Universal Studios, Florida_

For those visiting Universal Studios in Orlando this summer, you will now be lucky enough to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Harry Potter theme park is the newest edition to Universal Studios in Orlando, which officially had its grand opening today, June 18th.

Since before I can remember movies have always been made into rides and interactive events with rides like Jaws, Terminator and even Indian Jones. However, the Harry Potter theme park is the first time a single book and movie series has been turned into an entire theme park equipped with themed architecture, roads, multiple rides, characters and even, themed shops. In fact, the new Harry Potter theme park even has a magic wand shop!

Watch how the filmmakers of the movies helped create the Harry Potter theme park world:

Today at the opening ceremonies there were some special guests present to welcome in the crowd…watch the video to find out who made it to the show!

Sundance Vacations travelers will not want to miss this great offer for a free Disney admission. 

Walt Disney World and Disneyland are offering free admission on your birthday in 2009!  Get all of the details about how to take advantage of this free offer.  Best of all combine a free admission with low cost accommodations from Sundance Vacations and you’ve built yourself a magical vacation!

Sundance Vacations travelers have six resort properties to choose from all within a few minutes of the Magic Kingdom.  Several beautiful resort properties include:  Laguna Bay Villas, Royal Palm Bay, Sweetwater Club, Villas at Island Club, Villas at Somerset and the Grand Palm.  All of these destinations are within a few minutes of Magic Kingdom.

Getting stuff for free is great….getting stuff for free from Disney is MAGICAL!

Not already a Sundance Vacations customer? Call us toll free at 800-210-5500.

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The word scam is tossed around a lot.  What is a scam?  According to dictionary.com- scam means a fraudulent scheme to make a quick profit.

I think the phrase intentional should be part of the definition.

We recently visited Universal Studios Islands of Adventure.  The popular Orlando theme park offers an upgraded ticket for avoiding long lines, Express Pass Plus. In addition to their admission, thrill seekers spend up to $45.99 to have the Express Pass Plus option added to their admission.

We found the wait times to be grossly exaggerated at each attraction.  Could it be that you can’ t sell expensive extras if the wait time is only 5-10 minutes?  That’s where I think the phrase “intentional” is important.  I don’t know if Universal execs are trying to under promise and over deliver or if there is an intentional exaggeration of wait times in order to “make a quick profit” on the Express Pass Plus sale.

Even though the wait was posted as 10 minutes we walked right on the Flying Unicorn.  But the peculiar event that raised my suspicion was that the line was so short we were tempted to ask the attendant if we could stay on and ride again.  We chose to exit and walk around because there were a handful of people(about 10)  waiting to get on.  When we got around to the posted wait time it was being changed to 25 minutes!  We knew it was bogus so we entered the queue and walked back on.  We experienced a similar exaggeration at Spiderman.

In closing, while visiting the Disney theme parks (where they do not charge extra for the Fast Pass option) we found the wait times to be very accurate.  We were asked on two occasions to carry timer cards to the ride attendant so wait times could be measured accurately.

So you decide, intentional scam or inept measurement.  Either way, enjoy your next Sundance Vacations’ trip to the Orlando area.