news and bad news - the bad news is that the opening of the new roller coaster at Universal Studios, the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, has been delayed. The good news, and perhaps it’s a purposeful distraction on the park’s part from the bad news, is that Universal has also released specific details on what riders on the Rip Ride Rockit can expect. As opposed to its originally announced opening date of “spring 2009,” the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (HRRR) will now open in “late spring/early summer,” according to Universal. It’s still a rather vague date, but most are interpreting the date change as proof that the rollercoaster will now open a good deal of time after SeaWorld Orlando’s Manta opens on May 22, meaning that June is likely the earliest the ride would open. “Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is the most sophisticated roller coaster we’ve ever created, so we’re working to make sure it’s going to be an amazing experience for our guests,” Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said. “We're going to open it when we believe it’s absolutely ready.” On the bright side though, roller coaster enthusiasts now have more reasons to look forward to the opening of HRRR as Universal has now revealed never-before-released details on the ride’s unbelievable maneuvers. In addition to its high-tech audio and visual components, the HRRR will be the tallest, largest, and fastest X-CAR style roller coaster. What does X-CAR mean, you ask? It’s essentially a type of roller coaster vehicle that is more maneuverable than other kinds of vehicles and uses innovative restraints that are less restrictive, more open, and ultimately, more exciting. This kind of design also allows for more kinds of maneuvers that other roller coasters are incapable of performing. Some of those breathtaking maneuvers on Rockit include a vertical lift that shoots riders at a 90-degree angle toward the sky at 11 feet-per-second. Once the coaster has scaled 167 feet to the top in just 16.5 seconds, riders will be at the highest point of any coaster in Orlando. Afterwards, riders descend from the vertical lift at 65 mph and ascent into the Double Take, a first-ever maneuver and the world’s largest non-inverted loop at 136 feet tall and 103 feet in diameter. The coaster car zooms along the inside of the track until it reaches the top, where it twists to the outside of the track and rides over the top of the loop, then twisting back inside the loop for its descent. Other first-ever maneuvers include the Treble Clef, where the steel track bends into a treble clef musical symbol. First sketched out on a paper napkin, this never-before-done coaster move even bursts through a building façade in the New York area of the park. There’s also the Jump Cut, a negative-gravity maneuver that defies tradition by spiraling instead of going straight up and down. The RRR also features the Crowd Surfer, a 95-degree angle maneuver that flies the car over a crowd on the loading platform; Drop Tuning, a drop into an underground chasm; and the final maneuver, Plot Twist – an inclined loop with a 150-degree banking turn and a complete 360-degree turn. And let’s not forget that this entire adrenaline-packed journey is accompanied by a musical soundtrack of the rider’s choosing, making it a really rockin’ experience – no pun intended. Start planning your trip for the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit’s debut by checking out Universal Studios tickets from OrlandoFunTickets.com. And stay tuned to our blog for more info on one of the city’s newest and most exciting roller coasters. Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, New attractions, new rides, Universal Studios Orlando
Feel the Love at Universal Orlando
 With Valentines Day just around the corner, some of you might be scrounging around for last minute ideas to surprise your sweetie with on the holiday of love. Here in Orlando though, you need look no further than Universal Studios, where you can enjoy a day of fun and affection with your significant other. After all, what better place than the fantastic realm of movies and TV to make a dream date come true? Kick off your Valentine’s Day festivities at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel on Friday, February 13, where the Universal resort will hold Harbor Nights Romantico, a wine tasting, gourmet food, and music event. From 6:30 to 9 pm, guests will be able to savor select wines, gourmet food samples, delectable sweets from a chocolate station, and live music by Nova Era, along with romantic arias and duets by Portofino’s opera singers. Then the next day, head to the Universal parks for some thrills that will bring you closer together. Nothing achieves that purpose better than the rides at Islands of Adventure, where you’ll scream in unison on The Incredible Hulk Coaster, grab on to each other tightly during the Jurassic Park River Adventure, and laugh as you get soaked together on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. The other side of the park, Universal Studios, has similar fun for couples. You can take part in a honeymoon adventure along with Shrek and Fiona with Shrek 4D, and see who kills more aliens on the Men in Black Alien Attack, among other cool attractions. When you’ve had your fill of the parks, there’s no better way to unwind from all those high-adrenaline amusements than with a couple’s spa experience. Head back to the Portofino Bay Hotel and step inside the world-class Mandara Spa, where a suite specially reserved for couples awaits to give you peace and relaxation. Side by side, you can indulge with a facial or ease away tension with a massage. And after you’re refreshed and rejuvenated, be sure to stop by CityWalk, a great place to stroll hand-in-hand with your loved one while you browse the shops. While you’re there, stop in at the Hard Rock, where Reggae Love Fest 2009 will get underway at 9 pm. Featuring internationally acclaimed Freddie McGregor, Marcia Griffiths, Glen Washington, Tony Stephens, Pressure, and Munga, the Love Fest will have you feeling affectionate as you groove to one of the most understated genres of romance, reggae. Then, at the end of the day, cap the evening at Chef Emeril Lagasse’s famous Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando; this modern and airy restaurant inside CityWalk makes a romantic setting with a wall of wine, an elegant metal staircase, plenty of open windows, and Gertjejansen artwork on the walls. You’ll enjoy chatting with your date about all the fun you had as you enjoy classic Creole cocktails and dishes. So forget cliché or cheesy Valentine’s Day plans and go for a unique, fun, and romantic holiday celebration that will really wow your partner. You’ll make all the arrangements you need for the whole day when you purchase discount Universal tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com. Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, Holidays in Orlando, Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Orlando, valentines day
Capture the Memories at Universal Studios
