New Details Revealed For Universal Orlando Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure !

New Details Revealed For Universal Orlando Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, an Epic New Adventure opening at Islands of Adventure Harry Potter Wizarding World on June 13!

THE EXPERIENCE: It begins when you join Hagrid’s Care of Magical Creatures class and board magical motorbikes specially designed to make you feel the freedom of flight.
For your journey you can either ride the motorcycle or board the adjacent sidecar, providing two unique experiences.
For the first time, you will soar through the Forbidden Forest and come face-to-face with some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures… but as often the case with Hagrid, things don’t go as planned.
This new experience combines a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with rich environments and sets – including an actual forest with 1,200 live trees!
Experience a freewheeling coaster flight where you’ll twist, turn and rush forward – and backward – at speeds of up to 50 mph into the dark forest Encounter some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures, such as a majestic Centaur; a swarm of mischievous Cornish Pixies; Fluffy the three-headed dog; and even one that’s never been seen in the films
Hurl past challenging obstacles, drop into an endless pit of Devil’s Snare and so much more …while encountering a few surprises along the way.




Picture and video: copyright Universal Orlando

D&M Exclusive: Land Cleaning Starts at Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure for the Awaited Jurassic Park Roller Coaster

I've got some exclusive pictures for you today showing the works on the site at Islands of Adventure where Universal Orlando will build soon the awaited Jurassic Park roller coaster. They're currently cleaning the site to make room for the coaster structure, cutting trees and vegetation, and today's pictures show the land cleaning for the area between the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and Islands of Adventure lake - as the coaster track will run too through this area.

Inside the Jurassic Park land fences are now in place all around the areas where the coaster will be built.

Recently Orlando Park Stop had posted a picture showing a layout of the coaster teack, and yesterday in her new article "Harry Potter Coaster Construction Update with Scene by Scene Track Layout" Alicia Stella has posted the picture below indicating each scene of the ride. To learn more details about these, jump to Alicia's article.

Stay tuned on D&M for more exclusive pics of the works at Islands of Adventure!

First Teaser Artwork for Universal Orlando Harry Potter Coaster Opening in 2019 !

Universal is teasing the highly awaited Harry Potter roller coaster opening next year at Islands of Adventure Wizarding World with the new artwork above!

Universal didn’t provided many details about the ride itself - not even its title - or given a more specific opening date in 2019, just saying that more infos will be released next year. The press release, though, announced that “The new experience will become Universal’s most highly-themed coaster yet – immersing guests in an all-new adventure that is the next installment of the Wizarding World brought to life at Universal Orlando Resort.”

Disney and more is covering regularly the construction of this new Harry Potter coaster so stay tuned on D&M!

Picture: copyright Universal Studios

Blue the Raptor Joins Universal Orlando Raptor Encounter - Plus: New Jurassic World Kids’ Suites at Universal Orlando Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Heads up, dino-fans—there’s a new, fan-favorite carnivore at Universal Orlando Resort. From the Jurassic World films, Blue the Velociraptor has made her debut at Raptor Encounter in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. You now have a chance to get up-close and personal with Blue and the other raptors. These carnivores tower 12 feet in height and 15 feet from tail to snout. No need to worry though! The raptors are still contained inside their paddock.

Make sure to have your camera ready to snap a quick pic and try not to make too many sudden movements. There will be a trainer nearby to make sure nothing goes wrong and to relay some interesting facts about the clever girl. Like the fact that each raptor has 56 razor sharp teeth and lunges with curved claws that extend up to 12 inches from their 18 inch-long feet.

Blue’s debut at Islands of Adventure comes as part our celebration of all things Jurassic Park as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the movie that started it all AND the premiere of the new Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom on June 22, 2018. Video below by Attractions Magazine.




