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    Universal Orlando Resort Reveals New Jurassic World VelociCoaster – The Most Thrilling And Intense Roller Coaster, Inspired By The Global Blockbuster Films

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    ENGINEERING A NEW SPECIES OF ROLLER COASTER…
    UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT REVEALS NEW JURASSIC WORLD VELOCICOASTER – THE MOST THRILLING AND INTENSE ROLLER COASTER, INSPIRED BY THE GLOBAL BLOCKBUSTER FILMS
    Opening in Summer 2021 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster Brings to Life the Edge-of-Your-Seat Excitement of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Epic Film Franchise in an Extreme Roller Coaster Experience
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    Orlando, Fla. (September 28, 2020) – Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster – along with a pack of fierce Velociraptors – will be unleashed at Universal Orlando Resort in 2021 with the debut of Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Concepted and designed by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with acclaimed filmmakers from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, this new species of roller coaster touts a series of intense maneuvers that will send guests catapulting up to 70 mph and more than 150 feet in the air with the swiftest of prehistoric predators.
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    Opening at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, Jurassic World VelociCoasterwill be the world’s first coaster based on the blockbuster franchise, and will feature an original story that expands upon the thrills, dinosaurs and environments fans have seen on the big screen. Guests will join the original cast of the films – Chris Pratt as Owen Grady, Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing and BD Wong as Dr. Henry Wu – as Jurassic World unveils the next evolution of its “carnivore expansion”: the VelociCoaster, where riders embark on a high-speed chase and feel the rush of the hunt while racing alongside a nimble Velociraptor pack.
    The Jurassic World VelociCoaster will raise the bar in extreme roller coaster design and become the ultimate experience for coaster enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. Spanning more than 4,700 feet of track and reaching heights of up to 155 feet, the coaster’s signature maneuvers will have guests twisting and soaring above land, barrel rolling just inches above water, speeding through near-misses and launches within the paddock, and more…with just a lap restraint holding them in place. Get ready to:
    • Accelerate through two pulse-pounding launches, the fastest reaching 70 mph in 2.4 seconds
    • Encounter a one-of-a-kind, 360-degree barrel roll right above the Islands of Adventure lagoon
    • Experience a zero-gravity inverted stall that will send riders upside down across 100 feet of track in a jaw-dropping maneuver that is the first of its kind
    • Go airborne during the towering “Top Hat,” which propels riders 155 feet in the air and then immediately into an 80 degree drop – Universal’s steepest drop yet
    • Brace for a total of 12 heart-pounding seconds of airtime – the thrilling sensation of weightlessness riders feel when they’re lifted from their seats – throughout the entire adventure
    Jurassic World VelociCoaster will be the next exciting addition to Jurassic Park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Only in this immersive land can visitors come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs in incredible theme park experiences, including Jurassic Park River Adventure, where a leisure raft ride turns into a daring eight-story plunge to escape a ferocious T. rex; and Raptor Encounter, where guests can test their bravery and get up-close to Velociraptor Blue and the newest additions to the paddock – baby raptors – while learning more about the clever carnivores. Guests can also satisfy their cravings with all-new delectable food items inspired by Isla Nublar.
    More details about the coaster will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information and to sign-up to receive exclusive updates about Jurassic World VelociCoaster, visit www.universalorlando.com.
    Let Yourself Woah at Universal Orlando Resort        
    When you’re ready to Let Yourself Woah, the place to go is Universal Orlando Resort.

    For more than 30 years, Universal Orlando has immersed guests in amazing “woah” moments that free them from the stress of their worlds. Across the award-winning destination, they can let go and live in the moment with those they care about most as they embark on incredible theme park adventures, like causing mischief with the Minions from Illumination’s “Despicable Me,” coming face-to-face with ferocious dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, walking the corridors of Hogwarts castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and so much more.

    Universal Orlando is home to three epic theme parks that feature some of the world’s most exciting and innovative experiences, including Universal’s Islands of Adventure – named the #1 Amusement Park in the World for five years in a row by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice; Universal Studios Florida – home to the most technologically-advanced stunt show yet, The Bourne Stuntacular; and Universal’s Volcano Bay - a tropical oasis like no other that features an actual beach right in the middle of Orlando. 

