The studio was used for filming popular shows on the network, such as Double Dare, Nickelodeon GAS, Guts, and Figure It Out. Other scripted shows were also filmed on the soundstages, such as All That, Clarissa Explains It All, and the first two seasons of Kenan and Kel. Later the area was expanded where Slime Time Live was filmed on an almost daily basis.

For all that attended Nickelodeon Studios when it was opened, children and adults alike loved it. The tour of the studios was a favorite and the possibility of being slimed had all of the children excited and on their toes. I was lucky enough to be a contestant on Slime Time Live when I was eight-years-old, and it is a memory I will never forget.

While I did not win the vote to be put in the chair to get slimed on national television, I was able to get slimed on the mini-game show hosted inside the studio tour.

Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Orlando: A history
In November of 1988, Nickelodeon joined up with Universal Studios and they began to break ground for the building of the Nickelodeon Studios. The construction was completed in June of the following year and filming began on the infamous Stage 21 for their first program filmed in Orlando, Super Sloppy Double Dare. When Universal Studios Florida opened their doors officially in June of 1990, Nickelodeon Studios welcomed the public. In October of 1990, the famous Slime Geyser was unveiled and officially opened. Minimal changes were made between then and 1999 except for some exterior changes to the building and additional shows being taped at the Studios.

By 1999, Universal was expanding to be more as a theme park than a film studio and no new shows were being taped in Orlando. New studios were being added in California and only a few shows were still being taped in Orlando. The studios had minimal finances at the time so many props had to be auctioned off and the studio tour went from a 45 minute long spectacle to a shorter version with less sets and interactivity. Slime Time Live was eventually cancelled in 2003 after a five year run and by 2004, only one show (U-Pick Live) was being filmed in Orlando. In the summer of 2004 they decided to add SPLAT!, which was the final show filmed at Nick Studios. In April of 2005, they did their last tour of the studios and Nickelodeon Studios officially closed. In September of 2006 it was announced that Blue Man Group would take over the former Nick Studios, and exactly 17 years after the Studios grand opening Blue Man Group held their first show.

Today, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort contains some of the last remnants of Nickelodeon in the Universal/Orlando area. The hotel hosts a Double Dare Live! show incorporating audience members described as, “Studio Nick’s modernized LIVE Double Dare combines the exhilaration of the Original Double Dare television show with our new twists and turns, provided by state-of-the-art technology, plus updated content incorporating pop culture like only the Nick Hotel can.”

The hotel also offers rooms decorated with Nickelodeon themes in the Suites. Character breakfasts are offered featuring SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and other well-known Nickelodeon characters. A favorite at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort is the daily “Orlando Mass Sliming” in which 400 gallons of slime are dumped from their lagoon slide tower directly onto their guests.

Why I’d love to see Nickelodeon Studios come back
Nickelodeon was such a huge network in the early 1990s and 2000s, and it still is a large enterprise today. While many of the original shows are no longer filmed and the network has moved in a very different direction than their original programming, they’re still a leader in the children’s television industry. The memories of the original Nickelodeon mixed with the contemporary Nickelodeon of today would set up a scenario that would be perfect for Universal. Taking a step into one of the best television channel’s background and learning about the television shows — and being part of them — is what Universal Studios Florida is all about! Bringing back Nickelodeon Studios would bring this happiness to a whole new generation of children.

There are many movements to bring back Nick Studios including several Facebook pages and petitions. Rumors have circulated over the years of plans to bring the Studios back but nothing has been confirmed — and with the way things look (with Blue Men having taken over the Studios and a lack of interest in the original Nickelodeon), it is doubtful that an entire film studio will reopen. Possibilities for bringing back a retro Nickelodeon themed area or ride is a popular topic of conversation, but nothing has been confirmed by Nickelodeon or Universal Orlando.

Here is one more video. It shows the entrance to Nick Studios while it was open and after it was replaced:

Do you think Nickelodeon has a place in Universal Orlando’s suddenly brighter-than-ever future? Let the world know in the comments below.

The post Why Nickelodeon needs to return to Universal appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Once your trip is over, you’re often left with the vacation blues, wishing you were back at Universal where you can “vacation like you mean it.” I am here to offer a solution to make the pain of being away from two of the best theme parks in the world a little less painful between trips.

One of my favorite parts of Universal/Islands is the music played within the parks. Universal generally plays music from the movies that they feature within their park. Islands takes things to an entirely different level by having their own soundtrack for each of their seven islands. I have been on a search for the music from within the parks for years. I wanted to have that magical feeling while away from what I consider to be my second home, but I found little to nothing on the internet for help. Recently, I dug a bit deeper to find out some information regarding the music played at Islands of Adventure.

In 1999, when Islands of Adventure opened its gates, along with it came a soundtrack featuring the music from each of its islands (prior to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, of course). There were two editions released: one which featured twenty songs, and a “special edition” (which came free if you purchased an annual pass) which featured only six songs.

In 2000, Universal re-released the longer edition with additional songs: “Island Skipper Tours,” “The Force of Storm,” “Seuss Landing Quartet,” and “The Flying Unicorn.”

When I heard about all of this, I instantly began searching for a copy for myself. I was wildly disappointed when the only copies I could find on eBay or Amazon started at $60. The soundtrack is not in iTunes and is not available for MP3 download. Digging a bit deeper, YouTube became my search engine, where the entire soundtrack was located. Twenty-four songs are featured on a playlist (23 from the 2000 release and one additional song that was cut from the original 1999 and Special Edition release), and while they may not be in order and a few are incorrectly named, it’s absolutely amazing. The music brings you back to Islands like nothing else can.