 When we go to a theme park, we want to have fun; that is a blatantly obvious fact. However, we generally also want to document that fun as much as possible. That’s getting easier to do these days with cell phones that have built in cameras and handy digital cameras that fit right in your pocket. However, all that technology doesn’t always guarantee a great shot. That’s where photo opportunities come in. Universal Studios Orlando is particularly famous for having some of the most photogenic areas of any other theme park in Orlando. And let’s face it – you haven’t really been to the park unless you’ve taken a goofy picture with a friend at one of the following spots. One of the most entertaining photo opportunities is definitely the 24-foot-long shark hanging at the entrance to the JAWS attraction, located in the San Francisco/Amity area. Complete with an open mouth and several rows of sharp teeth, this giant fish would never be mistaken for a real one in a photograph. However, taking a shot with your head inside it is still a must. And over at Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone, the next most popular photography spot is at E.T.’s Toy Closet at the E.T. Adventure. There, you can be photographed riding your very own bicycle…that just so happens to have an alien in the basket. Another great photo backdrop recreates the scene in which E.T. hides in the closet with toys. A pro is available to take your picture here, although it’s not required that you use him or her. Another one of the most photogenic areas at Universal Orlando is the entrance to Islands of Adventure, Port of Entry. Filled with unique shops, weird wares, and an overall exotic theme, Port of Entry is one of the most detailed areas in the park. While you’re at the Islands, also be sure to stop by the Jurassic Park area; there, you can pose next to one of the actual vehicles from blockbuster movie – just watch out for the T-Rex hovering above your head. In addition to some of the older, more tried-and-true backdrops at Universal, some of the newer attractions are gaining popularity among the picture-taking crowd. Outside Shrek 4-D, a photo with the talking donkey (he really talks) is always fun. And near the Simpsons Ride, be sure to pose outside the Kwik-E-Mart or from the inside of Krusty’s mouth. If you’re photography impaired, however, and can’t think of a good place for a souvenir photograph, look for signs denoting Kodak Photography Spots throughout the park. These backdrops are specially designed to create an interesting momento of your day at Universal. And if you forgot your camera at home, don’t fret; a professional photographer is conveniently waiting to take your picture at quite a few locations at the park. Finally, one of the most basic and fun of photo ops is with the characters – at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Spiderman, Shrek and Fiona, Cyclops of the X-Men, the Cat in the Hat, and the entire Simpsons family are just a few of the folks who will kindly pose with you. If you don’t have rolls and rolls of memorable pictures at Universal Studios sitting at home, there’s just one thing to do – get down to the park and start shooting! Scoping out fun backdrops is a great way to enjoy the parks, and you’ll always remember the fun you had taking the pictures. And by saving money with Universal Studios tickets from OrlandoFunTickets.com, you’ll be able to afford more film – or maybe a new digital camera. Labels: Cheap Universal Tickets, Discount Universal Tickets, Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando
Simpsons Caption the Moment Photo Contest
 To celebrate one of the most anticipated rides of the year, we paired up with Screamscape to host the “Simpsons Caption the Moment” Photo Contest. We challenged viewers to submit their best vacation photos of them and their family members at the Universal Orlando Resort. The photo that they submitted was required to have a cartoon bubble incorporated into their photo that quoted one of the best Simpsons’ quotes or catchphrases. We were assigned the extremely difficult task of picking the winner. After sifting through tons of photos, we chose… Laura Witte!!! With her rendition of “Release the hounds Smithers!” Laura has won TWO ADULT – ONE DAY, TWO PARK TICKETS TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO! Congratulations Laura! At Universal Studios Orlando, you are invited to ride along with your favorite movies, TV shows, cartoons, and more; and the Simpsons’ Ride is no exception to that. Ride along with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie as they venture into Krustyland. But, there is a catch! Sideshow Bob is loose from jail and is out to seek revenge against Krusty and the entire Simpsons family. What will happen as they ride the park’s beloved roller coaster? You will have to ride the ride to find out! The Simpson’s Ride is located on the Universal Studios side of the Universal Resort Area, at the World Expo. Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, The Simpsons Ride, Universal Studios Orlando
Ten Non-Theme Park Things To Do On Your Orlando Vacation
 Every Orlando vacation means hitting the most popular theme parks in the world: the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort; Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure at the Universal Orlando Resort; and SeaWorld or even Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay. But Orlando theme parks are only part of the action you can enjoy on your Orlando vacation. Here are ten Orlando vacation activities that don’t require Orlando theme park tickets:
- Take a boat ride. There are options at several Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort hotels. Or for a real adventure, speed through an airboat outing in Kissimmee.
- Visit the petting zoo or go on a horseback riding trip at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
- Shop and stroll along the water at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. While you’re there, take a tour of Disney’s Boardwalk and Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.
- Do some dining and dancing at one of Universal CityWalk’s hot nightclubs. Not into the bar scene? Grab a bite and catch a flick – Universal has a movie theater too!
- Relive history at the Kennedy Space Center, less than an hour from Orlando.
- Join the locals at an area flea market. There are two air-conditioned indoor flea markets just a few miles from Disney on U.S. 192 in Kissimmee. A little further away, you can choose from a few traditional outdoor flea markets too.
- Drive on Florida’s most famous beach in Daytona Beach, which is only about an hour’s drive away from Orlando.
- Take in an Orlando dinner show like Medieval Times or Arabian Nights, and get a huge bargain on your Orlando dinner show tickets when you get them right here at OrlandoFunTickets.com (along with your Disney tickets, Universal tickets and Sea World tickets too, of course.)
- Get great deals at one of Orlando’s outlet malls, Belz Outlet near the Universal Orlando Resort, or the Premium Outlet near SeaWorld.
- Visit Celebration, Florida, a small community just a few miles from Walt Disney World that began as a Disney-owned residential neighborhood. It has since grown into a full fledged city, but it still has that Disney charm – not to mention a thriving old-time downtown where you will find delicious dining options, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and even a Starbucks.
