Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
WEBWIRE – Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Universal Studios is assessing the feasibility of opening its first European resort in the UK, following the purchase of a former brickworks in Bedfordshire.
The theme park operator has confirmed its in the very early stages of exploring the possibility of a potential park and resort experience in Bedford.
Parent company, Comcast Corporation has purchased the 480-acre site, which previously had planning permission for 1,000 homes. Universal Destinations and Experiences has also had positive conversations with various local and national stakeholders, including Bedford Borough Council and the Mayor of Bedford Borough. However, the company has stressed plans are still in the early stages and it is likely to be many months before a decision is made.
Universal Destinations and Experiences has cited the UKs large population, creative industries, strong tourism industry, transportation infrastructure and close proximity to Europe as making it an attractive proposition for a resort.
The Bedfordshire site is just 45 minutes from London, within easy reach of tourism magnets Oxford and Cambridge and has half of the UKs population including the Leisure Media/Attractions Management HQ within two hours. As well as being close to the A1 and M1, Luton Airport is nearby.
With the Harry Potter Studios located just 40 minutes away in Watford, Bedford is an ideal destination for touring theme park enthusiasts.
Universal has five entertainment and resort complexes around the world – UniversalOrlandoResort, Universal StudiosHollywood, Universal StudiosJapan, UniversalBeijingResort and Universal StudiosSingapore. The resorts offer technologically advanced film and television-based attractions; hotels, food and beverage and live entertainment.
Universal has been responsible for some of the worlds most famous films including Jurassic Park, E.T., Back To The Future and Despicable Me. Its parks also feature franchises produced by other studios, including Harry Potter and The Simpsons.
If this project goes ahead it will be a massive win for Bedford: Bedford Borough Council currently flags up The River Great Ouse as one of its most attractive features. Its a growing town, with around 27,000 new homes planned by 2040 and expectations that the population currently at 185,000 – will keep growing. Major companies, including Amazon and Fuji Film, have already chosen the town as their operational base.
Universal theme parks create thousands of jobs, generate significant positive economic impact, both locally and further afield. The company is also committed to protecting the ecology of the areas where they operate and has a strong track record of working with local communities.
A website has been launched https://universalukproject.co.uk to update locals and allow them to give feedback.
Universal City, California – WEBWIRE – Friday, November 17, 2023
Visit Universal Studios Hollywood to Purchase Tickets Looking to share the gift of Universal Studios Hollywood with family and friends this holiday season, then a one-stop shopping spree at the entertainment destination for the perfect gift will help deliver ear-to-ear smiles. To help take the guesswork out of what to buy, Universal Studios Hollywood has assembled a checklist of inspirational gifts available from its popular rides, attractions and immersive lands, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic WorldThe Ride and Illuminations Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, along with a collection of theme park favorites. For the ideal stocking stuffer, the Universal Studios Hollywood Annual Pass is the quintessential gift to bring cheer throughout the year, inclusive of discounts and exclusive perks. Select the Platinum, Gold or Silver Annual Pass to create magical memories in 2024. Heres a checklist of top gifts to consider: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Share the holidays with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad and more with these favorites: six different collectible Power-Up Bands; a variety of character plush toys, apparel, hats and headbands; and even a Reversable Super Star and ? Block pillow. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Bring home a little magic with spellbinding gifts (select items can be personalized), including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Collector Edition Wand, adult and youth Christmas-themed sweatshirts, interactive snowy owl plush toys, crew neck fleece sweatshirts from each of the four Houses, commemorative holiday ornaments and dcor celebrating the season, decorative pins, mugs, scarves, scented candles, themed frames, cozy sleepwear and Honeydukes one-of-a-kind sweets. Grinchmas For the naughty on the list, whimsical favorites from Universal Pictures Dr. Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas include spirit jerseys, totes, Grinchy ornaments, green faux-fur keychains and adorned hats, gloves and scarves, colorful tumblers and pajamas. Jurassic WorldThe Ride Add a splash of Blue to the holiday season with such dinosaur favorites as a T. Rex Cutie Plush, assorted masks, bubble wand and canteen. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Illuminations mischievous Minions bring seasonal smiles with these must-have favorites: Minion and Fluffy the unicorn plush toys, backpacks and Minion goggles. The Secret Life of Pet: Off the Leash Furry stars Max, Snowball, Duke, Gidget, Buddy, Daisy, Mel, Princess and Pickles from Illuminations The Secret Life of Pets franchise bring holiday cheer with themed favorites, including plush toys, pajamas and Adopt A Pup collection. The Simpsons Ride and Springfield, USA Dohhere are few gift giving ideas from Americas favorite family: Pink donut pillow, character plush toys and apparel. And finally, here are a few memorable gifts for the all-encompassing Universal Studios Hollywood theme park fan, including Universal retro sweaters, caps and totes, Universal 1912 backpacks, tumblers and keychains, wooden clapboard and Universal Globe figurine. Throughout Universal Studios Hollywoods festive holiday celebration, guests can purchase an array of culinary treats and comfort foods, created exclusively by the theme parks Executive Chef Julia Thrash. Heres a sampling: Grinchmas will serve up such Who-bilation favorites as Who-ville Spiral Croissant, Dumpit to Crumpit Treat, Who-bilicious Cinnamon Roll, 2 Sizes Too Small Cupcake, Heart Grew 3 Sizes Sugar Cookie and the Grinch Heart Lemonade. Comfort foods and themed holiday fare available throughout the theme park: Crispy BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Slow Roasted Turkey Sandwich with Fries, Chili, Butternut Squash Soup and Clam Chowder in Bread Bowl, Turkey Quesadilla, Smoked Brisket Sandwich, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Spiral Croissant, Pumpkin Spice Spiral Croissant, Sleigh Bells Irish Sour, Rudolphs Red Rita, Hot Apple Toddy, Hot Espresso Martini, Make it Snappy Santa and Mrs. Claus Cinnamon Delight. Universal CityWalk Hollywood, located just outside the theme park, is also stocked for ideal shopping and dining. Guests must be 21 years or older+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages. From Friday, November 24 through Monday, January 1, 2024, Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood features Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the spectacular dazzling light projection transformation of HogwartsTM castle through The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, as well as Grinchmas, featuring a Who-lebration of fun fit for the Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos. Holiday programs are included in the price of theme park admission. More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). Entry to Universal CityWalk is free. More information is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.