Here is a tune I bet you’ll recognize…

Photos may make you recall your trip, mementos bought in the park may remind you of your favorite ride, but the music makes you feel as though you are walking island to island without a care in the world.

To take a listen for yourself, here’s the full playlist.

Below are the playlists of each of the three soundtracks:

1999 Release
1. “The Call to Adventure / Main Theme” 2:50
2. “Confisco’s Grill” 3:22
3. “Ocean Trader Market” 2:47
4. “Welcome to Seuss Landing” 3:31
5. “The Cat in the Hat” 3:09
6. “Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-Pendous” 3:39
7. “The Lost City” 4:37
8. “Sinbad Bazaar” 2:56
9. “Merlin Woods Plaza” 4:22
10. “Jurassic Park Calypso” 2:54
11. “Camp Jurassic” 4:20
12. “Thunder Falls Terrace” 3:24
13. “Toon Walk” 4:04
14. “The Wacky World of Jay Ward” 3:23
15. “Popeye’s Sweethaven” 2:13
16. “The Funny Business” 2:00
17. “Marvel SuperHero Island Main Street” 2:47
18. “Doctor Doom” 2:31
19. “Banner’s Science Park” 2:07
20. “The Adventure Lives On” 3:39

1999 Special Edition Release
1. “The Call to Adventure / Main Theme” 2:50
2. “The Cat in the Hat” 3:09
3. “Sindbad Bazaar” 2:56
4. “Jurassic Park Calypso” 2:53
5. “The Funny Business” 2:00
6. “Banner Science Park” 2:06

Additional songs added to the 2000 release
“The Flying Unicorn” 2:35
“The Force of Storm” 2:43
“Seuss Landing Quartet” 2:21
“Skipper Island Tours” 3:26
(“The Funny Business” was cut from this soundtrack)

I have listened to the playlist at least 10 to 15 times after discovering it. My personal favorite is “The Call to Adventure,” which is the main theme of Islands when you walk in, but the entire CD is phenomenal. While I may not be paying $60 for my own copy, I’m sure to be asking for one for an upcoming birthday or holiday.

If you are interested in buying a copy and want a specific one, be wary! Be sure to double-check with the seller which edition they are selling and how many songs are featured on the disc. You don’t want to be disappointed if you are expecting 20 to 23 songs and the six-song edition arrives. Also, always keep an eye out for additional copies added to eBay and Amazon, as I have seen many copies taken down/added within the past few weeks. Enjoy!

What’s your favorite song or piece of music from Universal? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

The post The soundtrack to your adventure appeared first on Orlando Informer.

But while all of these new additions are surely amazing, many fans are looking back to the past to remember where it all started. Today I’m going to let you know about my Universal memorabilia that keeps the memories alive and how you can get your own.

Blast from Universal Orlando’s past
My favorite piece of Universal memorabilia is a poster advertising the Universal parks.

The photo features King Kong, Back to the Future, E.T., and JAWS, with the Universal arch beneath King Kong. On the bottom are original (and only slightly water stained) coupons for Universal Studios Hollywood, advertisements for their movies on videocassette, and advertising that Universal Studios Florida is “Now Open in Orlando!” I proudly framed the poster and hung it on my wall.

My other favorite piece of Universal history is a pennant flag advertising for Kongfrontation, with a large photo of King Kong grabbing the tram of people with “Universal Studios Florida” written on the side.

When searching online for historical pieces, much of the search results are generally little things such as old pins from the park and park maps from over the years. While this may mean little to some, it can mean a lot to Universal’s biggest fans.

Commonly listed are pins from rides that have closed (such as Back to the Future, Jaws, or Jimmy Neutron), and older maps that feature these closed rides. For someone who has a favorite ride that has unfortunately closed, this memory can bring them back to when these rides were still operating. I am lucky enough to own an original map from when Universal opened in 1990.

The cover features the archway that you walk through upon entering Universal Studios Florida and titles it the “Official Studio Guide”. We’re then introduced to the park with a statement that still gives me goosebumps:

Dear Guest,

Welcome to the largest film and television studio outside of Hollywood – over $600,000,000 and 444 acres of motion pictures magic.

Here you take a journey like none other. Into the most advanced, state-of-the-art production facilities and soundstages in the industry. Into the fantasies of the most imaginative creators in film and TV history. Right into the heart of one of the busiest studios on earth.

Here you don’t just watch the movies. You live them. Every thrilling, heart-warming, spine-tingling minute of them – right along-side the biggest stars of all time.

But the real star is you. This is your day to shine, to soar, to make movie magic and motion picture history.

This guide is your script. Play it any way you like. And experience a day like none you can remember at a place you’ll never forget.

Even though I love the Universal of today, I can’t help but feel that it has lost some of its class and mystique, as the role of motion pictures and TV on-site has given way to thrill rides (as amazing as those rides may be).

Back to the map: the difference between this original edition and the maps of today – except for the ride differences, of course – is the fact that this map is nearly twenty pages long featuring full-length descriptions of each ride, restaurant, and shop on property. An example of these descriptions:

Back To The Future: Coming 1991. Buckle up! Doc Brown’s climbing, diving wonder car blasts you into the past. Rockets you into the future. And hurls you on an unbelievable 21,000,000 Jigawatt adventure that spans one million years and makes other thrill rides seem tame!