    Universal Orlando’s hotels are destinations unto themselves and include the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, and more. And Universal’s entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, offers immersive dining and entertainment for every member of the family.
    ​
    Universal Orlando Resort is part of the NBCUniversal Comcast family. Follow us on our blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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    HALLOWEEN SEASONAL EXPERIENCES INVADE UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT THIS FALL

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    INCLUDING THE OFFICIAL DEBUT OF TWO ALL-NEW HORRIFYING HAUNTED HOUSES
    Plus, Guests can get into the Halloween Spirit by Wearing Family-Friendly Costumes while Visiting the Parks, Enjoying Trick-or-Treating Experiences for Kids in Islands of Adventure, and More

    Halloween Seasonal Experiences are included as Part of Daytime Theme Park Admission beginning the weekend of September 26th and 27th and then daily from October 3rd through November 1st      ​
    Orlando, Fla. (September 22, 2020) – Universal Orlando Resort has launched a series of exciting experiences so that guests can celebrate the Halloween season at the award-winning theme park destination beginning September 26.  Headlining Universal’s fall lineup is the official debut of two extreme haunted houses that will bring guests’ most sinister fears to light. Plus, guests may don Halloween costumes while visiting the theme parks, take part in trick-or-treating, embark on a fun scavenger hunt and more.
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    BRAVE TWO HAUNTED HOUSES IN UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
    Developed by the twisted minds of Universal Orlando, guests can scream their way through two all-new haunted houses where terrifying creatures await to haunt their every move. In “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives,” one of Universal Pictures’ most notorious monsters will step out of the shadows as she stops at nothing to revive Frankenstein’s Monster at any cost. In “Revenge of the Tooth Fairy,” guests will be immersed in an original story that uncovers a dark ritual behind the innocent childhood tradition. 

    Access to the two haunted houses is included with theme park admission. There may be times when the Virtual Line experience is available for the haunted houses. Guests can use the Official Universal Orlando Resort App to select a Virtual Line time to visit. Haunted houses may be too intense for young children and are not recommended for guests under 13.

    DRESS UP IN COSTUMES WHILE VISTING THE THEME PARKS
    Guests can share their Halloween spirit and don family-friendly costumes while visiting Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Click here for complete costume guidelines.

    TRICK-OR-TREAT IN ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
    While venturing through Islands of Adventure, guests 12 and under can trick-or-treat to collect Halloween candy at retail locations marked by pumpkin signage. 
    SCARECROW STALK IN UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
    Visitors can participate in the Universal Orlando Scarecrow Stalk, a new scavenger hunt that sends guests to find unique scarecrows and collect stamps at 13 retail locations throughout the park. A Halloween treat awaits those who successfully complete the stalk.
    For additional Halloween treats this fall, guests can also:
    • Stop by the popular Halloween Horror Nights Tribute store, an immersive retail location dedicated to the legacy of the world’s premier Halloween event, to purchase limited-time “throwback” merchandise and to get a taste of the horror with an assortment of nearly 20 sweet and savory items.
    • Enjoy additional limited-time, crave-worthy food & beverage options to celebrate the season. In Universal Studios, this includes a variety of Halloween-themed drinks like the Frozen Candy Corn beverage at the all-new Skeleton Bar at Café La Bamba, the iconic staple, Pizza Fries, at Louie’s Italian Restaurant, and all-new food trucks near the haunted houses that feature uniquely themed items such as “Franken Fried Chicken & Funnel Brains.” In Universal CityWalk, guests can pick up the “Jack the Clown” and “Pumpkin Spice” specialty doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnut. Plus, guests can sip on specialty drinks themed after icons from Halloween Horror Nights history at Universal Orlando’s hotels, including “The Director” and “The Chance.”
    • Catch a classic horror flick at Universal Cinemark in CityWalk now through October 31.

    Universal Orlando continues to implement its enhanced health and safety procedures and guidelines focused on “screening, spacing and sanitization,” and those practices will be applied to all experiences taking place this fall. Key measures include screening guests and team members, enforcing social distancing, requiring face coverings, limiting capacity at the parks, attractions and hotels, and increasing cleaning and disinfection procedures and more. Specific health and safety protocols for the haunted houses include:
    • Face coverings worn by team members – including scareactors – and guests.
    • Everyone following social distancing guidelines in the queue and inside the haunted houses. Plexi-glass will be installed in various areas to help keep separation between scareactors and guests.
    • The required use of hand sanitizer before entering each haunted house. It will also be available for guests to use immediately after they exit.
    • Managing the guest flow inside the haunted houses by pulsing travel parties and limiting capacity.
    For more information about Universal Orlando’s Halloween seasonal experiences, incredible offers for guests to take advantage of this season - including the limited-time “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free” offer that is available for purchase through Sept. 30 - and Universal Orlando’s enhanced health and safety procedures, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
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    Scream N' Stream Orlando - Night at the Die-In (Drive-Thru Haunt)

    Halloween Scream N Stream
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    Last night, some of our Orlando crew made it out to the all new Scream N' Stream, which includes a Drive-Thru haunt and the waiting area they have set up to hang out prior to going through the experience.

