Nintendo and Universal Announce Partnership for Theme Park Attractions!

Nintendo and Universal have announced, what on the surface, appears to be a monster partnership today. Talk about completely out of left field with this one, but the possibilities are endless!

In the deal, Universal Studios theme parks around the world will be working with Nintendo to bring some of the most iconic and loved video game characters and worlds to life in the form of new attractions. Just what they'll be is anyone's guess, but you can get they're going to be extremely interesting given Universal's recent history with new rides.

“Nintendo has created remarkable and imaginative worlds filled with captivating stories and beloved characters. Now, for the first time, those stories and characters will be brought to life in entirely new ways – only at Universal theme parks.” a press release said.

There's not really much else to go on with this one, other than that and we don't know if this deal is only for Universal's parks in Singapore and Japan, but seems unlikely they'd limit it to just those two given the scope of Nintendo's popularity in the US as well. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, is slated to talk with investors in a conference call later today so perhaps a bit more information will be given on this then. If not, we'll just have to wait for the official release from Universal and Nintendo about just what all this is about.

That said, what properties would you like to see Nintendo and Universal bring to life? Legend of Zelda? Mario? Metroid? There's literally too many to list here so definitely let us know what you'd love to see in the comments!

For now, stay tuned as we'll be updating this one as soon as new info comes out and of course, follow along with us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the latest!

via +Fangirl Review 

Universal Orlando- New App for Phones and Free WiFi

Image from Orlando Sentinel

Universal Orlando- New App for Phones and Free WiFi!

 With the opening of the new "Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley" looming closer each day, Universal Orlando Resort has just sweetened the deal for guests.

 They've launched a new Phone App (both Apple and Android) which allows for real-time updating of Wait Times along with Park Maps, Show Times, Favorites Lists and more.  Later the App is said to get E-Commerce abilities to allow for  purchasing.

 The final blow? Universal has announced complete free Wi-Fi for all guests. through Xfinity/Comcast. This will allow guests at the Theme Parks, City Walk or anyplace on the resorts property to use the wireless network. No more running up your phones data cap posting live pictures!

 They say visitors should choose the "XfinityWifi" on their mobile device, then follow the prompts.

....still no exact opening date for Diagon Alley though.

Universal Raises Prices on Annual Passes

Well, it's no real surprise that Universal Orlando has decided to increase the price on their annual passes. Just a few months ago they raised the ticket prices for daily admission, so it just goes with the territory that these would go up as well.

That said, it's not exactly a huge increase either and I doubt it's going to break the bank for anyone that's already a pass holder or is thinking about it.

So, here are new prices, which all have gone up just $15 and considering all of the new additions the park has been making in the past few years, and future projects already under construction, definitely think it's worth it.

Power Pass – Was $199.99 – Now – $214.99
Preferred Pass – Was $279.99 – Now $294.99
Premier Pass – Was $419.99 – Now $434.99

Yeah, not exactly a huge jump there. Either way, it's still great value at any of the levels.

Islands of Adventure- King Kong Construction Update

Image from Touring Plans on Twitter

Islands of Adventure makes Progress of new "King Kong" attraction.

 While it may not look like much now, the area which will become "Skull Island" is making progress.

 This is the area which will hold the new "King Kong" themed attraction in Islands of Adventure.

 It's located to the far side of the 'Jurassic Park' themed land and will cut deep into the old backlot area. This attraction is also believed to be a clone of the "King Kong 360 3D" attraction which is in Universal Studios Hollywood.  However, many are saying it's not going to be the same, that Islands of Adventure will be getting something unique and very different from it's sister park.

Image from Amusement Buzz

Universal Studios Hollywood- Fast and Furious Ride for 2015

Universal Studios Hollywood Announces New "Fast and the Furious- Supercharged" attraction for 2015.


 Just today Universal Hollywood broke the news of their newest attraction- One themed off the hit franchise "Fast and the Furious".

 Information about the new ride is still under wraps but Universal stated it will be a thrill ride/movie hybrid attraction which will be placed in the studios 'back lot' area. The attraction will use some of the famous 'back lot' trams which will be encompassed by massive 400 foot long movie screens. Folks from Universal Creative has said they will make guests feel like their exceeding more then 100 MPH with some theme park magic.

 Also announced recently Universal Studios Hollywood will be extending their normal "Back Lot Tour" into evening hours, the tours currently end at sunset.

 This goes along with the new additions of "Despicable Me" and "Super Silly Fun Land" as well as a massive planned addition to the Simpsons area of the park. Universal has stated their finally catching up from years of semi-neglect from owners more interested in pulling cash out of the parks rather then re-investing in them. Comcast, the most recent owner, has other ideas which are really bringing life and new things back to their parks. 