There is more as the new Jurassic World Kids’ Suites at Universal Orlando Loews Royal Pacific Resort will transport little ones right to the island of Isla Nublar from Jurassic World and allow them the opportunity to sleep among the dinosaurs! The second you open the paddock door, you have entered the world where Velociraptors, Pterodactyls and even the Indominus Rex roam.

When your kids lay down in bed, they’ll feel as if they have stepped right into their very own gyrosphere ride, maneuvering through the jungle terrain. The carpet will help guide them as it looks like the valley map with trail markings the gyrospheres followed. And the bedding is made to look like a test tube that was used to create new species of dinosaurs just like in Jurassic World. I wonder which new dinosaur species they’ll come up with in the new Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom movie…


The kids’ suites sleep up to five with one king bed, two twin beds and an option for a rollaway bed. Mom and dad can have a little privacy, while kids can have some fun in their own attached themed room. The kids’ room only opens into the adults’ room, connected via a door modeled after the dinosaur enclosure. Now, you can take a prehistoric adventure 65 million years in the making by experiencing Jurassic Park inside Islands of Adventure and have your kids sleep among the dinosaurs in these new Jurassic World kids’ suites.

One of the benefits of staying at Loews Royal Pacific Resort is that you’ll also receive a Universal Express Unlimited two-park pass for everyone in your party, which allows you to skip the regular lines on rides like Jurassic Park River Adventure.  To learn more about those suites, jump HERE.

Pictures: copyright Universal Orlando

D&M Exclusive : Universal Orlando 4th Theme Park is Currently in Development With Code Name "Project 314"

I've got some great news for you to start the week, and to tell the truth, i had to wait until today April 2 to post it as i thought that if i had posted it yesterday April 1st  you would have thought that it was an April Fools, when it's not!

So, as you've read in the title it's all about Universal Studios Orlando 4th park - or 3rd theme park if you don't count the Volcano Bay water park - for which the code name so far is "Project 314". The infos below are coming from a faithful D&M reader who has a very reliable insider source and, as the infos that he sent to me previously were accurate, i believe that these new and major infos about Universal Orlando are right too.

So, he's been told by his insider source that, for sure, "the 4th Universal park in Orlando is in development and its code name is "Project 314". I have no clue what Project 314 is but that is currently taking place and they are recruiting a ton of creative people to get this park started..."

Of course, personally i have also no clue what "Project 314" means, but if any of you does, you're welcome to let us know. However, we know a bit more about what lands are apparently planned to be built in this 4th park and he's been told that, first, the Super Nintendo World is going to be there, which is so far no big surprise and even logical. Digging deeper into Nintendo land there should be a Zelda ride, a Mario kart ride, a Donkey Kong roller coaster, and play areas. Also the center point will be Peach castle so it should be a major major land if done right. And apparently Universal is trying to add Pokémon too, as he's been told that there is talks to try to get Pokémon involved in the Nintendo land: "Pokémon is the biggest missed opportunity and I know people are working hard to include that somewhere down the line. It’s a brilliant idea." We'll see if Universal succeed.



Two, he has also been told that a Lord of the Rings land is being highly considered for one of the lands of this 4th park. Remember that Universal was rumored to have bought the theme park rights for Lord of the Rings some years ago? Well, may be they've finally really got the rights.


Three, the “Ministry of Magic” - from Harry Potter prequels "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" will also be one of the lands. We can assume that Ministry of Magic will be a major land, and what is great with Ministry of Magic is that they'll have a choice of great decors for that land. You can see one in the picture below.


There is more with, four, "a new Jurassic Park thrill ride.” I thought it was strange that they don't build it in Islands of Adventure where is the Jurassic Park land, except if they want to create a Jurassic WORLD in the new park, of course, but he's been told about this new ride that "it's being played with currently in reference the new Jurassic world movies. Also, guest research has been out asking guests what they expect from a Jurassic Park attraction and their feedback about the original ride. I agree that it wouldn’t make sense to have 2 lands with the same IP but I know the current ride will be getting upgrades at IOA."



