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

June 17th marked the first anniversary of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park.  The new attraction has established a loyal theme park following and in a lot of ways the books and films featuring a boy wizard created by author J. K. Rowling have transformed the Orlando area.

In May 2011, Universal Orlando announced that attendance rose by 1.1 million visitors January through March, from 1.7 million a year earlier to 2.8 million and that the overall park’s revenue nearly doubled for the quarter, to $309 million. IOA saw 5.9 million guests in 2010, a boost of 30 percent more than the previous year, according to estimates by AECOM, a Los Angeles consulting company, and the Themed Entertainment Association. Further,  in 2010, Orlando welcomed more than 51 million visitors, up 10.5 percent from 2009 and that officially makes the city the first destination in the country to top 50 million visitors. It’s some achievement and it speaks volumes for what the right product in the right place can do to transform an economy even in a recession.

From a visitor point of view, there is a lot to see and do at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visitors can go inside Hogwarts castle, swig two kinds of butterbeer while soaking in the atmosphere of the “real-life” Hogsmeade village as well as purchase all kinds of Potter memorabilia that includes a series of magic wands. Some guests take their devotion to an extreme and we’ve heard of guests who have ridden the rides over 600 times in a year!

So all in all it’s been a fantastic year for Universal Orlando and for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter… it’ll be interesting to see how things develop in the next year.

Universal Orlando announced today that the blockbuster movie “Despicable Me” will become an attraction at its theme park. The park also announced high-tech enhancements are underway for its Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction.

The “Despicable Me” experience replaces the Jimmy Neutron attraction and will be the first-ever Universal animated film to be transformed into a theme park experience. The attraction will feature super villain Gru and his three adopted daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes as well as the minions.

Guests will embark on 3-D digital adventure with the characters as they descend into Gru’s secret lab.

Universal also announced the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction is getting a makeover.

The attraction at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will get an upgrade to all-new 4K high definition digital animation that will allow guests to experience details they’ve never been able to before – from the flames spewing from Hobgoblin’s pumpkins to the electricity arching through Electro’s body to the stitching on Spider-Man’s gloves.

Both attractions are scheduled to open in 2012 and are being developed by the same award-winning Universal Creative team that has brought all of Universal Orlando’s spectacularly themed attractions to life.  Both will utilize brand-new, highly sophisticated Infitec 3-D projection systems designed to make the experience sharper, clearer and more “real” than ever before.

DESPICABLE ME

With a worldwide gross of more than $540 million, 2010’s “Despicable Me,” from directors Chris Renaud & Pierre Coffin, is the sixth most successful film that Universal Pictures has ever distributed.  It is now the 10^th-biggest animated film in U.S. history.  The 3-D animated adventure thrilled audiences across the globe with its outrageous humor, endearing characters and compelling storyline – all of which guests will be able to experience exclusively at Universal Orlando in 2012.

“Despicable Me” will become the first-ever Universal animated film to be transformed into a theme park experience.  The Universal Creative team is working closely with producer Chris Meledandri, the founder of Illumination Entertainment, to create all-new animation for an all-new “Despicable Me” adventure that places guests right in the center of the action.

Gru, one of the world’s greatest super-villains, is bringing his high-tech empire – and his three adopted daughters – to Universal Studios, and he is looking for all the help he can get.  First, he will transform guests into an army of mischievous, scene-stealing minions.  Then he will train them.  And that kicks off an unforgettable ride experience that creates a hysterical mix of chaos and family fun.

Guests will:

• laugh as they embark on an entirely-new, high-tech 3-D digital adventure with their favorite characters from the film – Gru, daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes, and of course, Gru’s not-so-bright pit crew, the minions

• marvel as they explore Gru’s lair and descend into his secret lab

• shriek as the entire family is transformed into minions

• celebrate as they are swept into a first-ever, minion-inspired, interactive dance party where they can show off their best moves

“The ‘Despicable Me’ attraction is the latest example of how we tap into pop culture’s most compelling stories and turn them into extraordinary theme park entertainment,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative.  “This is a perfect fit for Universal Orlando, and we can’t wait to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to life.”

“As we write, design and animate our films at Illumination, it is our singular goal to bring to life endearing and, hopefully, enduring characters,” said Chris Meledandri.  “With the creation of next year’s ‘Despicable Me’ attraction at Universal Orlando, audiences will be able to immerse themselves in Gru’s world for many years to come.”

THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SPIDER-MAN

Already one of the most popular and innovative theme park attractions ever created, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal’s Islands of Adventure continues to raise the bar for theme park entertainment – combining advanced motion-based ride vehicles, 3-D digital film and live special effects to create an unparalleled ride experience.  It is widely acknowledged as one of the best theme park experiences in the world – and it’s about to get mind-blowingly better.

The newly reanimated, high-definition experience will unfold within the attraction’s towering visual spaces – taking on even larger than larger-than-life proportions.  The new digital animation – combined with the new Infitec system and new set enhancements – will transform what is already one of the most technologically advanced attractions ever created into what will feel like an all-new experience.

Facts about the enhanced ride experience:

• All-new digital animation done in 4K high definition – the highest HD resolution available
• The new HD animation will allow guests to experience details they’ve never been able to before – from the flames spewing from Hobgoblin’s pumpkins to the electricity arching through Electro’s body to the stitching on Spider-Man’s gloves.
• To take advantage of new HD clarity and detail, Universal Orlando is adding entirely new details to the film – and leaving it up to guests to find them.

Turns out butterbeer is just as popular with Muggles as with witches and wizards…not to mention Orlando area vacationers!

Universal Orlando officials said yesterday that the one-millionth mug of the delicious frothy, butterscotchy libation was sold over the holidays inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction… which is some feat considering it has only been open since last June!

The nonalcoholic drink, served cold or frozen, was inspired by the Harry Potter stories of J. K. Rowling,  whose characters regularly enjoyed a pint or two. Rowling approved the secret recipe for the butterbeer now served at the park.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, situated inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, has a been a sensation, boosting park attendance 36 percent in its first three months and regular two hour lines just to get into the section.

Here’s some video from the day I tried it out…

Universal Orlando has announced significant prices increases for two of its popular annual pass ticket choices. Orlando locals and frequent attendees to Universal’s parks can expect to pay $20 – $60 more per annual pass in the new year. The Power Pass, which does not include parking and features blackout dates, was $139.99 for Florida residents in 2010 and has risen by $20 to $159.99 in 2011.

Also added are several additional blackout weeks during the busy summer season at the Islands of Adventure theme park with the idea being  to limit attendance in the exceptionally busy Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which was overwhelmed with crowds in 2010.

The price of the Premier pass, which includes parking and features no blackout dates, has risen a whopping $60, from $289.99 for Florida residents to $349.99. This huge price increase is not unexpected given the popularity of the place since Potter opened but it’s still something of a risk for Universal to take and could well alienate the very people they rely on most during quieter seasons.

Universal Orlando’s Preferred pass remains unchanged in price and ss of today, renewal prices for the Premier and Power passes have not changed, remaining at $149.99 and $114.99 respectively but they could change at any moment. Passholders may renew up to 30 days prior to their pass expiration dates, so if you have a pass that expires within the next month, it might be a smart move to renew early and beat any potential price increases.

It;s interesting to see how Universal have moved to increase prices in this economy as  no additional benefits have been added to either pass. In fact, with the Power pass’s increased number of blackout dates, passholders will actually receive less for more money spent.

When you compare this to Walt Disney World, a Florida resident annual pass good for entrance into all of Disney’s Orlando theme parks with parking included costs $403.64, now just $53.65 more than Universal’s pass and Disney’s pass includes admission to four theme parks to Universal’s two.

If you average this out a new Florida resident annual pass for Disney’s parks averages out at $100.91 per park whereas Universal’s average is now $175 per park. It’s certainly a bold move for Universal to potentially price out their most loyal fans and we’ll just have to see how it all pans out.

Great news! For over 25 years vacation homes have been a viable alternative for visitors coming to the Orlando area to visit Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Orlando. Up to now, Disney has always tried to lure guests to stay on their property but finally, after a long long battle, they have finally admitted that vacation homes are here to stay and they must join the vacation rental industry by becoming a travel partner with area vacation home rental companies. It’s fantastic news as it finally gives real credibility to an industry that brings over $4.1 BILLION to the local Orlando economy.

Here’s a picture of  the web site announcing the news…

So now you know, vacation homes really are the best deal for families who are traveling to the Orlando / Disney area! Come and stay with us…

Christmas for some folks just isn’t the same without friends, family and the cold snowy weather blowing in the breeze. For other folks, those are all the reasons that they actually want to get away! That’s why Central Florida is the perfect place to visit during the holidays… because Orlando has a few tricks up its sleeve.

If you need snow and ice to feel like it’s the holidays, Orlando has you covered. Every holiday season Gaylord Palms brings their ICE! show to the Orlando / Kissimmee area and it literally is a winter wonderland of snow and ice.

