Posts

Showing posts from May, 2024

Universal Citywalk: Shopping

Image
  16 - Universal Studios Store This is the biggest store in the resort. Here, guests can find anything found in the park, from Hogwarts robes to dinosaur essentials, and even Minion hats! 17 - The Sports Store Support your favorite sports teams in this store. From football to basketball, baseball to hockey, this is where guests can find their merchandise. 18 - Hard Rock Shop Get your rock on in this gift shop. Here, guests can find Hard Rock souvenirs as well as merchandise from big-name rock bands. 19 - Chocolate Smith Do you love chocolate? Well, this store near the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is where guests can buy merchandise, apparel, and candy itself. They can also meet the founders of the emporium, Penelope and her robot, Jacques. 20 - Silent Wave Surf Shop Hang ten at this surf shop. Here, guests can find beach supplies, swimsuits, and more worthy for those who want to catch a wave. 21 - Toy City Here is where toys are sold, such as plush toys, action figures, and more. T...

Universal Citywalk: Dining

Image
  4 - Raising Cane's Sniff out this fun restaurant where chicken is sold. This is where guests can eat chicken, toast, fries, and fountain drinks, all in the same meal. 5 - Panda Express In this restaurant, guests can have some Chinese food. This includes czechuan chicken, teriyaki chicken, pork, noodles, and more. 6 - Starbucks Coffee, milkshakes, and other things are sold here. It's good for those who want a morning coffee, and those who just want a hot drink. 7 - Coldstone Creamery You've never had ice cream like this. Guests come into this room and have their ice cream made their way, and it is delicious. 8 - Vivo Italian Kitchen This is the place to find Italian food. From pizza to pasta, and even some chicken Alfredo, guests will find all sorts of authentic Italian dishes, all while sitting in a romantic room. 9 - Voodoo Donut This mysterious shop is where guests can buy unusual donuts. They can even sit on a donut throne found outside of the restaurant. 10 - Antihito...

Universal Citywalk: Entertainment

Image
  1 - AMC Theaters Catch a movie at this cinema. Here, guests can sit back in a recliner and watch a new movie. This also features 3-D and IMAX theaters. 2 - Universal's Great Movie Escape This is not your typical escape room experience. Here, guests come into one of three immersive storylines, where they will have to use their wits to escape. This includes Back to the Future: OUTTATIME!, Jurassic World: Escape, and Jaws: Sharkbait. 3 - Universal's PORTAL This is a virtual reality experience where guests are placed in their favorite films. They can help restore order at Hogwarts in Harry Potter: Magical Mania or ride through a dinosaur theme park in Jurassic Park: Dino Control.

Universal Citywalk San Antonio: An Overview

Image
  OVERVIEW: This entertainment district, located outside of the park, is where guests can find shops, restaurants, and entertainment. This features several original places, as well and world-renowned franchise restaurants. In addition to this, this leads to the three hotels, which are located on a lagoon. It is a picturesque sight for those who come to see it. Also nearby are parking structures and the entrance point, where guests will be checked before they enter the resort. Welcome to the Epicenter of Awesome.....

Events at Universal Studios San Antonio

Image
  Summer of Blockbusters: In the summer, Universal Studios San Antonio celebrates Blockbusters of old in a themed event. This includes themed merchandise, food, and photo ops, as well as a new parade with scenes from films like E.T., Jaws, Back to the Future, and others. Halloween Time at Universal: When spooky season comes around, Universal Studios San Antonio receives not one but two special events. One of them is the separately-ticketed Halloween Horror Nights event, which contains ten haunted houses, five scare zones, themed entertainment, food, and merchandise. The other is a family-friendly daytime event with a scavenger hunt and trick-or-treat locations throughout the park. Holidays at Universal: When the Holidays come around, Universal Studios San Antonio has an epic transformation. Both Hogsmeade and DIagon Alley embrace the Christmas season. Themed decorations, food, merchandise, and entertainment are found all around the park. There is even a Christmas Tree display in Ho...

