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You are here: Home / Archives for Universal Studios

Mardi Gras Celebration at Universal Studios Orlando

February 20, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

A fun place to be for Mardi Gras is Universal Studios:

The French Quarter Courtyard sizzles with live musicimage

direct from New Orleans and authentic Cajun food* like Spicy Jambalaya, Grilled Andouille Sausage, Shrimp Gumbo and more. image

The excitement of Mardi Gras continues this Saturday, Feb. 22, with an electrifying performance by R&B sensation Robin Thicke. The summer of 2013 marked the debut of Robin’s highly anticipated new studio album, Blurred Lines. The release quickly took the music world by storm and debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 while, “Blurred Lines,” the single, set records around the world. It went to No. 1 in more than 100 countries and had a record setting 12-week reign in the US at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Robin continues to receive accolades for the album and single including three GRAMMY Award nominations and four NAACP Image Award nominations.

image

Along with the live concert, guests can experience the spirit of the legendary Bayou bash during the dazzling Mardi Gras parade, featuring 12 vibrant floats, including three new additions celebrating Jules Verne’s novel, “Around the World in 80 Days.” Guests can also visit Universal Studios Florida’s very own French Quarter Courtyard to enjoy delectable Cajun cuisine and see performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street.

image

Little ones get their own private parade experience in the Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Area located next to the Terminator 2®: 3-D attraction. This area is available beginning one hour before parade starts.

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

2014 Mardi Gras Talent Line-Up

Mardi Gras Event Dates

Headliners

(performing in the Music Plaza)

February 22

Robin Thicke

March 1

Collective Soul

March 8

Prince Royce

March 14

Cody Simpson

March 15

Foreigner

March 21

A Great Big World

March 22

Gavin DeGraw

March 28

Kelly Rowland

March 29

Weezer

April 5

Skillet

April 12

Lynyrd Skynyrd

April 19

Kool & the Gang

May 3

Nelly

May 10

The Wanted

May 17

The Roots

May 24

Cher Lloyd

May 31

Huey Lewis and the News

WHEN: Robin Thicke – Saturday, February 22, 2014

4:00 p.m. – French Quarter Courtyard Opens

7:15 p.m. – Mardi Gras Parade Starts

8:00 p.m. – Concert Begins

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: Orlando, travel, Universal Studios

Plan A Trip To The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley Universal Orlando Studios

January 23, 2014 by Momstart 1 Comment

Last year when I was at the Momitforward Family Forward conference we saw the earliest sneak peak of Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley Universal Orlando Studios. It looked amazing then and we saw where it’s being built behind fences. I mean, last year was our first time to go to Universal Orlando Studios period and we loved it. The kids loved it, so I’m super excited to be going back again this year to see a new addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I wish I was there for the opening of Diagon Alley!!!

But I know that my patience will pay off. I’ll be heading there with my family this August. I was looking on Universal’s website and prices are amazing right now, and they have some really great hotel packages too. Now is the time to book your vacation and you’ll get to check out the World of Harry Potter!

Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life. Guests will pass through London and the iconic brick wall archway from the films into Diagon Alley – a bustling, wizarding hub within a Muggle city.  There will be shops, dining experiences, and a new ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional journey that will take theme park attractions to a new level.

Never before has a theme park created a guest experience like this: you climb aboard the Hogwarts Express in Hogsmeade and moments later arrive at King’s Cross Station – where the wonders of London and Diagon Alley unfold before you.  And it is all real.Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life. There will be shops, dining experiences - including Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, and a new ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional journey that will take theme park attractions to a new level.

Reading all about this is really making me crave some butter beer, oh that stuff is delicious. And my husband wants to take his want back to Ollivanders and ask him if he could put more magic in it. The guys that work for him at work, just aren’t listening. Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will witness the magical experience of a wand choosing a wizard at Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops. Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life. There will be shops, dining experiences, and a new ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional journey that will take theme park attractions to a new level.

Universal Orlando launched a global phenomenon when it opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at its Islands of Adventure theme park in 2010.  That area includes the iconic Hogwarts castle – which houses the groundbreaking Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction – and the village of Hogsmeade.  The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be located within Universal Orlando’s second theme park, Universal Studios, and will create new experiences based on the signature areas of London, Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley.Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life. Just like in the books and films – guests will be able to board the Hogwarts Express and travel between The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, which opened in June 2010 at Islands of Adventure, and London when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opens at Universal Studios Florida.  The journey will be filled with views of London and the British countryside – as well as a few surprises. Park-to-park admission is required.