There’s also Christmas caroling at Walt Disney World’s Epcot and the Singing Christmas Trees (shown above) will dazzle you with their beautiful display 250,000 lights as one of Central Florida’s most loved and spectacular traditions continue at First Baptist Church Orlando.

If you wander over to Universal Orlando you’ll be able to see Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure while Macy’s Holiday Parade is always popular at Universal Studios. From the moment you arrive at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, you’ll feel a wave of holiday spirit splash over you. Carols fill the air, a sparkling sea of trees lights up the water and skaters dance on ice. Here in the wintery, watery wonderland, you can journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express Experience, share a smile with a sea lion, and enjoy stunning live shows inspired by the natural world. With everything from elves to Elmo, and from Santa to Shamu, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made.

The “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” celebrates the festive moods of the season with dancing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, horse-drawn sleighs, enchanting floats and spirited characters all proceeding through the streets of the theme park in a merry and melodic cavalcade. Guests can get in the spirit by enjoying the “jaw dropping” spectacle of 200,000 twinkling white LED lights that adorn Cinderella Castle, as Disney’s newest holiday tradition, Castle Dreamlights and during “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” the radiant castle beams brightly as the evening is magically capped with festive fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes.

No holiday celebration would be complete without snow — even in Florida, where the weather outside is hardly frightful. At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party there is a 100 percent chance of flurries on Main Street, U.S.A each party night. And just in case the sight causes a chill: complimentary hot cocoa and cookies are served as the perfect trimming for a not-to-miss outing for the whole family.

Over at Epcot you can celebrate the holiday season with the characters, legends and lore from around the globe. Delight in wondrous tales and customs while experiencing the traditions of Walt Disney World® Resort. The signature events include a breathtaking Candlelight Processional and a special holiday-themed finale to the dazzling IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Ongoing holiday celebrations throughout the World Showcase featuring festive food, fun and entertainment from a variety of exciting cultures worldwide as well as the Nightly Candlelight Processional at the American Gardens Theatre. This is your chance to revel in the joy of the season as you listen to an unforgettable retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir.

There’s a lot going on during Christmas in Orlando and here’s one final place you must visit; Celebration Town center for their annual “Now Snowing” event. The event features strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, the Celebration Express, horse drawn carriage rides, and nightly snowfall.

So why not leave home this Christmas? If you’re looking for a real “Home Away From Home” with or without friends or family, then be sure to check out Florida Leisure Vacation Homes as they have all the trimmings of Christmas with your very own Christmas tree set up in your rental home.

New details are coming out from Disney just days after dramatic evidence from Universal’s  shows just how important it is for our theme parks to keep offering new attractions.

Universal Orlando has just posted their best quarterly results in the resort’s 20 year history, fueled by the power of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Attendance alone for the resort’s two theme parks soared upwards by 36% for the third quarter, going up to 3.7 million guests from 2.7 million in the third quarter 2009. If that wasn’t serious enough, revenue surged ahead by 62% to $364 million, allowing the operating profit to over double compared to last year.

So, it appears that Disney imagineers are attempting to breath life back into Pleasure Island. The buildings that once housed the adult-oriented clubs at Pleasure Island have sat empty for the last two years, but some small details of what’s coming can be found in a couple of building permits.

Disney this week filed a pair of permits signaling the start of new construction at Pleasure Island, a once-popular dining-and-dancing spot that has since become little more than a cut-through between the two retail ends of Downtown Disney.  The permits suggest that at least two old Pleasure Island venues, BET Soundstage and Adventurers Club, will be razed completely.

What’s more, Disney World President Meg Crofton last week publicly hinted that changes were imminent. In a ceremony honoring new Disney World ambassadors, Crofton listed the “reimagining of Downtown Disney” among a list of current construction projects at the resort, along with the Fantasyland expansion at the Magic Kingdom and a new hotel dubbed Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Currently, Disney has dressed up the area around the several vacant buildings with a giant Mickey Mouse pumpkin, but it’s hard to tell from documents what is planned and Disney will only officially say, “more shopping and dining establishments.”

Pleasure Island opened in May 1989. Disney completed some big renovations in 2006, but in September of 2008, they shut down all the night clubs to make the island more family oriented. Since the clubs closed on Sept. 27, 2008, the only notable new venue to be added at Pleasure Island is Paradiso 37, a Mexican and South American restaurant that opened in June 2009.