Rides from this map include Kongfrontation, The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera, and shops include The Bates Motel Gift Shop, Animal House, Back to the Future Gifts, and Ghostbusters Paranormal Merchandise. This map provides a look back into Universal’s past and where it began, showing how far it has come today and how much has truly changed over the years.

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Also found commonly online are things from the original opening of Islands of Adventure. One of my favorite items (that I just purchased for myself!) is a medallion/coin celebrating the grand opening of Islands.

On the front is the Islands logo with “Grand Opening – Summer of 1999” and the back features a collage of some of the favorite rides from Islands (former Dueling Dragons, now Dragon Challenge, Dr. Doom’s Fearfall, Jurassic Park, etc.). If you’re lucky, you can also find the Islands of Adventure grand opening CD which features songs from all of the islands.

Are you a fan of Universal’s annual events? That’s great, because you can find merchandise from all of their celebration without actually being at the theme parks. You’ll find t-shirts, pins, cups, and more from all of the celebrations. Currently there is a lot from Halloween Horror Nights, including maps and t-shirts, and a few Mardi Gras items, including beaded necklaces and light up drink cups. If you’re lucky you can also find a few interesting/rarer items within your searches such as 3D glasses from past Halloween Horror Nights or older pins from the opening of restaurants or rides.

Find your own piece of Universal Orlando history
I love remembering what Universal was while on its journey to see what it becomes. Living hundreds of miles from Orlando, there is no way to find any Universal memorabilia up here, so I turn to the Internet. The best way to find memorabilia is to go to eBay. There are many people (some past employees, for example) who are selling pieces of Universal’s history. Upon typing in, “Universal Studios Orlando” into the search bar, hundreds and thousands of results appear. To find just the memorabilia, on the left side of the screen is the option “historical memorabilia”, which you can click to narrow down the search results. In this section, you usually can hit gold and find what you are looking for.

Generally, many of these incredible items are not wanted by the public. Either they are not looking or not interested, but this definitely benefits the rest of us! The prices range depending on the rarity and type of the item, but most of the pins are usually $15 and under, t-shirts generally range from $10 – $30, and maps can be anywhere from $5 – $25.

I am continuously looking for things to add to my collection, and even though there may not be a lot of items up on any given day, keep checking back! Items are added on a daily/weekly basis — you never know what you’ll be lucky enough to find.

Happy hunting!

Have your own favorite piece of Universal history? Show it off below.

The post A stroll down Universal’s memory lane appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Let’s get right into it.

The Orlando Eye opens
After months of watching The Orlando Eye develop and grow to its full 400-foot height, James Paulding of Merlin Entertainments proudly revealed the date that the giant Ferris wheel, Madame Tussauds, and Sea Life Aquarium will be open to the public: “We are thrilled to announce the May 4 grand opening of the newest additions to Central Florida, rounding out Orlando’s world-class offerings!”

Merlin operates over 100 attractions worldwide (along with several associated hotels), 24 of which are located in North America, including Central Florida’s Legoland park. Their contributions to I-Drive 360 may be among the most creative and ambitious endeavors to hit Orlando’s tourist corridor, and anticipation has been building throughout The Orlando Eye’s construction.

Experiencing I-Drive 360 early
Sea Life and Madame Tussauds are located at the base of The Orlando Eye, within the “Terminal Building,” which will also be home to the pre-flight 4D experience that offers an exciting build-up to the ride on the observation wheel.

Additionally, the Terminal Building will contain a food court, wine bar, gift shops, and more.

It’s easy to imagine the complete, inclusive experience offered within The Orlando Eye complex – not to mention I-Drive 360 neighbors such as Skeletons, Sugar Factory, McFadden’s, Cowgirls Rockbar, and more.

Keep in mind that Skeletons will be opening its doors on April 25, providing an excellent excuse for an advance visit to the site. And I-Drive 360 is already fast becoming a hotspot for dining and nightlife even before the attractions are actively attracting, thanks to Carrabba’s, Tin Roof, Outback Steakhouse, and Yard House, all of which have already opened their doors.

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Continue onto the second page to take the photo tour of Madame Tussauds.[page]A photo tour of Madam Tussauds
At yesterday’s media event, guests were offered a preview tour of Madame Tussauds, where many of the location’s wax figures have already found placement among themed rooms with vibrant backdrops and carefully designed settings.

The first figure to greet guests at the media event, Neil Patrick Harris, was unveiled at the end of the press conference.

Upon entering Tussauds, guests are transported to the earliest days of Florida, where they meet Ponce de Leon. This scene sets the stage for the fully-immersive experience; cannon blasts and smoke effects provide an authentic glimpse into life aboard the first ships to discover Florida’s coastline.

The historical journey continues in full patriotic fashion with visits from Uncle Sam and Abraham Lincoln.

Apparently, we’re still waiting for Neil Armstrong to make his way back from his moon mission.

But in the meantime, we can still tip our hat to iconoclastic leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Barack Obama.

Creative inventors and visionaries are memorialized, much like their life-changing contributions, which are a fixture in our daily lives.

Not the least of the historical tributes, Madame Tussaud herself has found a modern home here in Orlando.

The sports room features some of the most accomplished athletes representing most every sport in the playbook.

Perhaps the most impressive, detailed figure to take note of, Shaquille O’Neal strikes a pose that only he could accomplish – in dramatic fashion.

