Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Simpsons Invade Universal Orlando Resort


ORLANDO, Fla. (May 23, 2013) - Woo Hoo! Springfield, hometown to America’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons, comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort launching this summer. The expansive, new area within Universal Studios will be anchored by the mega-attraction, The Simpsons Ride, and will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before. It will be the only place in the world where guests can walk the streets of Springfield. It will include a brand-new outdoor attraction, places and foods pulled right from the show and two new Simpsons characters who will make their debut with the new area – Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob. And yes – there will be Duff Beer, brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando. For the first time ever – anywhere – fans will be able to walk down Fast Food Boulevard and visit the places that helped Springfield stake its claim as “Shelbyville by the Sea.” They will be able to grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, snatch the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman, get a slice at Luigi’s Pizza, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, enjoy a “Taco Fresho” with Bumblebee Man and imbibe at Moe’s Tavern. The new attraction – called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – will take “foolish humans” on an intergalactic spin designed to send them into orbit. “This will be a must-see experience for Simpsons fans all over the world,” said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative. “For the first time ever, they’re going to be able to enter a world that they’ve only seen on television – and we’re really excited to bring that world to life.” “This new expansion will broaden and deepen the already incredible experience at Universal, by bringing to life the iconic landmarks of Springfield that fans have grown to love,” said Jeffrey Godsick, President, Fox Consumer Products. “Fans will literally be able to live and breathe Springfield as they visit the statue of Jebediah, enjoy a Krusty Burger, and have a seat at Moe’s Tavern, which are just a few of the great experiences awaiting at Universal.” "It has been an honor to bring the world of the Simpsons to life in such a letter-perfect way,” said Denise Sirkot, President, Worldwide Brand, Gracie Films. “Truly this is the Krustyest place on earth."


Monday, May 20, 2013

2013 Eat to the Beat Musical Line-Up Announced

Epcot International Wood & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort September 27-November 11


The annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a must-do, featuring more than 30 booths serving delicacies from around the world and the "Eat to the Beat" Concert Series. Here's the full line-up of this year's acts:
  • Sept. 27-29: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
  • Sept. 30-Oct. 1: Go-Go's
  • Oct. 2-4: Air Supply
  • Oct. 5-6: Sister Hazel
  • Oct. 7-9: Sugar Ray
  • Oct. 10-11: Edwin McCain
  • Oct. 12-13: Manhattan Transfer
  • Oct. 14-15: Wilson Phillips
  • Oct. 16-17: The Pointer Sisters
  • Oct. 18-20: Night Ranger
  • Oct. 21-23: Boyz II Men
  • Oct. 24-25: Survivor
  • Oct. 26-27: 38 Special
  • Oct. 28-30: Smash Mouth
  • Oct. 21-Nov. 1: Spin Doctors
  • Nov. 2-3: Christopher Cross
  • Nov. 4-5: Hansen
  • Nov. 6-8: Dennis DeYoung
  • Nov. 9-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Saturday, May 18, 2013

The worst kept secret in theme park history is officially unveiled!

Although work began over a year ago when the JAWS ride and Amity backlot area were closed at Universal Studios Florida, it wasn't until this month that Universal finally confirmed what we've all known - they are expanding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Scheduled to open some time in 2014, the expansion will bring the WWHOP to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure and will feature the London landmarks from the Harry Potter series. Scheduled to be included are:

  • Diagon Alley and its iconic shops (Weasley's Wizard Wheezes!)
  • A new HP themed restaurant
  • A ride based on Gringott's Bank (dare we hope for a thrill ride based on the daring break-in staged by Harry et al in The Deathly Hallows?!)

The two areas will now be called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter  - Hogsmeade™ and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley™and guests with Park-to-Park tickets will be able to travel between the two via the Hogwarts Express from London to Hogsmeade.

I don't know about you, folks, but we are beyond excited and can't wait to visit!



Sunday, May 5, 2013

2013 Star Wars Weekends Celebrity Apprearances

Will you be heading to Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios® this year? Here's a full list of the celebrities making an appearance:


May 17-19, 2013 (Opening Weekend)

Ray Park - Darth Maul
Jeremy Bullock - Bobba Fett
Dee Bradley Baker - voice of all the clones on Star Wars: The Clone Wars

May 24-26, 2013

Ray Park - Darth Maul
Warwick Davis - Wicket
Jim Cummings - voice of Hondo Ohnaka on Star Wars: The Clone Wars

May 31-June 2, 2013

Warwick Davis - Wicket
Tim Rose - Admiral Ackbar
Sam Witwer - voice of Darth Maul on Star Wars: The Clone Wars

June 7-9, 2013 (Final Weekend!)

Billy Dee Williams - Lando Calrissian
Peter Mayhew - Chewbacca
Tom Kane - voice of Yoda on Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Also, Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on Star Wars: The Clone Wars) are the official celebrity hosts of Star Wars Weekends and will appear every weekend.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

It’s party time! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2013 Dates Announced

It’s party time! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2013 Dates Announced

The Walt Disney World® Resort has released dates and ticket information for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. These two special events are some of the best times of the year at the Magic Kingdom® Park, and are not to be missed! Special parades, fireworks shows and rarely seen characters are just a few of the perks of these ticketed events.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Put on your Halloween costume and come enjoy the happy haunts in the Magic Kingdom® Park. Beloved Disney characters will put on their costumes, too, and you’ll be able to trick-or-treat, dance with your favorite characters and enjoy a special stage show put on by Disney Villains! The Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and fireworks spectacular Happy HalloWishes are two of the best shows of the year.  And you can also enjoy your favorite Magic Kingdom® Park attractions.

2013 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween
Parties:
  • Sep. 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 29
  • Oct. 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
  • Nov. 1
7p – midnight

Ticket Pricing:

Tickets start at $54+tax for kids 3-9 and at $59+tax for ages 10 and up.  Prices vary by party date and the date of purchase (prices are higher when purchased the day of the party). 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Snow falling on Main Street, shimmering icicle lights covering Cinderella Castle – Christmas truly is a magical time at Magic Kingdom® Park! Celebrate the season at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and enjoy Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and the fireworks spectacular Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season. You’ll even find free cocoa and cookies at many of your favorite refreshment spots!

2013 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas
Parties:
  • Nov. 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22
  • Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20
7p – midnight

Ticket Pricing:
Tickets start at $57+tax for kids 3-9 and at $62+tax for ages 10 and up.  Prices vary by party date and the date of purchase (prices are higher when purchased the day of the party).