ORLANDO, Fla. (May 8, 2013) – Building on the global phenomenon that is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment today announced an expansion of historic proportion with the entirely new themed environment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Scheduled to open in 2014, the world’s first centrally themed, multi-park experience expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both Universal Orlando theme parks and allows Universal’s creative team to bring an unparalleled vision to this unique project.  The new area will bring to life some of the experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films, offering brand-new adventures for fans and theme park guests from around the world.

Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will be located within the Universal Studios Florida theme park, which is adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, where guests now experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.  The new area within Universal Studios will be just as expansive, immersive and authentic as the existing themed environment.

And – just like in the books and films – guests will be able to travel between ‘London’ and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express.

Work on the new area is already underway.  When complete, it will feature shops, a restaurant and an innovative, marquee attraction based on Gringotts bank – all directly inspired by the fiction and films.

More details on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be released over time.

To bring Diagon Alley and ‘London’ to life, Universal’s creative team is working closely with Warner Bros. and the production design team from the Harry Potter films – just as it did for Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

“I’m so pleased that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has proved so popular to date, and I’m sure that the attention to detail in creating the new Diagon Alley area will make this an even better experience,” said J.K. Rowling.

“We are continuing the journey and adding an entirely new level of adventure,” said Tom Williams, Chairman of Universal Parks & Resorts.  “And we are bringing the same drive, commitment, enthusiasm and innovation to this project as we did to the first.”

“We are thrilled to offer the legions of fans the opportunity to embark on this new journey and experience Diagon Alley as it was brought to life in the books and films,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

“Our vision is to create two amazing theme park experiences that combine into one, complete, magical journey,” said Alice Norsworthy, executive vice president, marketing and sales for Universal Orlando Resort.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade opened at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in June 2010 as a fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment – bringing to life the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and the blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros.  Since that time, it has become a global phenomenon, entertaining millions of people from around the world.

Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are swept into the adventures of Harry Potter.  They can tour Hogwarts castle, shop in Hogsmeade and dine at the Three Broomsticks.  They can soar above Hogwarts with Harry, be chosen by a wand at Ollivanders, sample Butterbeer and much more.

 This Year’s Lineup to Feature Top-Name Performers, Including R&B Star NE-YO, 

Country Artist Kip Moore and American Idol’s Adam Lambert

Universal Orlando Resort revealed today the complete lineup of performers that will take the stage at the 2013 Summer Concert Series. Every Saturday night June 1 through July 6, Universal Studios Florida will host one of the hottest concert series around, featuring a talent lineup of Grammy Award-winning and Billboard chart-topping artists.

The full lineup is below:

Access to all Summer Concert Series performances is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. For guests wanting to visit solely for the concerts, Universal Orlando will offer a special ticket providing one-time access to Universal Studios Florida after 7 p.m.  The “Summer Concert Ticket” is priced at $69.99 plus tax and will go on sale beginning May 16 only at www.universalorlando.com.

The Summer Concert Series gives guests the opportunity to top off their day of theme park thrills with a headlining concert. By day, guests can enjoy some of the most popular entertainment experiences in the world– including the heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. By night, park guests can rock out to a live performance by a top artist at the Music Plaza, a venue illuminated by the colorful LED lights of Universal Studios’ most rockin’ coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.  And soon guests can join the intergalactic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons on TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, grand opening on June 20.

For more information about the Summer Concert Series, visit www.universalorlando.com.

It won’t be too long before we’re able to walk the streets of Springfield and eat at some of the most famous locations in Springfield. Take a look at how it has been taking shape, with some new work being done around the Kwik-E-Mart.

View from Across the Lagoon of the Construction:
Now a closer look! You can see the facades of the restaurants are taking shape nicely:
What do you guys think about the new Window Covers?
Bathrooms:

Thanks for viewing our update!

You can see that the buildings of Diagon Alley and the London Waterfront are taking shape nicely. Take a closer look with our Harry Potter Picture Update!

You can see Kings Cross Station taking shape:
More pictures of the Diagon Alley/London steel work going up:
Closer look:
Looks like they patched up some of the walls along the London Waterfront:
Another look at the Facades:
You can see through the steel work, the facade of Gringotts Bank:
Show building of the Gringotts Bank Coaster:

Thanks for viewing our Harry Potter update!

Here we have some pictures of Transformers: The Ride – 3D, which is opening this summer! As you can see, much has been done to the facade and the entire show building. Enjoy this Transformers Picture update:

As you can see, the entrance is shaping up nicely, with all signs in place. All we wait for now is the rumored Optimus Prime AA:

The side of the building also looks to be complete:
This is the Express side of the building:
One last look at the entrance:

Thanks for viewing our Transformers: The Ride – 3D update!