Universal’s creative team has been working closely with Stuart Craig and the production team from the Harry Potter films to make the new area as authentic and spectacular as possible – just as it did with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.

Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life. Just like in the books and films – guests will be able to board the Hogwarts Express and travel between The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, which opened in June 2010 at Islands of Adventure, and London when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley opens at Universal Studios Florida.  The journey will be filled with views of London and the British countryside – as well as a few surprises. Park-to-park admission is required.

After arriving at King’s Cross Station aboard the Hogwarts Express, guests will pass through London and the iconic brick wall archway from the films into Diagon Alley – a bustling, wizarding hub within a Muggle city.  There will be shops, dining experiences, and a new ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional journey that will take theme park attractions to a new level.  Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life. Guests will pass through London and the iconic brick wall archway from the films into Diagon Alley – a bustling, wizarding hub within a Muggle city.  There will be shops, dining experiences, and a new ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional journey that will take theme park attractions to a new level.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will give visitors the exciting opportunity to: 

· Board the Hogwarts Express and journey between London’s King’s Cross Station (located in Universal Studios Florida) and Hogsmeade Station (located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure). The journey will be filled with views of London and the British countryside – as well as a few surprises. Park-to-park admission is required. 

· Experience a groundbreaking new, multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, which will place riders in the middle of an incredible adventure as they navigate their way through the perils of the Gringotts vaults

· Witness the magical experience of a wand choosing a wizard at Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC, one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops

· Discover the darker side of magic in Knockturn Alley, the darkest of dark places that features Borgin and Burkes – a shop specializing in the Dark Arts that will offer a wide variety of Dark objects, such as Death Eater masks, skulls, and other sinister items

· Explore some of Diagon Alley’s famous shops, including: Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will bring even more of Harry Potter’s adventures to life. There will be shops, dining experiences, and a new ride called Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional journey that will take theme park attractions to a new level.

One of Diagon Alley’s shops is Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes - a vibrant shop featuring novelty items, magical jokes, and toys inspired by the books and films that will amaze the mischievous child in everyone.

o Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a vibrant shop featuring novelty items, magical jokes, and toys inspired by the books and films that will amaze the mischievous child in everyone

o Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, where guests will find a variety of wizardwear from Hogwarts school uniform ties, scarves and jumpers, to authentic wizard’s robes and character costumes

o Magical Menagerie, which features a collection of plush animals, such as owls and Hippogriffs

o Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where guests can grab wizarding essentials such as telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses

o Quality Quidditch Supplies, offering a wide assortment of apparel and equipment including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles and more

o Scribbulus, featuring authentic writing implements and products such as feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards

· Enjoy traditional British fare that includes favorite dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and more at the Leaky Cauldron

· Visit Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour for frozen treats in a variety of tantalizing and unique flavors such as strawberry-and-peanut-butter ice-cream and many others

· And more!

More details about the unique experiences that can be found in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be released over time.  For more information about the area, visit www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter .

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: Diagon Alley, Harry Potter, travel, Universal, Universal Studios, Wizarding world of harry potter

LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers Review and #giveaway

February 28, 2010 by Momstart 400 Comments

Universal Home Entertainment sent us the first Lego movie to be released to DVD, LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers.  We put it in to watch but we couldn’t finish it. Clutch is like Indiana Jones and his travels take him a on journey like The Lord of The Rings. It was too scary for my two year old. However, if you’re child is 3 or 4 or older then it will probably be fine. My daughter who is 3 kept saying that it wasn’t too scary so it’s up to you. Great children’s epic. 

From my movie watching perspective; I liked it. It kept my attention and although I didn’t watch the rest with my kids I had to see how it ended. Clutch is a likable character that loves adventures. In his latest adventure he find friendship and team work by, “building on each other”.

Trailer:

 

LEGO_CP_3DOR For the first time ever, see the creative world of LEGO® come to life in the all-new feature-length DVD movie. Meet Clutch Powers, the best builder and explorer in the LEGO®universe as he heads off on his most dangerous mission yet. Join Clutch and his team of LEGO®experts as their adventure leads them from LEGO® City to the Space Police prison planet to the medieval world of Ashlar where they must help the rightful heir to the King’s throne find the courage to regain the kingdom from the evil wizard Mallock the Malign. Their brick-building skills will be put to the ultimate test as they face off against Mallock’s skeleton army. Get ready for an action-packed adventure like nothing you have ever seen before, The Adventures of Clutch Powers!