Park-Wide Entertainment

Image
  Universal's Great Movie Parade: This is an interesting parade that goes down Hollywood Boulevard and passes through Minion Land. Here, guests can see their favorite movies represented on parade floats, from family favorites like Despicable Me, Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and Madagascar, to more older flicks like E.T., Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park. Universal's Cinematic Celebration: Every night, the waters of Universal Studios San Antonio light up with movie moments. Here, guests can see clips from the movies represented in the parks, from the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park, to the Minions of Despicable Me, and even the magic of Harry Potter, this is one show to behold. Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle: When night falls, Hogwarts castle lights up with the colors of the four houses. With stunning lights, fireworks, and an original musical score, this is a magical way to end a day in Universal Studios San Antonio.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley: Entertainment

Image
  Characters: The Knight Bus conductor meets near the Knight Bus, which is found near the entrance to the alley. The Tales of Beedle the Bard In Diagon Alley, the Wizarding Academy of the Arts performs reenactments of the writer's famous tales. This includes "The Fountain of Fair Fortune," "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," and most famously, "The Tale of the Three Brothers." Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees Whether you're a fan of this singer, like Molly Weasley, or just an average person, come listen to these catchy jazz tunes sung by British singer Celestina Warbeck, and her backup singers, the Banshees. Ollivanders Guests can watch a wand choose a wizard in this interactive experience. This is just like the show found in Hogsmeade. Defenders of the Wizarding World In Number 12, Grimmauld Place is where guests sign up for this game. It is also where they can train with Kreacher, practicing defensive spells. Then, they can go around Diagon Alley...

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley: Shopping

Image
  AY - Weasley's Wizard Wheezes Guests can come into the novelty joke shop of Fred and George Weasley. Here, they can find joke products, pygmy puffs, and other themed merchandise. AZ - Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions Come and get your school robes here! Aside from robes, guests can also buy authentic costumes from the Harry Potter films, like Hermione's Yule Ball dress. BA - Flourish and Blotts In this area is where guests can buy books themed to the Wizarding World. This features titles from Newt Scamander, Beedle the Bard, Gilderoy Lockhart, and even all seven Harry Potter books. BB - Quality Quidditch Supplies All Quidditch fans can find their supplies here. From apparel to accessories, brooms and more, guests can show support for their favorite team or their Hogwarts house. BC - Sugarplum's Sweet Shop This is where Magical sweets are sold. Here, guests can buy chocolate frogs, fizzing whizbees, jelly slugs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and more. BD ...

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley: Dining

Image
  AV - The Leaky Cauldron Guests go into this rustic inn and help themselves to British fare. This includes jacket potatoes, fish and chips, pudding, and more. AW - Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor This is where guests can get unusual types of ice cream. Here, guests can come in and find butterbeer ice cream, chocolate chili ice cream, and others. AX - The Hopping Pot Located to the left of the alley near the entrance to Knockturn Alley is where guests can buy butterbeer. This includes, hot, cold, and frozen, but potted cream, ice cream, and fudge can be found elsewhere.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley: Attractions

Image
  37 - Hogwarts Express B-Ticket Any Height Guests board the Hogwarts Express in King's Cross Station, which will take them to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. QUEUE: Guests find King's Cross Station at the edge of the area, visible from the Chinese area of Mystical Realms. Here, guests go into the station. They see departure times for trains, some luggage on the side, and even a snack stand (because food can be brought on the train.) Soon, they will come to Platform 9 3/4, where they go through the barrier (which looks fake while you're doing it, but real if you look through a window.) On the platform, they will find the train itself. They will pass luggage belonging to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and even see Hedwig in her cage, before going onto the train itself. They will find a compartment to sit in and wait for someone to close the door. RIDE EXPERIENCE: The ride begins by going out of London, passing by the Muggles. They may also see Hagrid fly by on his Mot...

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley: An Overview

Image
  OVERVIEW: Welcome to London, home of cobblestone streets, red telephone booths, and.......a secret magical community? It's true. There is are many hidden surprises hidden in this seemingly ordinary town. From a train ride to Hogsmeade to a journey into the Ministry of Magic itself. However, the biggest attraction here is Diagon Alley. Here, guests go through the brick wall and into the streets of the Wizarding shopping district. Here is where they can buy all of their magical supplies, whether it be wands, robes, or school supplies. But don't be fooled by the calm atmosphere. Deep inside the vault of Gringotts is a multi-sensory thrill ride, where peril resides in the vaults. And don't forget the dragon on top of the bank, which breathes real fire! Do note that this is a smaller version of the area than its Orlando counterpart. There is no covered market area, even though the stage where entertainment plays is found near Gringotts.