And when can we expect this fourth Universal Orlando park, you ask? Apparently Universal is in "full speed ahead" mode on the project, with  managers being sent over to new positions to manage the project. It's always difficult to say a time frame, but he would expect it to be before 2023-2024. That’s a rough estimate as Universal always amaze us on how fast they can build... so, it could be sooner.  He was also told that it is why the hotel projects are so fast pace right now, so Universal Orlando will have enough hotels for the 4th park when it will open, because the hotels have to come first.

If this 4th Universal Orlando park is built, even with "only"these four lands, it will be a clap of thunder in Orlando, and Disney will need as usual to counter attack, meaning that in a few years we'll be back to the situation that existed when the Harry Potter lands were so successful that Disney had to come with an answer, which they did with the Avatar and Star Wars lands.

Talking about Harry Potter, don't go away as he also told me interesting infos about the new Harry Potter coaster coming at Islands of Adventure Wizarding World: “The new Harry Potter ride will be an indoor coaster and the rumor that it'll be located outside is not true as they can’t do it due to the weather and also because the indoor coaster will have projections and dark lighting for the forbidden forest, so that’s why it won’t work outside". Well, may be a part of it will be outdoor, we'll see...

Well, that's all for today about this mysterious "Project 314" for a 4th Universal Orlando park. Of course take all this with a pinch of salt and consider it as "rumor" until an official announcement, but it's some pretty cool news to start the week, isn't it?

Pictures: copyright Universal, Warner, Universal Studios Japan, Travel with Bender

Universal Orlando Reveal New Details About Fast & Furious Supercharged Attraction Opening Next Spring

If you’ve visited Universal Orlando recently, you may have seen signs of Fast & Furious – Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida taking shape. Universal is working around the clock on putting the finishing touches on their newest attraction and they share with us new details about the new attraction opening next spring.

"Fast & Furious is all about adrenaline and action-packed thrills. We’re taking all of those awe-inspiring experiences and creating the next chapter in this blockbuster franchise with an all-new theme park ride. We’ll immerse you directly into the storyline alongside your favorite characters and make you a part of the Fast family forever.

There are four specific details exclusive to Universal Orlando’s Fast & Furious – Supercharged that make it the ultimate Fast & Furious experience:

Supercharged Cars
New Characters
New Story
Virtual Line

An Original Fast & Furious Story

The Fast & Furious – Supercharged building has become the new home base of operations. You’ll get to explore familiar scenes inspired by the films, including Tej’s high-tech War Room and the Family Room—complete with photos of the Fast family. Before Guests even step inside the attraction, they'll be immersed in the story.

They will first encounter Dom’s iconic car parked outside. Dom invites you to attend a race after-party that you won’t want to miss. The best part is Tej hooks you up with customized party busses to get you there.

As you make your way to the party, Dom calls with an urgent message: Criminal mastermind Owen Shaw has tracked you down. Now, a high-speed chase is on as the Fast & Furious crew strives to keep you safe from the clutches of Shaw.


The Family’s All Here

You’ll encounter Dom (Vin Diesel), Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), Roman (Tyrese Gibson) and more of your favorite Fast & Furious characters during your action-packed experience. But it’s not all good guys that you’ll come face-to-face with either. Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) and his criminal cartel are back with a vengeance.

And for the first time ever, Ludacris (Tej Parker) and Jordana Brewster (Mia Toretto) will join the all-star cast of this attraction.

Cars from the Fast & Furious Film Franchise

We’ve worked closely with Dennis McCarthy, the man behind the insane cars for the Fast & Furious films, to craft 15 authentic cars for our attraction.

Fast & Furious – Supercharged is the only place you’ll find these vehicles, including Dom’s iconic Dodge Charger, Letty’s Turbo Truck and more.



An Original Fast & Furious Story

Before you even step inside the attraction, you’re immersed in the story. You’ll first encounter Dom’s iconic car parked outside.