Rumor Alert- Universal Islands of Adventure and King Kong 360/Skull Island

Rumor Alert- Islands of Adventure may be moving closer to ground-breaking for "King Kong 360/Skull Island".

 New rumor update today coming from Universal Orlando Resort- Folks are saying it's very likely that Islands of Adventure may be one step closer to breaking ground on the rumored addition of "King Kong 360 3D" which has long been rumored to come to the park's Orlando property.

 Screamscape is reporting that the area behind "Thunder Falls Restaurant" is the location but also that departments around the"Jurassic Park" area who are storing stuff in this currently empty area, have been told to clear it out quickly.  Still no official word from Universal Orlando Resort on this matter but they likely won't announce until the construction can no longer be hidden from guests.

Universal Orlando- Zonko's Closure Confirmed

 Zonko's Closure Confirmed for Hogesmead section of Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

 With the full announcement of Diagon Alley on Thursday, Universal Orlando has confirmed that the joke shop "Zonko's" will closure.

 However, this isn't exactly bad news. With Zonko's closing the constantly busy candy store Honeyduke's will be expanded into the space that Zonko's currently occupies. All the merchandise available at Zonko's will be available over in the new Diagon Alley shop called "Weazley's Wizard Wheezes" which will be three full stories, like in the Harry Potter book series.

So..
Zonko's Closes, Honeyduke's Expands.
Not entirely a bad trade off!

Universal Studios- Final Diagon Alley Teaser (Big Reveal Tomorrow)

The Final "Diagon Alley" Teaser Trailer
-The Big Reveal is Tomorrow-

 Prepare to Go- This is the FINAL "Diagon Alley" teaser trailer from Universal Studios Orlando and for very good reason.

 Tomorrow morning is the big event when all the plans for the newest portions of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley" will be revealed.  With tomorrows special "webcast reveal" event, we here at InSanity lurks Inside are going to be bringing you all the news just as soon as possible!

 Stay Turned, The Big News Hits TOMORROW! 

Universal Studios Orlando- Diagon Alley Construction

 Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley Construction- Scaffolding comes down.

 Orlando Theme Park News has some amazing new photos up of the construction at Universal Studios Orlando and their newest project- Diagon Alley.

 This newest addition which has raised up with shocking speed is replacing the former JAWS attraction. The area will feature both Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley from the Harry Potter books and is Universals newest addition to their "Wizarding World of Harry Potter".

 While it looks simply lovely up close, something about this bothers me.

 Orlando Theme Park News is rather famous for having some amazing panoramic images from the theme parks but looking at this one, the flow is bugging me. It doesn't seem to fit, like to much is crammed together with too many styles. I understand their trying to convey London into a very small space, and maybe it IS just me, but I think this may look nicer from across the lagoon if the outside was more uniform.

 Either way, for more photos of the construction of Diagon Alley go check out Orlando Theme Park News. They always have excellent photo updates!

Universal Studios Orlando- Mardi Gras Concerts

 Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Orlando has been a tradition for a while now, mostly experienced by locals but in recent years it's been growing on the tourist schedule. May bands and fun times can be found at the park during an otherwise slow time of year.

 Universal bills the event as:
The spirit of Mardi Gras isn’t bound to the Big Easy; the connection sparks as the parade rolls by, as the beads fill the air, when the music swells as the stage lights rise. And now you can be a part of it all at Universal Studios Mardi Gras Grand Celebration. Come join the party with a dazzling parade, beads by the handful, and the most amazing concert line-up ever.

 Universal has finally released a nearly complete list of the bands which will be playing for the 2014 Mardi Gras season at the parks. However, some dates are still to be announced which means they could possibly still be holding back some big names!


Feb 8th- Daughtry
Feb 15th- Barenaked Ladies
Feb 16th- Thomas Rhett
Feb 22nd- Robin Thicke
March 1st- Collective Soul
March 8th- Prince Royce
March 14th- Cody Simpson
March 15th- Foreigner
March 21- TBA
March 22- Gavin DeGraw
March 28- TBA
March 29- TBA
April 5th- Skillet
April 12th- Lynyrd Skynyrd
April 19th- Kool and the Gang
May 3rd- Nelly
May 10th- The Wanted
May 17th- TBA
May 24th- TBA
May 31th- TBA

Universal Studios China- Happening or Not?

 Universal Studios China- Is it Happening or Not?!