The music room highlights talented performers from various eras and genres, from pop starlets to a pair of kings.

Television and film stars are set in positions related to their most familiar scenes. Turn the tables as you interview Oprah, or join the fashionable Sofia Vergara on the set of Modern Family.

Then stroll through timeless classics as you greet Marilyn Monroe or enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Audrey Hepburn.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to Steven Spielberg, who proudly keeps watch over the Jurassic Park and E.T. sets.

If you haven’t had your fill of celebrity sightings, the Red Carpet awaits, where Selena Gomez and Taylor Lautner greet you (and the paparazzi).

And, of course, you’ll want to attend the “after party” in the A-List Room, where some of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars are simply hanging out, waiting to mingle. One has to wonder how Jennifer Aniston feels being only a few feet away from Brangelina!

The details
Tickets are already on sale for May 4 and beyond on the official Orlando Eye website (OfficialOrlandoEye.com). Ticket prices are as follows:

• One attraction: $25 for adults/$20 for children (12 and under)
• Two attractions: $39 for adults/$34 for children (12 and under)
• Three attractions: $49 for adults/$44 for children (12 and under)
• Three attractions and LEGOLAND Florida: $99 for adults/$94 for children (12 and under)

If you’d like the chance to catch a sneak peek before May 4, subscribe to the attractions’ newsletters (OfficialOrlandoEye.com, MadameTussauds.com/Orlando or VisitSeaLife.com/Orlando). A special, limited preview event is scheduled to take place May 1 through 3, and will only be made available to a limited number of subscribers.

Will I-Drive 360 live up to the hype? Sound off in the comments below.

Planning a vacation to Orlando?
Want to skip all the work and just price out a vacation to Universal Orlando? We’ll find the best deals for you – for free (seriously.) Learn more, or check out some of the current deals:

• – Halloween Horror Nights 25 Hotel & Ticket Vacation Packages
  – Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Packages
  – 2-Park Getaway at Universal Orlando

  About the Author Dawn is a transplanted Texan that discovered her passion for Orlando just as she was planning to return to the Lone Star State. A former Magic Kingdom Cast Member and longtime Disney Annual Passholder, she considers the Disney parks and resorts to be her backyard playground. After 20 years covering music and television, Dawn is now focusing her quirky perspectives on Florida’s attractions. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. More articles by Salina

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When you purchase tickets to Blue Man Group, you will be offered an additional opportunity to participate in a VIP experience entitled the Bluephoria Lounge.

This experience is not very well known to many guests, but is an amazing experience that should not be missed when attending a BMG show. For just an additional $20 per person (in addition to show admission), you gain access to the Bluephoria Lounge 45 minutes before the doors open for the general audience. You meet with a Bluephoria member at the bottom of the stairs on the outside of the Blue Man performance center, provide your tickets and in exchange get a wristband.

The wristband entitles you to two drinks in the Lounge (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), which is an incredibly relaxing environment. Alcoholic drink options include mixed drinks with vodka, tequila, and rum, and a selection of beers and wines. The Bluephoria Lounge also offers non-alcoholic options such as juice, soda, and water.

When you enter Bluephoria you immediately see the neon colored pipes on the ceiling, the entire room is tinted blue, and you are welcomed by a bartender (the drinks are delicious!).

While relaxing in the Lounge, you can either stay inside and watch a behind-the-scenes video detailing the original Blue Man Group, how they were formed, what their original intentions were, or you can choose to go outside to a makeshift patio that provides a great view of Universal Studios Florida, the Hard Rock Café, and the back of Islands of Adventure (where you can see some awesome props that are not in use).

Most people opt to have one drink while in the Bluephoria Lounge and then head into the show with their other drink.

While some who purchase the Bluephoria Experience think that those are the only benefits they receive, there’s even more. After the show is over, while flocks of people are rushing to the lobby in an attempt to meet a Blue Man, with your Bluephoria wristband you get to head right back up to the Lounge where you will get a Blue Man all to yourself. Within ten minutes after the show ends, one of the Blue Man comes up the elevator into the Lounge to ‘sign’ autographs and take photos. You also get a free Blue Man photo, which the Blue Man will stick some of his own blue paint on.

I was lucky enough to receive a one-of-a-kind painting from the Blue Men during their show, which was kissed by the Blue Man who came up to the Lounge after the show. They will hang around for a good period of time to take photos, providing an unforgettable experience. Drinks are available for purchase before the show (in addition to your two free drinks), but limited after the show. We stayed in the Bluephoria Lounge for about fifteen minutes after the show without any problems, and when we left, there were still a good number of people heading in, leading me to believe that the Lounge will be open for at least thirty minutes after each show.

Drink prices ranged from $6-10 per drink (for alcoholic options) in the Bluephoria Lounge, so the ticket nearly pays for itself just in the two drinks. But In addition to the free drinks, you are provided with early access, a souvenir, and a one-on-one meet and greet opportunity with a Blue Man that generally would not happen otherwise!

This experience is one I will not be forgetting anytime soon, and it is one that guests should not skip to get a full Blue Man experience.

The Bluephoria Lounge VIP pass can be purchased by visiting the BMG Box Office or calling (800) BLUE MAN. To learn more about CityWalk, check out our OI Blog archive, or discuss with friends in the OI Forums.