Labels: cheap orlando vacation, Discount Disney Tickets, Discount SeaWorld Tickets, Discount Universal Tickets
Five Reasons to Take an Orlando Vacation Now
 Times are tough all over, but that does not mean your family can not enjoy an Orlando vacation this summer. In fact, now is a great time to take an Orlando vacation, because of delicious discounts and crazy cheap deals on Orlando vacation tickets. Orlando Vacation Reason #1 – Cheap Orlando Theme Park Tickets
Today is the time for an Orlando vacation because you can get all of the cheap Orlando theme park tickets you need at OrlandoFunTickets.com. We are the number one source on the Web, with the best deals on Orlando theme park tickets every day of the year. Beat the heat and the slow economy by getting your discount Orlando theme park tickets today. Orlando Vacation Reason #2 – Discount Disney Tickets
When you get your Disney vacation tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com, you will always get the discount Disney tickets you need to visit all of the Disney theme parks. Summer time is the most popular time of year for a Disney vacation, and the Disney theme parks are open late so you get even more time to enjoy all of your favorite Disney attractions. Orlando Vacation Reason #3 – Orlando Water ParksOrlando water parks are some of the best water parks in the entire world, and if you take your Orlando vacation now, you can be one of the premier visitors to the newest Orlando water park, Aquatica by SeaWorld. SeaWorld’s newest addition has only been open for a few months, so be one of the first to splash through a summer day at Aquatic by SeaWorld. Orlando Vacation Reason #4 – Hot Orlando Hotel RatesThe heat is on in Orlando, and so are the hottest hotel deals in Florida. All over Florida, tourist destinations are offering great discounts in order to gain your business. You can even find great rates at a Disney Resort Hotel or one of the on-property Loews Hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort. Orlando Vacation Reason #5 – Deals on Orlando Attraction TicketsOrlando is not just about Disney theme parks, splashing at SeaWorld and exciting adventure at the Universal Orlando Resort. There are tons of amazing Orlando attractions, including the Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil La Nouba, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, Kennedy Space Center and many, many more. And you can get the best Orlando attractions ticket deals today at OrlandoFunTickets.com. Labels: Aquatica at Sea World, cheap disney tickets, discount cirque du soleil tickets, Discount Universal Tickets, orlando vacations, typhoon lagoon
Orlando for nature lovers
Orlando is home to some of the top attractions and theme parks in the world, but if you are looking to get away from all of the hustle and bustle of the busy tourist market, then don’t worry – Central Florida also has several nature parks and reserves in the area for those who just want to enjoy the untouched areas of the Sunshine State. For a fraction of the price of the theme parks, you can enjoy hiking, swimming and more outdoor activities while also getting an up close view of Florida’s wildlife and natural terrain. One of the most popular state parks around is located about 30-40 miles north of the attractions area in Apopka, Fla. The short drive is well worth it, however, as the Wekiwa Springs State Park offers naturally fresh springs for diving, swimming and one of the parks most popular activities – boating or canoeing. Nature lovers will enjoy the multiple lakes and streams here, and guests can also camp, have a picnic and go fishing as well. Near the Wekiwa Springs State Park is the Rock Springs Run State Reserve. Just as Wekiwa Springs has multiple waterways for your enjoyment, Rock Springs Run has 17 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, offering views of native Florida wildlife – including black bear sightings! Also located in Apopka is Kelly Park, a family favorite in the area. At Kelly Park, guests can meander down the natural Rock Springs stream, go camping or enjoy one of their many picnic areas. Located in Longwood, Fla., also just north of the Orlando area, is Big Tree Park, one of Florida’s most famous natural landmarks. Only here can you find what is believed to be the oldest-living tree in the United States, a 3,500-year-old Bald Cypress Tree dubbed “The Senator.” Big Tree Park also features a natural marsh lands, a peaceful boardwalk and a large picnic area. If you are looking for something a little closer in proximity, the nearby University of Central Florida campus is home to the UCF Arboretum. This 80-acre preserve is a centerpiece of the campus landscape and is home to more than 600 species of plants, including several distinct ecosystems that are separated by trails for you to explore. Visitors can take a self-guided tour any day of the week from sunrise to sunset, and staff members are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for help and group sessions. Finally, nature lovers are also sure to love the Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve, located just a short distance from Disney in Kissimmee, Fla. This 12,000-acre preserve protects the headwaters of the Everglades and is home to hundreds of rare Florida wildlife species and a hiking trail for visitors who wish to learn more about the Conservancy’s plants and animals and their efforts to restore and protect them in their natural setting. While these activities above are a good respite for any visitor to Central Florida, don’t forget about all of the fun you can also have at all of the attractions in the area, including Walt Disney World, Universal, Sea World and much more! To see all of these theme parks at a discounted price, look no further than right here at OrlandoFunTickets.com, the largest discounted ticket store in Orlando and your key for unlocking tons of unique fun for your next vacation. Click here to get started on your vacation planning now! Labels: canoeing in Orlando, cheap seaworld tickets, Discount Disney Tickets, Discount Universal Tickets, Orlando Attractions, outdoor activities
How to have fun at Disney for under $ 200 a day
There are lots of way to keep your vacation plans to Central Florida at a cheap rate in fact, you can see Walt Disney World for under $200 a day if you stick to some simple cost-saving tips. For starters, keeping your costs low and your savings high begins none other than right here at OrlandoFunTickets.com, the largest discounted ticket store in Orlando! Here, you can purchase tickets to all of the top attractions in Central Florida, including the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, Sea World, other local attractions and dinner shows, at a deeply discounted price. And, with multiple ticket packages available and either delivery or pick-up options, you are sure to find everything you are looking for – and more – right here at OrlandoFunTickets.com. Speaking of tickets, it is also important to note that the larger ticket package your purchase, the cheaper your per-day price will be in the parks. If you plan on only going to the parks for a few days, you can expect to pay more for each day than if you bought a ticket package that included tickets for a week or more. Another way to keep costs down is to purchase a Magic Your Way base ticket package, which allows you to see only one park per day. These are certainly more cost effective than the Magic Your Way park hopper ticket or the Magic Your Way park hopper with the water park and other add-ons, but it still may be worth the extra investment to fork over a few extra dollars to give you and your family more options for your vacation if you would like to skip from park to park during the day and are also interested in the other Disney attractions, such as the two water parks, Pleasure Island, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park and Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Another way to keep your family from having to shell out too much money on any given day is to find ways to eat anywhere other than in the parks. You should always have breakfast in your room (Walt Disney World Resort hotels can have a refrigerator placed in your room for only a small fee, and that fee is waived if you have any medications that need to be refrigerated), so it is a good idea to go grocery shopping at one of the nearby stores when you get here for items, or bring them from home with you. If you do want to stay in the parks for lunchtime, then save your dinner meal for one of the local restaurants around town if you have your own transportation. Also, avoid the sit-down restaurants at Disney, as those tend to be more expensive, as do character meals. If you do not have your own transportation and will be eating at Disney all three meals a day, whether it is in your hotel or at a park, you will probably want to strongly consider the Disney Dining Plan, which allows each person in your party one table service meal, one quick service meal and one snack per day at select restaurants all over property for one set price. As you can see, however, you will still need to account for one meal on your own, so you