Marking 1st Anniversary of ‘Wizarding World,’ Universal Orlando Lets Guests Share their Memory and Have Chance to Win a Trip

On Saturday, June 18, Universal Orlando celebrated the one-year anniversary of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. To cap off the celebration, Universal launched a “Share Your Story” tab on its official Facebook page where guests can share their favorite memories – or the memories they hope to make – of the most spectacularly themed environment ever created © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

On Saturday, June 18, Universal Orlando Resort celebrated the one-year anniversary of the most spectacularly themed entertainment environment – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where the wonder, excitement and adventures of the Harry Potter books and films come to life.

Universal Orlando commemorated the anniversary at 9:23 a.m. – the exact time The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened on June 18, 2010.  After taking part in a countdown led by the Hogwarts Express conductor, guests and team members celebrated in the streets of Hogsmeade while “snow” confetti and gold streamers fell from the sky.  Guests also enjoyed complimentary Butterbeer, cauldron cakes and Chocolate Frogs.

“We’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with our guests,” said Bill Davis, president of Universal Orlando Resort.  “It’s been an incredible year for us and our guests, and we look forward to creating more exciting memories with them in the years to come.”

Universal Orlando also created a virtual celebration by launching a new “Share Your Story” tab on its official Facebook page.  The all-new tab gives fans the opportunity to interact with one another and share favorite memories and photos from their visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – whether it’s tasting Butterbeer for the first time, watching their daughter as she’s selected by the perfect wand or soaring above Hogwarts with their family.

Every U.S. resident who shares their story will automatically be entered to win a VIP trip to Universal Orlando Resort this fall. Now through July 15, Universal will give away two VIP trips each week – one to a guest who has experienced The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and one to someone that has never been.

If fans have not been able to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they can share why they aspire to on the “Share Your Story” tab as well.  U.S. residents who share their stories on the tab will be automatically entered into a contest where they can win a trip to Universal Orlando Resort this fall.  To take part in the virtual celebration, share their stories or read other fans’ stories, guests should visit www.Facebook.com/UniversalOrlandoResort.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant – all faithful to the films.

For more information about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Lets You Live Universal’s Theme Park Fantasy and slideshow

Castle Hotel in Orlando offers “Wizarding Wonders’ in time for new Harry Potter film

The Castle Hotel times its "Wizarding Wonders" package for the release of the new Harry Potter film this summer. The package includes transportation to Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter themepark © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Castle Hotel– an enchanting and magical experience within the heart of Orlando – invites guests to enjoy luxurious accommodations while amazing their imagination with Wizarding Wonders at The Castle Hotel.

From June 1 – July 31, 2011, starting at $144 per night, guests of The Castle enhance their wizard experience with two-night accommodations, theme park transportation to a mysterious world, Castle Creature stuffed toy, magical potion beverages, “dive-in” large screen movie marathon beside the pool and movie tickets for the entire family to enjoy the eighth and final movie installment released July 15, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.

Perfect timing for the huge final release of the on-screen version of J.K. Rowling’s enchanting saga, The Castle Hotel brings the magical experience from the parks and activities right back to the comfortable hotel room. Located in the heart of Orlando, on the famed International Drive, the royal experience awaits guests as The Castle combines artistic flare and playful luxury within its medieval-inspired walls. From the rare doll collection and castle creatures to the medieval architecture and authentic Austrian castle detailing, The Castle creates an atmosphere both parents and children are sure to love.

The Castle Hotel has a prime location in the theme park capital of the world, providing hotel guests with plenty of options for family fun, quality time with friends or a romantic escape. International Drive and Mall at Millenia offer a multitude of shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities, while Orlando’s famed theme parks are only a few miles away on the hotel shuttle service.

For more information or to book the Wizarding Wonders package at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – The Castle, please visit www.thecastleorlando.com  or call 407-345-1511 or toll-free 877.317.5753.

See also:

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Families get luxury treatment with Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, Orlando, new ‘Red Carpet Family Package’

'Red Carpet' treatment at the Villas of Grand Cypress means you are whisked to the themepark of your choice by limousine with new family package © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort is giving families the opportunity to experience Orlando – one of the world’s most popular family destinations – with a distinctly “red carpet” feel. From stretch limousine transportation to a private hot air balloon tour, the property’s exclusive, three-night “Red Carpet Package” promises to leave families with a lifetime of memories.

The dream package, available May 1 through Sept. 30, starts at $3,600 plus tax and resort fee for a family of four (two adults, two children) and includes three nights accommodations in a spacious, luxurious two-bedroom villa, transportation in a luxurious stretch limousine from and to the Orlando International airport, and roundtrip limousine transportation to the themepark of your choice, for a full day of activity for a family at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando; a hot-air balloon tour of Orlando with sunrise picnic breakfast and limousine; a few hours of ‘decompression’ time will find Dad getting to play a round of golf, Mom enjoying a massage, and the kids heading off to half-day at the property’s Kids Camp. And just for Mom and Dad, a romantic evening just for the parents, featuring a specially prepared four-course meal at Nine18 restaurant, with a bottle of wine included, while the the kids are whisked away to a fun evening at Kids Camp, with their own dinner included.

