Universal Studios Orlando Resort News Roundup

This week is full of exciting new things at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida!  Join us for this week’s updates of what’s going on around the Universe including: Diagon Alley previews, the grand opening of Hot Dog Hall of Fame,  and more!

Universal Orlando Theme Parks

Reminder! Diagon Alley Opening Date Announced: Universal Orlando Resort officially announced the
opening date for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. The first date this new land will be
open to the public is July 8, 2014.

New! Technical Rehearsals for Hogwarts Express: The Hogwarts Express train has been open to guests
since Tuesday, July 1. It’s in technical rehearsals, which means it can close down at any time for any
reason. There is no guarantee to ride, but many have been enjoying the trip from King’s Cross to
Hogsmeade and the reverse trip as well. You can take a virtual ride here:

Kings Cross to Hogsmeade:

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”//www.youtube.com/embed/R2RZmBNV6sg?list=UU1wOE0-VHiMrx4J-bZbxGpA” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

New! Phased Preview for Diagon Alley Just Announced: Universal Orlando announced July 3rd they have opened the food, shops and shows of Diagon Alley to all guests as part as a phased preview. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is not open at this time, but everything else in Diagon Alley is.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Reminder! Cabana Bay Grand Opening was June 16: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is now
fully open! The family suites debuted back in March, but now the entire resort, including the standard rooms,
and all the amenities are open to the public. With Cabana Bay, Universal puts a new twist on the 50’s and
60’s at this retro themed hotel complete with two huge pools, a lazy river, the first on­site bowling alley,
complimentary fitness center and more! We celebrated the resort with a grand opening beach bash featuring
a surprise performance by The Beach Boys on June 16!

Universal CityWalk

New! Hot Dog Hall of Fame Now Open: Hot Dog Hall of Fame officially opened July 3, 2014 at Universal
Orlando’s CityWalk, becoming the latest venue to debut as part of this year’s historic expansion to the
entertainment complex. Hot Dog Hall of Fame, located across from Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, features stadium­style seating and iconic hot dog creations from across the nation, including the loaded Chicago dog and Milwaukee brat.  Universal partnered with Steven Schussler, the global culinary concept creator behind the popular Rain Forest Cafe, to bring his Hot Dog Hall of Fame concept to CityWalk.

Reminder! VIVO Italian Kitchen Now Open: VIVO Italian Kitchen immerses guests in the essence of
modern Italian cuisine. This original concept restaurant showcases a contemporary dining atmosphere,
allowing guests to watch chefs handcraft pasta from scratch and create classic Italian dishes with a modern
twist. VIVO is located on the ground floor next to Red Oven Pizza Bakery.

Reminder! CityWalk Expansion Plans: Hot Dog Hall of Fame joins Red Oven Pizza Bakery, Antojitos
Authentic Mexican Food, Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks, Menchie’s and VIVO Italian Kitchen as the
latest establishments to open as part of the expansion to Universal CityWalk. Breadbox and The CowFish
will open later this year.

Calling all muggles and wizard alike!!  Are you ready to visit the new Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort?   Gretchen, an agent with Destinations in Florida the preferred agency of Chip & Co, is ready to help!  Contact Gretchen at gretchen@destinationsinflorida.com or 818-519-0777.

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

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