can still plan on eating breakfast in each morning with something simple like doughnuts or bagels and fruit (or cereal and orange juice if you have the fridge!). Also, even though you have one snack allowed on the Disney Dining Plan, always have snacks and even empty water bottles to fill with water from the fountains handy, as a simple snack for the whole family in the parks can add up quickly but can be avoided if you have granola bars or other snacks stored in a backpack and with you at all times. It is also a good idea to set a budget for each person per day, so that everyone in the family has expectations on what can and cannot be bought ahead of time to ensure that no one goes over their allowance. And, don’t forget that if you are a guest at a Walt Disney World Resort, you can save money on transportation and gas by taking their shuttles to and from the parks, but if you are driving you can still show your room key and park at any of the parks for free. If you are not getting a rental car and are staying at Disney, be sure to also take advantage of Disney’s Magic Express, a free charter bus system that will take you to and from the Orlando International Airport for free! If you live by the above tips and purchase your discounted theme park tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com, there is no reason why you and your family cannot enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort for under $200 a day! Labels: Discount Disney Tickets, discount orlando, Discount SeaWorld Tickets, Discount Universal Tickets
Extra Value Weeks at Universal Orlando
 The Universal Orlando Resort wants to add some extra value to your upcoming vacation to Central Florida. With the introduction of Extra Value Weeks, you and your family can save big if you stay at one of the three Loews hotels on-site at Universal Orlando during one of these designated savings periods. And if saving money is something that is of interest to you, you are in the correct place to begin with! We at OrlandoFunTickets.com offer visitors to the Central Florida area the opportunity to see all of our first-class attractions at a discounted rate. In addition offering discounted tickets to the two Universal Orlando theme parks, we also have special ticket offers for Disney, Sea World, Discovery Cove, Aquatica (Sea World’s news water park), other top local attractions and dinner shows. To learn more about saving big with Universal’s Extra Value Weeks, keep reading below – and to purchase your discounted park tickets for your vacation stay, click here now! Universal has designated their Extra Value Weeks time periods as April 13-June 4, August 17-October 2 and November 30-December 18, 2008. As we stated above, if you stay at least three nights at either Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort or Portofino Bay Hotel, you will receive an exclusive Extra Value Weeks rate for that time period, along with a special gift for choosing to vacation at Universal. Guests traveling during the first Extra Value Weeks period will receive two exclusive “The Simpsons” T-shirts to commemorate the grand opening of the attraction based on the hit TV show at Universal Studios. Guests staying with Universal during the second period, from August to October, will be granted an AMC Movie Experience Pack, which includes two free movie vouchers at the theater located at nearby CityWalk, along with a $10.00 voucher for concessions. Finally, the third and final Extra Value Weeks period comes with a $25 Universal Orlando gift card which you can use at your own discretion. In addition to these great deals, there are even more reasons why you should take advantage of Universal’s Extra Value Weeks. Upon check-in at your resort, your family will also receive a special savings guide that has $150 worth of discounts on food and merchandise you can use at the three Universal hotels, CityWalk, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. And, the longer you stay, the longer you will save, as any family staying four or more nights will receive two free Universal Orlando tickets to use for their vacation! In addition to the special rate and savings above that you will receive as part of the Extra Value Weeks promotion, you will also enjoy a host of benefits that are guaranteed for all guests at one of these spectacular resorts. Not only will you enjoy free transportation all around the Universal property, but you can also skip right through the lines at the theme parks by just showing your room key! This Universal Express pass can be purchased for an extra fee by any Universal Orlando guest, but as an on-site visitor, you get it for free! You can also take advantage of the amazing recreation opportunities and first-class restaurants that are all located right there on each hotel’s grounds. While all of these complimentary perks will certainly add up to big savings for your family vacation, just remember that you can also save big bucks on your tickets into both Universal Studios and Island of Adventure with our discounted theme park ticket deals. To add even more value into your Extra Value Week vacation, click here now and let the saving begin! Labels: cheap orlando vacation, discount islands of adventure, Discount Universal Tickets, extra value weeks, hotel advice, vacation tips
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels are Committed to Conservation
The Loews Hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort are making it possible for you to keep your conservation hat on while vacationing in Orlando. The recent Earth Day celebration probably has you thinking about how you can stay “green” on vacation. Well, since saving is on your mind, start right now. Save both money and time by getting your Universal tickets, Sea World tickets, Disney tickets and all of your Orlando attraction tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com, your one-stop shop for Orlando theme park tickets. The Universal Orlando Resort announced a new conservation program last year that persuades Universal employees and Universal theme park guests to “go green.” The Universal Orlando Resort has 3 hotels on property, all adjacent to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk. And all 3 Loews hotels at the Universal Resort have taken a step up to the conservation plate by voluntarily seeking membership in the Florida Green Lodging Program. Universal Resort programs focus on saving energy and recyclingIn its quest for inclusion in the Florida Green Lodging Program, the Universal Orlando Resort has many conservation programs in place, all geared toward energy conservation, waste reduction and environmental protection. Super green Energy Star appliances are used across Universal’s Orlando property in addition to environmentally friendly thermostats and lighting. The Universal Orlando Resort is also concerned about conserving Florida’s diminishing water supply. And they’re doing their part by enabling Universal hotel guests to re-use their linens and towels, thereby cutting down on laundry. The Universal theme parks and hotels save even more water by using low flow dishwashers, washing machines and hot water heaters, and by irrigating their lush landscape with reclaimed water. Staying at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel has its benefitsGuests at one of the three Loews hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort get special benefits that are not available to anyone else. When you choose to stay at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel or the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, you have the privilege of Universal Express ride access. You still need a Universal ticket to get into the park, but once there you can legally cut ahead in line by showing your valid room key card from one of the Universal Resort hotels. Conservation is cool. So begin saving today by getting your Universal tickets and all of your Orlando theme park tickets in one place! Labels: Discount Disney Tickets, Discount SeaWorld Tickets, Discount Universal Tickets, green vacations, portofino bay, royal pacific hotel, sustainable travel
May Madness at the Universal Orlando Resort
