Author: Brian Glenn

Universal Orlando Resort has revealed the name and opening date for the highly-anticipated, new coaster coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this summer – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure The coaster will open on June 13, 2019 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which Universal promises to be their most highly-themed coaster yet. Guests will fly with Hagrid on a thrilling roller coaster ride that plunges into the path of some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures. More details will be shared in March. The new ride replaces Dragon Challenge, the…

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is getting ready to celebrate 60 years as the park gears up for its 60th Anniversary Celebration, kicking off on March 1 with a concert and fireworks event. Originally opening on March 31, 1959, Busch Gardens has transformed from a simple brewery tour and bird garden to a world-class zoo, seasonal events and an impressive rollercoaster collection – including the latest addition, Tigris. The park recently celebrated the completion of the track for the attraction, which will launch guests forward and backward during the ride, reaching speeds over 60 miles per hour. In addition to launches and…

Guests can now purchase new add-on experiences for Universal Orlando Resort’s 2019 Mardi Gras – including an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil and a special dessert and Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration party with an exclusive parade viewing area. Universal Orlando’s 2019 Mardi Gras celebration will include the following new add-on experiences: Bayou Boil – An Exclusive Mardi Gras Experience ($59.99 per adult plus tax and $39.99 per child plus tax) On select nights, guests can enjoy an all-you-can-enjoy Louisiana-style boil featuring crawfish, shrimp, potatoes and corn-on-the-cob and, upon request, chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya. After, guests will get an exclusive viewing area…

Busch Gardens Tampa invited members of the media to take a construction tour around Tigris, their new triple-launch steel coaster, set to open in Spring 2019. While everything is on schedule, they still are holding out on announcing an official grand opening date for now. Most of the construction on the coaster, from a structural standpoint, is complete. Most of the work will now focus on electrical aspects, as well as themeing the queue and surrounding areas. Tigris will be located in the Stanleyville area of the theme park in the former home of Tidal Wave – right next to Jungala,…

Mardi Gras is back at Universal Orlando, bringing the Big Easy celebration to Universal Studios Florida with concerts, parades, food and more. The event continues to be massively popular, and a great time to visit Universal. We continue to echo our thoughts of previous reviews: Mardi Gras is a must-do, especially if one of your favorite musical acts comes to town. As always, the parade is fantastic. This year, Universal introduced 6 new parade floats that are themed to “party animals” – featuring animals from different biomes. While each of them bring their own pizazz to the parade, we would…

Tampa’s premier spring festival returns on Saturday, March 16 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Food & Wine Festival. With more than 35 delicious dishes to pair with over 100 wines, craft brews and cocktails, park guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert line-up, including acts for all tastes. The Food & Wine Festival runs weekends from March 16 to April 28 and is included with admission to the park. Indulge in NEW Culinary Creations In addition to returning fan-favorites, this year’s menu boasts many daring new flavors inspired by cuisines around the country. Guests can…

Guests can now purchase a limited time ticket offer and vacation package for the world’s premier Halloween event – Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, running for a record-breaking 41 nights this fall. Guests can get double the scares with the purchase of a limited time ticket offer where they can get a second night free when they buy one night. They can also stay in the heart of the screams with a vacation package that includes Universal Orlando hotel accommodations, tickets to Universal Orlando’s three world-class theme parks and more. See below for more details on the Halloween Horror Nights…

From February 9 through April 4, guests will let the good times roll as they experience an authentic, family-friendly version of the Mardi Gras bash at Universal Studios Florida. The event will be held for 55 nights – with the food courtyard open and the parade taking place every night. Mardi Gras couples unparalleled theme park entertainment with a dazzling parade, authentic New Orleans musicians, mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, tons of glittering Mardi Gras beads and live concerts by high-profile artists. We’ve gathered everything you need to know before heading out to the event, including parade times, and how to plan…

Today, Universal Orlando shared a first look at the menu coming to this year’s Mardi Gras celebration. Changing how guests can enjoy the New Orleans dishes, Universal is now offering the new tasting size option – allowing guests the chance to indulge in all of this year’s dishes, or sample just a few. Universal is bringing back returning favorites, such as gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets; but are also adding a few more Cajun classics to the menu. Po’ boys are being offered in different varieties – including Fried catfish, shrimp & andouille sausage, and chicken. Crab Etouffee is a classic dish, served…

Universal Orlando’s Rock the Universe 2019, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, is set to begin this weekend – running from Feb. 1-2 at Universal Studios Florida. For the ultimate Rock the Universe experience, guests can take advantage of a 2-Park Rock Your Weekend ticket offer for $127.99 plus tax. This offer can be used at one park per day, allowing guests to experience Rock the Universe and the fun of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. GRAMMY-nominated Christian rock band, Skillet, GRAMMY award-winning hip-hop artist Lecrae, and the chart-topping artists of Bethel Music, are among the musical talent performing live.…