Holiday Cheer Comes to Life with Universals Holiday Tour, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure and Special Experiences Across All Universal Hotels ORLANDO, Fla. – WEBWIRE – Friday, October 20, 2023
Click Here to Download Images Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to set their festive side free with its destination-wide Holidays celebration kicking off next month. Guests can experience a mix of merry and mischief brought to life from holiday classics to experiences inspired by pop culture icons, creating a memorable holiday atmosphere unlike any other beginning Friday, November 17 and running daily through Sunday, December 31. From the wondrous spectacle of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade, coming face-to-face with everyones favorite green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to gazing at the floats and larger-than-life balloons during Universals Holiday Parade featuring Macys, there are boundless opportunities for guests to enjoy at Universal Orlando this holiday season. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure The Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant croaking frogs also returns to Hogsmeade with a special holiday-themed performance, plus guests can groove to the music of the wizarding worlds most popular singing sensation, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley. Universals Holiday Parade featuring Macys at Universal Studios Florida Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure Seuss Landing will transport guests into a whimsical atmosphere decked out with oversized candy canes, twisty Christmas trees, stunning tinsel ornaments and more. There will even be appearances from the Whos from Who-ville and a special photo opportunity that brings guests face-to-face with the mean, green one himself, the Grinch. Mannheim Steamroller at Universal Studios Florida If that wasnt enough, theres even more Holiday cheer to be found around every corner at Universal Orlando Resort with a wide variety of additional, unique add-on experiences. Universals Holiday Tour Universals Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning November 19 through December 30, 2023 and can be booked by visiting www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. Pricing begins at $79.99 per person (plus tax) and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required. Annual and Seasonal Passholders can get a $10 off discount per ticket per passholder with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass. Tickets for passholders can be purchased by calling 1-866-346-9350 or by visiting the UOAP Lounge in Universal Islands of Adventure. Regular Seasonal and Power Pass blockout dates apply. The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast takes place in Confisco Grille in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates November 17 through December 27 for $58.99 + tax per adult and $32.99 + tax per child (ages 3-9) and can be booked by visiting www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. Premier and Preferred Annual Passholders can receive a 20% discount on purchases of The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast for select dates by calling 407-224-7554. The Holiday Celebration Continues at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlandos Hotels Get 2 Days of Park Admission Free with a Cant-Miss Ticket Offer Special Experiences for Annual Passholders The Holidays celebration runs daily from November 17 through December 31 at Universal Orlando Resort and from November 24 through January 1, 2024 at Universal Studios Hollywood. For more information about Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. About Universal Orlando Resort Where Its More Than Magic, Its Real The 700-acre resort is home to two exhilarating theme parks Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created, with a third next-level theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on the way. Guests can also find the perfect balance of thrills and relaxation at the Universal Volcano Bay water park, relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eight hotels that offer something for every style and budget Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universals Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universals Aventura Hotel and Universals Endless Summer Resort Surfside and Dockside Inn and Suites. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.