 Years ago, Universal Parks and Resorts was playing with the idea of building one of their theme parks in China. However, the project was rejected for unknown reasons but now it appears these talks at still in the works.

 Beginning in 2012, Universal was in talks with the city of Tainjin, a port city, in regards to possibly building a theme park there. News leaking slowly from Universal Parks has given folks a new reason to believe that Universal Studios China may still happen.

 According to this job listing, Universal Creative is looking for a project manager who can speak Mandarin.

 Another bit of news that's leaked through is that Universal has also applied for permits from Tongzhou District according to Shanghai Securities.  The site of the proposed park is currently undergoing demolition and if this source can be believed, may begin construction soon.



(Info complied from Screamscape and ThemeParkInsider)

Rumor Alert- Universal Hollywood Building Largest Resort Hotel in US?!

 Rumor Alert- Universal Hollywood Building Largest Resort Hotel in the US?!

 Yup, you did read that correctly.

 The newest rumor coming from Universal Hollywood was reported on Screamscape and nearly slipped past my notice.

 Apparently CEO of Comcast, Steve Burke, made an interesting comment to the staff of Universal Hollywood with his holiday message. The mention was made of "The largest hotel project in U.S. is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood".

 Rumor has it that the newest version of "Universals Evolution" project (the long term plans for the park including rides and improvements) has included the ability to build up to three on-site hotels for the Hollywood property.

 Details are currently unknown and this is classed only as "rumor" until some form of confirmation or visible proof is found. Until then, speculation abounds!

Rumor Update- King Kong/Skull Island at Universal Orlando

 The long rumored "King Kong 360 3D" or 'Skull Island Project' may well be true.

 Today Screamscape reported that the possible new attraction may well have an announcement day coming soon.  As early as Spring of 2014 and possibly before the official opening of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley area.

 Rumor suggests this new area may be placed in the Islands of Adventure theme park, possibly someplace between Toon Lagoon and the Jurassic Park area. Details are unknown and as of right now this is still classed only as a "rumor".

Universal Orlando- Diagon Alley Teasers and News

Diagon Alley Teasers and News- Universal Fires a Warning Shot at Disney


Okay, Universal has officially opened up the "2014 Theme Park Wars" with an opening shot fired directly at Disney World. While Disney is getting ready to start construction on their big "Avatarland" project, Universal Studios Orlando is creeping closure to opening Diagon Alley. Which which be the newest extension of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" that will soon span both of Universal Orlando's Theme Parks.

Universal Orlando Resort Announcement- CityWalk Updates and Additions!

Today's Big Announcement at Universal Orlando- CityWalk Updates and New Additions

Today at 11am Universal began a massive press conference to release information about their new and re-made CityWalk project for the 2014 season. Much of this construction is already underway at the Orlando resort property but now we know what they are!

Rumor Alert- Jekyll and Hyde Club Coming to City Walk?

Image from Trip Adviser

 Yes, You DID read that right!

 The newest rumor swirling at Universal Orlando's City Walk is that this big new announcement, due on December 12th, will be that the famous Resturant and Night Club "Jekyll and Hyde" from New York City may be moving into City Walk.

 Rumor has it the new construction around the old Latin Quarter building is beginning to look very Gothic in nature. This has been a rumor before but has never come to be. Although I admit, City Walk would be an excellent fit for a 'haunted" themed anything, more so with the new mini-golf coarse having a 'haunted' area also.

 More News on December 12th with the Big Announcement!

Universal Orlando Resort Rumors

 Lately a lot of rumors have been flying around the Universal Orlando Resort, Both in regards to possible new attractions, attraction updates and all kind of other crazy things. Thing's are starting to get harder to follow with so much speculation around, so we're going to attempt to sort them out for your reading pleasure!

 Rumor One-The Lorax Dark Ride.

 Rumor has been floating around since 2012 when The Lorax was made into a movie for the big screen. Supposedly Universal Orlando's 'Island of Adventure' theme park was/is planning in putting in a dark ride based off The Lorax someplace in Seuess Landing.   However, rumor is now suggesting this, like the others, may have been scrapped.  Either way it has a proposed opening date (if it happens) of Summer 2016.

 Rumor Two- Jurassic Park

 Rumor has it that Universal Orlando's 'Islands of Adventure' theme park may be considering adding in a new attraction in their Jurassic Park area. This could possibly be a new Roller Coaster coming to the area was well as a new improvements to the Thunder Falls restaurant.  The supposed location for this is the lot currently sitting behind the Thunder Falls Restaurant, with Jurassic Park getting a new movie in 2015- This rumor is possible with an opening date of 2016 also.