 The month of May is a great time for an Orlando vacation spring is a busy time of year in Orlando with tons of exciting events going on and the Universal Orlando Resort is right in the thick of the action. So, check out what’s going on this month at the Universal Orlando Resort, and then get your Universal tickets and get in on the hot times. The Simpsons have arrived at Universal Studios® FloridaIn case you haven’t heard, there’s a new family in town at Universal Studios Florida. It’s America’s favorite crazy clan, The Simpsons. After months of impatient waiting and thousands of “Are we there yet’s,” The Simpsons Ride opened in early May. The Simpsons Ride is the newest addition to the Universal Orlando Resort. It took over the building formerly occupied by The Back to the Future Ride at Universal Studios® Florida. The Simpsons Ride “catapults” you into Krustyland on a Simpsons family vacation. Universal tickets are required to ride along with The Simpsons. Get Extreme With TNA Wrestling at Universal Studios® Florida TNA Wrestling stands for Total Nonstop Action, and their hot wrestling exploits are slamming into Universal Studios® Florida this month. With fierce concept contests like “Ultimate X” and “Six Sides of Steel,” and hard-hitting superstars like Christian Cage, Sting, Kurt Angle, Team 3D and more, you better jump on some Universal tickets and get in on the act. Guests with a Universal ticket can visit the Studio Audience Center at the front of the Universal Studios® theme park and ask for directions to the TNA Wrestling show. If you don’t have a Universal ticket, don’t sweat it. Just go to the Sharp AQUOS Theatre, where the Blue Man Group performs, go around the theatre to the right and follow the TNA signs to Soundstage 21. TNA Wrestling’s “IMPACT!” holds tapings for Spike TV and Pay Per View events each month at the Universal Orlando Resort. You can experience all the action live at Soundstage 21 at Universal Studios®. A live Pay Per View taping will be held on May 11. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and pre-show taping starts at 7:30 p.m., with the live airing from 8-11 p.m. IMPACT will be taped on May 12, 13, 26 and 27. For these live tapings, the doors open at 5 p.m. and taping starts at 5:30 p.m. A Universal ticket is not required to attend the TNA Wrestling taping events. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and it is suggested that audience members arrive at least one hour before the doors open. Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, New attractions, new rides, The Simpsons Ride, TNA Wrestling, Universal Orlando Events
Universal CityWalk Reveals New Karaoke Club
Ok, so you got your Universal tickets and had a blast at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Now you’re looking for a little nighttime action. Well, look no further than Universal CityWalk, the hot-hot-hot entertainment complex that connects both of the theme parks at the Universal Orlando Resort. Universal CityWalk is one of the most happening places when it comes to Orlando night life, and you don’t even need a Universal ticket to get in. Last March, a star was born on the CityWalk skyline with the opening of CityWalk’s Rising Star, a karaoke club that is nothing like your karaoke outings at the sports bar back home. Universal CityWalk karaoke club presents “karaoke with a twist”Universal CityWalk’s newest nightclub, CityWalk’s Rising Star, is unlike any karaoke bar you have been to in the past. At CityWalk’s Rising Star, you don’t just sing some songs on a stage. CityWalk’s Rising Star transforms you into the star you have always wanted to be. Karaoke singers at CityWalk’s Rising Star really get the chance to “shimmer, shine, and show off” because they don’t just mount the stage and perform lyrics off a TV screen. Before you step in front of the audience at CityWalk’s Rising Star, you are formally introduced by a real live emcee! And the star treatment doesn’t end there. At CityWalk’s Rising Star, your karaoke performance is enhanced by a full-live band and back-up singers to elevate your star power. Universal CityWalk’s Rising Star turns karaoke into a live concertYou won’t find a broken down computer pumping out stale old songs on some souped-up home-stereo speakers at CityWalk’s Rising Star. No. CityWalk’s Rising Star has a brand new, state-of-the-art sound system for maximum amplification of your karaoke crooning. Throughout the club, flat panel monitors showcase your talent to audience members, who can sing along with the song lyrics on the screen too. There’s nothing better after a day at the Universal Orlando Resort than being the guest of honor at your own live music extravaganza. Universal CityWalk’s Rising Star is just the place to wind down the night after using your Universal tickets all day. CityWalk’s Rising Star is open nightly from 8 p.m.-2 a.m., and you must be over 21 years old every night except Thursday, when you have to be at least 18. There is a cover charge of $7 for admission, no charge to sing, and a Universal ticket is not required. Labels: City Walk Clubs, Discount Universal Tickets, New attractions, rising star
Orlando Vacation Happenings May 2008
 Orlando is a really busy place with the Walt Disney World Resort the Universal Orlando Resort Sea World Busch Gardens Discovery Cove and now Aquatica by SeaWorld it seems the action is never ending. Well, no matter what Orlando theme park you’re interested in, we have the scoop. We have the best discounts on Orlando theme park tickets too. Since you don’t want to worry about missing any special events going on during your trip to Orlando, here are some important happenings for May: Space Shuttle Discovery is set for launch at the end of MayKennedy Space Center is already preparing for the anticipated launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery scheduled for May 31. You can get your discount Kennedy Space Center tickets here today and head over to Cape Canaveral to check out the excitement surrounding a Space Shuttle launch. If you are planning your Orlando vacation for the end of May, consider watching the actual launch. Seeing the Space Shuttle blast into orbit from the Kennedy Space Center is truly an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can also spot the shuttle launch from many roadways leading to Cape Canaveral, and for this equally fantastic opportunity a Kennedy Space Center ticket is not required. Are they here yet? Are they here yet? Are they here yet?
The long-awaited appearance of America’s funniest family at the Universal Studios Florida theme park is finally in sight. The Universal Orlando Resort announced the grand opening of The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Florida for May 15. Our Universal Studios spies report that The Simpsons Ride is doing a soft opening right now, so get your Universal tickets today and be one of the first to share the Simpson’s Orlando vacation. Aquatica by SeaWorld is a splashing good timeAquatica is the newest wave in the Orlando theme park ocean, and it has opened to rave reviews. Aquatica combines the latest and greatest in water park fun with unique and extraordinary marine mammal interactions, and the result is the most spectacular animal park – water park experience in the world. Whether you are taking an Orlando vacation this month or next year, Aquatica should be on your list of Orlando theme parks to visit. Best of all, you can get your Aquatica tickets right here along with your Universal tickets and Kennedy Space Center tickets too! Labels: Aquatica by SeaWorld, discount aquatica, Discount Discovery Cove, Discount Flex Tickets, Discount SeaWorld Tickets, Discount Universal Tickets, Kennedy Space Center, The Simpsons Ride
The Walls Have Finally Come Down Around The Simpsons Ride
 The Simpsons Ride Slated to Open on May 15The official unveiling of The Simpsons Ride at the Universal Orlando Resort has been set for May 15 at the Universal Studios Florida theme park. That’s just over 2 weeks away, folks, so get your Universal tickets today if you want to be one of the first to ride the newest addition to Universal Studios Florida. Rumor has it that since the walls came down last week, some lucky Universal Studios guests can get a glimpse of The Simpsons Ride during its “Technical Rehearsal.” If you already have your Universal tickets and will be visiting Universal Studios Florida before The Simpsons Ride officially opens, wander by the ride site (where the Back to the Future Ride used to be) and see if you can sneak a peak for yourself. Let us know how you do! Universal Orlando Cracks Down on YouTube Leaks
Over the past several days, videos revealing certain parts of the new Simpson Ride at Universal Studios Florida have been popping up on YouTube. The folks at Universal aren’t having it, though. Apparently as fast as the videos get posted, Universal officials find them and have them removed. I guess they don’t want to ruin the anticipation of the grand opening of The Simpsons Ride on May 15. And honestly, who wants to sit on their computer at home and watch a video that can’t come close to the real thing anyway? Go on and get your Universal tickets today and you can head out to the Universal Studios Florida and experience the excitement of The Simpsons Ride for yourself! The Simpsons Ride Includes All of Your Favorite Simpsons CharactersWhen The Simpsons Ride finally opens its doors for good in a couple weeks, you can finally see what it would be like to vacation with your favorite family funsters: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and even little Maggie. The folks at Universal Studios Florida spared no expense when creating The Simpsons Ride, which cost a whopping $40 million. The voices of original Simpsons cast members were used throughout the all-new animation that was made specifically for The Simpsons Ride. Here’s a list of all the The Simpsons characters making an appearance in Universal Studios’ brand new Simpsons Ride: - Krusty the Clown
- Apu Nahasapeemapetilon
- Barney Gumble
- Cletus Spuckler
- Grampa Abraham Simpson
- Groundskeeper Willie
- Hans Moleman
- Louie the Hitman
- Martin Prince
- Milhouse Van Houten
- Moe Szyslak
- Patty and Selma Bouvier
