Harry Potter Expansion - Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

Universal Studios Orlando is at it again.  For months now there has been a tremendous amount of construction going on in both parks and now they have revealed what many speculated to be an addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The area pictured above is inside Universal Studios and will be called   "Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley".  It will be modeled after London and will have a major ride where visitors ride cars through a labyrinth of passageways populated with dragons and other characters based on Gringott's Wizarding bank from the J.K. Rowling novels.

There will also be shops and eateries like on the Islands of Adventure side and other novelties not yet revealed. Diagon Alley, located on the site of the old Jaws Ride, will be connected to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure by the "Hogwarts Express" train ride.

There has been so much interest and speculation about the expansion, The folks at Universal and Warner Bros. decided to release the proposed expansion to the public to boost interest in the parks.  The entire project is set to open sometime in 2014. Exact date to be announced sometime in the future.

Since the Harry Potter project will span both parks, it's likely visitors will need a 2-Park Pass to see the whole thing but it will be well worth it. Tickets and packages can be purchased on Universal Studios Orlando website.  Shop around and see what kind of deals you can secure from other travel sites as well.

Although an opening date hasn't been firmed up yet, the parks usually open newer attractions prior to the summer months to maximize visitor enjoyment so I'm going to venture a guess it will be ready in April or may 2014.  We'll see.

New Attractions at Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

When I was at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure last weekend I was checking out the construction behind all the panels and trying to see what the newest thing was going to be.  Lots of speculation has taken place about what is the large construction where the old Jaws Ride used to be.  It's a structure about the same size as the Transformers Ride but when I was at Islands of Adventure I noticed something else.

Behind the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is what looks like the construction of a train station.  The idea  was first floated last year that an addition to the Harry Potter theme would be at the Jaws site and it looks like there may be a connector to the two parks.  Unfortunately, the only way I could see it was from the Dueling Dragons ride and I couldn't possibly get a photo during all that action.  When I go back I'm going to see if I can find a way to shoot the construction and let everybody see for themselves.

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville - Universal City Walk

Remember this place?  At Universal Studios City Walk,  Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville is the place to go for food and drinks with great atmosphere and fun.

Step into the world of Margaritaville, the imaginary play land Jimmy crafted way back in the 1970's.  The restaurant is a perfect depiction of his themed song.  You can enjoy some fantastic food while watching some entertainment.  Or sit out by the tiki bar on the lagoon that was built into the float plane from the book "Tales From Margaritaville".

Inside the restaurant you can have the "Cheeseburger In Paradise", a whopping patty with anything you would like topping it.  I always get this but you also have a good selection of steak and seafood.  There are also Caribbean-style dishes like calypso chicken pasta or conch fritters for starters.

If you want the nightlife and enjoy mixed drinks and good company, come down in the evening , sit outside, and enjoy the music.  It's like being at a concert but you'll feel like you're on your own private island far from shore where you can just relax and enjoy living.


If you're not in a hurry grab a pager and have a drink.  If you're like me reservations are available at 1-407-224-2155.

Hope you enjoy the experience!

Tropical Storm Isaac - Monday August 27th -Today's Hours

If anybody is left in Florida today that's from out of town you know about Tropical Storm Isaac.  It's dumping tons of wind and rain on the entire state but so far not a lot of damage as it's expected to make landfall somewhere between Tallahassee and New Orleans.  In spite of that, some of the parks are still open except for Busch Gardens in Tampa.  They made the wise decision to close for today but are expecting to open on Tuesday.

The Disney parks are all open but the crowds are small (I can't imagine who would be there now!) and Universal Studios is still holding open.  Sea World closed at 4:00pm.  Also, the water parks for all the parks were closed today including Wet and Wild on International Drive.

All the parks are planning to be open for regular business tomorrow but check the websites for updates.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios Orlando's biggest attraction is the Forbidden Journey.  This most recent addition to the park opened in 2010 and has blown away the competition.  Set at the back of the park it's a world unto itself set in 19th century England.  Rising many stories above the park is the foreboding Hogwart's Castle that contains the Forbidden Journey, a ride through the entire book theme.  21st century technology will make you fell as though you're flying on broomsticks and enjoying a game of Quidditch while you battle the forces of the dark arts.

While you're there walk the streets of Harry Potter's world and visit Ollivander's magic shop.  Enjoy a glass of Butterbeer and try the confections in Honeyduke's sweet shop.  The souvenirs are incredible and one of a kind (we love gift shops in Florida!).  You can also take a ride on the Dragon Challenge a, a dual roller coaster that will rattle your teeth.

You must be 48" to ride the two big rides but the Flight of the Hippogriff is especially designed for the younger riders and they will love it.

Eat at the Three Broomsticks which serves British food in a rustic self serve tavern.  Take all day in just this section of the park and you will get your money's worth not to mention a lifetime of memories.

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2012

Universal Studios, Orlando, hosts a Mardi Gras celebration every year from February 11th - April 14th.  It's  New Orleans style street party that includes concerts, street parades, food, and performers. Appearances by music legends such as Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, the B-52's, and K.C. & the Sunshine Band will round out the entertainment for the month along with many others.

There are also special rates for Florida residents, including hotels, so it's a good event for folks to look into. The on-site hotels offer up to 36% per night (which is huge)  and with it comes early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Express Pass to all the rides (except (Rip Rocket Roller Coaster).  Look for other discounts through corporate sites, AAA, military MWR, credit unions, etc.  Rule Number One for the theme park industry:  DON'T pay full price for anything!!  Shopping is the same everywhere.  Some of the best deals are very obscure.

See for yourself at UniiversalOrlando.com.  One can sign up for the newsletter and get all the information you need.  Florida residents look for the section for you for additional deals.  This is one of the off prime times of the year when theme parks try to get you to participate so see what's in it for you.