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As the Sun goes down, the fun begins at Universal Orlando CityWalk

Complete Orlando — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:31:16 +0000

There is only one place to be as the day draws to an end in Orlando and that’s Universal CityWalk!

Whether you just want to grab a quick bite to eat, indulge in a few cocktails under the stars, dance late into the night or catch the latest movie – Universal CityWalk has it all.

As popular with locals as it is with visitors, Universal CityWalk offers a variety of dining options – from fun themed restaurants and traditional American Diners to international cuisines and chic, exclusive hide aways. Italian fans will love the oven-roasted pizzas in the colorful Mediterranean setting of Pastamoré Ristorante, whilst sport enthusiasts can watch the big games on table side plasma screens whilst dining on a Talladega Cheesy Burger at the NASCAR Sports Grille, couples can indulge in the haute cuisine of Emeril Lagasse at the Emeril restaurant or feast on a great selection of sushi and Japanese fusion dishes at Fusion Bistro Sushi and Snake Bar.

The older crowd are spoilt for choice when it comes to a ‘night on the town’, from Universal Orlando resort’s themed hotel bars to rock ‘n’ roll cocktail parties and raving nightclubs. Relax at Orlando’s hottest nightspot – the Velvet Bar or salsa dance in the Latin Quartin, enjoy cocktails at the Red Coconut Club or test your singing talent with karaoke at CityWalk Rising Star.

When it comes to live music, Universal CityWalk has something for every taste and with the on-site hotels, theme parks and numerous concert venues there is always music in the air. Catch some of the biggest names in the Industry at Citywalk’s Hard Rock Live, enjoy the unique mash-up of live music, unexpected humor, and lots of paint at the Blue Man Group show or simply relax and listen to live Italian ballads during Musica della Notte on the Piazza of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
Guests really are spoilt for choice when it comes to a great night out at Universal CityWalk.

For more information or to book contact Complete Orlando Holidays on 0800 294 8844 or visit www.CompleteOrlando.co.uk

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Complete Orlando:Enter if you dare this Halloween!

Complete Orlando — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:57:47 +0000

Magic Kingdom Park: Guests of all ages will enjoy ‘Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party’ this year with its fantastic range of Halloween entertainment, including a ‘Happy HalloWishes’ firework display and Mickey’s ‘Boo-to-you’ Halloween Parade. Visitors can don their favourite Halloween costume and join the Disney characters and Villains trick-or-treating around the magical theme park at Walt Disney World Resort, picking up scrumptious candy on their way.

Universal Orlando Resort: With eight terrifying haunted houses, six electrifying scare zones, two outrageous live shows and much more – Universal Orlando Resort have put together a ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ frightening enough to scare even the bravest. A game of wills, this nightmare of a maze bombards its guests with a horde of mutants, monsters and maniacs as they test their luck with the lady of the house! For adults only!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Experience the scare side of the exhilarating gardens with this years ‘Howl-O-Scream’ fest at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Guest will face their darkest phobias in the park’s dark tower; discover the horrifying collection of freaks and psychotic clowns living in the garden’s dark carnival and attempt to survive the realm of the living dead. A terrifying assortment of Haunted houses, startling shows and spooky scare zones, ‘Howl-O-Scream’ is guaranteed to be a enticing night.

SeaWorld Orlando: An event for all the family, SeaWorld Orlando is hosting its ultimate ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ again this year featuring a range of special Halloween events. Dress up in the most adventurous Halloween outfit and spend the day trick-or treating for ghoulish goodies, dancing with fanciful sea creatures and watching the silly, ‘spooktacular’ shows. SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular is the ultimate family day out.

Book your Disney, Universal, Busch Gardens & SeaWorld Orlando theme park tickets today with Complete Orlando, click here for more.

For more information or to book contact Complete Orlando Holidays on 0800 294 8844 or visit www.CompleteOrlando.co.uk

Keep up to date and follow Complete Orlando Holidays on Twitter: www.twitter.com/completeorlando

For the latest tips & tricks, exclusive offers and prize give-aways follow Complete Orlando Holidays on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/complete.orlando1

Orlando Accommodation: On-site or Off-site?

Complete Orlando — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:47:57 +0000

Choosing accommodation in Orlando can be one of the trickiest elements to organising your dream Orlando holiday. One of the questions families face is whether or not to stay on-site at one of the park hotels or off-site in one of the many hotels and private villas located throughout the Orlando area. Complete Orlando is here to make this easier by highlighting some of the benefits of both.