Disney has said in the past that it expects to complete its redevelopment of Pleasure Island by 2012 so we’ll continue to keep you updated on progress. It’s about time something was done because every time I’ve been there recently, it’s always been very very busy. .. and for Disney, that means they are leaving revenue on the table!

Here’s some video from a recent visit I made:

Had a lot of fun last night as I attended the AARP Orlando@50+ event at City Walk, Universal Orlando. No..I’m not quite at that mark yet but I’m not far away and it was good to get out and meet so many folks at the “Meet & Greet” evening.

The day began earlier as AARP members explored the theme parks at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. For many, it was the first time in Orlando and from what I heard, everyone really enjoyed their time. Of course, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was one of the main attractions and naturally I took some time to visit it myself.

I’ll not say anything about it for now, because I have a very special blog coming up soon as we have something to celebrate but all I’ll say is that it was terrific. Terrific is a word that could also be used to explain tonight’s event; plenty of food…and I mean plenty, lots of great people and some fabulous entertainment at the all the bars and clubs at CityWalk set the Orlando@50+ off to the right start.

I’m looking forward to the weekend…and here’s a quick video I filmed earlier…

Kissimmee Vacation Homes in Orlando

By Nigel G. Worrall

One of the most popular vacation destinations in the world is Orlando, Florida. A huge reason why so many people visit this part of the world is because of the Walt Disney World resort and its theme parks. Walt Disney World resort is the world’s largest recreational resort and is located in both Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee.

Kissimmee is located on the southern part of the Disney complex and it’s here that you’ll find most of the areas vacation rental homes.  There are many advantages for renting a vacation home in Kissimmee but number one amongst them is the ability to enjoy a luxurious yet affordable vacation. The second reason is the fact that you are just moments away from enjoying the Disney experience as well as all the other local theme parks such as Sea World and Universal Orlando, not to mention all the other attractions that the area has to offer.

A stay in a vacation home is simply a far more luxurious vacation than compared to staying in a hotel. The home is far more inviting and has much more space than the typical hotel room or suite. You can relax in private without worrying about noisy neighbors, you have your own private pool to splash around in and you have an element of privacy that you just can’t get at a hotel.

Most vacation rental homes are conveniently located in quiet residential communities but just moments from the main area theme parks.  A Kissimmee vacation home offers many perks that a hotel simply cannot. Things such as large screen TV’s, separate bedrooms, games rooms, home theaters, and two or maybe three large living areas top the list.

Cost is also a major consideration and if you are traveling with a large family then putting them up in several hotel rooms can get very expensive.  Depending on the size of your family, you can rent a house with three bedrooms, or more, for around the same price of one hotel room and it is certainly a far better option than trying to cram everyone in to one hotel room. Just imagine the convenience of not having to wait for your turn to use the bathroom or watching what someone else wants to watch on TV as vacation homes usually have TV’s in each bedroom.

One major drawback of hotels is the fact that most hotel pools are situated outside in the open air and that means you may soon be the target of annoying insects or bugs. Each vacation rental house comes with a screened in lanai and pool area that prevents annoying pests from attacking you and this means all the family can enjoy relaxing and unwinding in comfort.

A fully functioning kitchen is also another benefit of vacationing in a rental home. Going out for every meal soon gets tiring not to mention very expensive. Vacation homes give you far more options than a hotel with a solitary restaurant that opens when the hotel says it will open.  Naturally, you might fancy a lie in one morning and a kitchen allows you to eat what you want, when you want to eat it so there’s no missing breakfast. In fact, it’s just like being at home as you can get groceries from local stores and enjoy the feeling of being home away from home.

Vacation homes are also great places to come home to after a busy day at a theme park or visiting some local attraction. Sometimes you might just fancy a quiet night in and nothing can be better than ordering a pizza or cooking a sumptuous meal for the ones you love at the end of a busy day.  Each vacation home is usually equipped with everything you might need for cooking and baking and preparing a meal on vacation is just one way to involve the whole family and have some fun.

Talking of family fun, most vacation homes also have a whole host of amenities that include cable TV, DVD players, broadband internet, video game systems, pool tables and a whole lot more for all the family to enjoy. Sometimes you may find that you’ll just not want to go out and that you just want to enjoy a day at home. Vacation home rentals really do give you lots of space to move around and live in and it’s not uncommon to feel like a King or Queen in a palace when you take a vacation in a rental home.

In fact, those that choose to vacation this way rarely go back to hotels afterwards so if you haven’t stayed in a vacation home before, this really is something you need to look into before your next trip.