- Police Chief Wiggum
- Ralph Wiggum
- Professor Frink
- Sideshow Bob
- Snake Jailbird
- Squeaky Voice Teen
- Itchy, Scratchy, Kang and Kodos
Labels: bart simpson, Discount Universal Tickets, homer simpson, lisa simpson, New attractions, The Simpsons Ride, Universal Events, Universal Studios Orlando
Orlando Theme Parks are the Best in the World
 Orlando theme parks hold 3 of the top 10 spots on the list of worlds best theme park chains recently released by Themed Entertainment Associates and Economic Research Associates. And we have the discount Orlando theme park tickets you need to see for yourself. Walt Disney World Takes the Top Spot
Walt Disney World is the number 1 theme park chain in the world with 116.5 million 2007 attendance, according to the TEA/ERA report published on March 14. Universal and Anheuser-Busch Parks Also Rank High on ListUniversal Orlando Resort theme parks took third place in the TEA/ERA list of top theme park chains in the world with attendance of 26.4 million. Busch Entertainment parks, which include local favorites SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay came in sixth with reported attendance of 22.3 million in 2007.  All of Orlando’s Theme Parks Make List of Top 25 Theme Parks WorldwideVirtually every one of the 8 major Orlando theme parks made the top 25 list, and half of them – all Disney parks – were in the top 10. 1 – Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World6 – Epcot at Walt Disney World
7 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World8 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World11 – Universal Studios at Universal Orlando Resort
12 – SeaWorld Orlando15 – Islands of Adventure at the Universal Orlando Resort
19 – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Grabbing the top spot, Disney’s Magic Kingdom reportedly had a whopping 17 million visitors last year. You can join in that crowd by getting your Disney tickets today! Orlando Water Parks Also Placed Among the World’s BestOrlando water parks nabbed 4 of the top 20 spots on the list of world’s best water parks. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, both at the Walt Disney World Resort, placed 1st and 2nd respectively, while Wet N’ Wild came in 4th. Busch’s Adventure Island in Tampa Bay ranked number 15 on the list that included water parks from as far away as Korea and Australia. Attendance was up at all of the Orlando water parks in 2007, but they have some new competition this year with the opening of Aquatica at SeaWorld. Disney’s Animal Kingdom saw the biggest jump in attendance, thanks to Expedition Everest, a crazy coaster that’s worth the price of admission (especially when you get your discount Disney tickets here!). Labels: discount busch gardens, Discount Disney Tickets, Discount SeaWorld Tickets, Discount Universal Tickets, Orlando Attractions, orlando park tickets, theme park attendence
Universal Orlando Resort is Coasting it Up a Notch
 The Universal Orlando Resort announced last week that they will be adding a new roller coaster to their already impressive list of innovative rides and attractions. Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will be the “most technologically advanced roller coaster in the world” when it opens in Spring 2009 at the Universal Studios Florida theme park. Be a part of the opening excitement! Plan your 2009 Orlando vacation and get your Universal tickets today. Outstanding Interaction + Record-Breaking Action = Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit!Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit, the newest coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida “is the perfect intersection of the digital age and theme park entertainment…where no two experiences will be the same,” according to Mark Woodbury, President of Creative for Universal Parks & Resorts. This technological wonder coaster will combine sound and special effects with up-to-the-minute video technology and never-before-scene guest interaction to create the ultimate high intensity experience. A rival to this level of thrill and personalization does not exist in the world today, and all you need to see it is a ticket to Universal.  Universal’s New Coaster Boasts Speed, Sound, Height and…VideoThe hot, new roller coaster opening next year at Universal Studios Florida will bring Orlando theme park thrills to a whole new level. Reaching speeds up to 65 miles per hour and a height of 17 stories over Universal Studios, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit is sure to be the must-see Orlando attraction for 2009. Before you board your teched-out coaster car, there LED displays as you wait in line will allow you to pick your favorite music genre – classic, rock, rap, country, pop, or disco – and song to accompany you on your upcoming thrill ride. And the fun doesn’t end with the ride. Once you exit the coaster, Universal blows you away with one of the best vacation souvenirs ever – a video of your coaster experience. What makes this segment of the Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit experience even more impressive is that you edit your own take-home music video with your favorite scenes from your own ride. The Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit is scheduled to open at Universal Studios Florida in Spring 2009 – just in time for next year’s spring break celebration. Be one of the first to enjoy this new level of coaster craziness. Start planning next year’s winter vacation and get your Universal tickets today. Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, Hollywood roller coaster, New attractions
Grown Ups Need Fun Part 2 CityWalk at the Universal Orlando Resort Heats Up the Night
There is so much to do on your Orlando vacation it is almost overwhelming thankfully there are places like OrlandoFunTickets.com. First, we give you the best discounts on Orlando attraction tickets. Then we fill you in on all of the best things to do while you are here. The best thing is that we have tickets to all of the Orlando attractions: discount Disney tickets, cheap Universal tickets, bargain SeaWorld tickets. All the cheap theme park tickets you want are right here at OrlandoFunTickets.com, your number one source for discount theme park tickets. We give great Orlando vacation advice too, and today’s tip is: Make sure the Universal Orlando Resort is on your list of places to see and things to do in Orlando. (Of course, you must get your Universal tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com!) Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure top the list when it comes to awesome rides and unique attractions to experience during the day. Once the sun goes down, however, the heat turns on at Universal CityWalk. This chi-chi complex offers down and dirty nightclubs, spectacular restaurants, unique shopping and even a movie theater. No matter what you’re looking for in nighttime fun, you will find it at Universal City Walk (within reason of course-LOL). For the 21 and up crowd, the nightclubs at CityWalk are unique and happening; even locals stop by on a regular basis. Serious dancers move the night away at the groove, where you will find hot dance beats and techno tunes plus three VIP lounges. The Red Coconut Club is the trendy place to be and be seen at CityWalk. Indulge in a delectable martini on the roof deck while basking in the starlight, splurge for VIP Bottle Service, or hang out with the “in” crowd at one of the many bars. Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom provides a uniquely relaxing atmosphere. The outside comes in at this hotspot, with their oasis-like replica of Bob Marley’s home in Jamaica. Come on a Thursday and enjoy Red Stripe Rastafarian Thursdays when Red Stripe and Captain Morgan specials run from 4 p.m. to close. You’re on vacation, you want to party, and the Universal Orlando Resort is the place to do it. For daytime, get your Universal tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com. For nighttime, cruise Universal CityWalk and enjoy. Labels: adults at Universal, Bob Marleys, City Walk Clubs, Discount Universal Tickets, nightlife in orlando, orlando for adults, orlando night clubs, Red Coconut Club, The Groove club
Catch a Shuttle Some Baseball or an After Hours Party on Your Next Orlando Vacation
You have decided to take a family vacation to Orlando but you have no idea how to plan your trip fret no more. OrlandoFunTickets.com has all of the cheap theme park tickets you will need to do everything you want to do: Disney, SeaWorld, and Universal. And we have discount tickets for any other Orlando attractions or events you are interested in too. So, once you get all of your discount Disney tickets, super-cheap Sea World tickets and unbelievably low-priced Universal tickets (right here at OrlandoFunTickets.com, of course), check out this list of upcoming events and updates: - The Pirate and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has been extended through April. This is an after-hours celebration for adventure-loving boys and girls of all ages. You can partake in the plunder on these select dates: Feb. 22 and 26, March 1, 6, 11, 14 and April 1, 4, 6, 11, 16 and 23.
