Leisure … more than a word, it's a lifestyle

Over the weekend Universal Orlando raised its one-day, one park base ticket price from $89 to $92, before tax.  A 3.4 percent increase. A single-day ticket that gets you into both parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, went up 3.2 per cent from $124 to $128.

According to the Universal web site, you can still get your per day admission cost below $50 if you make a multi-day purchase such as the three day admission for $146.99 for park to park and $125.99 for one park a day access.

The bad news is that history shows that whenever one of the Big Three in Orlando, Disney, Universal or SeaWorld, raises prices, at least one of the others follows quickly. So if you take my advice, you might want to hurry up and do it before those parks match Universal’s increase. Tickets can be obtained at FloridaLeisureTickets.com

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.

Megatron and the Decepticons are closing in on Orlando…we must prepare for battle…

The highly anticipated blockbuster attraction TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D will officially open on Thursday, June 20, 2013, Universal Orlando announced today.

Universal also launched an all-new “Join the Resistance” Facebook experience to prepare fans for the battle they’ll experience on the mega-attraction.  “Recruits” can create their very own NEST IDs, train for battle, access exclusive photos and video and win prizes – including a trip to the attraction’s grand opening celebration on June 20.  Click here to join the resistance.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is a mind-blowing, action-packed ride experience that pushes the limits of technology to place guests in the middle of a larger-than-life battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The ride was created under license from Hasbro, Inc. and is based on its iconic TRANSFORMERS brand.

The battle begins when guests enter the NEST facility – the headquarters for the government operation that partners with the Autobots to protect Earth from the Decepticons.  While inside, they are recruited to help protect the AllSpark – a powerful energy source that would allow the Decepticons to destroy the planet. Guests board EVAC – an Autobot created exclusively for the attraction – to transport the AllSpark to safety.  But beware…the Decepticons are in close pursuit…

Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras 2013 is combining a stellar lineup of high-energy performances featuring some of the most sought-after names in music with the exciting spirit of the famed “N’awlins” celebration.

On select nights Feb. 9 through April 20, 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 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.

This year’s talent lineup features an incredible variety of music, ranging from Americana rock to soulful R&B to upbeat pop to Latin rhythms. Guests can return night after night to hear their favorite performers, including internationally-renowned rapper Pitbull – whose number-one single, “Give Me Everything,” was named “Top Radio Song” in the 2012 Billboard Music Awards; 2012 People’s Choice Award-winner Demi Lovato (pictured above) for “Favorite Pop Artist;” season 11 winner of “American Idol,” Phillip Phillips whose hit song, “Home,” was certified double-platinum; chart-topping country duo Montgomery Gentry, with top hits like “If You Ever Stop Loving Me” and “Back When I Knew It All;” teen heartthrob Austin Mahone; and alternative rock band Matchbox Twenty (pictured below), whose latest studio album, “North,” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. For the complete line-up, see below.

Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with dozens of energetic street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade winds through Universal Studios.  This year’s parade celebrates “Colorful Cultures Around the World,” featuring all-new float additions inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead, Chinese New Year and Elegance of India. The parade’s elaborate, hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.

The celebration continues at Universal Orlando’s very own French Quarter Courtyard. Partygoers can enjoy the soulful sounds of authentic New Orleans bands that travel straight from The Big Easy to perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music. And the irresistible smells of authentic Cajun cuisine will fill the French Quarter as guests taste an array of delicious New Orleans fare, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and more.

Here’s the full line up:

In one of the worst kept secrets of modern times Universal Orlando Resort just announced that its next blockbuster attraction will be the widely-popular TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. The groundbreaking ride – created under license from Hasbro, Inc. and based on its iconic TRANSFORMERS brand – will bring the intergalactic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons to Universal Studios Florida in summer 2013.

Already a “must-see” at Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Hollywood, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is a mind-blowing, action-packed ride experience that you have to see to believe. You will come face to face with Megatron. You will dodge explosions and attacks by the Decepticons. You will fight to save mankind alongside Optimus Prime and the Autobots. It will be the greatest battle you’ll ever ride.

