15 Fun Tips for A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando

Warner Bros. and Universal Orlando are partnering up again to celebrate the magic through A Celebration of Harry Potter.

This celebration recognizes the amazing storytelling and cinematic feats used to bring this wonderful world to life. The Wizarding fun will take place from January 26th -28th at various locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort.

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Linie Aquavit Glacier Epcot

Drink of the Week: Linie Aquavit Glacier Shot at Epcot

Have you ever felt the need to get out of your comfort zone and try something new? For today’s edition of the HIPSTER Drink of the Week, we’re doing just that. We’re going to try a chest burning adventure in a shot glass. It’s the Linie Aquavit Glacier Shot at Epcot.

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Alien Encounter Ride at the Magic Kingdom. Photo Copyright Disney Company.

The Death of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter at the Magic Kingdom

Do you miss ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter?

A few weeks ago, on a super EXTRA hot Florida day, I spent some time in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom exploring the nooks and crannies I’d ignored on prior visits.

On my journey I passed Stitch’s Great Escape with a less than five minute wait and thought to myself, “why not catch the next showing?”

So, I detoured and headed inside for the pre-show.

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Halloween Horror Nights VI

 

Halloween Horror Nights VI Journey Into Fear marketing featured a demented creature lurking in the dark, chanting the tagline in advertisements. The event featured three mazes, one scarezone, three shows, and an all new parade. The event was held for fifteen nights from October 11th to November 2, 1996.

Halloween Horror Nights 1996 was the first year to see the Festival of the Dead Parade, a Mardi Gras-style parade. The Crypt Keeper was not the icon that year; however, he was still featured in the event with his own house and as the leader of the parade.

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Halloween Horror Nights V

In 1995 Universal had to find a way to recreate Halloween Horror Nights due to its popularity. The pressure to top previous years was present with the event creators. This problem led to the creation of a main character to distinguish each year.

Halloween Horror Nights V was the first year an “icon” or single figure was presented, The Crypt Keeper. This icon was from the HBO series Tales From the Crypt where he told creepy stories and life lessons in a not so traditional way. 

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HHN photo source WESH

Halloween Horror Nights 1994

 

Halloween Horror Nights 1994 was the first Horror Nights that added Scarezones to the event. Horrorwood was the first scarezone that featured the Chainsaw Drill Team, the Lizzie Borden Band and more. This new concept provided a safer way of organizing the crowds on theme park streets. Halloween Horror Nights IV was also the last time Robosaurus would appear at the event. The monstrous robot would not make an appearance for another twelve years.

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Halloween Horror Nights 3

Halloween Horror Nights 1993

 

Halloween Horror Nights III was marketed as the 3rd  Annual Universal Studios Florida Halloween Horror Nights and was held for five nights. Creators for HHN 1993 brought in consultants, the Elm Street Hauntreprenuers of Irving, Texas, who recommended Universal concentrate more on startling people than grossing them out. Halloween Horror Nights III was also the first year of three different mazes, two with brand new concepts.

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Don’t Be Fooled by ARTEGON Marketplace: It’s the ANTI-Mall

I’ve found a not so hidden gem right in the heart of Orlando. It’s called the Artegon Marketplace located on the north east end of International Drive.

I say hidden gem because knowing the previous history of the mall that used to be there, Artegon offers so many surprises around each and every corner in contrast to its predecessor. 

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