International Music Sensation Pitbull Takes Center Stage this Saturday at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration continues this Saturday with a live performance by Latin star Pitbull. The authentic, family-friendly celebration runs select nights through April 20 and also includes a dazzling parade, tons of Mardi Gras beads and Universal’s very own French Quarter Courtyard – complete with authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and more.
Schedule of Events for Saturday, April 13:
·         4 p.m. – French Quarter Courtyard Opens

·         7:45 p.m. – Mardi Gras Parade Starts

·         8:30 p.m. – Pitbull Concert Begins

This is the second to last Mardi Gras Event at Universal Orlando, so if you plan on experiencing it before the season is over, this is one of your last times to go! Please beware that Pitbull is always one of the most popular that perform at Universal Orlando. So, be aware of the large crowds and extra security that will be onsite.
For more information on Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras, visit http://bit.ly/WUnTXJ.

Enjoy a Live Concert by Kool & The Gang this Saturday at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras

Get ready to boogie down this Saturday with pop-funk group Kool & The Gang performing live in concert at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras. The authentic, family-friendly celebration runs select nights through April 20 and also includes a dazzling parade, tons of Mardi Gras beads and Universal’s very own French Quarter Courtyard – complete with authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and more.

Schedule of Events on April 6:

• 4 p.m. – French Quarter Courtyard Opens
• 7:45 p.m. – Mardi Gras Parade Starts
• 8:30 p.m. – Kool & The Gang Concert Begins

For more information on Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras, visit http://bit.ly/WUnTXJ.

NICKELODEON’S HIT TEEN SENSATION BIG TIME RUSH SET FOR LIVE PERFORMANCE AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S
2013 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Fans to Participate in Live Q&A with Big Time Rush

Universal Orlando Resort announced today one of the powerhouse acts performing at the 2013 Summer Concert Series. Big Time Rush will return to the Universal Studios Florida Music Plaza stage on Sat., June 8. Summer Concert Series features six nights of incredible performances, including some of the biggest names in the music industry.  The full line-up will be announced at a later date.

Before the concert, Universal Studios Florida guests will have a chance to interact with members of Big Time Rush in a live Q&A session.

Universal Orlando Resort and Nickelodeon are giving fans a chance to win a trip to the concert event through a sweepstakes starting April 1.  One lucky fan will win a trip to meet Big Time Rush, watch them perform a live concert and enjoy Universal Orlando’s two amazing theme parks. Plus, 50 additional winners will win the new Big Time Rush album. Fans should go to http://ads.nick.com/sponsors/2013/universal/big-time-rush-sweeps/ to register for a chance to win.

With millions of fans worldwide, Nickelodeon and Columbia Recording artists Big Time Rush have conquered television as the stars of the global hit series, Big Time Rush, as well as the airwaves with more than four million downloads sold to date. They won the “Fan Armies” competition at the 2013 Kids’ Choice Awards and are currently finishing their third full-length album which will be released and supported with a national tour in early summer 2013. The release will feature brand new music that will debut on the upcoming season of the TV series Big Time Rush set to premiere this spring. The launch of the hit series on Nickelodeon drew 6.8 million viewers, making it the most watched live-action series premiere in the network’s history. The group’s top hits include “Boyfriend,” Windows Down,” “Til I Forget About You” and “Worldwide.”

By day, guests can enjoy some of the most popular entertainment experiences in the world– including the hilarious and heartwarming Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.  On Saturday nights from June 1 to July 6, park guests can rock out to a live performance by a multi-platinum artist at the Music Plaza, a venue illuminated by the colorful LED lights of Universal Studios’ most rockin’ coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.  And soon guests can join the intergalactic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons on TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, opening summer 2013.

Access to Summer Concert Series performances is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. For more information on this year’s event, visit http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Summer-Concert-Series.aspx.

Hit Music Sensations Matchbox Twenty and Sean Kingston to Perform this Weekend at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras continues this weekend with live performances by Jamaican singer and rapper Sean Kingston on Friday, March 15 and pop rock band Matchbox Twenty on Saturday, March 16. The authentic, family-friendly celebration runs select nights through April 20 and also includes a dazzling parade, tons of Mardi Gras beads and Universal’s very own French Quarter Courtyard – complete with authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and more.

Schedule of Events for Friday, March 15:

• 4 p.m. – French Quarter Courtyard Opens
• 7:30 p.m. – Mardi Gras Parade Starts
• 8:15 p.m. – Sean Kingston Concert Begins

Schedule of Events for Friday, March 16:

• 4 p.m. – French Quarter Courtyard Opens
• 7:30 p.m. – Mardi Gras Parade Starts
• 8:15 p.m. – Matchbox Twenty Concert Begins

Enjoy a Live Performance by Montgomery Gentry this Saturday at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras

This Saturday night, country duo Montgomery Gentry will perform live at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras. The authentic, family-friendly celebration runs select nights through April 20 and also includes a dazzling parade, tons of Mardi Gras beads and Universal’s very own French Quarter Courtyard – complete with authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and more.

Schedule of Events on March 9:

• 4 p.m. – French Quarter Courtyard Opens
• 7:45 p.m. – Mardi Gras Parade Starts
• 8:30 p.m. – Montgomery Gentry Concert Begins

For more information on Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras, visit http://bit.ly/WUnTXJ.