Orlando, Fla. – WEBWIRE – Friday, June 30, 2023
For More Information and to Purchase Universal Orlando Resort Annual or Seasonal Passes, CLICK HERE Universal Orlando Resort invites U.S. and Canadian residents to take advantage of an incredible offer three extra months free when purchasing or renewing any 2-Park or 3-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass. Available for purchase now at www.UniversalOrlando.com, the 3 Months Free on Any Pass offer allows guests to save significantly on an extraordinary year of theme park perks that includes 15 months of admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, as well as Universal Volcano Bay for select Passes three theme parks that boast some of the most innovative, immersive and popular theme park experiences ever created. Blockout dates apply on select Passes. Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passes are loaded with exclusive benefits and perks to experience the resort like a pro including discounts at dining and shopping locations throughout the parks and Universal CityWalk. Plus, each pass gives guests access to special offers at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels to take their vacations to the next level. The 3 Months Free on Any Pass is the perfect offer for guests to explore and enjoy all the exhilarating entertainment that can only be found at Universal Orlando Resort. With more than 60 highly-immersive attractions and experiences across its award-winning theme parks plus the debut of the all-new Minion Land and the interactive blaster game experience, Illuminations Villain-Con Minion Blast Universal Orlando is the place to vacation in 2023 and beyond. Passholders can also enjoy exclusive seasonal benefits, such as Passholder Appreciation Days between August 15 and September 30, giveaways and year-round access to the Passholder Lounge at Universal Islands of Adventure. For more information about the 3 Months Free on Any Pass offer and Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com
Orlando, Fla., Universal City, Calif. – WEBWIRE – Friday, March 3, 2023
Click Here to Download Images of Vegan Butterbeer Guests can now enjoy a vegan version of the fan-favorite Butterbeer beverage in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Available in cold and frozen, the new non-dairy offering features the same delicious taste as the existing, wildly-popular Butterbeer drink complete with flavors reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread and topped with a vegan-friendly version of the iconic Butterbeer froth. Universal Orlando guests can purchase vegan, non-dairy Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks restaurant in Hogsmeade and the Leaky Cauldron restaurant in Diagon Alley, and Universal Studios Hollywood guests can purchase the beverage at the Hogs Head pub in addition to the Three Broomsticks restaurant. Guests can also savor other vegan menu options during their visit to the spectacularly themed lands, including Irish Stew and Shepherds Pasty Pie (located at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando), and Mushroom Pie Platter (located at Universal Orlando). For more information about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com, and at Universal Studios Hollywood, visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com.
Universal Studios Hollywood Offers Top Holiday Gift-Giving Favorites from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” Along With the Must-Have Annual Pass as the Countdown to the Holidays Begins –
Holiday Shopping is Enhanced by the Theme Parks Festive Grinchmas Who-lebration and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Along with Seasonal Culinary Treats, November 24 January 1, 2024
The Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort Return for a Whimsical Destination-Wide Celebration Inspired by Pop Culture’s Most Beloved Stories Including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and More November 17 Through December 31
Plan a Holly Jolly Getaway with Special Ticket Offer Giving U.S. and Canada Residents 2 Days Free with the Purchase of a 2-Park 3-Day Ticket
Holiday magic fills The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade transform into a wizarding holiday wonderland overflowing with festively themed dcor, lights, garland and more. The nighttime spectacle, The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, returns to Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure bringing to life a stunning projection show highlighting Christmas moments and holiday spirit inspired by the beloved characters and stories of the Harry Potter films.
Guests will gaze in awe as beloved pop culture-inspired stories from Illuminations Despicable Me and DreamWorks Animations Shrek and Madagascar fill the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universals Holiday Parade featuring Macys. These beloved stories come to life as larger-than-life balloons, colorful holiday floats and hundreds of jolly performers embark on a picturesque journey that culminates in a stunning finale including a special appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of the magnificent 80-foot Christmas tree.
Revel in the spirit of Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure where the Grinch stars in the live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.
The top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, will return to Universal Studios Florida to get guests into the holiday spirit with live performances on December 2, 3, 9 and 10.
Guests can enjoy a guided tour that gives them special access to all the beloved holiday entertainment experiences taking place across the destination, including:
The popular dining experience, The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, allows guests to start their day with a delicious breakfast and fun appearances by the Grinch and other favorite Dr. Seuss characters.
Guests can keep the celebration going at Universal CityWalk with seasonal food and beverage and special entertainment. Plus, all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels will be decked out with festive dcor that enhances each hotels theme and the whole family can indulge in holiday feasts and activities. Special menus will be available at Universal hotels for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, and there will also be menorah lighting ceremonies and more. Select hotels even offer special holiday entertainment like Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers. Guests can now save 20% on a four-night stay in the 2-bedroom suites at Universals Endless Summer Resort Dockside Inn and Suites & Surfside Inn and Suites and the family suites at Universals Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Access to Universal Orlandos Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks. U.S. and Canada residents can now take advantage of an incredible deal giving them five days of access to Universal Orlando Resorts thrilling theme parks for the price of a three-day ticket to enjoy the ultimate holiday getaway. Guests also have the option to upgrade their ticket to include Universal Volcano Bay. Click here for more information and to purchase.
In addition to discounts on select holiday experiences, Annual Passholders will get special access to enjoy Universals Holidays Parade featuring Macys from a viewing area just for Passholders, as well as exclusive merchandise and early access to the Holidays Tribute Store.
Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.Universal Orlando Resort Launches an Incredible Offer, Inviting Guests to Experience a Year of Passholder Perks, Plus an Extra Three Months Free on Any Pass
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Adds Vegan Butterbeer to its Vegan Offerings at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood
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