Universal worked closely with Michael Bay, the award-wining director of the “TRANSFORMERS” film series and the ride’s creative consultant, to create an authentic experience that brings the non-stop action of the films to life. The attraction combines the larger-than-life TRANSFORMERS characters and an exciting storyline with life-like HD CGI media, state-of-the-art 3-D technology and amazing special effects to place riders right in the middle of an epic battle between good and evil.

“We broke the mold and have taken this ride to a new technological level in terms of blending seamless 3-D,” said Michael Bay, director of the “TRANSFORMERS” films.

“TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is the perfect addition to Universal Orlando’s thrilling theme park experiences,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “The ride has already proven to be a hit at our Hollywood and Singapore parks, and we’re excited that Universal Orlando guests will soon be able to join the Autobots in the fight to save the world.”

TRANSFORMERS films, television shows and merchandise have captivated millions of people all over the world. To date, three blockbuster films have been released – “TRANSFORMERS” (2007), “TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN” (2009) and “TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON” (2011) – grossing more than $2 billion combined worldwide at the box office. The three films were directed by Michael Bay, executive produced by Steven Spielberg and released by Paramount Pictures.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is slated to open in summer 2013 at Universal Orlando. The attraction will have one of the shortest build times in Universal history – making it one of Universal’s most ambitious projects ever. For more information about TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D, visit www.prepareforbattle.com.

Harry Potter is in O-Town again… this time at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and for a rather unique event… Ascendio 2012. The event started on Thursday and finishes today and it has been a chance for Potter fans to meet authors,  literary agents, attend theatrical shows, Wrock, enjoy programming sessions, meet Cast Members, attend the Hillywood show panel, get an autograph at the StarKid session and so much more.

I’d never attended one of these events before so really wasn’t sure what to expect but it turned out to be a unique and kind of cool event…if you are into this world! The organizers have literally gone out of their way to provide a memorable experience to their nearly 1,000 strong attendees and there’s been multiple things for them to do  over the four days.

Of course, a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been an essential element but a full itinerary has kept guests fully occupied back at the Portofino Bay Hotel. The event has had many panel discussions as well as a chance for attendees to wander around the vendor hall to buy the latest goodies and get up to all kinds of mischief at some of the weird and wacky events being held!

Some of the stars who have been present have been Afshan Azad (Padma Patil in the last five Harry Potter films), Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley in many of the Harry Potter films – pictured at start of post), Hilly and Hannah Hindi of the Hillywood Show. There’s also been a whole host of authors, editors and agents such as Aimee Carter, Beth Revis, Connie Neal, Diana Copeland, Kele Moon, Lev Grossman, Libba Bray, Mark Reads, Michelle Hodkin, Veronica Roth, Ben Schrank, Carlie Webber, Joanna Volpe, Lindsay Ribar and Saritza Hernandez. There’s also been a StarKid session with Matt & Nick Lang, Devin Lytle, Nick Strauss and Joe Moses along with Pat Brady.

The event was a chance for me to watch the rare game of Quidditch…and it was a sneak peak as the Quidditch World Cup is due to be back here in Kissimmee next April 13-14, 2013. About 2,000 athletes and 20,000 spectators are expected to descend on Central Florida for Quidditch World Cup VI, based on the game invented by Potter author J.K. Rowling.

“We run with broomsticks instead of fly,” said Hannah Lindgren, the World Cup’s director. “We often compare it to rugby for its physicality, but it also has aspects of soccer, basketball and dodgeball.”

We look forward to hosting the games …oh, and attendees, please note that we won’t be charging for parking at our vacation homes. It was quite a shock to turn up at the hotel yesterday and see the whacking huge rates they now charge to park a car for a few hours. Frankly it’s criminal… maybe Harry Potter can do something with his wand about this?

More photos from the event at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com

Universal Orlando Resort guests can “boogie down” this weekend as R&B music legend Al Green performs live at Universal Studios Florida.