 Rumor Three- King Kong/Skull Island

 Yet another rumor suggest that King Kong/Skull Island may be moving into an area of Universal Orlando's 'Islands of Adventure' theme park. Possible in or around the current Jurassic Park area, with the park relocating the current Jurassic Park gate closer to the Thunder Falls Restaurant. There are no real deatils with this rumor other then speculation of if this new ride would be a slow moving show style attraction or if it could be more along the lines of 'Revenge of the Mummy' which replaced the original King Kong attraction in 2002.  This also as a possible proposed opening date in the 2015/2016 range.

Rumor Four- Lord of the Rings/Middle Earth

This rumor suggests that Universal Orlando may replace the currently aging 'Cartoon Lagoon' area of their 'Islands of Adventure' theme park with Middle Earth, the land which hosts the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" movies. While unlikely, this project is rumored for the 2017 season. No details on possible attractions or even theming has been proposed.

Rumor Five- Replacing Marvel Superhero Island

Ever since Disney bought Marvel in 2009 the rumor mill has been working overtime with the belief that Universal Orlando will eventually drop the Marvel name and characters. Rumor suggests they may eventually look into replacing it with DC comic characters or  even another franchise. Speculation suggest Universal already has had meetings and a plan in place but no one seems to know that the real plan or deal may involve. The soonest this could happen is 2018 which is the soonest Disney could try to re-negotiate the Marvel/Universal deal after 20 years.


 So while a lot of speculation and rumors have been flying around about Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios,  but no one has any concrete proof or information. Some of this is old and some is new, either way they are simply just rumors and I'm not really included to trust any of them until someone from Universal makes a press release or they can no longer hide their plans from the public.

Universal Orlando- More Ride Upgrades are Coming!

 Good News today from the Universal Orlando Resort!

 Universal Orlando has filed two "Notice of Commencement" projects with the city of Orlando's County Controller.  Meaning two major attraction upgrades are coming soon, one in each of their current theme parks.

  This information came from the great folks at Parkscope blog,  I swear they stalk Orange County for information!

 Either way the two rides now listed for Projection upgrades have needed it. In Universal Studios, The Simpsons Ride will receive new projectors, likely HD and Digital much like the upgrade last year of Spiderman.

 The next attraction, I don't know why they simply didn't build with them in place. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will also receive new projectors- again probably HD and Digital.

 I admit, these are much needed. We recently visited both the Universal Orlando parks and compared to Spiderman and Transformers, both these rides now seem dirty and blurry.  With the addition of new projectors the screens will also likely be cleaned, this tends to account for a lot of the random blur and darkness at theme parks.

 Money well spent, Universal isn't slowing down and I'm glad to see they haven't forgotten their other attractions in the wake of new construction!

Universal Studios Orlando- Hogwarts Express Arrives

 This afternoon, Universal Orlando shared theme images to the world. The Lifting and Placement of the Hogwarts Express.

 Progress on the expansion of 'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' has made big progress today with the engine and cars of the 'Hogwart's Express' locomotive being placed onto it's raised track.

 The 'Hogwarts Express' will travel on a raise track between Universal Studios and Diagon Alley to the Islands of Adventure and Hogsmeade area.  Still no one is sure exactly how the ticketing for this will work as the 'Harry Potter' areas will now be split between the two parks.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley is scheduled to open in Spring 2014.




-All images from Universal Orlando's Facebook Page

Construction Update- Diagon Alley at Universal Studio's Orlando

 As most of you know by now, Universal Orlando is adding in "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" to their Studio's park. This was confirmed in May 2013 after the construction had gone vertical and they could no longer 'hide' what they where up to from the public view.

 If you want to read the press released, please visit: Universal Confirmed Harry Potter and Wizarding World are coming to Studio's for 2014.

 Since then, everyone has had their eyes watching Universal Orlando to see what exactly they've got planned for this "London/Diagon Alley" area which is being placed in the location once occupied by JAWS. While I love Wizarding World and Harry Potter, I'm still not sold that this area needs a presence in the "Studios" theme park.  Rather, I wish it would have taken over the rest of the current 'Lost Continent' area of Islands of Adventure and seen Studio's get something completely new.

 Either way, I can't stop it and I am excited for it because Universal will once again do an amazing job. During a recent visit to the Orlando area we made sure to get plenty of images of the new construction taking place in Universal Studio's. My one concern is the area looks far more cramped then the 'Hogsmeade' area in Islands of Adventure which still has massive crowds.

 We hope you'll enjoy them as much as we enjoyed seeing this new area come to life.

*Pictures under the break for size reasons*