Blue Man Group Bluephoria Lounge – photo gallery

Click any image to view it full-screen. When the full-screen image is open, click to the right or use the right arrow on your keyboard to advance through the gallery.

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The post Blue Man Group Bluephoria Lounge: Experience VIP treatment and a best-kept secret at Universal appeared first on Orlando Informer.

The studio was used for filming popular shows on the network such as Double Dare, Nickelodeon GAS, Guts, and Figure It Out. Other scripted shows were also filmed on the soundstages such as All That, Clarissa Explains It All, and the first two seasons of Kenan and Kel. Later the area was expanded where Slime Time Live was filmed on an almost daily basis.

For all that attended Nickelodeon Studios when it was opened, children and adults alike loved it. The tour of the studios was a favorite and the possibility of being slimed had all of the children excited and on their toes. I was lucky enough to be a contestant on Slime Time Live when I was eight years old, and it is a memory I will never forget.

While I did not win the vote to be put in the chair to get slimed on national television, I was able to get slimed on the mini game show hosted inside the studio tour.

Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Orlando: A history

In November of 1988, Nickelodeon joined up with Universal Studios and they began to break ground for the building of the Nickelodeon Studios. The construction was completed in June of the following year and filming began on the infamous Stage 21 for their first program filmed in Orlando, Super Sloppy Double Dare. When Universal Studios Florida opened their doors officially in June of 1990, Nickelodeon Studios welcomed the public. In October of 1990, the famous Slime Geyser was unveiled and officially opened. Minimal changes were made between then and 1999 except for some exterior changes to the building and additional shows being taped at the Studios.

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By 1999, Universal was expanding to be more as a theme park than a film studio and no new shows were being taped in Orlando. New studios were being added in California and only a few shows were still being taped in Orlando. The studios had minimal finances at the time so many props had to be auctioned off and the studio tour went from a 45 minute long spectacle to a shorter version with less sets and interactivity. Slime Time Live was eventually cancelled in 2003 after a five year run and by 2004, only one show (U-Pick Live) was being filmed in Orlando. In the summer of 2004 they decided to add SPLAT!, which was the final show filmed at Nick Studios. In April of 2005, they did their last tour of the studios and Nickelodeon Studios officially closed. In September of 2006 it was announced that Blue Man Group would take over the former Nick Studios, and exactly 17 years after the Studios grand opening Blue Man Group held their first show.

Today, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort contains some of the last remnants of Nickelodeon in the Universal/Orlando area. The hotel hosts a Double Dare Live! show incorporating audience members described as, “Studio Nick’s modernized LIVE Double Dare combines the exhilaration of the Original Double Dare television show with our new twists and turns, provided by state-of-the-art technology, plus updated content incorporating pop culture like only the Nick Hotel can.”

The hotel also offers rooms decorated with Nickelodeon themes in the Suites. Character breakfasts are offered featuring SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and other well-known Nickelodeon characters. A favorite at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort is the daily “Orlando Mass Sliming” in which 400 gallons of slime are dumped from their lagoon slide tower directly onto their guests.

Why I’d love to see Nickelodeon Studios come back

Nickelodeon was such a huge network in the early 1990’s and 2000’s, and it still is a large enterprise today. While many of the original shows are no longer filmed and the network has moved in a very different direction than their original programming, they’re still a leader in the children’s television industry. The memories of the original Nickelodeon mixed with the contemporary Nickelodeon of today would set up a scenario that would be perfect for Universal. Taking a step into one of the best television channel’s background and learning about the television shows — and being part of them — is what Universal Studios Florida is all about! Bringing back Nickelodeon Studios would bring this happiness to a whole new generation of children.

There are many movements to bring back Nick Studios including several Facebook pages and petitions. Rumors have circulated over the years of plans to bring the Studios back but nothing has been confirmed — and with the way things look (with Blue Men having taken over the Studios and a lack of interest in the original Nickelodeon), it is doubtful that an entire film studio will reopen. Possibilities for bringing back a retro Nickelodeon themed area or ride is a popular topic of conversation, but nothing has been confirmed by Nickelodeon or Universal Orlando.

Here is one more video. It shows the entrance to Nick Studios while it was open and after it was replaced:

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If you have memories you’d like to share, please leave a comment below! Or, read more blog posts about Universal Orlando’s history.

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The post Nickelodeon Studios at Universal Orlando: A cherished history & our hope for its return appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Please keep in mind that my blog post is meant to be a helpful overview of what’s available for older adults at Universal Orlando. For any specific health concerns or restrictions, view Universal’s health restrictions by clicking here (PDF file) or contact Guest Services.

Universal Studios Florida for older adults

My grandparents can walk short distances, but walking around a theme park is a no-go for them. With bad knees and back pain, wheelchairs and electronic convenience vehicles (ECVs) are necessary on our vacations. At Universal Studios Florida you have a better chance of being able to do more because of the lower impact of the rides, since Universal Studios has fewer thrills rides and more shows and other attractions than Islands of Adventure. Rides that are great for the older adult and easily accessible if in a wheelchair include Shrek 4-D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Twister, and Terminator 2: 3D. Shrek, Terminator, and Despicable Me can also accommodate with non-moving seats, or stationary platforms, while Twister is a standing attraction in which wheelchairs are welcome. For the thrill-seeking grandparent who is able to ride higher impact rides, The Simpsons Ride, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack, and Disaster are fun and interactive, but be warned that these do have special effects including spinning and fast movements, which may not settle well.

