That theme park mouse may be shaking in his yellow shoes. And the powers-that-be at Universal Orlando Resort should be celebrating by raising glasses of Butterbeer.
Universal, which first opened its doors in 1990 and remains Walt Disney World’s biggest competitor, continues to be in the midst of rolling out mammoth attractions, a sprawling new resort and other additions, arguably marking the biggest expansion boom in its 23-year history.
The big shot in the arm took place in the summer of 2010 with the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade, a themed land located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the sister theme park adjacent to Universal Studios Florida. The reported $265 million investment has obviously paid off with a massive boost in attendance and merchandise sales. Potter’s magic continues allowing Universal to keep its growth spurt sprouting to towering heights.
What’s new?
On the heels of creating the artfully detailed The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade, Universal kicked its theme machine into high gear by bringing the 2-D animated world of “The Simpsons” to life this past summer. Homer and family’s hometown of Springfield occupies some serious real estate at Universal Studios Florida.
Stroll down Springfield’s main drag, and you’ll spot oodles of landmarks from the time-honored TV series. Look for the giant statue of the doughnut-heaving mascot of Lard Lad. That’s where visitors can grab one of Homer’s coveted, extra-large confections, complete with pink frosting and multicolored sprinkles.
Scarf it down, then head over to Moe’s Tavern, the living embodiment of Springfield’s favorite watering hole. Belly up to the bar for a Duff beer or a Flaming Moe, the latter a fruity nonalcoholic cocktail poured into a specialty glass that helps create a bubbling fog. The creators spare no detail inside Moe’s, right down to the pool tables and diamond-patterned stained-glass windows. A life-size statue of Barney, Springfield’s town lush, stands at one end of the bar right next to the Love Tester machine.
While at Moe’s, guests can walk into the attached Springfield-themed food court for “Simpsons”-style noshes. You’ll find everything from a Krusty Burger with a Buzz Cola chaser to the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman. Don’t miss the delectable chicken and waffle sandwich at Cletus’ Chicken Shack. A hunk of fried chicken lathered in maple syrup mayo gets sandwiched between a pair of waffles.
But don’t have a meal until after hopping on The Simpsons Ride, the area’s main attraction, which stars Springfield’s favorite family and predates the Springfield expansion by four years. The nearby Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, a new and literal spin on a classic carnival ride, melds old-school thrills with twisted “Simpsons” humor.
Photos ops in Springfield prove as plentiful as the F’s on Bart Simpson’s report card. Pose next to a life-size Chief Wiggum and his wrecked squad car or stand at the base of the Jebediah Springfield statue. Take a family photo on the Simpson family couch or cozy up to Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob, the park’s latest “Simpsons” walk-around characters.
Located just across the park from Springfield sits the resort’s other recently added attraction. With a giant statue of Optimus Prime perched above its entrance, Transformers: The Ride — 3-D beckons grown-up children of the 1980s as well as today’s robot-crazed generation.
The ride, which morphed to life with a grand opening last June, takes visitors for a spin in the Transformers live-action movie universe. It all begins in the line itself, which proves to be an entertaining part of the experience. Riders learn the backstory and receive video briefings from Gen. Morshower and several good guy Autobots. They explain that villainous robots the Decepticons are coming to Earth in search of the AllSpark, which brings Transformers to life.
Guests then hop into their own Transformers vehicle, an Autobot named Evac. By combining massive movie screens, a stretch of track, simulator ride technology, a 3-D film and real-world special effects, the ride drops guests in the middle of a robot rumble, giving the sensation that they’re in the midst of battle. The car almost continuously moves, shakes and quakes throughout the experience, and even replicates a white-knuckle fall from a building.
While it certainly stands tall as one of the resort’s top attractions, a Transformers character experience typically found near the ride’s exit can be as equally as impressive. Walk-around Transformers characters, each standing more than 9 feet tall, pose for pictures with guests at a photo op station. The jaw-dropping character design gives the illusion that these are actual Transformers robots moving about.
Potter power
Yep, Universal’s recent additions owe a debt to the success of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure. The painstakingly detailed 20-acre wizardly wonderland looks as if it could be a set straight out of the “Harry Potter” films.
Just walking among the snow-sprinkled buildings in Hogsmeade village can be enough eye candy to warrant a visit. Grabbing a gag gift at Zonko’s joke shop or nibbling on some Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs from Honeydukes definitely sweetens the trip.
