OI Universal Center updates: May 19 – 25, 2013
Greetings, vacation planners! Prepare to UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE to Universal Orlando with our Weekly Dispatch. This is a summary of all the latest Universal news and activity on our site. Please note that these updates are listed from newest to oldest:
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT – We’re expecting Transformers technical rehearsals to open to the public possibly any day now, including this weekend! You can learn all about the new attraction at Universal Studios Florida and find out how to be alerted when the ride opens by visiting our Transformers: The Ride page.
5/24 – Starting Saturday Annual Passholders are extended the benefit of Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter through September 2 (on-site hotel guests and vacation package guests always get this benefit). Learn so much more on our Universal Snapshot page.
5/24 – I wasn’t expecting this, but Universal’s official announcement yesterday of The Simpsons Springfield expansion drove our site to a new “busiest day ever” record of 21,444 pageviews. Our Simpsons coverage was also mentioned on several other sites such as PopWatch at EW.com and InsideTheMagic.net. Fans, thanks again for helping to define us as the world’s premier resource for Universal vacation planning!
5/23 – It’s official, and it’s unbelievable! After everything happening with Transformers and the colossal reveal of Diagon Alley, Universal made one more official announcement: The Simpsons expansion in Universal Studios Florida is set to bring Springfield to life this summer! Full details can be found on our Springfield page.
5/22 – Next Thursday, May 30, The Fixx will rock Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel, performing hits “One Thing Leads To Another,” “Are We Ourselves?,” “Saved By Zero,” “Red Skies,” “Secret Separation” and more! Find out more
5/20 – New this summer, Royal Pacific Resort has introduced a character breakfast every Sunday, May 26 through September 1. Families can enjoy traditional breakfast favorites with an island twist at Jake’s American Bar while Universal characters stop by for photos and unforgettable laughs. For pricing and reservations, call 407-503-DINE. Or you can learn more about Royal Pacific.
5/20 – Thanks to OI contributor Maureen we have our two Universal Orlando trip reports published for the month. To see what’s new and exciting at the parks, follow these links to the OI Blog: Universal Studios Florida (lots of construction updates) or Islands of Adventure (incredible photos of Hogsmeade Station). If you’d like to do more catching up, you can view all of our trip reports.
5/20 – Florida resident reminder: This week is the final week to purchase a “buy one day get the second day free” admission ticket for Universal Orlando. These promotional tickets must be purchase by Thursday, May 24 and used by Sunday, May 26. For more information on promotions, check out our Universal Snapshot page.
5/20 – ‘Tis the season for price increases at Universal: the 1-Park Meal Deal is now $24.99 (was $21.99) and the 2-Park Meal Deal is now $29.99 (was $25.99). If the park hours are long enough but the crowds aren’t too crazy, it can still be a good deal, but it is definitely not for everyone. Learn more about the plan and see photos of the food on our Meal Deal page.
New on the Orlando Informer Blog
Along with our encyclopedia of Universal Orlando vacation planning information, our weekly blog posts also provide you with an entertaining and informative way to learn more about everything there is to do in Orlando. Here are our new posts:
The Great American Theme Park Adventure: TODAY Show broadcasts live from Universal
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