Walt Disney World Loses A Third Day to Universal- Harry Potter and The Battle at the Ministry Will Rock the World!

As expected, Epic Universe moves beyond Disney starting today. The final details have just been released. Harry Potter and The Battle at the Ministry. Take a ride on the Métro-Floo from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for an attraction that look like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on steroids! It will leave fans with a resounding question of "How did they do that?!?"

In this new wizarding world, it wouldn't be Paris without a cabaret! In the brand new land, show patrons will enter a tent in the center of the streets to enjoy a full-scale incredible traveling group called Le Cirque Arcanus. Encountering fantastic beasts of many kinds and performers of equal variety, be prepared for something spectacular. When the brilliant minds of Universal Creative puts a theater show in the middle of the land, you can be they are very proud of it! 

What's the Wizarding World without some Butterbeer? Is it here in Paris as well? Mais bien sûr! (But of course!) Shops, restaurants, and brand new places to explore will bring guests for a third full day to the Universal Orlando Resort. And this is Disney's new problem.

How does Disney stem the tide of an additional third day loss day of revenue? Families by the thousands will now call Universal their home resort for the next family vacation. 

The full video.

They may act unafraid, but you can guarantee the suits at the Walt Disney Company have  to change their clothes today. In this world, no one successfully competes with the wizard named Harry Potter!

(Concept art copyright Universal Creative.)

Here's to Mothers Day... and Butterbeer!

A nice little shot from our recent trip to Universal Orlando Resort and of course, Walt Disney World. As I was looking for a photo of all four of our kids with their mother, I realized I only had old ones from years ago. That's ok- I have a recent one of our youngest son- the Harry Potter fan- sitting in Hog's Head enjoying a butter beer with his Mom, I mean Mum. 

Islands of Adventure is quickly becoming one of my favorite parks in Florida due to the great Jurassic Park thrill Velocicoaster and my love for Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. 

More of our trip report to come. Next up? Universal Studios Florida park.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Two Gilly Waters and a Butterbeer Please!

In the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, the creative men and women have given guests multiple opportunities to gently separate them from their hard earned dollars. 

Gilly Water and Butterbeer are just the right refreshers on a hot, humid, Florida day while you sit in for a break between Escape from Gringotts or Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. All at a very reasonable price, no less.

A frozen Butterbeer still reigns supreme, and I can't wait for my next one, but there's a good bit of fun to making your own Gilly Water concoction. Kudos to Universal Creative for giving guests what they expect from a Potter experience without gauging them.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)