- Fat Tuesday may be over, but you can still enjoy Mardi Gras at the Universal Orlando Resort. Get your cheap Universal Studios tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com and then head over on any Saturday night through April 19, and catch some beads!
- The Atlanta Braves are hosting other Major League Baseball teams on select dates through March 27 at Disney Wide World of Sports Complex. This is a great afternoon outing for the family on a non-theme-park day.
- The Space Shuttle Endeavor is scheduled for take off on March 11. If you haven’t visited the Kennedy Space Center, consider adding this to your vacation itinerary. Best of all, you can get your discount tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com along with the rest of your cheap theme park tickets!
- The 15th Annual Epcot Flower & Garden Festival starts on March 15 and runs through June 1, and that means live concerts with over 20 different bands bringing the grooviest grooves from the 60s and 70s back to life.
- The newest addition to Orlando’s theme park landscape – SeaWorld’s Aquatica – will be open for business beginning March 1, bringing to the scene a most unique combination of water park and animal attraction.
Orlando is one of the busiest vacation spots in the world, but with the cheap theme park tickets and super service from OrlandoFunTickets.com, your journey here will be a breeze! Labels: Aquatica at Sea World, Discount Universal Tickets, Flower and Garden Festival, Kennedy Space Center Events, Pirate and Princess Party, Universal Orlando Events, WDW Events
Mardi Gras Comes to Orlando 12 nights 260 million albums and gumbo
 Orlando is being transformed into the Big Easy this February when Mardi Gras 2008 descends upon the Universal Orlando Resort next month. The “biggest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans” means great entertainment and special celebratory events for 12 consecutive Saturday nights at Universal Studios. And Mardi Gras isn’t the only reason to party. On Fat Tuesday and every other day of the year, OrlandoFunTickets.com has the best discounts on cheap theme park tickets to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. So bring on the beads, buy your tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com and join in the fun! This year’s Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Orlando will feature some fabulous, top-name musical talent along with an extravagantly rich New Orleans-style parade containing 13 floats. The fantastical floats will wind vibrantly through the “French Quarter Courtyard,” a specially designed area of Universal Studios intended to replicate the real French Quarter back in New Orleans. For 2008, some special floats have been added to represent exotic locales like Babylon, Camelot, Atlantis, Eden, El Dorado and Shangri-La. And of course, no Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without the beads…and there will be tons thrown with each Saturday night run of the parade. Mardi Gras 2008 and its concert series starts on February 2 and is featuring some really big names this year. So, check your calendar and make plans to check out your favorites on these dates: Feb. 2: Bret Michaels of Poison  Feb. 9: Go-Go’s Feb. 16: Sara Evans Feb. 23: Third Eye Blind March 1: Gretchen Wilson March 8: Smokey Robinson March 15: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons March 22: Kool & The Gang March 29: Heart April 5: TBA April 12: LL Cool J April 19: TBA Check back with your favorite blog at OrlandoFunTickets.com frequently for some reviews of the gala events and for updates on any changes on the concert names or dates. If you have been to Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando before, it is a given that you will want to come back this year for more. If you have never had the opportunity to experience the Big Easy in Orlando, then make plans to do it this year! Get your cheap Universal Studios tickets right here at OrlandoFunTickets.com, and you will be well on your way to celebrating Mardi Gras the Universal Orlando way. Labels: Discount Universal Tickets, Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras Parade, Universal Events
Top 10 Attractions at Universal Orlando
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are the two theme parks that make up the Universal Orlando Resort in Central Florida. While these two theme parks are literally side-by-side, they couldn’t be any more different in terms of atmosphere and the attractions that they offer. Universal Studios Florida, on one hand, is the No. 1 movie and TV-based theme park in the world park, as it is a real, working film and television studio that features anything from action-packed rides to activities for children and much more. Meanwhile, Islands of Adventure, the second theme park to open at the Universal Orlando Resort, aims to thrill you with the most innovative attractions in the country, from high-speed roller coasters to children’s rides that are second to none. It is important to note, however, that you need just one thing before you can experience all of the fun at the Universal Orlando Resort – theme park admission! To fully experience everything that these two theme parks have to offer, you are going to need tickets to get into them both. And, while you are there, you can also check out the newest addition to Universal – Blue Man Group! And, if you shop here at OrlandoFunTickets.com, you can get tickets to everything mentioned above – at a discounted price! OrlandoFunTickets.com is your No. 1 online source for discounted tickets to all of the top attractions in Central Florida, from Universal to Sea World and even the Walt Disney World theme parks. Click here now to see all of our unbelievable discounted prices on these tickets so that you can get a head start your vacation planning! With so much to do and choose from in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, it might be difficult to figure out where to start once you arrive. So, we here at OrlandoFunTickets.com have compiled a list of the top-10 attractions at the Universal Orlando Resort that you definitely won’t want to miss!  10. JAWS at Universal Studios – Located in the small-town setting of Amity, where the film took place, guests come face-to-face with a very lifelike animatronic, 32-foot long shark that travels at speeds of 20 feet per second. This may be the closest you get (and the closest you would ever want to be!) to the real thing. You may want to save this attraction for the evening, however, as it is much more realistic-looking (in other words, it is much more scary) in the dark.
 9. E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios – This is one of those classic attractions that just never gets old! A trip to the Universal Orlando Resort would not be complete without hopping on a bicycle-shaped vehicle to help E.T. save his dying planet while being piloted by E.T. himself.
 8. Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster at Universal Studios – Located in Woody’s Woodpecker’s KidZone, this is a must-see for any family with small children. This coaster is an eight-acre children’s ride that offers quick, banked turns while you sit in a miniature steam train and take a ride through Woody’s own nut factory.