Movie Clips:

 

Universal is also providing one copy to one of my readers.

To Enter:

What is your favorite LEGO edition?

Extra Entries:

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site, blog, or facebook and tell me where you advertised it (include link to giveaway). 5 Extra Entries for each one you do
Subscribe to my blog (recommended so that you don’t miss winner’s announcements)
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Tweet about the giveaway and include a link to the giveaway
Comment on any other non-giveaway post
Use any of the share options below, digg, stumble…2 entries each

The contest will run until March 15th 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: LEGO, LEGO movie, Movie Clip, The Adventures of Clutch Powers, trailer, Universal Studios

Pajama Party: Featuring Curious George 2: Follow that Monkey DVD #giveaway

February 24, 2010 by Momstart 590 Comments

curiousgeorge Universal Studios sent my family a copy of Curious George 2: Follow that Monkey to preview before it comes out next week. Can you believe that next week is March? Both of my children were excited to watch Curious George, it was my son that took the DVD from me first and that’s usually his sister’s job.

 

 

We watched it as our evening family movie, as I’ve cut almost all of our daytime tv. As I sat down to watch it I didn’t expect to enjoy it; I was pleasantly surprised. I found it to be silly and was laughing along with my children. That silly mischievous monkey. No wait, Ted would say, “He’s curious, very curious!”.

George finds out that there is a circus in town and he really wants to go because there is an elephant in it. Kayla is a cute blue baby elephant and she really is blue. She’s homesick for her family. George understand her pain and wants to see her smile, so he takes off on a coast-to-coast journey with Ted barely able to keep up. Follow that monkey features an all-star voice talent including Tim Curry (“The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius,” Home Alone 2: Lost in New York), Jamie Kennedy (Kickin’ It Old School, Malibu’s Most Wanted), Matt Lauer (“Today Show”), Frank Welker (“Curious George” TV series, “Futurama,”) and comedy legend Jerry Lewis, plus music from legendary songwriter Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

The music is child like and soft and captivated my daughter from beginning to end. It’s a great movie to enjoy as a family and sure to leave a smile on everyone’s face.

 

CG2_3D_PrdctSht_mB1_OJG CURIOUS GEORGE 2: FOLLOW THAT MONKEY
“Twice the fun of the original!”
– Francine Brokow, Los Angeles Family Magazine

All-New Feature-Length Film Debuts Exclusively on DVD on March 2, 2010!
George 2: Follow That Monkey includes a menagerie of entertaining bonus features: Two never-before-seen shows from the all-new TV season on PBS that does not air until Fall 2010, a brand new interactive game, an exclusive music video and more. Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey  is priced at $19.95 SRP.

 

BONUS FEATURES

  • Two Never Before Seen Bonus Shows from the all-new TV season! See the premiere episode 6 months before it airs!
  • Curious George’s Cross Country Caper Game – It’s more fun than a barrel of you-know-what when George and Kayla go on the run with security specialist Marcus Wolfe hot on their trail!  Exciting puzzles lead the way from New York to California so Kayla can visit her brother and sister. But be careful—a wrong answer could bring the Wolfe right to their door!
  • Hold On, Here We Go – Exclusive Music Video
  • Coloring Pages and Wallpapers

For the Pajama party giveaway I have a set of DVD’s I want to giveaway. I have

Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey

Olivia

Winnie The Pooh A Valentine for you

 

The DVD was provided by Universal Studios, it is the review copied so it is open. All the DVD’s in this giveaway package are review copies that have been previously viewed. If you still choose to enter, I thank you and  hope you enjoy them.

 

To Enter:

Tell me who it’s for.

Extra Entries:

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site, blog, or facebook and tell me where you advertised it (include link to giveaway). 5 Extra Entries for each one you do
Subscribe to my blog (recommended so that you don’t miss winner’s announcements)
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Tweet about the giveaway and include a link to the giveaway
Comment on any other non-giveaway post
Use any of the share options below, digg, stumble…2 entries each

The contest will run until March 15th 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Children's DVD, Curious George, DVD Review, Follow that monkey, giveaway, Universal Studios

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