Mystical Realms: Entertainment

Image
  Characters: Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots meet in Far, Far Away, Hiccup and Toothless meet in Berk, and Po and Tigress can be found in China. Tai Chi Instructors In the Chinese area, guests can practice Tai Chi in a traditional Chinese way. They meet in the Garden of the Twelve Warriors. How to Find Your Dragon Dragons have been hiding all around the Mystical Realms and Hiccup needs your help to find them. Here, guests will use their phones to find these hidden dragons and even identify which class they are in. (App required.)

Mystical Realms: Shopping

Image
  AQ - Ye Old Fairytale Shoppe In Far, Far Away is where guests can find toys, apparel, and more accessories from the Fairy Tale world. This shop sells great souvenirs for guests of all ages. AR - Royal Treasures After their journey through the castle, guests come into this gift shop. Here, they can find several Shrek and Puss in Boots merchandise options, as well as other European souvenirs. AS - Gobber's Blacksmith Shop In the village, guests come into this place where Gobber is selling his wares. here, guests can buy clothing, toys, accessories, houseware, and other goods from Berk. AT - Dragon Traders After their flight over Berk, guests enter this shop where How to Train Your Dragon merchandise is sold. Here, guests can find clothing, toys, and anything else to appease a dragon fan. AU - Master Shifu's Kung-Fu Emporium After their journey through the Valley of Peace, guests come here and find an assortment of Kung-Fu supplies. From stuffed animals to clothing, to Chinese s...

Mystical Realms: Dining

Image
  AL - Far, Far Away Tavern In this rustic tavern, guests can help themselves to a bunch of Fairy Tale delights. This includes authentic European fare, as well as some American food like burgers and sandwiches. AM - Cherry Lane Bakery Do you know the Muffin Man? After visiting this place, you will. Here, guests can find many sweet treats, from cookies to ice cream, and even some themed sweets like Shrek Pudding and Gingerbread Whoopie Pies. AN - Mead Hall Guests come into the Great Hall of Berk and eat like a viking. Here, guests can have some cuisine from Norway and Sweden, as well as other European food. AO - Dragon Bites This restaurant in Berk serves a delicious American cuisine, from pizza to burgers and even some chicken tenders. It's a nice place to eat and look out into the harbor. AP - Mr. Ping's Noodle House Come into the restaurant of Po's adoptive father, where authentic Chinese cuisine is sold. Here, guests can eat chicken and noodles as well as other Chinese f...

Mystical Realms: Attractions (Part 3)

Image
  34 - Lanterns of Legends A-Ticket Any Height In these spinning lanterns, guests can fly above the Chinese area of Mystical Realms and get a bird's eye view of the Garden of the Twelve Warriors. 35 - Garden of the Twelve Warriors B-Ticket Any height Located in the center of this land is a Chinese-style garden containing mosaics of the Chinese Zodiac, depicted as Kung-Fu Warriors. Here, guests can learn more about their Zodiac animal, as well as fictional adventures of these warriors. (The Monkey and Tiger are actually ancestors of Furious Five members Monkey and Tigress.) 36 - Kung-Fu Panda: Journey of the Dragon Warrior C-Ticket Any Height When a festival is put in jeopardy by some old enemies, guests join Po and the Furious Five to stop them. This is a modified version of a boat ride found in Beijing, even though it is enhanced compared to its Chinese counterpart. PRE-SHOW: Towering over the Chinese area is the Jade Palace, which sits on a rocky mountain. Guests, however, enter ...

Mystical Realms: Attractions (Part 2)

Image
  29 - The Untrainable Dragon C-Ticket Any Height This Broadway-style show, inspired by a show that originated in Beijing, is a highlight of the Isle of Berk, combining puppetry, screen effects, live actors, and more to create an unforgettable experience. In this show, Hiccup and Astrid must deal with a mysterious new dragon who has arrived on the island, and discover if it really is Untrainable. 30 - Dragon Flyers A-Ticket Any Height This dual spinning attraction is where guests board wooden dragons and spin around in a midway-style ride. It's a good attraction for smaller vikings. 31 - How to Train Your Dragon: Flight Over Berk E-Ticket Must be 44 in. Join Hiccup and the Dragon Riders on a flight over Berk in this 3-D motion simulator ride, similar to Avatar Flight of Passage. QUEUE: Guests enter into the stables near the village, where the attraction's entrance is found. From there, they go through the stables and see notes from Hiccup, which tells guests about the types of ...