Since the late 1960s, soulful star Al Green has topped music charts with classic hits like “Let’s Stay Together,” “You Ought to Be with Me” and “L-O-V-E (Love),” producing more than 20 million albums sold worldwide during his career.  Green was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, and Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.” Green’s most recent album, “Lay It Down,” features collaborations with other popular artists, such as John Legend, Erykah Badu and the late Amy Winehouse.

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included in admission to Universal Studios and gives guests the opportunity to add a major concert to a day of theme park thrills.

The superstar boy band, One Direction, was hosted by Universal Orlando Resort on June 28, 2012 to experience the all-new attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, officially opening on July 2. During their day at the theme parks, they encountered Gru and his daughters, Margo, Edith and Agnes before being transformed into minions on the ride. The band visited Orlando as part of their headlining summer music tour, featuring hit pop star Olly Murs – who joined them for a day at Universal Orlando’s theme parks.

Minion recruits: mark your calendars!  Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, one of the most anticipated theme park attractions of 2012, will officially open at Universal Orlando Resort on July 2.

This brand-new ride combines the outrageous humor and memorable characters of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s blockbuster film Despicable Me, with an all-new storyline, incredible new animation and the latest 3-D technology to create a wildly hysterical theme park experience.

Families will watch in amazement as they are transformed into minions, laugh together as they train to join Gru’s minion army and boogie down during the world’s-first minion-inspired dance party.  Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is hilarious and heartwarming fun for the entire family.

The ride begins when guests enter Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes’ home and learn they are being recruited to become minions.  After picking up 3-D “minion goggles” in the living room and being scanned for “human germs” in the Minionization Prep Room, guests board Minion Transformation Pods to begin their training.  Things don’t go as planned and guests find themselves on an unforgettable adventure through Gru’s lab that’s filled with laughter, chaos and tons of minions.

The ride experience is capped off with an exciting dance party where guests can show off their best moves with the minions.  With a sparkling disco ball hanging overhead, the interactive celebration features large projection screens so that guests can see themselves partying with the minions to the legendary disco tune “Boogie Fever.”

Although Despicable Me Minion Mayhem officially opens on July 2, the attraction is now in technical rehearsal, meaning park guests may have the opportunity to experience the ride as a work in progress while Universal puts the finishing touches on the experience.  Leading up to the grand opening, the attraction will run select days and times.

Universal Orlando Resort’s 2012 Summer Concert Series kicks off this Saturday with the cast of Nickelodeon’s hit TV series, “Victorious” -(pictured above.) The performance marks the beginning of Orlando’s hottest summer music event, featuring six nights of performances by some of the biggest names in music.

Guests at Universal Studios Florida will be able to join entire cast of “Victorious” for exciting experiences throughout the day. Before the show, guests can participate in a Q&A session with select members of the cast and watch an episode of the hit show. The event will culminate with a music performance by the cast – including Victoria Justice, who plays the show’s main character, Tori Vega. To participate in the Q&A sessions and watch a show episode of “Victorious,” guests should arrive to Universal Studios Florida by 2 p.m.

Currently in its third season, “Victorious” follows teenager Tori Vega as she navigates life at Hollywood Arts, a prestigious performing arts high school.  The show, a co-production with Sony Music, features original songs performed by Victoria Justice and the show’s ensemble cast.  The newest collection of songs from the show, “Victorious 2.0: More Music from the Hit TV Show,” debuts on June 5 and features the brand-new single, “Make It In America.” The show’s first soundtrack, “Victorious: Music from the Hit TV Show,” debuted at the no. 5 spot on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and features the show’s theme song “Make It Shine,” as well as the hit singles “Beggin’ On Your Knees,” “Freak the Freak Out” and “Best Friend’s Brother.”

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida and gives guests the opportunity to add a major concert to a day of theme park thrills.  This year’s star- lineup features top-name talent that will appeal to fans of every music genre – including ZZ Top, Josh Turner and Lupe Fiasco. The full lineup is above.