The resort offers private villas along the fairways and waterways of the golf course. Each villa is furnished with a family-friendly living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchen, along with patios and verandas.

The Club, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (and evolves into a sports bar in the evening) and Nine 18, open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, are the primary dining venues, with a poolside snack bar to accent the offerings.

Villas of Grand Cypress – one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America” as named by Golf Digest – features 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature designed golf comprised of 27 holes plus the Nicklaus-designed New Course.

Up to two additional children can be added to the package for $350 each. The package is subject to availability and children must be between the ages of 4 and 16. Alternative arrangements or baby sitting may be arranged for those younger or older than the specified ages.

To reserve the “Red Carpet Family Package” and for additional information about Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, visit www.grandcypress.com, or call 877-330-7376.

See also:

Walt Disney World Orlando is Still the Place for Magic and slideshow

Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter and slideshow

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Celebrates 1,000,000th Butterbeer Sale

In celebration of selling its millionth Butterbeer inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort shared 1,000 complimentary Butterbeers with guests on the streets of Hogsmeade © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

In celebration of selling its millionth Butterbeer inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort shared 1,000 complimentary Butterbeers with guests on the streets of  Hogsmeade.

Butterbeer appears as a favorite drink inside the Harry Potter books and films and is only available inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  It is a nonalcoholic, frothy drink reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch and is served cold or frozen.

Much has been written about Butterbeer since it made its debut on June 18, 2010, making it one of the most talked about beverages of 2010.  There has been much speculation about its secret ingredients – but Universal Orlando will not share the closely guarded recipe. Universal has implemented special security procedures to protect the details.

Butterbeer quickly became a guest favorite.   To help meet the strong demand, Universal Orlando added a fourth Butterbeer location within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

“You can see the excitement on our guests’ faces as they wait in line – and then the smile that comes with their first sip,” said Ric Florell, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Resort Revenue Operations for Universal Orlando.  “Butterbeer is not just a beverage. It’s an experience.”

 

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the most spectacularly themed environment ever created. It is the only place in the world where the wonder, excitement and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films come to life.

 

See Inside Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter

and Wizarding World slideshow

Also Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Lets You Live Universal’s Theme Park Fantasy

 

 

COCO KEY HOTEL & WATER RESORT-ORLANDO OFFERS LATE SUMMER BARGAINS

Kids eagerly await the giant dump of water, one of the attractions at Coco Key Resort-Orlando's waterpark © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

The newly opened CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort-Orlando has announced two late summer travel bargains ideal for families with pre-school children: Kids Eat Free in August and rates starting at $89 in September.

“Shorter queues and more accommodating price points make late summer a great time for families with young children who aren’t yet in school to visit Central Florida, and CoCo Key is the perfect setting for that vacation,” said Frank Fry, general manager of the CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort-Orlando.  “Our resort is purpose-built for young families and we offer the perfect setting for making kids happy.”

CoCo Key’s Kids Eat Free promotion is available throughout the month of August and offers free one breakfast buffet and dinner at the resort’s Trade Winds restaurant for kids 12 and under staying at the hotel, for each adult buffet or meal ordered.  The breakfast buffet, available 7-11 a.m. daily and regularly priced at $9.95, includes biscuits, sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, French toast, pastries, bagels, cereal, fresh-made waffles, a variety of juices, milk, coffee and tea.  Kids’ dinner selections at Trade Winds include chicken tenders, the CoCo Key burger, mac n’cheese, goldfish salad and a “build-your-own sandwich” option.  All kids’ meals are served with a choice of fries or fruit cup and include a soft drink, milk or apple juice.

Guests taking a late summer vacation this September at CoCo Key will enjoy rates as low as $89.

The new Key West-themed CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort-Orlando combines a casual tropical hotel setting with a whimsical water park that features slides, rides and fun amplified with three pools, eight water slides, a 6,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art arcade, and splashing good times all specially designed for youngsters in a safe and friendly environment.

One of Coco Key Resort's three pools is in the shape of Mickey's ears © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Located in the heart of the Orlando vacation corridor at 7400 International Drive, CoCo Key also is a perfect hub for quick access to Orlando’s other popular attractions – a five minute-drive from Universal; five minutes from Sea World/Aquatica; and 10 minutes from the Walt Disney World theme parks.  Families taking advantage of the late summer travel bargains can experience the excitement of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the dazzling display from the Main Street Electrical Parade, which has been extended into the fall, at the Magic Kingdom.

CoCo Key is a Universal Partner Hotel and offers resort guests free transportation to the Universal theme parks, Sea World, Aquatica and Wet n’ Wild, and sells discounted admission tickets at its lobby ticket desk.

For more information log on to www.cocokeywaterresort.com, call 877/875-4681 or sign up for CoCo Mail to have offers e-mailed directly.

See full coverage of CocoKey Hotel & Water Resort-Orlando at www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate