Six "Secrets" You Might Not Know at Universal Orlando
Orlando is synonymous with Walt Disney World, but over the past five years, Universal Orlando has grown in popularity with their theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure because of their ground breaking, award winning rides and entertainment. With two theme parks, a water park, four onsite hotels, 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, Hogsmeade and most recently, Diagon Alley. The new Hogwarts Express train ride is the only one in the world of its kind, allowing guests to ride from one park to another.
These attractions bring guests from all over the world. What you might not know is that there are secrets all over the parks in the form of "Easter Eggs" or as I call them in my book, Geek's Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, winks. Winks are knods to past attractions which are usually found somewhere in the new attraction area. They are actually not a secret at all, just not publicized to the general public. Keeping the "secret" seems to add to the fun of participating in these activities. Here are a few secrets at Universal Orlando.
1. The Immigration Room Tour at Men in Black-Alien Attack!
On busy days it's not available but on slow days, ask the Men in Black-Alien Attack Team Member if you can do the "Immigration Room Tour." Guests see the control room with the Alien attendants from above while waiting in the ride queue but only a few have discovered that a tour of this area is available. A team member will escort guests to see all of the details behind the scenes at the Men in Black headquarters!
2. Hard Rock Cafe Tour
The Hard Rock Cafe is a favorite stop of mine because the rock memorabilia makes this restaurant a working museum. What you probably don't realize, however, is the secret free tour. When it's not too busy, a knowledgable "VIBE" host will walk you around giving back stories that most people miss. The real gem, however, is being taken upstairs to a place called "The Attic" a lounge area for VIPs and musical acts with rock n roll props which will amaze. The crown jewel in the HRC's collection is the John Lennon Room, with pieces his sketches and belongings. Shhh, don't tell everyone. We don't want them to think they need to start charging for this amazing tour!
3. The Berlin Wall
While touring Universal CityWalk, if you happen to take the sidewalk on the right of the Hard Rock Cafe, you will come upon a piece of global history which stands as a monument to the fall of oppression in Germany. A piece of the Berlin Wall is on view for everyone to see and even touch with a memorial plaque. Many visitors have walked right by this piece of history, which is right behind the Hard Rock Cafe, without realizing the significance of the monument. Look closely to notice the graffiti which flanked the wall.
4. Get paid!
At the NBC Media Center, newly opened in the Garden of Allah Villas in Hollywood, park guests are randomly chosen to complete a survey on new television shows or even video games. Guests are often approached around 10:00am near the Garden of Allah Villas sign and asked to participate. It usually takes between 30-60 minutes and payment comes in the form of Universal gift cards. How much? Some guests have received $15, $20 and $30 in gift cards!
4. Balloon Handlers
During the Christmas or rather "Grinchmas" holiday season, annual passholders are invited to line up and be "Balloon Handlers" during the holiday parades in Universal Studios Florida. At a specified location, annual passholders gather 2 hours prior to the parade start to be selected to hold the ropes for the giant holiday character balloons in the parades. There are certain qualifications passholders must meet such as wearing closed toe shoes and ability to lift a certain amount.
6. Ride in a parade!
During the Annual Mardi Gras celebrations from February through April, annual passholders are invited to register to be chosen as a float rider! Certain restrictions apply and only a few are chosen to ride in each parade. Mardi Gras parades are held on Mardi Gras concert series days. Admission to this annual event series in included in your regular park admission ticket to Universal Studios Florida.
For more information about Mardi Gras celebrations at Universal Studios Florida, click here
Check out the Mardi Gras concert series schedule here
Check out Mary deSilva's Orlando travel books here
Check out my Youtube channel here.
Check out more Destinations Diva's blog posts here: http://destinationsdiva.blogspot.com
These attractions bring guests from all over the world. What you might not know is that there are secrets all over the parks in the form of "Easter Eggs" or as I call them in my book, Geek's Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, winks. Winks are knods to past attractions which are usually found somewhere in the new attraction area. They are actually not a secret at all, just not publicized to the general public. Keeping the "secret" seems to add to the fun of participating in these activities. Here are a few secrets at Universal Orlando.
1. The Immigration Room Tour at Men in Black-Alien Attack!
On busy days it's not available but on slow days, ask the Men in Black-Alien Attack Team Member if you can do the "Immigration Room Tour." Guests see the control room with the Alien attendants from above while waiting in the ride queue but only a few have discovered that a tour of this area is available. A team member will escort guests to see all of the details behind the scenes at the Men in Black headquarters!
The Hard Rock Cafe is a favorite stop of mine because the rock memorabilia makes this restaurant a working museum. What you probably don't realize, however, is the secret free tour. When it's not too busy, a knowledgable "VIBE" host will walk you around giving back stories that most people miss. The real gem, however, is being taken upstairs to a place called "The Attic" a lounge area for VIPs and musical acts with rock n roll props which will amaze. The crown jewel in the HRC's collection is the John Lennon Room, with pieces his sketches and belongings. Shhh, don't tell everyone. We don't want them to think they need to start charging for this amazing tour!
While touring Universal CityWalk, if you happen to take the sidewalk on the right of the Hard Rock Cafe, you will come upon a piece of global history which stands as a monument to the fall of oppression in Germany. A piece of the Berlin Wall is on view for everyone to see and even touch with a memorial plaque. Many visitors have walked right by this piece of history, which is right behind the Hard Rock Cafe, without realizing the significance of the monument. Look closely to notice the graffiti which flanked the wall.
The plaque inscription reads:
Berlin Wall
In August, 1961, this infamous symbol of the Cold War was erected. In order to keep the East Germans from fleeing to the West, the Soviets built a wall between the East and West sectors of Berlin.
For the next 28 years, the Cold War raged on and "Checkpoint Charlie" governed passage. The Wall stood as a harsh reminder of the chasm between the Non-Communist West and the Communist East.
On November 9, 1989, the Wall was symbolically brought down. Only a few parts of the Wall remain. The Hard Rock Cafe is proud to display this piece of history that symbolizes the fall of oppression.
4. Get paid!
At the NBC Media Center, newly opened in the Garden of Allah Villas in Hollywood, park guests are randomly chosen to complete a survey on new television shows or even video games. Guests are often approached around 10:00am near the Garden of Allah Villas sign and asked to participate. It usually takes between 30-60 minutes and payment comes in the form of Universal gift cards. How much? Some guests have received $15, $20 and $30 in gift cards!
4. Balloon Handlers
During the Christmas or rather "Grinchmas" holiday season, annual passholders are invited to line up and be "Balloon Handlers" during the holiday parades in Universal Studios Florida. At a specified location, annual passholders gather 2 hours prior to the parade start to be selected to hold the ropes for the giant holiday character balloons in the parades. There are certain qualifications passholders must meet such as wearing closed toe shoes and ability to lift a certain amount.
6. Ride in a parade!
During the Annual Mardi Gras celebrations from February through April, annual passholders are invited to register to be chosen as a float rider! Certain restrictions apply and only a few are chosen to ride in each parade. Mardi Gras parades are held on Mardi Gras concert series days. Admission to this annual event series in included in your regular park admission ticket to Universal Studios Florida.
For more information about Mardi Gras celebrations at Universal Studios Florida, click here
Check out the Mardi Gras concert series schedule here
Check out Mary deSilva's Orlando travel books here
Check out my Youtube channel here.
Check out more Destinations Diva's blog posts here: http://destinationsdiva.blogspot.com
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