Universal advertises that guests can stay in their wheelchairs throughout the experiences at: Shrek 4-D, Twister, MEN IN BLACK, E.T. Adventure, Terminator 2: 3D, Disaster, Fievel’s Playland, and Curious George Goes to Town . While I do not personally recommend all of these for my own grandparents, having this knowledge in your back pocket may come in handy for the daring older adult.

As I mentioned above, Universal Studios Florida also offers an array of shows in which special wheelchair areas are designated and easy to get to, such as Fear Factor Live, Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue, Animal Actors on Location, and the Universal Horror Make-up Show. These all offer great entertainment; in particular, my grandparents thoroughly enjoyed Animal Actors and the Horror Make-up Show right from their wheelchairs/ECVs.

Islands of Adventure for older adults

Islands of Adventure, the more “thrill ride” filled of the two parks, is more of a struggle when traveling with older adults. However, even though it may offer less accessible-friendly attractions, I definitely recommend still having them go! Rides in which guests are allowed to stay in their wheelchairs include Cat in the Hat, Caro-Seuss-el, Camp Jurassic, and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. This is not a large array of rides for the older adult, but Islands of Adventure can still be a full experience. Traveling from island to island with the scene and musical changes is enough of an experience to allow for a great time. My grandparents thoroughly enjoyed seeing the reactions of their grandchildren loading off the high-speed rides and taking photos while enjoying the different foods and décor of each island.

My grandfather is able to walk a bit more than my grandmother, who did not leave her wheelchair when inside the parks. At Islands of Adventure my grandfather joined us on Jurassic Park River Adventure, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, and Flight of the Hippogriff, all of which also offer specially designed vehicles for easy transfers from wheelchair to vehicle. While these rides are definitely a bit higher impact, my grandfather was still able to enjoy them since they are not as intense as some of the larger roller coasters or high-speed attractions. Additionally, one of his favorites (though full of spins) was the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. And even though guests in wheelchairs cannot ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, keep in mind that they are more than welcome to take a tour through Hogwarts Castle, which both of my grandparents enjoyed.

Islands of Adventure offers a lot of amazing shows with handicapped seating or lower levels, so there is not a lot of walking. Some of the shows include Poseidon’s Fury, The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad and Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear.

Additional accessibility concerns

For grandparents who use oxygen tanks, these accessories are unfortunately not allowed on many attractions. The exceptions include Shrek 4-D, Terminator 2: 3-D, Curious George Goes to Town, Fievel’s Playland (except the waterslide), and Despicable Me. My grandfather is also hard of hearing, but Universal is very helpful in this field. Many of the queues are equipped with amplified audio for assistive listening along with many attractions, some of which include Cat in the Hat, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Twister, Men in Black Alien Attack, and Terminator 2: 3-D. This is also offered at many of the shows. Captioning in the queues is offered by request through the use of personal transmitters and scripts outlining the dialogue of many attractions are offered at Guest Services. Along with these options, Sign Language interpreting is available at both parks free of charge. The show schedules provided at the front gates of the parks note which times and shows this is offered at.

A vacation destination for all ages

While every case is different and accessibility ranges widely, grandparents and older adults can definitely still enjoy a trip to Universal Orlando. Accommodations are made within both of the theme parks for those who need wheelchairs or ECVs (note that ECVs are not allowed in line queues), and for those who just prefer lower impact attractions, there is a wide variety at Universal Studios Florida and Islands offers great shows. At the end of the day, Universal Orlando is a vacation destination for all ages, and team members are always willing to help for those who have special accommodations or preferences.

For those who would like to learn more about visiting Universal Orlando, including descriptions, photos, and videos of each attraction, please visit the OI Universal Center. If you would like to learn about Universal’s Attraction Assistance Pass, which can be used by qualifying guests to bypass longer lines, visit the Attraction Assistance & Guest Assistance Passes page. Finally, our Special Needs Are Universal blog series can also answer many of your questions.

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Many of us also fondly remember co-host Jonah Travick (@thisBeJonah), an integral, hilarious part of the broadcast. Jonah was best known for being the quirky and comedic part of the host trio, which also included Dave Aizer and Jessica Holmes.

Recently, I caught up with Jonah to recall some of his favorite memories about Slime Time Live and Universal Studios Florida, and to find out what he has been up to since his days of sliming and pieing.

What is your most-missed memory of working on Slime Time Live?

The kids and families literally begging, even offering money, for us to pie or slime their kids. Sometimes parents wanted to be slimed and pied! There were even a few celebrities that were pied or slimed by their kids, even though they were not mentioned by name on air.

I wanted to yell “Babba Boey!” so bad live on the air when we slimed and pied Gary Dell’Abate from The Howard Stern Show, but the producers wouldn’t let me. He even talked about it the next week on Howard Stern.

Was there one specific show or guest that you enjoyed the most?

The most memorable guest impressions I have were from the ones that I had the opportunity to socialize with behind the scenes and between takes. The guests that were really down-to-Earth and would share great stories and moments included Dana Carvey, Robin Williams, Ziggy Marley (son of Bob Marley), and David Arquette. They were very laid-back and cool. Jerry O’Connell and Anthony Anderson were just a riot and out of control!

Do you still keep in touch with Dave and Jessica at all?

Yes! Dave and Jessica will be lifelong friends of mine. We were all very close. We are still friends with many of the crew, as well. Dave and I see each other more often and have even worked together on recent television projects since he is still living in Florida. Jessica, however, is in Los Angeles, so I only see her if I go to LA.