 7. Dr. Doom’s Fearfall at Islands of Adventure – What comes up must come down! With two towers that stand 200 feet tall (20 stories), this free-fall attraction takes you up… and then back down again.
 6. Men in Black: Alien Attack at Universal Studios – This attractions makes you feel like you’ve been transported right into a video game, as your team fights to save Earth from alien terrorists by shooting and capturing aliens while riding in vehicles through the streets of New York City. Be on the lookout for those aliens– they are everywhere – and even the cars around you, as they can derail you in your attempt to save Earth!
 5. Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios – Join Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona on a 3-D adventure with a twist. Through “OgreVision,” you will tag along an all-new honeymoon adventure with dozens of visual and audio effects that add to the typical 3-D show experience.
 4. Incredible Hulk Coaster – Those brave enough to experience this coaster will feel the same thrust as a real-life U.S. Air F-16 Force fighter attack jet, as the Incredible Hulk blasts off from 0 to 40 mph in less than two seconds. With a total of seven inversions, this ride that is nothing short of incredible takes its riders 150 feet in the air and tops out at 67 mph.
 3. Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride at Universal Studios – This “psychological thrill ride” takes you on a trip inside an ancient tomb where you will instantly feel like you are inside the film, complete with encounters of mummies, scarab beetles and fireballs. This coaster is completely in the dark and is definitely not an attraction for the faint of heart!
 2. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure – This first-of-a-kind ride is one of the most technologically advanced in the entire world, combining moving vehicles with 3-D action and special effects to create an adventure that is worthy of super hero status!
1. Dueling Dragons at Island of Adventure – Have you ever wanted to come  face-to-face with your fears? Or how about face-to-face with other people’s fears? Dueling Dragons can accomplish both at once, as the two coasters (the Fire Dragon and the Ice Dragon) duel each other during aerial combat in which riders will come within 18 inches of each other three times. If you REALLY want the best possible ride, take the time to wait for the first row of seats to get an up-close and front-row view of the best duel in all of Central Florida! Labels: Attractions at Univesal Studios, Discount Universal Tickets, top attractions in florida
Disaster Hits Universal Studios
 Its not often that we anticipate a catastrophic event but in the vacation world of Orlando things are sometimes a bit warped. Last week, a new Disaster! hit at the Universal Orlando Resort and guests at Universal Studios now have the opportunity of taking part in a great new production endeavor at “Disaster Studios,” the calamity-ridden motion picture “Mutha Nature.” Nobody likes a real disaster, though, especially one involving spending too much money. You can prevent that by getting all of your cheap theme park tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com! We are your number one source for tickets to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and beyond. The new Universal Studios attraction – officially named “Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring You!” – opened to guests on January 16. Superstar wrestler and actor Dwayne Johnson (aka “The Rock”) was on hand for the ride’s introduction to the park, and he also plays a major role in the faux film being produced on Disaster!, “Mutha Nature.” The ride’s movie also features Christopher Walken as the film’s director, Frank Kincaid. Disaster! is replacing the Earthquake ride, which closed last year. The new experience takes some of the best elements of the old attraction and combines them with a brand new storyline, super celebrity guests and more audience interaction. As the ride – and movie production – progresses, participants become extras and celebrities come to life using a cutting edge virtual imagery technology called “musion.” This “high-definition video projection system” has allowed the techies at Universal to “blend illusion with reality.” Basically, it turns a two-dimensional image into a realistic live three-dimensional image virtually giving life to the characters throughout the ride. The final stage of the ride brings visitors to a setting reminiscent of the subway scene in the old Earthquake ride, where guests play the role of commuters experiencing a disastrous trip. Once they have dealt with fire, flood and the ground breaking up beneath them, relieved riders are treated to a special viewing of the trailer for the special version of the Disaster Studios film “Mutha Nature” that they have just created. While real disasters are never welcome, new attractions always are, and this new way to “ride the movies” at Universal Studios Orlando is no exception. Another welcome treat is the discount Universal tickets you will always find at OrlandoFunTickets.com. For your family vacation, come take your starring role in the new Disaster! Labels: Disaster Ride, Discount Universal Tickets, Earthquack Ride, New attractions, Universal Orlando
Christmas Day and Week at Universal Orlando Resort
 The holidays have been in full swing all over Orlando for more than a month. At Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and the Universal Orlando Resort, visitors are being treated to special parades, shows and enormous displays of holiday lights and decorations. At OrlandoFunTickets.com, our visitors are treated to cheap theme park tickets at Christmastime and all year round. At Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, park guests have already been enjoying the Return of Grinchmas, the Macy’s Holiday Parade and other special Christmas shows. Starting the day after Christmas, Universal Studios is presenting a new treat that can only be seen through December 31. “Universal 360 – A Cinesphere Spectacular” is scheduled to explode in a “big Hollywood finish” each night over the Universal Studios Lagoon only during Christmas week. Using the new “Cinesphere” technology, Universal presents some of their biggest films in larger-than-life projections on huge spheres set over the lagoon. The show also boasts one of the largest laser light shows in the State of Florida and a stupendous pyrotechnics display to bring the show to a fabulous finale. Guests that are looking for some good food on Christmas Day won’t be disappointed at the Universal Orlando Resort either. The Kitchen restaurant at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel will be serving a breakfast buffet from 7 a.m. through 1 p.m. Next door at the Portofino Bay Hotel holiday vacationers have two wonderful choices for Christmas dinner. Mama Della’s is open from 4-10 p.m. and they will be spooning up Italian specialties and Christmas treats all to the music of strolling musicians. If you are away from home for the holidays, this is the way to eat your dinner! Over at the Trattoria del Porto, Christmas Day guests will find a buffet featuring prime rib, jumbo Gulf shrimp, leg of lamb, baked ham, king crab legs, breast of pheasant, pasta and risotto stations and omelets and crepes made to order. From noon-8 p.m., this dinner option also features visits from Universal characters, clowns and a magician.  On your Orlando holiday vacation, enjoy a great Christmas dinner at one of Universal Orlando’s fine hotels and then be sure and visit Universal Studios during Christmas week to be one of the few with the chance to see “Universal 360 – A Cinesphere Spectacular.” And don’t forget – get your discount Universal tickets right here at OrlandoFunTickets.com! Labels: Christmas in Orlando, Discount Universal Tickets, Fireworks in Orlando, Universal 360, Universal Macyes Holiday Parade, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando Christmas
|
|
|
|
The Universal Orlando Resort is going to be a powerhouse in 2010. For anyone that has been to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure in the recent months you probably saw a castle on the horizon. If you aren’t already “in the know” about what is going on in the world of Islands of Adventure, that castle is none other than Hogwart’s Castle from the Harry Potter book and movie franchise. In the spring of 2010, Universal Islands of Adventure will open the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