On-Site:

There is a certain ‘magic’ to staying in an on-site hotel. With themed rooms, proximity to parks and many added extras, it is easy to see why spending a little extra can really add the finishing touches to the holiday of a life-time. We’ve jotted down some of the top reasons to stay in a park hotel:

SeaWorld Orlando:

Some official on-site hotels are within walking distance to the parks.
Complimentary transportation to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and Universal Orlando Resort.
Complimentary Quick Queue Unlimited (front-of-the-line access) at SeaWorld.
Early Entry to SeaWorld and Aquatica on select dates in peak season.
Exclusive access to the “SeaWorld Rescue Tour” at SeaWorld on Early Entry dates.

Walt Disney World Resort:

Over 20 unique resort hotels to suit every taste and budget.
Proximity to parks.
Extended theme park hours – each day, one of the Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks is open for an extra period of time so you can enjoy select attractions.
Complimentary transportation between Orlando International Airport and your Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Complimentary transportation around the resort on monorails, ferryboats and motorcoaches.
Complimentary Disney Theme Park parking.
Disney Dining Plan options – get your meals, snacks and drinks included in your stay by adding a dining plan to your package.
Resort entertainment – from Disney Character Dining to watching a movie under the stars.
Many shopping purchases can be delivered straight to your Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Universal Orlando Resort:

Walking Distance to the Parks.
Early park admission to Universal Orlando Resort – one hour before the theme park opens to the public.
Universal Express ride access to queue jump.
Complimentary water taxis or shuttle buses to help get you round the resort quickly and conveniently.
Priority seating at select restaurants throughout both parks.
Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout Universal Orlando Resort to your on-site hotel room.
Use your hotel room key card to charge food and merchandise at Universal Orlando locations (where credit cards are accepted).
Universal Orlando character dining.
Wake-up calls from some of your favourite characters.

Off-site:

Staying off-site is often a much more affordable way for families to enjoy their Orlando holiday. With an array of accommodation to choose from including villas, apartments and hotels ranging from three to five stars, there is something to suit every budget and need. Here are our reasons for staying off-site:

Close to all major theme parks and attractions.
Excellent shopping facilities (walkable depending on location).
Excellent restaurants (walkable depending on location).
Excellent entertainment from dinner shows to crazy golf.
For those staying on International Drive, hop on the I-Ride trolley and discover a whole range of attractions for around $1.
Range of accommodation from affordable to more luxurious.
Self catering options available.

For more assistance and advice on booking your ideal Orlando accommodation, call us free today on 0800 294 8844 or visit us online at www.CompleteOrlando.co.uk. You can book and confirm your Orlando accommodation for a deposit of just £75!

Universal’s Islands of Adventure: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Complete Orlando — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:00:08 +0000

With the latest instalment in the franchise, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1’ now showing in cinema’s, we at Complete Orlando Holidays couldn’t think of a better time to give our insider low-down on Universal’s Islands of Adventure where the incredible Wizarding World of Harry Potter can be found.

The end of September proved to be a great time to visit Orlando; we were stunned to find there were virtually no queues, not even at WWoHP! We absolutely loved the Dragon Challenge where you can choose to ride either a raging Chinese Fireball or equally angry Hungarian Horntail. The two go head to head and twist and chase one another and even almost collide! Make sure you go twice – each of the dragons gives a completely different ride.

If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, head over to Hargid’s Hut for the Flight of the Hippogriff, a rollercoaster the whole family can enjoy as you learn the proper way to approach the Hippogriff, followed by a training flight!

La piece de resistance has to be Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As you walk round the castle you feel as though you are really there, from Dumbledore’s office through to the Gryffindor common room, the attention to detail is mind blowing! The icing on the cake comes at the end of the tour where you take to the skies on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This one-of-a-kind ride uses state-of-the-art technology to create an unforgettable adventure with Harry and his friends. Watch out for the Whomping Willow and Dementors!

Take a stroll through Hogsmeade Village and wander past the snow-capped shops of this enchanting village. Pop into the Three Broomsticks and cool down with a Butterbeer – very sweet but very yummy or a spot of lunch, we recommend the traditional fish and chips.

Wizard school supplies can be purchased from Dervish and Banges including robes and broomsticks. Zonko’s joke shop is not to be missed where you can pick up a stuffed Pygmy Puff or an Extendible Ear! Dive into Honeydukes sweet shop and stock up on Chocolate Frogs or Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans – eat at your own risk!.

Ollivanders wand shop provides a truly magical, interactive, experience where a Wandkeeper will help the wand choose its owner! There were queues for this but children love it so for those with little ones it is worth the wait.

Hot off the press…

sam — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:14:40 +0000

News as it’s in, here’s the first official image of Hogwarts castle at Universal Orlando Resort’s new Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is due to open in Spring this year…

Take a look at this video. It gives a great insight to what we can all expect from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter…….