What was your favorite part about working at Universal Studios? Did you guys ever get to go into the park before opening or after closing to enjoy the rides?

Yes, we did! One of the many great perks at the time, especially since we had assigned parking right next to the soundstage. I could park and literally be just yards from the park. Our studio is now the home of Blue Man Group. Our parking was right there!

Do you still visit Universal?

Yes, my sister and daughter both work at Universal, so I get tickets from them, and there has been a few times that I have been on the backlot working on various production projects.

Do you prefer Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure?

Universal… I still have a thing for movie-based rides.

What was your favorite ride when you worked at Universal? Has it changed with the large expansions since then?

My favorite ride was Back to the Future, which is still my all-time favorite movie. That is the movie that made me want to be a filmmaker. The ride spot is now a Simpsons-themed ride.  I rode it a few months ago and, as the nerd I am, spent most of the time looking for aspects of the ride that came from the original Back to the Future ride. I will say Spider-Man and Transformers, though, are pretty darn amazing. I think for the overall “fun factor,” Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the most fun of them all.

I was lucky enough to meet you when I was eight and on Slime Time Live. Do you still get stopped by people who remember you from the show?

Not so much anymore, now that I have aged 10 years and gained 10 pounds, but it happens sometimes when I meet people and they make the connection when they hear my name. I am a video producer now, and once, when I was shooting a golf promo, one of the young golf instructors on set heard my name when we were introduced, he made the connection. He said he was a huge fan of me and the show. To meet this twenty-something-year-old man, who said he was a fan when he was a “kid,” that really made me feel old, but it is a nice feeling to know you had that type of influence on someone’s life, and they remember you years later by name.

I have also had a few people find me on Twitter and Facebook. They post photos they have of me with them as kids, and that’s always a hit with me! We took hundreds of photos and signed autographs each day after the show with people from all over the country.  It’s mind-boggling to imagine how many family vacation photo albums I appear in. Remember photo albums?

What are you up to now?

I am a digital media producer now, and I specialize in video promos and commercials. I travel the state and the country doing projects. I am truly blessed to make a living at doing what is essentially my hobby and what I have always dreamed of doing. I also am producing an episodic series that is now in post-production, currently without a title. I’m very excited for everyone to see it once it is done!

Important question: sliming or pieing?

Hmmmm… I got them both several times a day for four years. They are both just as messy and sticky. However, anyone can make a pie at home and throw it in your face. There’s something special about being slimed with genuine Nickelodeon slime made personally by our resident Gak-Meister!

Anything else you’d like to add?

My time on Slime Time Live was the most amazing time of my life. I never intended to be a television personality, but I am forever thankful that the producers at Nickelodeon gave me that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m rich with memories that, honestly, I can’t even put the feeling in words. I wish I had a digital camera or smart phone back then.  My only regret is not taking enough pictures.

Thanks to the wonderful Jonah Travick for taking time out of his busy schedule to conduct this interview and share some of his favorite memories about Universal Studios Florida and Slime Time Live. To keep up on what Jonah is up to, follow him on Twitter at @thisBeJonah.

You can view more blog posts about Universal’s history, or you can start planning your next visit right now.

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The post Talking Slime Time Live with Jonah Travick: Sliming, pieing & Gak-filled laughs at Universal’s Nickelodeon Studios appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Upon stepping foot into Giordano’s, I felt as though I was in an authentic Italian restaurant. The menu comes and then the decisions begin. Are you looking for a thin pizza or their famous Chicago style deep dish pizza? For us, we went with the deep dish option and never looked back. While it may take 30 – 40 minutes for the pizza to cook, the wait is entirely worth it.

To the table was delivered what looked to be a small pizza, but the pizza was legitimately at least two and half to three inches thick. The sauce is on the top of the pie instead of the cheese and you’re left wondering what the chef did wrong and where your toppings may be. Cut into triangles and the ooey gooey cheese stretches for what seems like miles and there you are, left looking at this delicious slice of pizza with the sauce on top, thick cheese, and crunchy crust. Your mouth begins to water as you take your first bite of Giordano’s pizza, and you’ll never want to return home.

Giordano’s offers an array of toppings for their pizza (which are more of a filling, with the sauce on top, they put the toppings beneath the cheese) including traditional pepperoni, sausage, and veggies, to more unique options such as balsamic onions and pesto chicken. They also have special pizzas with predetermined topping combinations for the less creative including ‘super veggie’ and ‘meat and more meat’. While I cannot personally comment on their thin crust pizza (if you can, I say you shouldn’t have gone to Giordano’s!), many of my travel companions have enjoyed it saying the crust is deliciously thin and crispy.

After a long day at the parks and a very hungry stomach, you may be considering what size to order. Is their small (which the menu states will feed two people) enough? Even with big eaters, the small pie comes with six slices of their thick cheesy pizza, and let me tell you, it’s enough. I cannot eat more than two slices of the pie, but always consider that the leftover slices are delicious the next morning in your hotel room microwave!

On top of just pizza, Giordano’s has an extensive menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, full meals and their newest addition to their menu, hand stretched flatbreads. Favorites from each of these sections include the cheesy garlic bread (boy is it cheesy!), the classic Caesar salad, tomato and mozzarella sandwich, Giordano’s chicken parmesan, and their chicken pesto flatbread. I honestly have never had anything bad from Giordano’s. The food arrives in a timely fashion, presented beautifully, and always warm. Giordano’s also offers a nice selection of wines and beers to relax after a long day in the parks. For the little ones, they also have a kids menu with pizza, noodles with butter, and spaghetti options, drink included.