The Fast & Furious – Supercharged building has become the all-new home base of operations. You’ll get to explore familiar scenes inspired by the films, including Tej’s high-tech War Room and the Family Room—complete with photos of the Fast family.

Dom invites you to attend a race after-party that you won’t want to miss. The best part is Tej hooks you up with customized party busses to get you there.

As you make your way to the party, Dom calls with an urgent message: Criminal mastermind Owen Shaw has tracked you down. Now, a high-speed chase is on as the Fast & Furious crew strives to keep you safe from the clutches of Shaw. But will you make it?










Virtual Line

Fast & Furious – Supercharged is the next attraction at Universal Orlando Resort to feature the Virtual Line system. All you need to do is download the free Official Universal Orlando Resort Mobile App, or locate the kiosks near the ride entrance, and select your ride time. While you wait, you can check out the other attractions at Universal Studios.

And that’s not all. Throughout the attraction, you’ll hear hit songs from the Fast & Furious soundtracks. Your favorite film clips will play on screens throughout the queue. There will be photo opportunities with cars from this year’s blockbuster The Fate of the Furious after you exit the ride. And you won’t want to miss gearing up with “Family Forever” merchandise in the gift shop."



Pictures: copyright Universal Orlando

Each Water Ride of Universal Orlando Volcano Bay "Just Like If You Were There" Thanks to a Series of Great 4K POV Videos !

Universal Orlando Volcano Bay - their third theme park as they say - is now open and thanks to D&M contributor ThemeParkHD and a series of great 4K POV videos you'll be able to "ride" all the slides of this great water park "just like if you were there"! Watch out, you may get wet!

Here we go with the first video showing the great and surprising long Krakatau Aqua Coaster!




Actually ThemeParkHD has a second version of the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, and here it is.




Next, is the Maku Round raft ride.




Next video shows the Puihi Round raft ride.




Let's move to the Taniwha Tubes blue slide!




Here are the Taniwha Tubes green  slide...




...followed by a video of the Taniwha Tubes dark blue slide.




Let's go to the top of the Krakatau volcano to see the Ko'okiri Body Plunge!




By the way, there is a really nice view from the top of the volcano ( here front and back ).





Next are the Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine body slides.




Next stop, the Honu Ika Moana Turtle and Whale slide, and we have two different videos for it!







Next video, the "Punga Racers"!




Let's have a look now to the Waturi Beach wave pool!




Let's move to Volcano Bay lazy river, here called TeAwa Fearless River, may be because it's not that "lazy" all the time!




Next video shows the Kopiko Wai Winding River!




The next video will show you the Runumukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef, great water playgrounds for young children.




Here is a "full park walk through"!




And these last four videos will show you the interaction of the Tapu Tapu device that is given ( though you must give it back when you exit the park ) to each Volcano Bay guest, and the wristband unlocks hidden features located within the park.










Hope you enjoyed this tour of Volcano Bay, as you've seen it's also a paradise for Tikis fans as there are Tikis everywhere in this park! All my thanks too to the good folks of ThemeParkHD for their great videos, make sure to check regularly their new videos on ThemeParkHD Youtube channel HERE!

All Videos: copyright ThemeParkHD

Universal Studios Orlando Volcano Bay Video Update

With just one month prior to its opening let's have a look to Universal Orlando Volcano Bay water park which is almost ready to welcome its first guests. 

Eye Aerial has posted a great new drone video - and filmed in 4K - of Universal Orlando Volcano Bay water park, which provide stunning footage as seen from above. The pools have not yet been filled with water so you'll need to imagine how it will look with a crystal clear turquoise color water! 

That said, my main concern is about the immersion feeling as i'm curious to see if it will work with the highway located right behind Volcano Bay... 

Let's have a look now closer to the ground with this other video filmed by Alicia Stella posted just three days ago!

Can't wait to see how it will look on opening day next month!