Mystical Realms: Attractions (Part 1)

Image
  27 - Fairy Tale Carousel A-Ticket Any Height In a medieval carousel, guests can ride horses around as whimsical music plays. They may even see a certain donkey or dragon among the horses, which they can ride as well. 28 - Puss in Boots: Legend of the Missing Mirror C-Ticket Any Height Join the fearless feline on a harrowing mission to find a lost mirror with magical properties as you journey into the dungeons beneath the castle. QUEUE: At the edge of the Far, Far Away area is the castle. Here, the attraction is advertised in the courtyard. There, they enter into the entrance of the attraction. They go through several rooms of the castle, where they pass by several open books. This tells guests the story about how Shrek met Fiona, and eventually, married her. Also featured in the queue are several books about a magical hand mirror that could show someone anything they wanted to find. It belonged to Fiona's father, King Harold, but then he lost it when he accidentally dropped it in...

Mystical Realms: An Overview

Image
  OVERVIEW: This family area takes up the eastern portion of the park and consists of many rides and attractions. These adventures, inspired by the fantasy worlds of Dreamworks Animation, include something for everyone. In this land are three separate areas. First, guests travel to the kingdom of Far, Far Away for fairy tale adventures with ogres, cats, and other fun characters in the mix. Then, guests soar high on the Isle of Berk, where vikings and dragons exist with one another in hilarious harmony. Finally, guests travel to Ancient China for awesome experiences with Kung-Fu warriors. In short, this land has something for every member of the family. It's a truly enchanting realm where everyone can experience their own adventures.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade: Entertainment

Image
  Characters: Guests can meet the Hogwarts Conductor near a model of the train. Ollivanders Guests can watch a wand choose a wizard in an interactive show. It is located near the shop. Triwizard Spirit Rally In honor of the Triwizard Tournament, guests can watch the students of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang perform stunts on a stage. Frog Choir Frogs can sing? Apparently, they can. Here is where guests watch the students of Hogwarts and their trained frogs perform musical masterpieces. Hippogriff Interaction Guests can learn how to politefully approach a Hippogriff in this interactive show. They join their fellow students and a professor as they learn how to do this. Defenders of the Wizarding World Guests can take part in a battle game spanning both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. They can train near the Hog's Head with Dobby before going out and battling Voldemort and his followers. They are out to take over the Wizarding World, but guests will come and put a stop to it. Hogs...

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade: Shopping

Image
  AL - Zonko's Joke Shop Guests can come into this joke shop where pranks are sold. This includes Weasley Wizard Wheezes products and other funny things. AM - Honeydukes Magical candies are sold here. This includes chocolate frogs, cauldron cakes, and if you're brave enough, you can try some Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. AN - Gladrag's Wizardwear Robes, scarves, and costumes are sold here. For those who want the ultimate selection of Harry Potter-themed apparel, this is where they'll find it. AO - Ollivanders Guests come through and buy wands they can use to cast spells. This includes original wands as well as character replicas. AP - Dervish and Banges Quidditch Supplies is sold here. This is where guests can buy merchandise and show support for their Hogwarts House. AQ - Owl Post Owl stuff is sold here. Not just owls, but posts too. They will make great postcards to send to friends and family. AR - Filch's Emporium of Chonfiscated Goods In this gift shop, ...

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade: Dining

Image
  AJ - Three Broomsticks Guests come into this rustic tavern and can feast on some British fare. This includes bangers and mash, fish and chips, shephard's pie, and of course, the Great Feast. AK - The Hog's Head Drinks are sold at this British pub where, you guessed it, a Hog's Head is. Here, guests can have several food and beverages, as well as some butterbeer. (Butterbeer is also sold at kiosks in the village.)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade: Attractions

Image
  23 - Hogwarts Express A-Ticket Any Height Hop on the famous Hogwarts Express and travel all the way to London. QUEUE: Guests walk into the station and move around some of the luggage of the students. Then, they enter the boarding area. Here is where they get on the train and find a compartment to sit in. They will then wait for someone to close their doors. RIDE EXPERIENCE: The ride exits the station and moves through the Forbidden Forest. There, they see some moving centaurs and the Ford Anglia. They go through the lake and see Buckbeak fly by. Then, the Weasley Twins come and present a firework display. As they go through a tunnel, Harry, Ron, and Hermione look for somewhere to sit. Then, guests go through Otterly St. Catchpole and pass the Burrow. Then, they go into the countryside and pass by Malfoy Manor. Spiders get on the compartment window, but they're really just candies (one person eats one to prove it.) They then go into London and see the Knight Bus going around befor...