What's New (and what is hot!)

Universal Orlando

After several delays, Universal Studios finally closed the popular Back to the Future attraction to make way for The Simpson’s in Spring 2008. The attraction takes riders on a high-speed adventure with Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie, as they careen wildly through Springfield’s newest fantasy amusement park, ‘Krustyland’, designed by the cantankerous Krusty the Clown.
The motion-simulator ride system is similar to Back to the Future’s DeLoreans, combining existing technology with visual and sensory tricks inspired by the popular Amazing Adventures of Spider Man attraction to form a new range of movements and behaviours in this one-of-a-kind, breathtaking experience.

Expect the same irreverent humour that makes the television show such a mega-hit, as Springfield’s wacky residents take over Universal Studios in 2008! There is, of course, the inevitable gift shop, carrying all the latest Simpson-ware. Themed as Kwik-E-Mart, it’s almost a mini-attraction, with hilarious advertisements featuring the likes of Dry Diapers (‘Won’t leak for at least a week!’) and Krusty Non-Narkotik Kough Syrup for Kids. D’oh!

Also new to the Studios is a remake of Earthquake-The Big One. Opened in December 2007, Disaster! A Major Motion Picture…Starring You! retains some of the old show’s elements while incorporating new ride and interactive elements as well as a new storyline.

PRO SPOT: Have a hungry brood to feed? Universal’s Meal Deal offers all-you-can-eat dining at three select restaurants in each of the Universal parks. For $19.99 per adult, $9.99 per child (age 3-9), Meal Deal includes one entrée platter and one dessert each time you order (drinks not included). If you are visiting two parks in one day, the Two-Park meal pass is $24.99 ($12.99 ages 3-9).

Over at Islands of Adventure, look watch for construction to begin as the park adds a whole new island based on the massively popular Harry Potter book series. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is due to open in late 2009 or early 2010, the first major addition to the park since it opened in 1999. The new island will take over part of what is now the Lost Continent, and incorporate an existing employee parking lot, adding 20 acres of shopping, dining and attractions themed around Harry and Co.’s adventures in Hogwart’s castle, the Forbidden Forest and the strange and wonderful village of Hogsmeade.