Videos: copyright Eye Aerial, Alicia Stella

New Drone View Video of Universal Orlando Volcano Bay Construction Progress

Thanks to EyeAerial we have a new aerial "drone" video of Universal Orlando Volcano Bay construction progress, filmed February 28! The new water park is opening on May 25th, and more about it on the Universal Orlando website HERE.




Video: copyright EyeAerial

All Details About Universal Orlando Volcano Bay Water Park and the "TapuTapu" !

Universal Orlando released detailed infos about the awaited Volcano Bay water park and the Tapu Tapu device! Official video and details below!




The Volcano

At the heart of the island stands Krakatau™, the mighty Fire and Water Volcano. Towering 200 feet above the tropical landscape, Krakatau streams waterfalls during the day and fiery lava effects at night. Inside the cavernous volcano the Waturi people dare you to brave a variety of heart-pounding water slides.

Krakatau Aqua Coaster

Honorary Waturi can experience the power of Krakatau on this amazing ride. Four-person canoes slide upward through the mists and into the dark twists and turns within the volcano before emerging with a plunge through a shimmering waterfall.

Ko’okiri Body Plunge

Join in the centuries-old tradition of honoring the volcano god, Vol, by braving the incredible Ko’okiri Body Plunge. Featuring a 70-degree fall through a drop door and 125 feet of screaming, white-knuckle fun, this dizzying descent ends with a watery tribute from Vol himself.

Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides

Join Kala and Tai Nui where sea and sky meet and take a leap of faith from high atop the volcano. Twin trap doors simultaneously drop two guests down clear, intertwining tubes before sending them joyfully splashing into the turquoise waters below.

Punga Racers

A favorite among Waturi children of all ages, Punga Racers send single riders on their manta ray mats sliding down four lanes through underwater sea caves.

Wave Village

This peaceful escape overlooks the sparkling waters of Waturi Beach at the base of the volcano.

Waturi Beach

Locals know — the surf’s always up at Waturi Beach. Swim, splash and relax right along with them in the sparkling waters and warm waves of this sparkling lagoon at the foot of mighty Krakatau™.

River Village

The scenic River Village has fun for people of all ages, including the very youngest Waturi.

Honu ika Moana

Just like the ancient Waturi people who rode the ocean waves on friendly sea turtles and whales, guests can enjoy these two twisting, turning, multi-person slides. Honu sweeps up two massive walls, while ika Moana sprays water on riders from the center of the raft.

Runamukka Reef

The little ones can frolic among the splashy slides and fountains of the Tot Tiki Reef toddler play area, while Runamukka Reef delights older children with its bubbling geysers, water guns, slides and dump cups.

Kopiko Wai Winding River

Take a slow ride on the Kopiko Wai Winding River. Sprays of water surprise along the way, and beneath the lava rocks, Stargazer’s Cavern reveals the magical night sky above.

Rainforest Village

Rainforest Village stretches along the shores of an action-packed river and features the perfect mix of relaxation and exhilaration.

Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides

Test your mettle and get into the Waturi spirit. Ascend cliff side and plummet down the twisting waters of Ohyah before dropping out four feet above the pool below. To achieve even greater bragging rights, brave the rope bridge and plunge down Ohno, a serpentine adventure that ends six feet above the pool below. Be sure to yell your battle cry on the way down.

Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides

Ready for the high adventure of the Maku Puihi lava tubes? This six-person rafting adventure is a favorite of Waturi families, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Choose one of two paths or try them both—just be ready for a thrilling ride. Puihi careens through a dark, winding tunnel before the stomach-flipping thrill of zero gravity hang time. Maku slides you through a deep volcanic gorge before spinning wildly around bowl-like formations.

TeAwa The Fearless River

Up for an adventure? Take a thrilling whitewater ride along TeAwa The Fearless River. Race along a roaring, watery onslaught of churning rapids and choppy waves hanging tight to your inner tube.