The popularity of the Wizarding World continues peaking, so sometimes guests have to pick and choose what they do in the interest of time. Don’t miss stopping for a drink at the Hog’s Head pub. Sip a nonalcoholic mug full of shortbread- and butterscotch-tinged Butterbeer or tip back a glass of pumpkin juice. It can all be done at the bar under the watchful eye of a taxidermied hog’s head that huffs, puffs and blinks its eyes as guests imbibe.
A stop inside Ollivanders should be atop your list. This interactive magic wand store begins with a show experience starring the shop’s Wandkeeper. In a scene that could easily have hopped right off the screen of a “Potter” flick, one of the store’s wands actually chooses a park guest to be its owner.
The absolute not-to-miss headliner of the Wizarding World remains Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This acclaimed attraction most certainly lives up to the hype as guests enter Hogwarts castle. The line serves as part of the attraction with portraits that come to life, a visit to Dumbledore’s office with a welcome from the headmaster himself, and an encounter with the Sorting Hat. Guests then take a seat on enchanted benches and the adventure begins. With a mix of thrill ride technology, visitors take flight with Harry and company, get up close and personal with a dragon, scuffle with the Whomping Willow, join in on a game of Quidditch and more.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter goes to the next level in 2014 with an expansion taking place at Universal Studios Florida, located next door to Islands of Adventure. According to reports, beginning this summer, guests with park hopper passes will be able to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express train and travel between Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
Tips, tricks and not to miss
Stay on site
Consider bunking at one of the three Universal Orlando Resort properties: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort. In addition to swank amenities, from killer swimming pools to admirable dining, and close proximity to the parks, staying at a Universal property means you can use your room key to score priority access to many of the park’s rides.
Keep an eye out for the opening of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort in March. Inspired by American beach resorts of the 1950s and ‘60s, the property blends a retro vibe with the spoils of 21st-century technology. Half of the 1,800 rooms offer a family suite, which can sleep up to six. The grounds include two sprawling swimming pools with sand beaches and interactive features, a lazy river and more, and a 10-lane indoor bowling alley. Those looking for a family spring break destination can take advantage of deep room discounts at Cabana Bay. Rooms start at $104 per night for a seven-night stay and $134 per night for a three-night stay from March 31 to June 14, 2014.
The big splurge
Want to experience the Universal parks like a celebrity? Budget a VIP Experience into your trip. This guided tour of the theme parks allows guests to milk a trip like never before. Not only do you skip the lines with priority access, your tour guide escorts you through the park on a time-saving trek, helps you with restaurant reservations, shows you the best places to shop and gives you encyclopedic background information on all of the rides and attractions. VIP tours as part of a larger group start at $169.99 per person. An exclusive VIP tour with your own group of as many as 10 people starts at $2,399 for the whole gang.
Don’t miss it
If you have to narrow down your rides and attractions, make sure these make the cut:
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: Located at Islands of Adventure, this award-winning 3-D ride, similar in design and execution to Transformers, plays out like you're crawling between the pages of a comic book. Its recent HD upgrade and other enhancements make it better than ever.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: Fans of the "Despicable Me" franchise should get a kick out of this 3-D film and motion simulator located at Universal Studios Florida. Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, and his Minions are at it again. A post-ride dance party takes place, and an actual Minion gets in on the act.
Seuss Landing: All of the rich color and whimsy found in the books of Dr. Seuss segue from the page and into the real world courtesy of Seuss Landing, a themed land at Islands of Adventure. The Cat in the Hat dark ride and the Caro-Seuss-el, a carousel starring Seuss-styled creatures, are just a few of the remarkable rides and attractions located in this timeless section of the park.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rock It: This roller coaster blasts riders at 65 mph and as high as 17 stories off the ground. You choose your own on-board soundtrack, and cameras film your reactions as you ride.
Mythos: Repeatedly ranked as one of the best theme park restaurants in the world by ThemeParkInsider.com, Mythos scores on multiple levels. While eateries often do well on either theming or food, Mythos succeeds with both. Amid the rock formations and gurgling waterfalls, diners gorge on a mix of casual (burgers, crabcake sliders) and more fanciful fare (mahi-mahi and Asian salmon). Located at Islands of Adventure.
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