    You can see all the details and get your tickets here.

    Written by Renée Girard
    The rules.

    Learn it. Know it. Live it.  
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    This is a classic Drive-In sign for sure. 
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    The Drive-In experience was super fun. 
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    Be sure to check out our Highlight video 
    The sets were great, even considering it had been a pretty wet day in Orlando. 
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    You know I had to get some of the fog smell for my car!! 
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    Only slightly disappointed I couldn't eat it. =) 
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    Our group had a great time. It was definitely a decent way to do a haunt if it can't be done in the normal way. 
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    CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES MODIFICATIONS TO FLEET AND SAILING PLANS FOR CERTAIN SHIPS

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    ​MIAMI, Sept. 16, 2020 – Carnival Cruise Line today announced the sale of Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination, which had previously been put on long-term lay-up status and removed from published itineraries.

    The sale of Carnival Fascination, launched in 1994, and Carnival Imagination, introduced in 1995, is in line with Carnival Corporation’s plan to accelerate the removal of less efficient ships from its fleet.  This follows the sale of Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration which took place in July.  Upon return to operations, Carnival will still operate four upgraded Fantasy-class ships – Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise – which feature additional balcony staterooms as well as enhanced dining and entertainment options that are part of the line’s Fun Ship 2.0 enhancement program.

    “While we are sad to see Carnival Fascination and Carnival Imagination leave our fleet, it is a necessary move as it allows us to focus on ships that offer the greatest variety of features and stateroom accommodations for our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  

    Related to its ongoing ship enhancement program and the current pause in cruise operations, Carnival also advised guests and travel agents that it is delaying the return to guest operations for four ships until after scheduled dry dock enhancements are completed in the first half of 2021.
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    The four impacted ships and resulting cancelled itineraries include:
    • Carnival Magic itineraries operating from Miami will be cancelled until Mar. 13, 2021
    • Carnival Paradise itineraries operating from Tampa will be cancelled until Mar. 19, 2021
    • Carnival Valor itineraries operating from New Orleans will be cancelled until Apr. 29, 2021 (including the transatlantic cruise from New Orleans on Jan. 25, 2021 and the return from Barcelona on Feb. 26, 2021)
    • Carnival Spirit itineraries operating from Brisbane will be cancelled through May 16, 2021, with the first sailing being the Singapore to Brisbane voyage embarking on June 12, 2021.
     
    “This extended pause in our operations has also impacted shipyard availability, and we’ve had to reschedule required dry docks.  As we continue to work through issues related to our eventual return to operations, we are committed to providing our guests and travel agent partners with certainty where we can, although we regret disappointing our guests.  We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our guests and hope to welcome them back on board soon,” Duffy said.
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    Disney Cruise Line Extends Suspension of All Departures Through at Least December 6, 2020

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    As we continue to refine health and safety protocols for our future return to service and await direction from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Disney Cruise Line has decided to further extend its suspension of new sailings.

    Sailings are cancelled on board the Disney Fantasy through December 6; the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder through December 11; and the Disney Magic through December 12.

    Guests booked on affected sailings who have paid their reservation in full will be offered the choice of a cruise credit to be used for a future sailing or a full refund. Guests who have not paid their reservations in full will automatically receive a refund of what they have paid so far. Affected Guests and travel agents will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining details and next steps.
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    Guests who booked their reservation through a travel agent should contact them directly with any questions. Those who booked directly with Disney Cruise Line and have questions after receiving their email should call (866) 325-6685 or (407) 566-7797.
    Below is a list of impacted sailings:
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    Cruise Date Flexibility Option

    Guests now have the flexibility to change their sail date up to 15 days prior to departure for any cruises booked by October 31, 2020 for sailings through May 2021. Learn more about the Cruise Date Flexibility temporary booking policy.
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    Six Flags Will Not Be Announcing New Capital Investments for 2021 (and retrospective look at past SF announcements)

    Update: We were just able to confirm with our Six Flags PR Contacts that there will be NO capital announcements this year. Basically, whatever is "new for 2020" is now "new for 2021". 

    But still enjoy our retrospective look at Six Flags Announcements. 

    It's now been 6 months since many of us have visited a theme park, at least those of us, like myself, who have been in CA since March. 

    This week we will start seeing the 2021 announcements coming out of Six Flags. It's sure to be a different kind of announcement than previous years. 

    Things we do know: 
    • There will be some kind of announcement(s) this week. 

