Some sources are setting the opening date for the brand new Wizarding World at May 28th. But this has yet to be confirmed by Universal, but seems a likely date as it coincides with the release of some package deals to the resort

But anyway it seems that it’s “full steam ahead” for the opening around late Spring/early Summer

Some great inside info on what potentially will be coming with the makeover.

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The new attraction will include a new junior roller coaster designed for parents and children to ride together. “Air Grover” is full of mini-dives and twisty turns as families soar through the Sahara.

Other kid-sized rides include “Zoe-Patra & the Hippos of the Nile,” a splashy flume ride through the famed river; “Rosita’s Djembe Fly-Away,” a swing ride that sends kids whirling above the African canopy; “Elmo’s Safari Go-Round,” a tribal-inspired carousel with Elmo and his friends; and more.

“Oscar’s Swamp Stomp” provides cool water fun, and “Bert & Ernie’s Water Hole” is a wet adventure filled with bubblers, geysers, jets, dumping buckets and more. A photography studio gives kids the chance to share a hug and a smile with Sesame Street friends, and musical performances bring tales of adventure to life.

In addition to the rides and play areas, families also will be able to watch their favorite characters on the big screen. “Sesame Street presents Lights, Camera, Imagination!” will run in the park’s 4-D theater, located in Timbuktu. And families can share breakfast and lunch with Elmo and the rest of the characters on select days at an outdoor dining facility adjacent to Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

If not here’s some more details

Well Legoland has now launched their new website in anticipation of an Autumn 2011 opening. I can feel the hype starting already.

The website will allow future guests and potential employees to follow the progress of the new Legoland planned for Polk County. The park, due to open at the end of 2011, is being built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens, a historic attraction in Winter Haven.

Now I was a big fan of the old Cypress Gardens, so it will be interesting to see how the plans for the new parks develop and how much of the old gardens and shows will be kept.

Check out the website

The new pass gives access to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida AND Universal Orlando Resort for 14 days.
The ticket includes admission to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park as well as Universal Studios, Universal’s Island of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.
The Orlando Mega Park Pass is available from £299 per adult and £269 per child (ages 3 -9) and is available to book until 31 March 2010 for use by 31 December 2010.

Plus, back by popular demand is Disney’s Ultimate Ticket 14 Days for the Price of 7. Fourteen days of admission for the price of 7, is your passport to an unlimited holiday at Disney World allowing you to experience all there is to see and do. Disney’s Ultimate Ticket gives unlimited access to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex and DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park. The Ultimate Ticket is available from £218 per adult and £190 per child (ages 3-9) and is available to book up until 31 March 2010 for use by 31 December 2010.

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The revamped site features an interactive map, with a fantastic flying tour of the whole attraction, a scrolling newspaper section with embedded videos, and details on all the different areas of the Wizarding World.
There is also a gallery showing the rides, restaurants, and shops that are all part of the streets of Hogsmeade, and Hogwarts Castle.

It all looks very good, Universal has always been one of my favourite parks, and this new addition will surely be a complete winner for them.

Here’s the website

Some more details about Omaka Rocka:

Due to open this spring, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will he newest addition to the Orlando theme park world. The hype surrounding this attraction is immense, with media attention from around the world focusing on exactly when the new part of the Universal Studios Orlando will open.

Most reports put it at “Spring 2010″, which would mean anywhere from March to May. The exact opening date is being closely guarded, which if you’re planning a trip over during these dates, is not a great help in setting your dates.

This image gives a peak at how the attraction is developing, showing Hogwarts Castle against a lovely blue sky.
Here’s some links to other articles about the Wizarding World
Official site
Unofficial site
Daily Mail UK
Mugglenet
Leaky Cauldron

Google’s popular street view maps launched in 2007 and are typically put together by driving a car, equipped with cameras through neighborhoods.

So Google uses 250-pound modified tricycle, equipped with cameras and GPS. It takes thousand of photos as it moves through the theme parks. Google software then blends the images and blurs faces in the photographs.

The first theme park featured by Google was Legoland in California. Its Google street view debuted a few months ago. Virtual visits also are now available to all 10 SeaWorld parks and entertainment locations, including SeaWorld in Orlando.

The idea, Filadelfo said, is that potential visitors will use the site to check out parks and plan their trips.

It comes as either a 4 park or 5 park ticket

More on the 4 park ticket

Experience some of Orlando’s newest rides with the fantastic Orlando 4-Park Ticket. Enjoy 14 days unlimited entrance to the following great parks.

Universal Studios® where you can experience The Simpsons Ride - voted ‘Best New Theme Park Attraction’ for 2008 by Theme Park insider and be one of the first to ride the brand new Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket opening in summer 2009.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure® home of remarkable rides such as The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man® and The Incredible Hulk Coaster®.

SeaWorld Orlando ® the world’s best loved marine park where you can ride the brand new Manta rollercoaster and fly face down through sea and sky, the next generation of thrilling SeaWorld Thrills.

Aquatica ® Orlando’s newest water park brought to you by SeaWorld. From Tube slides to playful dolphins to tranquil and rapid rivers, the fun is endless as the sea.

Plus your ticket also includes 14 consecutive days entrance to Universal CityWalk® - With fabulous live entertainment, sizzling nightclubs, an incredible variety of restaurants and shopping, plus a 20-screen movie theater, CityWalk makes your nights at Universal Orlando® Resort every bit as exciting as your days.*

The 5 park ticket includes Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay - Access an unparalleled combination of world-class thrill rides and scenic animal habitats. Don’t miss floorless SheiKra®, North America’s first dive coaster.
Your 5-Park Orlando Ticket includes FREE return coach transportation to Busch Gardens from Orlando aboard the Busch Gardens Shuttle Express. The journey takes around 90 minutes. This service departs from SeaWorld Orlando and various locations in the International Drive and Kissimmee areas. Seats must be booked in advance in Orlando at least 24 hours before you plan to visit Busch Gardens. Service may be subject to change.