Three Exciting Changes at Universal Orlando in Summer 2016

Universal Orlando is a complete vacation destination located in Orlando, Florida and only 10 minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World.  It is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for family travel.  With two theme parks, a water park, four onsite hotels and a dining/entertainment complex, convention space and more expansion in the works, guests have no reason to leave!  The past few years have seen tremendous changes at the Universal complex, mostly due to the popularity of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  
Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure

The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the newest onsite hotel in the value category with perks like complimentary transportation to the parks and Early Park Admission.  The newest restaurant at Universal CityWalk, the onsite entertainment complex, is NBC Grill and Brew, a sports bar with much more! And we must not forget the recently opened Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida which attracts guests from all over the world!
The dragon atop Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts in Diagon Alley, Universal Studios Florida

Comcast, the parent company which owns Universal Parks and Resorts as well as NBC Universal has made a decision to add at least one new attraction every year to Universal Orlando.  This dedication to keeping the parks new and fresh is quickly winning Disney fans over.  Here is what we can expect this summer at Universal Orlando:

1.  Skull Island-Reign of Kong

The newest attraction at Universal's Islands of Adventure is a new take on the original rides at Universal Studios.  With sets resembling the film, King Kong (2005) starring Naomi Watts and Jack Black, this new attraction promises to be more of a new land and ride combined!  Set in the 1930's (King Kong first appeared in film in 1933), guests enter into a mysterious and dangerous land with savage beasts fighting for dominance.  The ride will be multi-sensory and multi-dimensional.  What does that mean?  Expect moving vehicles, filmed sequences, smells, and possibly even wet effects such as vapor or a sprinkling of water.  More details are promised to be release at the opening date nears.
Skull Island (photo credit: Universal Orlando)

Skull Island--Reign of Kong (photo credit: Universal Orlando)
Click here and watch this video!

2.  Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Universal has released new classifications for its onsite resorts.  The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a "Prime Value" resort.  The Portofino Bay Resort and Hard Rock Hotel are "Premier" resorts.  The Royal Pacific Hotel is now considered "Preferred" as well as the new Loews Sapphire Falls Resort opening July 14, 2016.  This new resort joins together modern luxury with a laid back tropical theme.  The lush grounds and landscaping will be home to cascading water falls and Caribbean themes.  Accommodations will include standard rooms as well as "kids suites" and luxury suites.  This resort appears to be a compromise.  It will have the luxury of the deluxe resorts with a lower price tag.  Perks include water taxis to the parks and CityWalk and early park admission (however, Universal Express is not included at this resort).
Sapphire Falls artist rendering. Photo credit: Universal Orlando
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, artist rendering. Photo credit: Universal Orlando
Watch this video trailer courtesy of Universal Orlando.

Universal is advertising a Sapphire Falls Resort vacation special: Book a room for a 4-night stay or longer for as low as $144 plus tax with complimentary breakfast for two.  Book before November 23, 2016.  Travel must occur between 7/14/16 - 12/31/16.  Offer not valid 11/23/16 - 11/26/16.  Here's a tip:  the longer your stay, the bigger the discount on room rates!  Click here to Book Now!


3.  The Incredible Hulk Coaster.

Okay, so it's not new but the popular Hulk coaster closed in October 2015 for refurbishments. The all new Incredible Hulk Coaster will reopen this summer! The Hulk has been completely deconstructed with only the launch tunnel remaining.  The queue and ride tracks are being replaced and the all-new ride promises to meet and exceed the thrills fans have come to expect.  Universal has not released many details about the rebuilding of the Hulk, which leaves us fans wondering what changes.  It's likely that the back story may change to go with the new queue, but ride elements such as the launch, loops and twists are unlikely to change.


Watch this Hulk video!

For more information on Orlando and saving money at Universal Orlando, check out my ebooks on my Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-deSilva


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