Taniwha Tubes

There’s a place where the puka trees grow abnormally tall. Inspired by their twisting roots, the Waturi built four twisting water slides called the Taniwha Tubes. Riders can try all four twisting tracks, but beware — mischievous tiki statues spray jets of water when you least expect it.

And what about the TapuTapu you ask? Well, here it is and how it works:

TapuTapu™ Makes Fun As Easy As A Wave Of Your Wrist

At Volcano Bay™, every guest is granted the powers of TapuTapu™. With just a wave of your wrist you’ll be able to hold your place in the ride lines and discover wondrous surprises.



Last but not least Midway Mayhem has filmed some tests runs on some of the water slides and here is the video below.




Videos: copyright Universal Orlando, Midway Mayhem

Amazing Drone Video of Universal Orlando Volcano Bay Water Park !

A pretty awesome drone video was posted on Youtube by Ramesh Ramkumar, giving us the best view we ever had so far of Universal Orlando Volcano Bay water park construction site!

The video starts by a stunning close view of the volcano itself with workers and Universal Creative folks working on it...



...and then the drone turns at 360° to show us the others slides nearby.



Here is the full video,  watch it in HD and full screen mode!




Video: copyright Ramesh Ramkumar

Universal Orlando Introduces New Universal's Aventura Hotel

Universal Orlando announces a new hotel, the Universal's Aventura Hotel, to open in 2018. And they do it with digital renderings and a press release that you can read below. This will be - if my count is right - the sixth hotel at Universal Orlando Resort:

Introducing Universal's Aventura Hotel

In the summer of 2018, you’ll be able to step inside Universal’s Aventura Hotel – the next incredible addition to the Universal Orlando hotel collection. It will offer yet another value priced option when choosing from the wide range of hotels at our destination and will bring affordable-chic to life on-site.

You’ll arrive to a 16-story tower that soars through the Florida sky, with sunshine and clouds reflecting in its all-glass design.

If you’re wowed by the outside, just wait until you walk into the open, loft-inspired lobby, where the sunshine will stream in through 18-foot windows. Those same windows will also provide a view outside to the pool level. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves…

After checking in and grabbing a drink from the lobby bar, it’s time to check out your modern and serene guest room, designed with refreshing, natural colors – think sea blue and rose – to ease you into vacation mode. Gaze out your room’s floor-to-ceiling windows as all of Universal Orlando Resort spreads out before you. The first choice you’ll have to make after arriving at Universal’s Aventura Hotel is, “Where to first?”

Neighboring Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel will be just steps away from Universal Orlando’s theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay (opening early summer 2017). And all of it will be accessible by walking paths or complimentary shuttle service right from the hotel.

But the fun doesn’t end when you leave the theme parks. Unwind at the hotel with a soak in the crystal clear pool or poolside hot tub – with a cocktail from the pool bar, perhaps? Meanwhile, the kids expend the rest of their energy on the nearby splash pad.

When it’s time to eat, there will be plenty of choices within the hotel. On the lobby level, a casual food hall with five different cuisine options will appeal to all different taste buds. Have a seat and eat in, or grab and go back to your room.

The area of the hotel I know I’m most looking forward to is the rooftop bar, a first at Universal Orlando. Here you’ll be able to enjoy craft cocktails and small plates while soaking in the incredible panoramic views – you’ll almost be level with the tip of nearby Krakatau, the 200-foot-tall centerpiece of Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Need a quick pick-me-up before heading to Universal CityWalk for the night? Starbucks will be ready with your venti in the lobby on your way out the door.

And, of course, guests staying at Universal’s Aventura Hotel will receive Early Park Admission to Universal’s theme parks as well as complimentary on-site transportation.

We’re thrilled to introduce Universal’s Aventura Hotel to you today. You can start making reservations in just a few short months. In the meantime, start dreaming about being one of the first to stay at this stunning, new hotel.

Pictures and text: copyright Universal Orlando