Once you return home from your trip, you may be jonesing for a slice of that delicious thick pizza and may be fretting that you won’t be able to have it again until you return back to the Orlando area or make the trip to Chicago. Not to fear! Giordano’s ships their deep dish pizzas nationwide. The prices are a little steep since they send it overnight in dry ice to keep freshness, but the result is entirely worth it. Giordano’s recently just decreased their overnight shipping prices where you can get one deep dish for $44.99 (including shipping), two for $57.99, or a four pack for $82.99. If you’ve never been to Giordano’s you may think these prices are crazy, but once you’ve sunk your teeth into a slice, you’ll be ordering up right when you get home. They also do special occasion pizzas such as their heart shaped pizza for Valentine’s Day which can also be shipped.

Giordano’s has three locations in the Orlando area, one near Disney on S. Apopka Vineland Road in Lake Buena Vista, one near Universal on W. Sand Lake Road in Orlando, and another on Irlo Bronson Highway in Kissimmee. I have proudly been to all three locations and have never had a complaint.

Giordano’s Pizza (near Universal) – map & links

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Official website: http://giordanos.com

Ship a pizza: http://giordanos.com/shop/

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One of my favorite parts of Universal/Islands is the music played within the parks. Universal generally plays music from the movies that they feature within their park. Islands takes things to an entirely different level by having their own soundtrack for each of their six islands. I have been on a search for the music from within the parks for years. I wanted to have that magical feeling while away from what I consider to be my second home, but I found little to nothing on the Internet for help. Recently I dug a bit deeper to find out some information regarding the music played at Islands of Adventure.

In 1999, when Islands of Adventure opened its gates, along with it came a soundtrack featuring the music from each of its islands (prior to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter). There were two editions released, one which featured twenty songs and another ‘Special Edition’ (which came free if you purchased an annual pass) which featured only six songs.

In 2000, Universal re-released the longer edition with additional songs:  Island Skipper Tours, The Force of Storm, Seuss Landing Quartet, and The Flying Unicorn.

When I heard about all of this, I instantly began searching for a copy for myself. I was wildly disappointed when the only copies I could find on eBay or Amazon started at $60. The soundtrack is not in iTunes and is not available for MP3 download. Digging a bit deeper, YouTube became my search engine where the entire soundtrack was located. Twenty-four songs are featured on a playlist (twenty-three from the 2000 release and one additional song that was cut from the original 1999 and Special Edition release), and while they may not be in order and a few are incorrectly named, it’s absolutely amazing. The music brings you back to Islands like nothing else can. Here is a tune I bet you’ll recognize…

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Photos may make you recall your trip, mementos bought in the park may remind you of your favorite ride, but the music makes you feel as though you are walking island to island without a care in the world.

To take a listen for yourself, here’s the full playlist.

Below are the playlists of each of the three soundtracks:

1999 Release:
1. “The Call to Adventure / Main Theme” 2:50
2. “Confisco’s Grill” 3:22
3. “Ocean Trader Market” 2:47
4. “Welcome to Seuss Landing” 3:31
5. “The Cat in the Hat” 3:09
6. “Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-Pendous” 3:39
7. “The Lost City” 4:37
8. “Sinbad Bazaar” 2:56
9. “Merlin Woods Plaza” 4:22
10. “Jurassic Park Calypso” 2:54
11. “Camp Jurassic” 4:20
12. “Thunder Falls Terrace” 3:24
13. “Toon Walk” 4:04
14. “The Wacky World of Jay Ward” 3:23
15. “Popeye’s Sweethaven” 2:13
16. “The Funny Business” 2:00
17. “Marvel SuperHero Island Main Street” 2:47
18. “Doctor Doom” 2:31
19. “Banner’s Science Park” 2:07
20. “The Adventure Lives On” 3:39

1999 Special Edition Release:
1. “The Call to Adventure / Main Theme” 2:50
2. “The Cat in the Hat” 3:09
3. “Sindbad Bazaar” 2:56
4. “Jurassic Park Calypso” 2:53
5. “The Funny Business” 2:00
6. “Banner Science Park” 2:06

Additional songs added to the 2000 release:
“The Flying Unicorn” 2:35
“The Force of Storm” 2:43
“Seuss Landing Quartet” 2:21
“Skipper Island Tours” 3:26
(“The Funny Business” was cut from this soundtrack.)

I have listened to the playlist at least 10-15 times after discovering it. My personal favorite is the “The Call to Adventure” which is the main theme of Islands when you walk in, but the entire CD is phenomenal. While I may not be paying $60 for my own copy, I’m sure to be asking for one for an upcoming birthday or holiday.

If you are interested in buying a copy and want a specific one, be wary! Be sure to double-check with the seller which edition they are selling and how many songs are featured on the disk. You don’t want to be disappointed if you are expecting twenty to twenty-three songs and the six song edition arrives. Also, always keep an eye out for additional copies added to eBay and Amazon as I have seen many copies taken down/added within the past few weeks. Enjoy!

This is the very first post from our newest contributor, Ally. I want to take this opportunity to welcome her to the OI contributor team. We look forward to sharing your experiences and insights with our readers!

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