    Things we kind of know: 
    • SFMM will be getting an RMC coaster at some point in the near future (similar to Jersey Devil at Six Flags Great Adventure)
    • There are other rides that have already been purchased that may or may not get announced this week

    Questions we have:
    • Will the capital expenditures actually open in 2021?  
    • Will SF decide to delay some rides already under construction (or being manufactured) to 2022 or later? 
    • Will this weeks announcements just be "we're opening 2020 attractions in 2021"? 

    Those are some pretty big questions, and in a few days we'll have the answers. 

    But in the meantime, we figured we'd take a step back and look at the Six Flags announcements over the past few years, to maybe get us all hyped up for what is sure to be some unique announcements. 

    Finally, we'll have some final thoughts on what we may hear this week due to what didn't open in 2020. 

    2015

    These announcements were made August 28, 2014.

    ​This was the first year we were around for the announcements, and it was a pretty significant one. You can check out our full update on the announcements below

    Six Flags Announces 2015 Attraction Plans
    2015 saw two RMC conversions, Justice League, S&S Free Spins and the start of the "coaster wars" with larson loopers. 
    Overall we felt this was a pretty solid year for attractions. But we did start to see a trend of the bigger parks in the chain getting a lot of attention while the smaller parks kept getting flats or hand-me-down attractions. 

    2016

    Another, what we felt at the time, was a pretty solid year for Six Flags attractions. Not much in the way of innovation, but at least those of us on the west coast got a re-done Revolution and RMC at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. You can see our full run-down below. 

    Six Flags Announces 2016 Attractions 
    This year saw more than one attraction that had a name change prior to opening. Can you name them? 

    2017

    This was definitely the year where the repetitiveness started getting to us. Even resulting in one of RD's most controversial articles ever. Well, for Six Flags. We got more than one email about this one, let me assure you. You can see our full article below. 

    Full Run Down of Attractions coming to Six Flags in 2017
    This was one of those years that did not have a unique coaster in the chain. Everything was cloned of something else, and re-skinned to fit that individual park. We even saw two Wonder Woman rides, but two completely different rides. 

    2018

    This year brought with it another RMC conversion, 3 Harley Quinn rides (with 3 different ride systems) and the first of the RMC single rail coasters to the chain. Our full update is below. 

    ​Full Run Down of Attractions coming to Six Flags in 2018
    Overall, again, the consensus was that this was a solid year for the chain, despite a few more clones. Thankfully only one larson looper this year and a couple of next gen flat rides were a welcome change. 

    2019

    Apparently for this year we decided not to go with our traditional "run down" article with all of the Six Flags announcements. I remember sitting in the Miami airport doing these in the very early hours as I was flying home from a work trip. So didn't have time to go through the stuff from the parks that didn't send us their announcements. 

    But here's what we did have. 
    I have to say, I have a hard time remembering what was even announced for any of the other parks. Here is the key-art for the entire chain. 
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    2020

    And that brings us to 2020, the year that kind of wasn't. A lot of these announcements have fallen by the wayside. One 2019 attraction (West Coast Racers) didn't even "officially" open until January of this year. Which seems like another lifetime ago. 

    I was on a cruise when these announcements were made and knew after all of you. And wouldn't you know, this Thursday when the 2021 announcements are being made, I'll be moving. 

    But here are the announcements we had for 2020. 
    By all accounts, 2020 was going to be a great year for Six Flags waterparks. And the expanded RMC Single Rail coaster coming to New Jersey. In addition to a great family coaster coming to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Heck, I was even looking forward to the enhancements to Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain. 
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    So as of right now, the only 2020 attractions that are open are at Six Flags Mexico and Six Flags Over Georgia. 

    So what should we expect for 2021 at this point? Things are in a very sticky situation, obviously. Their flagship park has been closed since March. Most of their other parks opened late this year and didn't open their new attraction. 

    Most of what you see on the image above will be what opens in 2021. And at this point, I don't think we could or should expect anything more out of the chain. 

    There is also the possibility of some restructuring of "where" these attractions going. I'd imagine they'd concentrate on the larger parks over the next few years, and that may mean filling it in with some of these attractions meant for the smaller parks. Especially if Six Flags is looking to ditch some parks due to the Covid epidemic. 

    Whatever happens, we'll have the announcements for you on Thursday, and maybe a live-stream at some point Thursday night. Because I'm gonna need to just sit and have a drink after moving. 

    One thing to note, next year is the 50th Anniversary of Six Flags Magic Mountain. It remains to be seen if they will do anything to mark this occasion. 

    ​- Gregg 
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